Returning to Jesus: The True Path of Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of discipleship and the importance of returning to the original model set by Jesus. We began by discussing the idea of "generation loss," where successive copies of an original degrade in quality. This analogy was used to illustrate how the church, over time, may have strayed from the original teachings and practices of Jesus, leading to a diluted form of discipleship. We emphasized the need to return to the original model of Jesus to avoid this degradation.
We also discussed the importance of living a life that invites others into an encounter with the Father. Jesus' method of making disciples was not just about teaching but also about living a life that demonstrated the Father's love and power. He invited people into a relationship with God through his actions and words, calling out their true identity and destiny. This is a model we are called to emulate.
Furthermore, we examined the difference between making converts and making disciples. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not just converts. This involves a lifelong journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and helping others to do the same. We need to shift our focus from merely getting people saved to leading them into a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus.
Lastly, we touched on the importance of living missionally and relationally. This means being intentional in our daily lives to create opportunities for others to encounter God. It involves seeing people as God sees them, loving them unconditionally, and being willing to invest time and effort into their spiritual growth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Return to the Original Model: Over time, the church may have strayed from the original teachings and practices of Jesus, leading to a diluted form of discipleship. We must return to the original model set by Jesus to avoid this degradation and ensure that our faith remains pure and effective. [06:22]
2. Living a Life of Invitation: Jesus' method of making disciples was not just about teaching but also about living a life that demonstrated the Father's love and power. We are called to live in such a way that our actions and words invite others into a relationship with God, calling out their true identity and destiny. [38:14]
3. Making Disciples, Not Just Converts: The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not just converts. This involves a lifelong journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and helping others to do the same. We need to shift our focus from merely getting people saved to leading them into a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus. [10:45]
4. Living Missionally and Relationally: Being a disciple of Jesus means living with intentionality and purpose. We must create opportunities for others to encounter God in our daily lives, see people as God sees them, love them unconditionally, and invest time and effort into their spiritual growth. [57:24]
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: To walk in the way of Jesus and lead others into an encounter with the Father, we need a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shapes our thoughts, desires, and actions to be like the Father, giving us a supernatural love that goes beyond our human capabilities. [48:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Flow of the Church
[02:16] - Shoring Up for the Future
[03:23] - Examining Our Discipleship
[04:54] - The Copier Analogy
[06:22] - Generation Loss
[07:26] - Returning to the Original
[08:37] - Feeling Raw and Discouraged
[09:30] - The Mandate to Make Disciples
[10:45] - Making Disciples, Not Converts
[11:58] - The Great Commission
[13:56] - The Movie Multiplicity
[16:12] - The Stagnant Pool vs. River of Life
[17:34] - The Transformation of Peter
[18:55] - Jesus as the Original
[20:08] - Doing Greater Works
[21:53] - The Few True Disciples
[22:55] - Reading the Scriptures Anew
[24:06] - The Historical Context
[25:22] - Different Jewish Groups
[27:22] - Jesus' Choice of Disciples
[29:50] - The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
[31:10] - What It Means to Be a Disciple
[32:12] - Jesus' Demonstration of Life
[33:19] - The Routine of Life
[34:23] - Living with Purpose
[36:40] - Jesus' Invitation to Disciples
[38:14] - Calling Out Destiny
[40:23] - Greater Things to Come
[41:21] - Jesus' Interaction with People
[42:40] - The Kindness of the Father
[44:10] - Creating Community
[45:01] - Living Differently
[46:17] - The Story of Zacchaeus
[47:24] - Jesus' Mission
[48:44] - Relationship with the Holy Spirit
[50:12] - Loving the Unlovely
[51:46] - Seeing People as Jesus Does
[52:51] - The Journey of Public Figures
[54:21] - The Love of God
[55:22] - Revival and Exposure
[56:47] - Living Missionally and Relationally
[57:24] - Reflective Questions
[58:50] - Closing Prayer
[01:00:13] - Aligning with the Original
[01:02:48] - Final Amen
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2. John 14:6-7 (NIV)
> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
3. Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)
> He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus command his disciples to do in Matthew 28:18-20?
