Transformative Discipleship: Embracing Love and Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound themes found in the book of John, particularly focusing on the identity and transformation of John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. John’s journey from being a "son of thunder" to an "apostle of love" serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of walking with Christ. This transformation is not just about acquiring knowledge but about becoming more like Jesus through imitation and practice. As we explored, being a disciple is akin to being an apprentice, learning not just through information but through practical application and imitation of Christ.
John's writings, though poetic, are deeply rooted in historical events, reminding us that our faith is grounded in reality. He writes with affection, addressing his readers as "dear children," emphasizing our identity as beloved members of God's family. This identity is crucial, especially for those who may have experienced dysfunction or pain in their earthly families. In God's family, we find a new identity, one that is cherished and loved.
We also discussed the serious nature of sin and its destructive impact on the human soul. Sin is not merely a set of bad behaviors but a misperception of who God is and an overstepping of boundaries. Jesus calls us to repent and surrender our mini-kingdoms to His kingdom, where true peace is found. This surrender is not about losing authority but about aligning our will with God's will, allowing His kingdom to reign in our lives.
Discipleship, as John emphasizes, is not just about belief but about living as Jesus did. This involves a transformation of the heart, where love becomes the defining mark of our lives. We are called to love radically, to live out the commands of Jesus, and to let our lives be an overflow of the love we have received from God.
Finally, John warns us not to love the world in a way that aligns us with systems opposed to God. Instead, we are to focus on eternal priorities, recognizing that while the world is passing away, who we are becoming in Christ is eternal. This calls for intentionality in our spiritual formation, resisting the forces that seek to deform us and embracing the transformative power of God's love.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation through Discipleship: John’s journey from a "son of thunder" to an "apostle of love" illustrates the transformative power of walking with Christ. Discipleship is about becoming like Jesus through imitation and practice, not just acquiring knowledge. This transformation is a lifelong journey of aligning our lives with Christ's teachings. [40:15]
- Identity in God's Family: Our identity as beloved members of God's family is crucial, especially for those with painful family experiences. In God's family, we find a new identity, cherished and loved, which shapes how we live and interact with others. This identity is foundational to our spiritual journey. [43:07]
- The Seriousness of Sin: Sin is not just bad behavior but a misperception of God and an overstepping of boundaries. Jesus calls us to repent and surrender our mini-kingdoms to His kingdom, where true peace is found. This surrender aligns our will with God's will, allowing His kingdom to reign in our lives. [45:59]
- Living as Jesus Did: Discipleship is not just about belief but about living as Jesus did, with love as the defining mark of our lives. This involves a transformation of the heart, where our actions flow from a place of love and obedience to Christ's commands. [51:33]
- Eternal Priorities: John warns us not to love the world in a way that aligns us with systems opposed to God. Instead, we are to focus on eternal priorities, recognizing that while the world is passing away, who we are becoming in Christ is eternal. This requires intentionality in our spiritual formation. [01:04:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to John’s Letters
- [02:15] - John’s Transformation
- [05:00] - Historical Context of John’s Writings
- [07:45] - Identity in God’s Family
- [10:30] - The Nature of Sin
- [13:00] - Surrendering to God’s Kingdom
- [15:45] - The Call to Discipleship
- [18:30] - Love as the Mark of Discipleship
- [21:00] - Warning Against Worldly Love
- [23:45] - Eternal Priorities
- [26:30] - The Role of the Advocate
- [29:00] - Living in the Light
- [31:45] - Closing Reflections and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-4
2. 1 John 2:1-6
3. Matthew 15:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. How does John describe his relationship with Jesus, and what does this reveal about his identity as a disciple? [40:15]
2. What affectionate term does John use to address his readers, and what significance does this have in the context of God's family? [43:07]
3. According to the sermon, how does John define sin, and what are its implications for our understanding of God's boundaries? [45:59]
4. What does John mean when he says, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did"? How is this related to the concept of discipleship? [51:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does John's transformation from a "son of thunder" to an "apostle of love" illustrate the power of discipleship? How can this transformation be seen as a model for believers today? [40:15]
2. How does the concept of being part of God's family provide a new identity for those who have experienced dysfunction or pain in their earthly families? What does this mean for the church community? [43:07]
