Transformative Discipleship: Becoming Fully Devoted Followers of Christ
Summary
The essence of the message delivered focuses on the transformative power of the Gospel and the mission of the church to see lives changed into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on the word "transformed," which is inspired by Romans 12:2, where the Apostle Paul urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process, akin to a metamorphosis, where a caterpillar becomes a butterfly and never reverts to its former state.
The message further delves into the concept of discipleship, likening it to an apprenticeship where individuals work closely with a master to learn and grow. This apprenticeship is not just about acquiring knowledge but involves hands-on experience and active participation in the work. It is about becoming like the master, Jesus Christ, in character and competency, and carrying on His work in the world.
The speaker highlights the importance of being devoted to Jesus, which is the starting point for every disciple. This devotion begins with a recognition of one's sinfulness and the need for Jesus' saving grace. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards Jesus as the forgiver and leader of one's life. The message underscores that there is no discipleship without this conversion experience.
Developing the character and competencies of Jesus is the next dimension of discipleship. This involves a lifelong pursuit of Christlikeness, both internally and externally. The speaker points out that the New Testament often emphasizes the character of a follower of Jesus rather than their actions. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are highlighted as markers of this internal transformation.
The third dimension of discipleship is being deployed into the ministry of Jesus. This means actively engaging in reaching out to the lost and investing in others to continue the work of Christ. The speaker stresses that discipleship is not passive; it requires action and movement. Disciples are to be deployed into the world to share the hope and good news of the Gospel, shining the light of Jesus everywhere.
The message also addresses the church's role in facilitating this process of transformation, development, and deployment. The church is to be a community where people are introduced to Jesus, where they can grow in their understanding of the scriptures, and where they can learn to pray and communicate the Gospel effectively. The church is also to be a place where people are equipped and encouraged to serve and to take the next steps in their journey of faith.
The speaker concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to consider their next steps in their apprenticeship to Jesus. Whether it is committing to regular church attendance, asking for prayer, giving financially, serving in some capacity, or being baptized, each person is encouraged to take a step forward in their relationship with Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation into a fully devoted follower of Jesus is a continuous process, not a one-time event. It involves a metamorphosis that changes one's entire outlook and way of life, much like a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. This process is guided by the Holy Spirit and requires a willingness to be molded and shaped by God's hand. [36:57]
- Discipleship is akin to an apprenticeship, where learning is not just theoretical but practical and hands-on. It involves working alongside the master, Jesus Christ, and is characterized by a determination to become like Him and to carry on His work. This journey allows for mistakes and growth, reflecting the dynamic nature of spiritual development. [42:11]
- Devotion to Jesus is the foundational step in discipleship. It requires acknowledging one's need for Jesus' forgiveness and leadership. This turning point marks the beginning of a transformed life and entry into the family of God, setting the stage for growth and service in His kingdom. [46:04]
- Developing the character and competencies of Jesus is an ongoing pursuit that shapes a disciple's internal and external life. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of character, as seen in the fruits of the Spirit, which disciples are to cultivate through the work of the Holy Spirit within them. [49:30]
- Being deployed into the ministry of Jesus is an active and essential aspect of discipleship. It involves stepping out into the world to reach the lost and to invest in others, continuing the cycle of discipleship. This deployment is not just for a select few but is the calling of every disciple, reflecting the heart of Jesus for humanity. [56:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:2 (NIV) - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) - "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of being transformed by the renewing of your mind?
2. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
3. In Matthew 9:37-38, what does Jesus say about the harvest and the workers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of transformation in Romans 12:2 relate to the idea of a continuous process of change, as described in the sermon? [35:45]
2. Why do you think the fruits of the Spirit are emphasized as markers of internal transformation in the life of a disciple? [49:10]
3. What does it mean to be "deployed into the ministry of Jesus," and how does this relate to the call for more workers in Matthew 9:37-38? [56:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. In what areas do you feel you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? How can you actively seek this transformation? [35:45]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this month. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your daily interactions?
