Transformative Discipleship: Becoming Like Jesus Together
Summary
The journey of discipleship is a profound and transformative path that calls us to embody the character of Jesus. Today, we explored the essence of what it means to be a disciple, focusing on the goal of discipleship: to become like Jesus. This journey is not merely about attending church or making a profession of faith; it is about a deep, personal transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings and character of Christ.
In Ephesians 4:11-16, we see that God has gifted the church with leaders to equip the saints for service, building up the body of Christ. This passage highlights the importance of unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, leading to maturity that reflects the fullness of Christ. The church is not a one-man show but a collective body where each member plays a vital role in fulfilling God's mission.
The call to discipleship is a call to follow Jesus closely, to learn from Him, and to imitate His life. This involves cultivating a relationship with Him, understanding His teachings, and living them out in our daily lives. The modern church often loses sight of this, reducing discipleship to mere church attendance. However, true discipleship requires active participation and a commitment to spiritual growth.
Two key aspects define a growing disciple: love and walk. Love, as Jesus taught, is the greatest commandment—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. This love is not limited to those who are like us but extends to all, reflecting the inclusive love of Jesus. Our walk, or how we live our lives, should be guided by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The church plays a crucial role in this journey, providing a community where disciples can grow together, equipped by leaders who model Christ-like behavior. As leaders, we must strive to live lives worthy of imitation, fostering relationships that encourage spiritual growth. As members, we must be willing to be equipped, actively participating in the life of the church and pursuing Christ with intentionality.
Key Takeaways:
- The goal of discipleship is to become like Jesus, which requires a deep, personal transformation beyond mere church attendance. This involves actively following Jesus, learning from Him, and imitating His life. [05:07]
- True discipleship is characterized by love and walk. Love involves loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbors as ourselves, reflecting the inclusive love of Jesus. Our walk should be guided by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. [18:31]
- The church is a community where disciples grow together, equipped by leaders who model Christ-like behavior. Leaders must strive to live lives worthy of imitation, fostering relationships that encourage spiritual growth. [32:57]
- Spiritual maturity is not measured by the presence of certain spiritual gifts but by the fruit of the Spirit flowing from our lives. This requires daily submission to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions. [30:56]
- Every member of the church has a role to play in fulfilling God's mission. We must be willing to be equipped and actively participate in the life of the church, using our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. [43:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:50] - The Goal of Discipleship
[05:07] - Becoming Like Jesus
[06:08] - The Role of a Disciple
[07:28] - Following Jesus
[10:09] - God's Design for the Church
[11:57] - Equipping the Saints
[13:09] - Unity and Maturity
[14:40] - Measuring Spiritual Growth
[17:06] - The Church as a Discipling Community
[18:31] - Love and Walk
[19:28] - The Great Commandment
[22:40] - Loving Like Jesus
[24:51] - Walking by the Spirit
[28:42] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[30:56] - Submitting to the Spirit
[32:57] - The Church's Role in Growth
[34:21] - The Power of the Church
[35:18] - Equipping and Being Equipped
[36:48] - Leaders as Examples
[40:10] - Building Relationships
[41:43] - Avoiding Sin
[42:25] - Active Participation
[43:29] - Using Spiritual Gifts
[45:19] - Pursuing Christ
[46:33] - Accountability in Discipleship
[49:10] - Following Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- Matthew 22:37-39
- Galatians 5:16-25
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4:11-16, what roles are given to leaders in the church, and what is their purpose? [11:57]
2. In the sermon, what is described as the main goal of being a disciple of Jesus? [05:07]
3. How does the sermon describe the modern church's misunderstanding of discipleship? [07:28]
4. What are the two key aspects that define a growing disciple, as mentioned in the sermon? [18:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God contribute to spiritual maturity, according to Ephesians 4:13? [13:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love and walk are indicators of becoming more like Jesus? [18:31]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the church in equipping disciples to grow in Christ-likeness? [32:57]
4. What does it mean to walk by the Spirit, and how does this relate to the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23? [28:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of discipleship. How does it align with the goal of becoming like Jesus, as discussed in the sermon? [05:07]
2. Consider the role of love in your life. How can you better love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself this week? [19:28]
3. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to walk by the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you more effectively? [30:56]
4. How can you actively participate in the life of your church to fulfill your role in building up the body of Christ? [43:29]
5. Think of a leader in your church who models Christ-like behavior. How can you learn from their example and apply it to your own spiritual growth? [36:48]
6. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [28:42]
7. Reflect on your involvement in your church community. Are you a passive participant, or are you actively engaging in discipleship? What changes can you make to be more involved? [42:25]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Transformation Beyond Attendance
The journey of discipleship is a profound transformation that goes beyond mere church attendance. It involves a deep, personal change that aligns one's life with the teachings and character of Jesus. This transformation is not just about professing faith but actively following Jesus, learning from Him, and imitating His life. Discipleship calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and a willingness to be molded into the likeness of Christ. This journey requires intentionality and dedication, as it is a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. [05:07]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to move beyond mere attendance and actively pursue transformation in your walk with Christ?
