Transformative Discipleship: Living in the Spirit
Summary
In the final moments of Jesus' earthly ministry, He gave His followers a profound commission: to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This command is not merely about a ritualistic act of baptism but about immersing individuals into the reality of the Triune God. The name of God signifies His essence and reality, and thus, making disciples involves guiding them into a deep, transformative relationship with the Trinity. This process is not just about external actions but about a profound internal transformation where one turns away from the flesh and aligns with the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8, emphasizes that true life and righteousness are found in living according to the Spirit. This means that our thoughts, hopes, and expectations should be centered on God's actions in our lives. Living "in terms of the Spirit" involves a conscious decision to focus our minds on spiritual realities rather than earthly concerns. Colossians 3 echoes this by urging believers to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This mindset shift is crucial for hearing God and aligning with His will.
Our role in this spiritual journey is to actively turn our minds towards God, listen attentively, and integrate the teachings of Scripture and the Holy Spirit into our lives. This involves a continuous process of learning and growing in our understanding of God's Word and His presence in the world. By doing so, we align ourselves with the kingdom's work and participate in the divine life that Jesus offers.
Key Takeaways:
1. Immersion in Trinitarian Reality: Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is about immersing individuals into the reality of the Triune God, not just a ritual. This involves a deep, transformative relationship with God. [00:41]
2. Living According to the Spirit: True life and righteousness are found in living according to the Spirit, which means focusing our thoughts and hopes on God's actions in our lives rather than earthly concerns. [01:34]
3. Mindset Shift: Setting our minds on things above, as urged in Colossians 3, is crucial for aligning with God's will. This involves a conscious decision to focus on spiritual realities. [03:45]
4. Active Listening to God: Our role is to actively turn our minds towards God, listen attentively, and integrate the teachings of Scripture and the Holy Spirit into our lives. [04:01]
5. Continuous Learning and Growth: Engaging with God's Word and the Holy Spirit is a continuous process of learning and growing in our understanding of God's presence and work in the world. [04:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - The Great Commission
[00:41] - Immersion in Trinitarian Reality
[00:56] - Order of Discipleship
[01:17] - Turning from the Flesh
[01:34] - Life in the Spirit
[01:49] - Fulfillment of Righteousness
[02:05] - Understanding Prepositions
[02:20] - Living in Terms of the Spirit
[02:37] - Mindset and Focus
[03:07] - Expectations from God
[03:29] - Kingdom Focus
[03:45] - Setting Minds on Things Above
[04:01] - Hearing God
[04:20] - Continuous Learning and Growth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
2. Romans 8:4-5 - "In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
3. Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit signify beyond the act of baptism itself? [00:41]
2. According to Romans 8, what is the relationship between living according to the Spirit and fulfilling the righteousness of the law? [01:49]
3. How does Colossians 3 describe the mindset believers should have, and what is the significance of setting our minds on things above? [03:45]
4. What role does active listening to God play in our spiritual journey, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being immersed in the "Trinitarian reality" challenge or expand the traditional understanding of baptism? [00:41]
2. In what ways does living "in terms of the Spirit" differ from living "in terms of the flesh," and how does this impact a believer's daily life? [02:20]
3. What practical steps can believers take to set their minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3, and why is this mindset shift crucial? [03:45]
4. How can continuous learning and growth in understanding God's Word and presence be integrated into a believer's life? [04:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of baptism. How does the idea of being immersed in the reality of the Triune God change your perspective on this sacrament? [00:41]
2. Identify an area in your life where you tend to focus on earthly concerns. What steps can you take to shift your focus towards God's actions and the Spirit's guidance? [01:34]
3. Consider a recent decision or situation where you relied on your natural abilities. How might living "in terms of the Spirit" have changed your approach or outcome? [02:20]
4. What specific practices can you implement to set your mind on things above, as encouraged in Colossians 3? How can this practice help you align with God's will? [03:45]
5. Think of a time when you struggled to hear God's voice. What changes can you make in your daily routine to actively listen and pay attention to God's guidance? [04:01]
6. How can you incorporate continuous learning and growth in your spiritual life? Identify one resource or practice you can start this week to deepen your understanding of God's Word. [04:20]
7. Who in your life could benefit from being guided into a deeper relationship with the Trinity? What steps can you take to disciple them in a meaningful way? [00:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Immersing in the Triune Reality
In the Great Commission, Jesus calls His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This act of baptism is not merely a ritual but an invitation to immerse oneself into the profound reality of the Triune God. It signifies entering into a deep, transformative relationship with God, where one experiences His essence and reality. This immersion is about aligning one's life with the divine nature, turning away from the flesh, and embracing a life led by the Spirit. It is a call to live in the fullness of God's presence, experiencing His love, grace, and truth in every aspect of life. [00:41]
"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally immerse yourself in the reality of the Triune God today, beyond the rituals and into a transformative relationship?
