Transformative Discipleship: Following Jesus in Everyday Life
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing a fundamental question: What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple? I noted that while a significant percentage of Americans claim to be Christian, a much smaller number actually follow Jesus. I emphasized that being a Christian is often perceived as believing in Christianity, attending church occasionally, and being semi-moral. However, the New Testament presents a stark contrast between the crowds and the disciples, prompting us to consider which group we belong to.
I then delved into the first-century context of discipleship, which was the highest level of the Jewish education system. Discipleship involved three goals: being with the Rabbi, becoming like the Rabbi, and doing what the Rabbi did. Only the best were invited to be disciples, and the ultimate aim was to carry on the Rabbi's work. I drew parallels between this and our call to follow Jesus, our Rabbi, by being with Him, becoming like Him, and joining in His Kingdom work.
I continued by discussing the concept of spiritual formation, defining it as a process of being increasingly possessed and permeated by the character traits of Jesus. This transformation is more than behavior modification; it's an inward change from the heart out. I stressed that we are all being formed into the image of something or someone, and the trajectory of our character arc will determine who or what we become.
Next, I spoke about the importance of being with Jesus, which is achieved through a relationship with the Holy Spirit. I referenced John 15, where Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our need to abide in Him to bear fruit. I quoted Dallas Willard, emphasizing the practice of keeping God before our minds and the development of a new, grace-filled habit of constant awareness of and connection to God.
I then outlined the practical aspects of discipleship, which include preaching the gospel, teaching, healing, casting out demons, doing justice, peacemaking, praying, prophesying, and standing up to corruption. I shared a personal anecdote about an apprentice carpenter whose goal was to build things, paralleling our goal to mature and join Jesus's Kingdom work.
Finally, I concluded by reiterating that following Jesus is not a hobby but should be the center of our lives. The invitation to follow Him is open to all, regardless of background or abilities. I encouraged everyone to embrace this invitation and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, whether as an investment banker, teacher, real estate agent, architect, full-time parent, doctor, or in any other capacity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discipleship is not merely a label but a transformative journey that requires us to ask ourselves which group we belong to: the crowds or the disciples. This question is as relevant today as it was in the first century and challenges us to live out our faith authentically. ([02:42])
2. The goals of discipleship—being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing His work—are rooted in the ancient Jewish tradition of apprenticeship. As modern-day disciples, we are called to order our lives around these same goals, seeking to embody the teachings and character of Jesus in our daily lives. ([07:06])
3. Spiritual formation is a gradual process of inward transformation, where we become more like Jesus from the inside out. This is not about conforming to external standards but about a deep change of heart that shapes our character and actions over time. ([13:42])
4. Abiding in Jesus is essential for bearing fruit in our lives. This means cultivating a constant awareness of and connection to the Holy Spirit, which requires intentional practice and the breaking of old habits. As we redirect our minds to God, we develop a new pattern of living in His presence. ([10:43])
5. Following Jesus is an all-encompassing commitment that invites us into a life of love, freedom, and fullness. It is not limited to religious activities but integrates into every aspect of our lives, inviting us to live out our discipleship in whatever profession or role we occupy. ([21:06])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:16-20 - The calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
2. John 15:1-8 - The vine and the branches.
3. Mark 8:34-35 - The cost of discipleship.
#### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 1:16-20, what was the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to Jesus' call to follow Him?
2. According to John 15:1-8, what is the relationship between the vine and the branches, and what is required for the branches to bear fruit?
3. In Mark 8:34-35, what does Jesus say is required for someone to be His disciple?
4. The sermon mentioned a stark contrast between the crowds and the disciples. What are the key differences between these two groups as described in the sermon? ([01:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus according to John 15:1-8, and how does this concept relate to the idea of being with Jesus as discussed in the sermon? ([10:43])
2. How does the first-century context of discipleship, which involved being with the Rabbi, becoming like the Rabbi, and doing what the Rabbi did, inform our understanding of modern-day discipleship? ([07:06])
3. The sermon emphasized that spiritual formation is an inward transformation rather than mere behavior modification. How does this inward change manifest in a person's life? ([13:42])
4. Jesus' invitation to follow Him is open to everyone, regardless of background or abilities. How does this inclusive call challenge our understanding of who can be a disciple? ([19:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see yourself more as part of the crowd or as a disciple? What steps can you take to move towards being a true disciple of Jesus? ([01:21])
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of being with Jesus through a relationship with the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a constant awareness of and connection to the Holy Spirit in your daily life? ([10:43])
3. Consider the three goals of discipleship: being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing His work. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and what specific actions can you take to grow in that area? ([07:06])
4. The concept of spiritual formation involves being increasingly possessed and permeated by the character traits of Jesus. Identify one character trait of Jesus that you want to develop more in your life. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this trait? ([13:42])
5. Jesus' call to follow Him includes denying oneself and taking up one's cross. What does this look like in your current context, and how can you live this out more fully? ([05:40])
6. The sermon highlighted various aspects of Jesus' Kingdom work, such as preaching the gospel, healing, and doing justice. Which of these areas resonates most with you, and how can you actively participate in this aspect of Jesus' work in your community? ([16:48])
7. Following Jesus is meant to be the center of our lives, not just a hobby. How can you integrate your discipleship into your profession or daily responsibilities? Share specific examples of how you can live out your faith in your current role. ([18:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Faith Versus Cultural Identity
Discipleship calls for a deep examination of one's identity in Christ, challenging the comfortable norms of cultural Christianity. It beckons individuals to reflect on whether they are merely part of the crowd or if they are truly following Jesus as His disciples. This introspection is not about a superficial claim to faith but rather an authentic living out of one's beliefs. It requires a commitment that goes beyond attending church and adhering to moral standards; it is about a life transformed by the teachings and example of Jesus. The New Testament presents a clear distinction between the crowds and the disciples, and this distinction remains relevant today, urging believers to evaluate the depth and authenticity of their faith journey. [02:42]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect the difference between being a cultural Christian and a true disciple of Jesus?