3. The sermon mentioned that discipleship is like an apprenticeship. How can you practically work alongside others in your church community to learn and grow in your faith? [42:57]
4. Devotion to Jesus is the foundational step in discipleship. Have you had a conversion experience where you acknowledged your need for Jesus' forgiveness and leadership? If not, what is holding you back? [44:54]
5. Think about the concept of being deployed into the ministry of Jesus. Identify one person in your life who is not yet a follower of Christ. How can you reach out to them and share the hope and good news of the Gospel this week? [56:14]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of the church community in facilitating transformation. How can you contribute to your church's mission to see lives transformed? Are there specific ways you can serve or get involved? [58:20]
7. Reflect on the call to action at the end of the sermon. What is your next step in your apprenticeship to Jesus? Is it committing to regular church attendance, asking for prayer, giving financially, serving, or being baptized? [01:14:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Metamorphosis
True transformation in Christ is a lifelong journey, not a singular moment. It's a process of continual growth and change, where one's life is progressively shaped and directed by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual metamorphosis is marked by a deepening relationship with God and an ever-evolving understanding of His will for our lives. [36:57]
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways have you noticed the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life, and how can you be more open to this continuous change?
Day 2: The Practice of Discipleship
Discipleship is an active, hands-on journey of becoming more like Jesus. It's not merely about learning His teachings but embodying His character and mission. This path is filled with practical experiences that shape us, allowing us to make mistakes and learn from them as we grow in our spiritual walk. [42:11]
1 John 2:6 - "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to live out your discipleship in a way that reflects Jesus' character and mission?
Day 3: The Foundation of Devotion
Devotion to Jesus is the cornerstone of a disciple's life. It begins with the recognition of our need for His grace and leadership, and it sets the trajectory for a life transformed by His love. This commitment is the first step toward a deeper fellowship with God and His people. [46:04]
Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your devotion to Jesus, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with His call?
Day 4: Cultivating Christlike Character
The pursuit of Christlikeness is an ongoing process that shapes both our inner being and outward actions. It's about allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate in us the fruits of the Spirit, which are the true indicators of our character as followers of Jesus. [49:30]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel you need to cultivate more of in your life, and what practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to develop this in you?
Day 5: Deployed for Jesus' Ministry
Being a disciple means being actively engaged in Jesus' ministry, reaching out to the lost, and investing in others. This deployment is not a passive state but a calling to live out the Great Commission in our everyday lives, being the light of Christ in a dark world. [56:52]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in Jesus' ministry this week, whether through sharing your faith or serving others in His name?
Quotes
1) "A disciple or an apprentice of Jesus is a follower who is determined to be like his master or her master and to carry on the work." [43:40] (Download)
2) "A true disciple isn't just someone who believes in Jesus, reads their Bible and shows up at can golf on Sunday at nine thirty. But a true disciple is actively developing, but also deployed to reach people for Christ and walking them towards maturity." [53:18] (Download)
3) "The first step in becoming a disciple is to become devoted to Jesus. Paul wrote in Romans 10, 9, If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." [46:04] (Download)
4) "We are be being transformed by the renewing of our minds. It's a continual process. We're not there yet. You're not there yet. I'm not there yet. None of us have arrived." [36:57] (Download)
5) "The other thing we want to develop is competencies. As you're studying as an apprentice under a master, hopefully you get better at doing the things the master has done." [49:30] (Download)
6) "Deployed disciples are ones who pray that prayer, but are also the answer to that prayer. We pray that the Lord would send more workers into the harvest, that he would give us more opportunities to go and share." [56:52] (Download)
7) "We want to see people transformed from from darkness into light. Those who are living in darkness have seen a great light. We want to let Jesus transform us." [38:09] (Download)
8) "A disciple and apprentice, a follower of Jesus is devoted, developing and finally deployed. Disciples engage in the ministry of Jesus. They don't just watch the master work of their apprentices." [53:18] (Download)
9) "It's remarkable how you can't be angry at someone when you're praying for them. It's hard to really be divided and be against something if you're praying for that group or that person to come to know Jesus." [01:12:37] (Download)
10) "We're trying to think about the way we think and what influences the way that we think. And we want to allow God to influence that. We want to see people transformed to grasp and put our hands on some biblical themes." [38:09] (Download)
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