Day 2: Life in the Spirit
Living according to the Spirit is where true life and righteousness are found. This involves a conscious decision to focus one's thoughts, hopes, and expectations on God's actions rather than earthly concerns. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8, emphasizes that life in the Spirit is about setting one's mind on spiritual realities, allowing the Spirit to guide and transform one's life. This shift in focus leads to a life of peace and fulfillment, as one aligns with God's will and experiences His presence in every moment. It is a journey of turning away from the desires of the flesh and embracing the life-giving power of the Spirit. [01:34]
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:5, ESV)
Reflection: What earthly concerns are distracting you from focusing on the Spirit today, and how can you redirect your thoughts towards God's actions in your life?
Day 3: Shifting Your Mindset
Colossians 3 urges believers to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This mindset shift is crucial for aligning with God's will and living a life that reflects His kingdom. It involves a conscious decision to focus on spiritual realities, allowing them to shape one's thoughts, actions, and desires. By setting one's mind on things above, one becomes more attuned to God's voice and guidance, experiencing His peace and direction in every aspect of life. This shift in focus is essential for living a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes. [03:45]
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to shift your mindset towards things above and align with God's will?
Day 4: Attentive Listening to God
Our role in the spiritual journey is to actively turn our minds towards God, listen attentively, and integrate the teachings of Scripture and the Holy Spirit into our lives. This involves a continuous process of learning and growing in our understanding of God's Word and His presence in the world. By doing so, we align ourselves with the kingdom's work and participate in the divine life that Jesus offers. Attentive listening requires intentionality and openness to God's voice, allowing His truth to shape and transform our lives. It is a call to be still, listen, and respond to God's leading in every moment. [04:01]
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create space in your day to be still and listen attentively to God's voice, allowing His truth to guide your actions?
Day 5: Continuous Learning and Growth
Engaging with God's Word and the Holy Spirit is a continuous process of learning and growing in our understanding of God's presence and work in the world. This journey involves a commitment to study Scripture, seek God's guidance, and apply His teachings to our lives. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we become more attuned to His voice and more aligned with His purposes. This continuous learning and growth lead to a deeper relationship with God and a greater impact on the world around us. It is a call to remain open to God's leading and to pursue His truth with passion and dedication. [04:20]
"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: What specific area of your spiritual life do you feel called to grow in today, and how can you actively pursue this growth through Scripture and the Holy Spirit?
Quotes
when jesus is concluding his stay here with his people and preparing them for work he says as you go through life make disciples baptize them in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit now father son and holy spirit are all spiritual they are unbodily personal power and i hope you will believe that when he said baptize them in the name he didn't mean just get them wet while you say in the name of the father son and holy spirit the name in biblical terms always refers to the reality make disciples to jesus submerge them in trinitarian reality [00:13:36]
the disciple is one who has turned away from the flesh and has brought it into subordination to the spirit it's so important to understand that because for paul and certainly for jesus there was the realization that only by living in terms of the spirit could you have life could you have righteousness the spirit brings life here's what paul continues on there in romans 8 to say he says that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit [00:73:76]
now prepositions are among the most unruly members of the grammarian family and uh the word there is kata uh the old version translates it after you live after the flesh you live after the spirit oh thank you in terms of you live in terms of the flesh you live in terms of the spirit and what paul is saying here is that they who are living in terms of the flesh mind the things of the flesh the person who lives in terms of the natural abilities they have and those around them only thinks of those they don't think of anything else [02:05:00]
the person who lives in terms of the spirit thinks in terms of the spirit it's where they put their mind now when they put their mind there then the spirit interacts with them thinking in terms of the spirit means my expectations are from god's action in my life my hopes are there and my mind is lifted to what god is doing to what the kingdom is doing to where jesus is you remember colossians chapter 3 starts out by saying if you've been risen with christ think set your mind on things that are above where christ is seated on the right hand of god [02:37:00]
set your affections on things above and not on the earth see that's our part in hearing god is to turn our mind towards him and to listen and to pay attention now of course it's also to take in what we've already learned from the word of god from followers of christ from the holy spirit in many ways that he makes his word present in the world [03:45:00]
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