Radical Transformation: The Cost of Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Philippians chapter 3, focusing on the Apostle Paul's autobiographical account of his conversion and the radical transformation that followed. We began by reciting the creed, grounding ourselves in the shared faith that unites Christians across time and cultures. The central theme of our discussion was the value of salvation and what it means to truly follow Jesus Christ. Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion that completely reversed his life's direction. His story, detailed in Acts chapter 9, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ.
Paul's life before Christ was marked by rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions. He was circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and a zealous persecutor of the church. Yet, he considered all these achievements as "loss" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This radical shift in values underscores the cost of discipleship. Paul willingly gave up his status, achievements, and even his identity for the sake of Christ. He warns us to beware of false teachings that promise salvation through works or adherence to the law, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone.
Paul's message is a call to evaluate our own lives. What are we willing to give up for Christ? Are we prepared to lose the approval of important people, our achievements, and even our deeply held beliefs if they stand in the way of following Jesus? The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about adding a few religious practices to our lives; it is about a complete transformation. When Christ calls us, He bids us to come and die to our old selves, to be reborn into a new life of abundant and eternal value.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of Christ: Paul's conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ illustrates the transformative power of Jesus. His life took a complete 180-degree turn, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This transformation is not just a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in identity and purpose. [04:30]
2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus comes with a cost. Paul willingly gave up his status, achievements, and even his identity for the sake of Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus. Are we prepared to lose the approval of important people, our achievements, and even our deeply held beliefs if they stand in the way of following Christ? [06:03]
3. Beware of False Teachings: Paul warns us to be vigilant against false teachings that promise salvation through works or adherence to the law. True righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone. This is a crucial reminder to ground our faith in the truth of the gospel and not be swayed by teachings that deviate from it. [07:38]
4. Unity in Christ: Paul emphasizes that our background, ethnicity, or achievements do not give us any special advantage before God. In Christ, there is no Greek or Jew, male or female, slave or free. Our unity and identity are found in Jesus alone, breaking down all walls of division. This is a powerful message in a world that often seeks to divide us along these very lines. [25:11]
5. Living for the Audience of One: Soren Kierkegaard's concept of living for the "audience of one" resonates deeply with Paul's message. Our actions and lives should be directed towards pleasing God alone, not seeking the approval of others. This is a call to authenticity in our faith, living out our beliefs with integrity and devotion to Christ. [35:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:37] - Opening Prayer
[03:02] - The Value of Salvation
[04:30] - Paul's Dramatic Conversion
[06:03] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[07:38] - Beware of False Teachings
[09:07] - Paul's Impressive Resume
[12:07] - True Worship in Spirit
[13:41] - Boasting in Christ Alone
[15:29] - Paul's Radical Transformation
[18:44] - Works Righteousness vs. Faith
[20:24] - Paul's Personal Resume
[25:11] - Unity in Christ
[29:59] - Counting All as Loss
[35:09] - Living for the Audience of One
[38:51] - What Are You Unwilling to Give Up?
[40:35] - The Cost of Discipleship
[42:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:3-11
- Acts 9:1-6
- Galatians 6:14-15
### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's life like before his conversion to Christianity? (Philippians 3:5-6)
2. How did Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus change his life's direction? (Acts 9:1-6)
3. According to Paul, what is the true source of righteousness? (Philippians 3:9)
4. What does Paul mean when he says he counts all his previous achievements as "loss" for the sake of Christ? (Philippians 3:7-8)
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of rejecting false teachings that promise salvation through works? How does this relate to his own experience? [07:38]
2. How does Paul's transformation illustrate the concept of "living for the audience of one"? What does this mean for believers today? [35:09]
3. In what ways does Paul’s message about unity in Christ challenge societal divisions based on background, ethnicity, or achievements? [25:11]
4. How does Paul's willingness to give up his status and achievements for Christ challenge modern-day Christians in their own lives? [06:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some achievements or statuses you hold dear? Are you willing to count them as loss for the sake of Christ? [29:59]
2. Paul warns against false teachings that promise salvation through works. Are there any teachings or beliefs you hold that might be contrary to the gospel of grace? How can you align your beliefs with the truth of the gospel? [07:38]
3. Paul experienced a radical transformation after encountering Jesus. Have you experienced a significant change in your life since following Christ? If so, how has it impacted your identity and purpose? [04:30]
4. The concept of "living for the audience of one" suggests focusing on pleasing God rather than others. Are there areas in your life where you seek the approval of people over God? How can you shift your focus? [35:09]
5. Paul speaks about the unity found in Christ, breaking down all walls of division. How can you promote unity within your church or community, especially in a world that often seeks to divide? [25:11]
6. Consider the cost of discipleship as Paul describes it. What are you currently unwilling to give up for the sake of following Jesus? How can you take steps to surrender these areas to Christ? [38:51]
7. Paul’s life was marked by a complete transformation. What steps can you take this week to allow Christ to transform an area of your life that you have been holding back? [04:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Christ
Paul's conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ illustrates the transformative power of Jesus. His life took a complete 180-degree turn, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This transformation is not just a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in identity and purpose. Paul's story, detailed in Acts chapter 9, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ.
Before his conversion, Paul was a zealous adherent to Jewish law and traditions, even persecuting Christians. However, after encountering Christ, he considered all his previous achievements as "loss" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. This radical shift in values underscores the cost of discipleship and the profound change that occurs when one truly follows Christ. [04:30]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced a significant change in your life because of your faith in Christ. How did this transformation impact your identity and purpose?