2. According to John 14:6-7, what is the only way to come to the Father?
3. In Mark 16:15-18, what signs are said to accompany those who believe?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "generation loss" in relation to discipleship? ([06:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to return to the original model of discipleship set by Jesus, as discussed in the sermon? ([07:26])
2. How does living a life that invites others into an encounter with the Father differ from merely teaching about God? ([38:14])
3. What is the significance of making disciples rather than just converts, according to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20? ([10:45])
4. How does the role of the Holy Spirit influence our ability to live missionally and relationally, as mentioned in the sermon? ([48:44])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have strayed from the original teachings and practices of Jesus? How can you realign yourself with the original model of discipleship? ([07:26])
2. Think about your daily interactions: How can you live in a way that invites others into an encounter with the Father? Can you recall a recent situation where you did or did not do this? ([38:14])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making disciples, not just converts. How can you shift your focus from merely sharing the gospel to actively discipling someone in your life? ([10:45])
4. Consider your current relationships: Are you living missionally and relationally? What practical steps can you take to create opportunities for others to encounter God through your actions and words? ([57:24])
5. The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in shaping our thoughts, desires, and actions. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to better reflect the Father's love and power in your life? ([48:44])
6. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, inviting them into a deeper relationship with God?
7. Reflect on the concept of "generation loss" in your own spiritual journey. Are there practices or beliefs you have adopted that may not align with the original teachings of Jesus? How can you address these areas to ensure your faith remains pure and effective? ([06:22])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Returning to the Original Blueprint
In the journey of faith, it's easy to drift from the foundational teachings and practices that Jesus established. Over time, the church may experience "generation loss," where the essence of discipleship becomes diluted. This calls for a conscious effort to return to the original model set by Jesus. By doing so, believers can ensure that their faith remains pure and effective, aligning closely with the teachings and life of Christ. This return is not just about adhering to doctrine but embodying the life and love that Jesus demonstrated. [06:22]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)
Reflection: What specific practices or teachings of Jesus do you feel you have drifted from, and how can you begin to realign with them today?
Day 2: A Life that Invites
Jesus' approach to discipleship was not merely instructional but invitational. He lived a life that was a testament to the Father's love and power, inviting others into a transformative relationship with God. This model calls believers to live in a way that their actions and words naturally draw others to God, revealing their true identity and destiny in Him. It's about embodying the love and grace of God in everyday interactions, making the gospel tangible through one's life. [38:14]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can your daily actions and words serve as an invitation for others to experience God's love and discover their true identity in Him?
Day 3: Beyond Conversion to Discipleship
The Great Commission emphasizes making disciples, not just converts. This involves guiding others on a lifelong journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in faith. It's a call to move beyond the initial step of salvation to fostering a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. This shift in focus requires intentionality in nurturing spiritual growth and encouraging others to walk closely with Jesus, embracing His teachings and example. [10:45]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally invest in to help them grow from a convert to a disciple of Jesus?
Day 4: Living Missionally and Relationally
Being a disciple of Jesus means living with purpose and intentionality. This involves creating opportunities for others to encounter God in everyday life, seeing people through God's eyes, and loving them unconditionally. It's about investing time and effort into the spiritual growth of others, fostering relationships that reflect the love and grace of God. This missional and relational living is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in action. [57:24]
"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to live more missionally and relationally, creating opportunities for others to encounter God through your life?
Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
To walk in the way of Jesus and lead others into an encounter with the Father, believers need a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shapes thoughts, desires, and actions to align with the Father's will, providing a supernatural love that surpasses human capabilities. This divine empowerment is essential for living a life that reflects Jesus and draws others into a deeper relationship with God. [48:44]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to empower your daily walk and interactions with others?