Day 2: The Journey of Becoming Like Jesus
The ancient Jewish tradition of discipleship was a holistic approach to education, where the disciple aimed to be with the Rabbi, become like the Rabbi, and do what the Rabbi did. This model is the foundation for Christian discipleship, where the goal is to be with Jesus, become like Him, and join in His Kingdom work. This journey is not about acquiring knowledge for knowledge's sake but about a transformation that encompasses one's entire being—thoughts, actions, and character. It is a call to align one's life with the teachings and character of Jesus, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to actively participate in the work of God's Kingdom. [07:06]
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell." - Philippians 1:21-22
Reflection: In what ways are you actively seeking to embody the teachings and character of Jesus in your daily life?
Day 3: Transformation from the Inside Out
Spiritual formation is the process of being shaped into the likeness of Jesus, not through external conformity but through an inward change that affects the heart. This transformation is gradual and often imperceptible in the moment, yet over time, it results in a character that reflects the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that are the fruit of the Spirit. It is a journey of becoming more like Jesus from the inside out, where the ultimate goal is not to perform religious duties but to have a heart that mirrors His. [13:42]
"But 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
Reflection: What is one area of your inner life where you desire to see transformation to become more like Jesus?
Day 4: Cultivating a Constant Connection with Jesus
Abiding in Jesus is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. This abiding is not a passive state but an active pursuit of maintaining a constant awareness of and connection to the Holy Spirit. It involves breaking old habits and forming new ones that keep God at the forefront of one's mind and heart. This practice of abiding is akin to the vine and branches metaphor used by Jesus, where the branch's life and productivity are wholly dependent on its connection to the vine. Cultivating this connection requires intentionality and discipline, but it yields a life that is deeply rooted in Christ and abundant in spiritual fruit. [10:43]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." - John 15:4
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper awareness of and connection to the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: Integrating Discipleship into Every Aspect of Life
Following Jesus is a comprehensive commitment that extends beyond the walls of the church and into every facet of life. It is an invitation to live a life characterized by love, freedom, and fullness, regardless of one's profession or role. This integration of discipleship into daily living means that every action, decision, and relationship is an opportunity to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus. It is a call to live out one's faith authentically and wholeheartedly, embracing the invitation to follow Jesus in every area of life, from the workplace to the home and beyond. [21:06]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24
Reflection: How can you more fully integrate your discipleship into your current profession or role in life?
Quotes
"The greatest issue facing the world today with all its heartbreaking needs is whether those who are identified as Christians will become disciples, students, apprentices of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the kingdom of Heavens into every corner of human existence." [02:42]
"To follow Jesus is to Apprentice under Jesus the rabbi. This means that you order your life around the exact same three goals: first off, to be with Jesus... secondly to become like Jesus... thirdly to do what he did. It's a life built around those three goals." [09:12]
"Our part in practicing the presence of God is to direct and redirect our minds constantly to him. This is the fundamental secret of caring for our souls. Our part in this practicing the presence of God is to direct and redirect our minds constantly to him." [11:29]
"Spiritual formation in the Christian tradition is a process of increasingly being possessed and permeated by the character traits of Jesus as we walk in the easy yoke of discipleship with our teacher. We're all being formed into the image of something, so the question is not are you being formed, it's who or what are you being formed into." [13:42]
"Our goal as a disciple, as an apprentice of Jesus, isn't just to know about Jesus but to actually grow and mature to the place where you and I have the capacity to join Jesus's Kingdom work in our community as it is in heaven." [18:12]
"Following Jesus isn't a hobby; it's meant to be the center of our lives. The life Jesus offers, one of love, freedom, and fullness, won't just happen by attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It requires intentional discipleship." [21:06]
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