Transformative Discipleship: Becoming More Like Jesus
Summary
In the sermon, I learned about the importance of discipleship and how it is a journey that requires faith. The speaker emphasized that when God begins a good work in us, he starts on the inside, making a real change that eventually shows on the outside. This change is so transformative that it affects the way we make decisions, keep priorities, and relate to members of our families. The ultimate goal of this work is to make us more like Jesus, not just in appearance, but in the way we live our lives. The speaker also highlighted that we are most like Jesus when we make disciples, following in his footsteps.
The sermon also touched on the power, privilege, and peril of making disciples. The power comes from the Holy Spirit, who enables us to preach the gospel and bring good news to those who are spiritually bankrupt. The privilege is in following Jesus' footsteps and becoming more like him in character and mission. However, there are also challenges or perils along the way, such as tribulations and troubles. But we are encouraged to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world.
Key takeaways:
- The transformative work of God begins on the inside and eventually shows on the outside, affecting our decision-making, priorities, and relationships. (#!!02:04!!#)
- We are most like Jesus when we make disciples, following in his footsteps in character and mission. (#!!03:23!!#)
- The power to preach the gospel and bring good news comes from the Holy Spirit. (#!!09:47!!#)
- Despite the challenges or perils in making disciples, we should take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. (#!!08:27!!#)
- The ultimate goal of discipleship is to become more like Jesus, not just in appearance, but in the way we live our lives. (#!!02:44!!#)
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The journey of discipleship is a continuous process of growth and transformation, moving from exploring faith to growing in a small group, serving by leading a small group, and bearing fruit by inspiring others to do the same. This journey is powered by the Holy Spirit, privileged by following in Jesus' footsteps, and perilous with challenges along the way. [33:18] [07:48] [03:49]
2. Jesus is the author of discipleship. He came to set the captives free and give sight to the blind. His mission was to make disciples who will confess His name before the world and love one another. [09:09] [09:47]
3. We are most like Jesus when we make disciples. This is the work that Jesus finished - pouring His life into the lives of His disciples. The main command in Matthew 28:18-20 is to make disciples. [04:00] [04:43]
4. God begins a good work in us, transforming us from the inside out to be more like Jesus. This transformation is so dramatic that it shows on the outside in the way we live our lives. [00:40] [01:25] [02:04]
Bible Passages for Group Reading:
1. Philippians 1:6
2. Matthew 28:18-20
3. Luke 4:16-21
4. Isaiah 61
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 1:6, what does it mean that God will perfect the good work He began in us?
2. How does Jesus model discipleship in Luke 4:16-21?
3. What does Matthew 28:18-20 command us to do?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the process of discipleship described in the sermon align with the command in Matthew 28:18-20?
2. What does it mean to be transformed from the inside out, as described in Philippians 1:6?
3. How does Jesus' reading in the synagogue in Luke 4:16-21 demonstrate His mission to make disciples?
Application Questions:
1. How can you move to the next level in your discipleship journey, whether that's joining a small group, leading a small group, or inspiring others to do the same?
2. In what ways can you show the transformation God is doing inside you on the outside?
3. How can you follow Jesus' example and make disciples in your own life?
Devotional
Day 1: Moving Forward in Faith
The sermon emphasizes the importance of progressing in our spiritual journey, not just being content with where we are but striving to reach the next level. This involves taking on new challenges and responsibilities, such as leading a small group or inspiring others to do so. It's about being proactive in our faith and not just passively receiving. [33:18]
Bible Passage: Hebrews 6:1 - "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God."
Reflection: What is the next step in your spiritual journey and how can you actively pursue it this week?
Day 2: Confidence in God's Work
The sermon discusses the confidence we can have in God's work in us, both internally and externally. God begins His work in us from the inside, transforming us so that the change is evident on the outside. This transformation is not just for our benefit, but to make us more like Jesus and to impact those around us. [00:40]
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How have you seen God's transformative work in your life and how can you allow this transformation to impact others?
Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The sermon highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing of eternal value. The sermon also reminds us that as we move forward in faith, we will face opposition, but with the Holy Spirit, we can overcome. [11:49]
Bible Passage: Zechariah 4:6 - "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."
Reflection: How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and how can you rely on Him more in your daily walk?
Day 4: Preaching the Gospel to the Poor
The sermon emphasizes our mission to preach the gospel to the spiritually bankrupt. It's not just about sharing good news with those who are financially poor, but also those who are spiritually poor. This is a mission that we all have, regardless of our roles in the church. [18:59]
Bible Passage: Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."
Reflection: Who in your life is spiritually bankrupt and how can you share the good news with them this week?
Day 5: The Foolishness of Worldly Wealth
The sermon warns us of the foolishness of relying on worldly wealth. It tells the story of a rich man who thought he had everything, only to be called a fool by God. This serves as a reminder that our true wealth is in Christ and not in worldly possessions. [21:43]
Bible Passage: Luke 12:20-21 - "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."
Reflection: How can you ensure that you are storing up treasures in heaven and not just on earth?
Quotes
1. "The phrase in English 'preach the gospel' is actually just one word in the original language. It simply means to announce good news or to bring good news. Do you like receiving good news? Of course. Do you like giving another person good news? I'm sure you do. It's like 'I can't wait to tell you this.' So don't ever say 'Ah, that's not for me because I'm not a preacher' because all that means is to give good news to someone else." - 18:31
2. "The Challenge and the privilege is to move to the next level. If you're a small group member now, it's time to start your group. If you're a small group leader now, it's time to inspire your members to start their group. If you're here and you don't know what this is about, although now you have some idea, please give us time to tell you about it. But more than that, help us to tell that, give us the chance to tell you about Jesus who was the who is the author and inventor of all of these things." - 33:06
3. "Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life and mine, we can do nothing of true lasting Eternal value. And even in the life of Jesus, he modeled that truth. As we venture out, move forward in faith, you and I need to be constantly filled, empowered, led by the Holy Spirit." - 11:06
4. "You and I have all come from some degree of crushed, broken, or shattered backgrounds. Yes, we've all experienced being oppressed in that way, being broken, being shattered. And because of Jesus, he put our lives back together. But many times we still bear the scars of our past. Sometimes these are scars of our own doing, sometimes they're not. But in the midst of those scars is the golden signature of the Finger of God." - 25:53
5. "God causes all things to work together for a very specific good. What good is that? To make us more like Jesus. Finally, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. Favorable here means something that is welcome because it's pleasing. Again, we said we love to be the recipients of good news, we also are excited when we are The Giver or the bringer of good news." - 25:53
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