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Quotes
1) "When we talk about even just shoring up and strengthening, this is bonus material now, thought that excite more of you. But, you know, when it comes to strengthening and shoring up, sometimes it's to bear the weight of what's coming. It's to bear the forces. And like, we've been seeing, like these little. We're seeing rumblings and shakings all over, right. We're seeing things get exposed. We're seeing it in church and politics, in Hollywood, in the music industry. I mean, it's literally, it's everywhere right now, right. And with that comes an incredible opportunity." [02:16] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "So we've been taking a look at, like, do I look like a disciple? Am I following Jesus? Does the church look like followers of Jesus? And down to the minuscule things, you know, just, am I doing what he has said, what he's told us to do? Am I living that way? Do my thoughts line up? And I want us to kind of begin to move into this space of making disciples. How many of you know, like, you'll never lead somebody to a place that you haven't been, and you'll never make somebody into something that you aren't. So it starts with us taking a look with the Holy Spirit to go, am I following you?" [03:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "What ends up happening as time goes on, the copy of the copy of the copy of the copy, you start to notice some things, right? It doesn't look the same as the original. And so I was looking at some of this, and they actually have terms for this but it's known as generation loss. So these successive generations result in distortion and degradation. To degrade is to lower to an inferior or less effective level. To degrade the image quality, to lower the quality of. To cause to deteriorate. Generation loss is the loss of quality between subsequent copies of transcodes of data." [06:22] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The switch back to a little bit, is that the church has been all about getting people saved to go to a destination, realizing that Jesus is the answer. He's the goal, he's the everything. And actually, he's not just the pathway to heaven. He is heaven. He is the kingdom. He's all those things we're not trying to lead people to somewhere. These are. These are entry, basic, elementary things. The mandate was to make disciples." [10:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "We end up with something that doesn't look like the original. It's not as sharp and crisp. What we end up with is a stagnant pool of water instead of a river of life running through it. The goal was never to do all the stuff so that we could create a reservoir of what's happening here and protect it. And, you know. No. Do you know, like, one of the principles of the kingdom is if you want more of something, you give it away. You want more joy in your life, begin to operate from that and give it away. You want more. Right? So we are supposed to be making disciples." [16:12] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And the reality is, when we talk about being a disciple, it means that we orbit around him. He's not orbiting around us. We are. He becomes the center, and we are orbiting around him. And so I've been looking at the scriptures again, just kind of fresh. And, I mean, you know, like, you read something over and over and over again, it can be easy. Like, even as you're reading, as your eyes are scanning, the familiarity a little bit can cause you to kind of skip through it or read fast or kind of gloss over a little bit of. And I don't want to do that." [22:55] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And so when we get to the gospels, we have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are very similar. A lot of the same stories. John is the same time period, but he has kind of a different take. But when we look at it, we understand that all of these guys were writing these books with a different lens to tell the full story. Matthew is primarily writing to the Jews, and he's primarily trying to show Jesus as the king of kings, the Messiah. Mark is primarily writing to the believers in Rome, and he's trying to display Jesus as the servant of God. Luke is writing to Theophilus and the Gentiles and trying to show Jesus as the savior of the entire world. And John is writing to kind of the searching non believers and the new believers, and he's showing that Jesus as the son of God who reveals the father. And when you take the four of these, you get a beautiful, perfect picture." [28:00] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "And if we were doing that, if we were creating the kind of community. I'm not saying we're not hear what I'm saying. Part of me is like the church at large, right. But we should be creating community and doing it in such a way that we see in acts two, where there's so much love and generosity and devotion to teaching and the word and scripture and communion, all this stuff, right? That fellowship is happening. All those things are happening so much and in such a way that people are taking note of that and going, how do I be a part of that? I don't have that in my life anywhere. And I see the result that's happening with you and with others." [44:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "And so everywhere that Jesus went, though, he was bringing people into an invitation to an encounter with the father. One of my favorite stories is Zacchaeus, because he was a wee little mandeh. Hey, they have stores for us now. My whole life, I go to the store, they don't make my size, right. So I got pants that never fit right. And now, now we have stores. So Zacchaeus would have been a good company. But, you know, Zacchaeus is an interesting guy because he's been taking advantage of the whole community he's working for who they probably consider the enemy. And he's not just collecting the tax for the government, but, like, he's over collecting." [45:01] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "And so what do we do? We put up the rough exterior that a lot of times, the people that we encounter, if we look at just the exterior and how they're behaving, their behavior and their actions, if that's the qualification for our love will never love anybody. So we have to walk by the spirit. The second thing is we have to have the eyes of the father, that we begin to see people as Jesus sees people the way that the father sees people. If every person is made in the image and the likeness of God doesn't mean that they're walking in his nature, acting like him. But if every person is made in the image and the likeness of God, that means that the original DNA is in there." [50:12] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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