3. How does the sermon describe the seriousness of sin, and why is it important for believers to understand sin as more than just bad behavior? [45:59]
4. What does it mean to live as Jesus did, and how does this challenge the common understanding of what it means to be a disciple? [51:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on John's journey from a "son of thunder" to an "apostle of love." In what areas of your life do you see the need for transformation, and how can you actively pursue this change through discipleship? [40:15]
2. Consider your identity as a member of God's family. How does this identity influence your interactions with others, especially those who may have hurt you in the past? [43:07]
3. The sermon emphasizes the need to surrender our mini-kingdoms to God's kingdom. What are some areas in your life where you struggle to relinquish control, and how can you begin to align your will with God's will? [45:59]
4. John warns against loving the world in a way that aligns us with systems opposed to God. What are some worldly influences that you find challenging to resist, and how can you focus on eternal priorities instead? [01:04:26]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of living as Jesus did, with love as the defining mark of our lives. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate radical love in your daily interactions this week. [51:33]
6. Reflect on the concept of being an "apprentice" of Jesus. What practical steps can you take to learn from Jesus and imitate His ways in your everyday life? [51:33]
7. How can you create a nurturing environment within your church community that reflects the love and care of God's family? What role can you play in fostering this atmosphere? [43:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation through Christ's Love
John's transformation from a "son of thunder" to an "apostle of love" is a profound example of the transformative power of walking with Christ. This change is not merely about gaining knowledge but about becoming more like Jesus through imitation and practice. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of aligning our lives with Christ's teachings, where we learn to embody His love and compassion. As we walk with Christ, we are invited to let go of our old selves and embrace a new identity shaped by His love and grace. This transformation is a testament to the power of Christ's love to change hearts and lives. [40:15]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively imitate Christ in your daily life, allowing His love to transform you from the inside out?
Day 2: Embracing Our Identity in God's Family
Our identity as beloved members of God's family is foundational to our spiritual journey. For those who have experienced dysfunction or pain in their earthly families, this new identity offers a sense of belonging and love. In God's family, we are cherished and loved, and this shapes how we live and interact with others. Embracing this identity means recognizing that we are not defined by our past or our earthly circumstances but by the love and grace of God. This identity calls us to live as beloved children, reflecting God's love to the world around us. [43:07]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does your identity as a beloved member of God's family influence the way you interact with others today?
Day 3: The Seriousness of Sin and Surrender
Sin is not just a set of bad behaviors but a misperception of who God is and an overstepping of boundaries. Jesus calls us to repent and surrender our mini-kingdoms to His kingdom, where true peace is found. This surrender is not about losing authority but about aligning our will with God's will, allowing His kingdom to reign in our lives. By recognizing the seriousness of sin, we are invited to turn away from our self-centered ways and embrace the peace and freedom found in God's kingdom. This surrender is a daily choice to let go of our own desires and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. [45:59]
"Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Living as Jesus Did
Discipleship is not just about belief but about living as Jesus did, with love as the defining mark of our lives. This involves a transformation of the heart, where our actions flow from a place of love and obedience to Christ's commands. We are called to love radically, to live out the commands of Jesus, and to let our lives be an overflow of the love we have received from God. This call to discipleship challenges us to examine our hearts and align our actions with the love and teachings of Jesus. By living as Jesus did, we become a reflection of His love and grace to the world around us. [51:33]
"By this we know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Focusing on Eternal Priorities
John warns us not to love the world in a way that aligns us with systems opposed to God. Instead, we are to focus on eternal priorities, recognizing that while the world is passing away, who we are becoming in Christ is eternal. This calls for intentionality in our spiritual formation, resisting the forces that seek to deform us and embracing the transformative power of God's love. By focusing on eternal priorities, we are reminded of the lasting impact of our spiritual growth and the importance of aligning our lives with God's eternal purposes. This perspective encourages us to invest in what truly matters and to live with an eternal mindset. [01:04:26]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to focus on eternal priorities and resist the pull of worldly distractions?