Day 2: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus comes with a cost. Paul willingly gave up his status, achievements, and even his identity for the sake of Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus. Are we prepared to lose the approval of important people, our achievements, and even our deeply held beliefs if they stand in the way of following Christ?
Paul's life before Christ was marked by rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions. He was circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and a zealous persecutor of the church. Yet, he considered all these achievements as "loss" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This radical shift in values underscores the cost of discipleship. [06:03]
"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Beware of False Teachings
Paul warns us to be vigilant against false teachings that promise salvation through works or adherence to the law. True righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone. This is a crucial reminder to ground our faith in the truth of the gospel and not be swayed by teachings that deviate from it.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ alone, not from works or adherence to the law. He warns against false teachings that promise salvation through human efforts. This is a vital reminder to remain grounded in the truth of the gospel and to be discerning of teachings that deviate from it. [07:38]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a teaching or belief you have encountered that seemed to promise salvation through works. How can you ensure that your faith remains grounded in the truth of the gospel?
Day 4: Unity in Christ
Paul emphasizes that our background, ethnicity, or achievements do not give us any special advantage before God. In Christ, there is no Greek or Jew, male or female, slave or free. Our unity and identity are found in Jesus alone, breaking down all walls of division. This is a powerful message in a world that often seeks to divide us along these very lines.
Paul's message to the Philippians highlights the unity that believers have in Christ. Regardless of our background, ethnicity, or achievements, we are all equal before God. This unity in Christ breaks down all walls of division and emphasizes that our identity is found in Jesus alone. This is a powerful reminder in a world that often seeks to divide us along these very lines. [25:11]
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person or group you find difficult to relate to because of differences in background or beliefs. How can you seek unity in Christ with them today?
Day 5: Living for the Audience of One
Soren Kierkegaard's concept of living for the "audience of one" resonates deeply with Paul's message. Our actions and lives should be directed towards pleasing God alone, not seeking the approval of others. This is a call to authenticity in our faith, living out our beliefs with integrity and devotion to Christ.
Paul's life exemplifies living for the "audience of one." He was willing to give up his status, achievements, and even his identity for the sake of Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus. Are we prepared to lose the approval of important people, our achievements, and even our deeply held beliefs if they stand in the way of following Christ? [35:09]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. Were you seeking to please God or others? How can you shift your focus to living for the "audience of one" in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "What does it mean for my life to be changed by Christ, to be given to Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be saved? We talk about conversion as well. So when we think in these terms, and we're going to read this passage of scripture, we need to note this. Paul is most likely the most famous adult convert to Christianity that there is. His life was literally headed in one direction, and then Jesus found him, dramatically got a hold of him, and his life goes in exactly the opposite direction." [04:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There was a cost for Paul to be a Christian. Everything he had gathered, everything he had done, everything he had worked so hard for, the circle of people who valued him all of these things, Paul now says, I willingly lose it for the sake of Christ. There's a cost to Paul for following Jesus. There's a cost for us to follow Jesus. Have we done that math? Have we done that math? Do we really know what the cost is for following Jesus Christ?" [06:03] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "None of it is worth anything. None of it is worth your life. None of it is worth giving up Jesus Christ. In order to follow false teachers. So look out for them. He says in verse two, look out, look out, look out, beware, beware, beware for these false teachers, these evil doers, these mutilators of the flesh, because we belong to the most valuable thing on earth. And that is the person of Jesus Christ." [07:38] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We glory in Christ Jesus. This word glory, maybe even in some of your other translations, it actually reads boast. This is also what this word means, that we boast in Christ Jesus. We have quit boasting in ourselves. Our capacities, our abilities to make ourselves right or good before God, what we're able to accomplish, the people who say we're great, that all makes us right before God. Paul says, no more of that. We now glory in Christ alone." [13:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My accomplishments cannot be compared. To Christ. They just cannot. We mentioned this a little bit last week. It deserves repeating this week. The gospel of Jesus Christ is that I am accepted by God. Therefore, now I live out of love for God. So while I was dead in my trespasses and sins, God loved me. And through his son, Jesus Christ has given me the gift of salvation. So it's not through my works that I am saved, but my trust in Jesus Christ, lest any of us, Paul says, should boast." [31:46] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Are you and I willing to count all of that worldly value as loss for the sake of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to no longer be accepted by people who hate your Jesus if you're going to follow Jesus Christ? Are we willing to make that exchange? I'm a Christian philosopher and social commentator, Soren Kierkegaard. And every now and then I give you guys these kinds of 50 cent phrases and names so that you can go home and impress your friends with it. Did you know that Soren Kierkegaard once said, right? He spoke about the importance of living for what he called the audience of one." [35:09] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Paul says, everything is gone because of Jesus Christ now. My old life is dead. Every evaluation I had about life now is gone. Now everything is Christ. Everything is Christ. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer has some really powerful things to say about cheap grace. What is the call to do when Christ calls us? You really should know the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer who died as a martyr at the end of World War II." [40:35] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. So the cross doesn't show up in our life as something that fixes a couple of things that we can't quite get right. It's the thing that starts a brand new life altogether. When Christ called you, what he did is he called you to die to that old way of life and to pick up the abundant and eternal life that Jesus Christ has for us." [40:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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