Transformative Discipleship: Embracing God's Purpose Together

Discipleship is at the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. It’s not just about knowing facts or attending church, but about a daily walk with Christ that transforms us and calls us into his mission. Each of us has a unique domain—our family, workplace, friendships, or school—where God has placed us intentionally, not by accident. Even the difficult or unexpected turns in our lives are woven into God’s plan to use us for his purposes. We are God’s workmanship, created for good works that he prepared in advance for us to do.

A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission and call of Jesus: to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but for all who belong to Christ. Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28 was given to ordinary people—worshipers and doubters alike—entrusted with an extraordinary mission: to make disciples of all nations. This means that discipleship is not a solo journey. We are called to multiply, to invest in others, and to invite them into the life-changing relationship we have with Christ.

God does not call the equipped; he equips those he calls. Our weaknesses and inadequacies are not obstacles, but opportunities for God’s strength to be displayed. Sometimes, God calls us to places or tasks that seem far beyond our comfort zone, but he always goes with us. His authority is total—over heaven and earth—and his presence is promised always, even to the end of the age. We are never sent alone. The presence of Jesus empowers us to obey, to endure hardship, and to offer hope to a world searching for meaning.

Discipleship is both giving and receiving. We are called to walk alongside those who are newer in the faith, encouraging and building them up, while also seeking out those who can pour into us. This mutual sharpening strengthens our relationship with God and with each other, building a church family marked by love, encouragement, and good works. The challenge is simple but profound: Who are you discipling, and who is discipling you? Pray for God to show you someone to invest in this week, and take a practical step to encourage them in their faith.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Placement Is Intentional Every aspect of your life—your history, your struggles, your current circumstances—has been woven together by God for a purpose. You are not where you are by accident; God has placed you in your unique domain to serve his kingdom. Even the hard and confusing moments are part of his preparation for the good works he has set before you. Trust that your presence in this season and place is divinely appointed. [04:16]
• 2. Discipleship Is a Transforming Relationship, Not a Program To be a disciple is to follow Jesus, be changed by him, and join his mission. This is not about checking religious boxes or simply acquiring knowledge. It’s about a living, daily relationship with Christ that shapes your character and priorities, and overflows into loving God and loving others. Discipleship is a journey of transformation, not just information. [06:00]
• 3. God Equips the Willing, Not the Ready God does not wait for us to have it all together before he calls us. He delights in using ordinary, even reluctant people, and equips them as they step out in faith. Our weaknesses become the very places where his strength is made perfect. Obedience, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable, opens the door for God to do extraordinary things through us. [13:25]
• 4. Multiplication Is at the Heart of the Mission Jesus’ command to make disciples is not optional or reserved for spiritual “professionals.” Every follower of Christ is called to invest in others, sharing the hope and transformation they have received. This multiplication happens through relationships—inviting, encouraging, and walking alongside others in faith. The church grows and the kingdom advances as each of us takes responsibility for discipling and being discipled. [17:31]
• 5. The Presence of Christ Is Our Sustaining Power Jesus promises to be with us always, not just in the easy moments but especially in the hard and uncertain ones. His presence gives us courage to obey, strength to endure, and hope to offer a searching world. We are never sent alone; the Spirit of Christ goes before us, behind us, and within us, empowering us for every step of the journey. [21:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Series Introduction: DNA of a Disciple
• [02:10] - Defining Discipleship
• [04:16] - God’s Purpose in Our Placement
• [06:00] - Discipleship: More Than Knowledge
• [08:08] - The Great Commission: Matthew 28
• [09:17] - Personal Story: God’s Unexpected Call
• [11:49] - Wrestling with Obedience
• [13:25] - God Equips the Called
• [15:00] - Disciples Multiply Disciples
• [17:31] - Sharing Faith in Everyday Life
• [21:41] - Trusting God’s Presence
• [23:44] - The Church as a Family of Disciples
• [26:10] - God’s Protection and Purpose in Risk
• [28:53] - The Challenge: Who Are You Discipling?
• [30:56] - Encouragement to Grow Together

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) — > Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) — > For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:16-20, what does Jesus say about his authority and what command does he give to his disciples?
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean that we are God’s workmanship, and what has God prepared for us?
3. The sermon mentioned that the Great Commission was given to both “worshipers and doubters.” What does this tell us about who is called to make disciples? [08:08]
4. What are some of the “domains” or areas of influence mentioned in the sermon where God might have placed us intentionally? [04:16]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus included the promise of his presence (“I am with you always”) at the end of the Great Commission? How might this have encouraged the disciples? [21:41]
2. The sermon says, “God does not call the equipped; he equips those he calls.” What does this mean for people who feel unqualified or inadequate to disciple others? [13:25]
3. How does understanding that our placement in life is intentional (not accidental) change the way we view our current circumstances or challenges? [04:16]
4. The sermon describes discipleship as “both giving and receiving.” Why is it important to both disciple others and be discipled ourselves? [28:53]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to ask, “Who am I discipling, and who is discipling me?” Is there someone in your life you could intentionally encourage or walk alongside in their faith this week? What practical step could you take? [28:53]
2. Think about your own “domain”—your family, workplace, school, or friend group. How might God be calling you to serve or represent him there, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? [04:16]
3. Have you ever felt unqualified or too weak to do something God was calling you to do? How did you respond, and what would it look like to trust God to equip you in those moments? [13:25]
4. The sermon says discipleship is not just about gaining knowledge but about a daily, transforming relationship with Jesus. What is one way you can make your walk with Jesus more personal and real this week? [06:00]
5. Jesus’ command to “make disciples” is for everyone, not just pastors or church leaders. What fears or obstacles keep you from sharing your faith or investing in others? How can you take a small step to overcome one of those fears? [17:31]
6. The presence of Christ is described as our sustaining power, especially in hard times. Can you share a time when you sensed God’s presence in a difficult situation? How did it help you endure or obey? [21:41]
7. The sermon encourages mutual sharpening in the church family. Is there someone you could ask to mentor or disciple you? What’s stopping you from reaching out to them? [29:53]