Quotes
John had a few rough edges. Right? He wanted to incinerate a Samaritan town who were a bit inhospitable to Jesus. He says, right, let's call down fire from heaven, Jesus. Will we do that? Jesus is like, nah, we're not going to do that. He was jostling for power with his brother, James. He wanted like the top spots. Right? He wanted a bit of prestige and a bit of power. And Jesus is like, nah, you're not getting it. You're not getting it. He had a few rough edges to work on. None of us would understand that, would we? [00:39:33]
He went from being a son of thunder. Jesus had a funny nickname for him. I think it was to do with his temper, right, a son of thunder, to being an apostle of love. Being an apostle of love, that's how he's known. When we get this letter from John, he's now in his old age, so he's mellowed a wee bit, right? He's mellowed, and this is what we hope happens to us in our walk with Christ. [00:40:34]
We need to remember our faith is a historical faith. It is grounded in real events in history. It's sort of got a legendary feel about it, but it's legends with a postcode, right? These events actually happened at a real point in history. So this letter was written about 64 to 66 AD, so approximately three decades after Jesus' death and resurrection. [00:40:59]
We have a family identity, right? John calls them dear children. Some translations say little children. The Greek word is technion, which sounds kind of technical, but it's not what it means, right? It's a very affectionate term. Somebody shared with me that Adele, at Friday night on Recovery Church, was telling a story about all the neighbourhood kids, right? Who used to come at our door and hear her say, has anyone ever told you you're special? [00:41:34]
John isn't just writing as a teacher. He's writing as a spiritual father. And when we come into God's family, right, we get a new family. You have new sisters. You have new mothers. You have new brothers. You have new family, right? You belong to God's family. For some of us, that might feel a little bit uncomfortable, depending on our family experience, okay? Some of our families might have been highly dysfunctional. They might have been painful. [00:42:41]
But when you come into God's family, you receive a new identity. You are not an orphan anymore, okay? You are a loved and cherished child of God. And you're part of his family. If you're here this morning as part of this church, you're part of God's family. You belong, okay? Church families are not perfect. But they are places where we are learning to trust God, to love God a wee bit more every day, and love each other. [00:42:48]
John is writing this letter with a purpose, a fairly serious purpose in mind, right? For those precious people that we love, for our precious children and for one another, right? John says, I write this to you so that you will not sin, okay? If we love people, we don't want them to engage in behaviours that are defiling and destructive to the human soul, okay? We don't, do we? Because people are cherished. [00:43:56]
Sin is misperceiving who God is. It's getting confused, right? Mixed up between who I am and who God is. Sin is always a kind of self-deification. Me acting like I'm God. And the temptation of sin is to take charge of things that I'm not actually in charge of. Things that are not really my business, okay? That's why in the Lord's Prayer, he says to us, he reminds us to pray, forgive us, God, our trespasses. [00:45:27]
The reality is, every one of us does have a kingdom of sorts, right? If I was to go over and pick up Adele's handbag, right? And start looking through her handbag and just looking at stuff. How's Adele going to feel? She'll feel violated, right? That's her kingdom. That's her handbag. That's her space, right? I shouldn't be going through her handbag. Okay, so we have kingdoms. And that's a good thing. The primary place of your kingdom is your body, first and foremost, right? [00:47:08]
The reality is the only way to find peace in our world, whether it's in our families, whether it's between nations, is when we surrender our many kingdoms to the kingdom of God. When we submit and we surrender our ways and our will to him. It's the only way to find peace. We were made as human beings to have authority. Authority is not a bad thing, okay? God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth, right? [00:48:28]
John makes this really strong statement. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. What a high calling. Jesus' commands are really hard, right? Really hard. Love your enemies. Love your enemies. Don't just tolerate them. Love them. Love them from your heart. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two. Jesus was speaking about the Roman soldiers. So people that are crucifying and brutalizing, you have to help them carry their stuff. What? [00:54:13]
The goal is to transform your heart so that rivers of living water are flowing out from inside of you. Rivers of living water. Can you imagine that you are a blessing everywhere you go because there are rivers of living water flowing out from inside of you? That you don't just act like Jesus. Sometimes, a little bit, occasionally, you become like him on the inside increasingly, and that your life is an overflow of who you're becoming inside, okay? This is the promise. How amazing. [00:56:51]
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