Day 2: Love and Walk
True discipleship is characterized by love and walk. Love, as taught by Jesus, is the greatest commandment—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. This love is inclusive, extending to all people, reflecting the love of Jesus. Our walk, or how we live our lives, should be guided by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This requires daily submission to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions. [18:31]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who is difficult to love. How can you intentionally show them the love of Christ this week?
Day 3: The Church as a Community
The church is a community where disciples grow together, equipped by leaders who model Christ-like behavior. Leaders are called to live lives worthy of imitation, fostering relationships that encourage spiritual growth. As members of the church, we must be willing to be equipped, actively participating in the life of the church, and pursuing Christ with intentionality. The church is not a one-man show but a collective body where each member plays a vital role in fulfilling God's mission. [32:57]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the growth and unity of your church community this week? What role can you play in supporting your leaders and fellow members?
Day 4: Spiritual Maturity and the Fruit of the Spirit
Spiritual maturity is not measured by the presence of certain spiritual gifts but by the fruit of the Spirit flowing from our lives. This requires daily submission to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in our lives as we grow in maturity. This maturity reflects the fullness of Christ and is a testament to our transformation as His disciples. [30:56]
Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this fruit in your life?
Day 5: Active Participation in God's Mission
Every member of the church has a role to play in fulfilling God's mission. We must be willing to be equipped and actively participate in the life of the church, using our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. This active participation is essential for the growth and unity of the church, as each member contributes to the mission of God. By using our gifts and talents, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities and beyond, advancing the kingdom of God. [43:29]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What spiritual gift or talent has God given you? How can you use it this week to serve others and contribute to the mission of your church?
Quotes
"A disciple of Jesus embraces the cost of embodying the character of Jesus through cultivating spiritual growth and loving community with other disciples who share His commission to impart the gospel to the world. Let me read that again. A disciple of Jesus embraces the cost of embodying the character of Jesus through cultivating spiritual growth and loving community with other disciples who share His commission to impart the gospel to the world." [00:00:11] (38 seconds)
"He says in verses 11 and 12 that God has gifted the church with leaders. And those leaders have the prime responsibility to equip the saints for the work of service. And doing that, they are building up the body of Christ. I love that phrase. That's one of Paul's favorite phrases when he describes the church. He calls it the body of Christ. He calls it the body of Christ. He calls it the body of Christ." [00:11:48] (32 seconds)
"This picture of the church is a group of disciples who are growing together in unity. They have shared doctrine that comes from the Bible, and they have a relationship with Jesus and with one another. That's the knowledge of the Son. What he's saying here is that when the church is functioning as it should, leaders are equipping disciples to grow up to the fullness of the stature of the measure of Christ. And that demonstrates to you exactly the full maturity that God expects from a disciple of Jesus." [00:13:33] (42 seconds)
"When we love people and we begin to love those that are not so lovable sometimes, we can better believe that we're becoming more like Jesus. The second word that I use to describe what it looks like to be a growing disciple of Jesus is the principle of walk. When I talk about your walk, I'm talking about how you live your life." [00:24:51] (32 seconds)
"The passage of Scripture that I think is descriptive of the type of walk that expresses a growing and becoming like Jesus is found in Galatians chapter 5. Paul here is writing another letter, and this one to the church at Galatia. And this is what Paul says. He says, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of God. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you do." [00:25:23] (37 seconds)
"If you really want to show that you're growing in Christ, let's see the fruit of the Spirit. Flowing out of your life. I don't care how many tongues that you've spoken in. Are the fruit of the Spirit increasingly coming out of your life? Is your walk described more by the fruit of the Spirit than it is by the acts of the flesh? So there it is. Love and walk. That's what the relationship with Jesus that's growing looks like." [00:32:11] (40 seconds)
"How do we make sure that my life is truly pointing people to Jesus and looking more like Him and less like me? Don't miss. In Ephesians 4, remember Paul paints a grand picture of the church and how the church is God's provision to enable people to grow as disciples. I love the church. Shocked? I absolutely love the church." [00:33:14] (44 seconds)
"I believe that as the church walks in the mission of God because the church is making disciples who are making disciples and people are growing up into Christ, our communities would change overnight. If only the church would be the church instead of becoming everything that's not the church. For us here at Riverbend, if we're going to see disciples truly hit the target, of becoming more like Jesus, there's a couple of things that have to be true here." [00:35:18] (51 seconds)
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