Transformative Fellowship: The Journey of Discipleship
Summary
In the discourse by Grant Agler, the focus is on the transformative power of fellowship among believers and its essential role in spiritual growth. Agler emphasizes that God's work is still active in the modern world, though it may manifest differently than in the times of the early church. He highlights the importance of gathering with others to share and acknowledge God's work in one's life, which is crucial for believers to grow in their faith.
Agler references the early Christian community described in the Book of Acts, where believers shared everything in common, sold their possessions to meet each other's needs, and met daily to break bread and pray together. This community was characterized by a deep devotion to fellowship, which went beyond mere attendance at religious gatherings. It was an active, living partnership among those who believed in Jesus Christ.
The discussion then turns to the concept of discipleship, which Agler describes as a journey that involves understanding the fundamentals of faith, being on a mission to share the message of Christ, and being in genuine community with other believers. He stresses that this journey is personal and cannot be undertaken by someone else on one's behalf. The church's role is to support individuals on this journey by providing resources and opportunities for growth.
Agler shares a personal story from his college days, illustrating the importance of having tangible examples of faith in one's life. He recounts how a friend's integrity in a situation involving a book report taught him a valuable lesson about living a life that honors God, regardless of whether one gets caught in wrongdoing.
The message then explores the types of relationships that are vital for a healthy spiritual community. Agler identifies three key relationships: a Paul, who is a mentor and spiritual father; a Barnabas, who is a partner and encourager in faith; and a Timothy, who is a mentee to whom one can pass on wisdom and guidance. He encourages listeners to seek out these relationships within their faith communities to foster growth and accountability.
Agler concludes by discussing the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and an entry into the body of Christ. He invites the congregation to celebrate baptisms as a family, welcoming new members into the community of believers.
Finally, Agler touches on the "Rooted" discipleship series, which aims to deepen participants' commitment to fellowship and discipleship beyond regular church attendance. He underscores the importance of being part of a fellowship that extends beyond Sunday services, urging believers to engage in meaningful community and to be devoted to one another.
Key Takeaways:
- Fellowship among believers is not just about attending church services; it is about actively sharing life with others who have faith in Jesus Christ. This active, living partnership is essential for spiritual growth and was exemplified by the early Christian community. [27:11]
- Discipleship is a personal journey that involves understanding the core tenets of faith, sharing the gospel, and being part of a genuine community. The church's role is to facilitate this journey, but the individual must be proactive in their spiritual development. [20:47]
- Having tangible examples of faith in one's life is crucial. Witnessing the integrity and actions of others can teach valuable lessons and inspire one to live a life that honors God, beyond mere knowledge of what is right. [37:02]
- A healthy spiritual community includes mentorship, partnership, and the opportunity to mentor others. These relationships—represented by Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy—provide guidance, support, and the chance to invest in the growth of others. [46:06]
- Baptism is a significant step in one's faith journey, symbolizing a commitment to follow Jesus and joining the body of Christ. It is a communal event where the church family celebrates and welcomes new members into their midst. [47:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
> "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
2. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NIV)
> "Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me."
3. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NIV)
> "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the four main activities the early believers devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42?
2. How did the early Christian community in Acts 2:44-45 demonstrate their commitment to one another?
3. In 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, what does Paul mean when he says he became a "father" through the gospel?
4. According to 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, what was the result of the Thessalonians becoming imitators of Paul and the Lord?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early Christians in Acts 2:42-47 were so devoted to fellowship and sharing their possessions? How does this reflect their understanding of community? [21:52]
2. What does Paul’s instruction to "imitate me" in 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 suggest about the role of mentorship in the Christian faith? [33:03]
3. How can the example of the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 inspire modern believers to endure suffering with joy? [37:34]
4. In what ways can having a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in one's life contribute to spiritual growth and accountability? [46:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47, how can you actively participate in a fellowship that goes beyond Sunday services? What steps can you take this week to engage more deeply with your faith community? [28:59]
2. Paul urged the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Who in your life can you look to as a spiritual mentor, and how can you seek their guidance more intentionally? [33:38]
3. The Thessalonians became a model to other believers by welcoming the message with joy despite suffering. How can you find joy in your faith even during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to share this joy with others? [37:34]
4. Grant Agler mentioned the importance of having tangible examples of faith in one's life. Who has been a tangible example of faith for you, and how has their example impacted your spiritual journey? [37:02]
5. Agler discussed the significance of having a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in your life. Identify one person who could be a Paul (mentor), one who could be a Barnabas (peer), and one who could be a Timothy (mentee) for you. How can you cultivate these relationships? [46:06]
6. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and entry into the body of Christ. If you have been baptized, how did it impact your faith journey? If you haven't, what steps can you take to explore this important step in your faith? [47:46]
7. The "Rooted" discipleship series aims to deepen commitment to fellowship and discipleship. How can you commit to a similar journey of growth and community in your own church or small group? What specific actions can you take to be more involved? [30:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Active Fellowship
Fellowship among believers extends far beyond the walls of a church building or the hours of a Sunday service. It is about sharing life's journey, with all its trials and triumphs, with those who also walk in faith. This active, living partnership is exemplified by the early Christian community, which did not merely meet for worship but shared their possessions, broke bread together daily, and supported one another in prayer. Such fellowship is not a passive experience but a dynamic and transformative aspect of spiritual life that encourages growth, accountability, and mutual support. It is in these relationships that faith is often strengthened, as believers witness God's work in the lives of others and experience His presence in community. [27:11]
Acts 2:44-47 (ESV)
"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you partner with this week to share a meal or a moment of prayer, thereby deepening your fellowship and spiritual connection?
Day 2: The Personal Journey of Discipleship
Discipleship is a deeply personal journey that requires active participation and commitment. It involves not only understanding the core tenets of faith but also sharing the gospel and engaging in genuine community. While the church provides resources and opportunities for growth, it is up to each individual to take the initiative in their spiritual development. This journey is not one that can be undertaken on behalf of another; it is a path that each believer must walk, learning to apply the teachings of Christ in their own lives and sharing those lessons with others. The personal nature of discipleship ensures that faith is not a secondhand experience but a lived reality. [20:47]
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to move forward on your personal discipleship journey, perhaps by studying a particular aspect of your faith or sharing your experience with someone else?
Day 3: Integrity as a Witness to Faith
The impact of witnessing integrity and godly character in others cannot be overstated. It is through these tangible examples that faith becomes more than a concept; it becomes a way of life. Observing someone choose to honor God, even in situations where they may not face immediate consequences for wrongdoing, can leave a lasting impression and teach valuable lessons. Such integrity challenges and inspires others to live in a way that is pleasing to God, not just in public, but in every aspect of life. The call to live a life of integrity is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. [37:02]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Can you think of a situation where you might be tempted to compromise your integrity? How can you prepare yourself to choose what honors God instead?
Day 4: Cultivating Spiritual Relationships
A healthy spiritual community is marked by the presence of diverse yet complementary relationships. These relationships, akin to those between Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy, provide a framework for mentorship, partnership, and discipleship. A Paul in one's life offers wisdom and guidance, a Barnabas encourages and walks alongside, and a Timothy allows one to pass on what has been learned. Each of these relationships serves to support and challenge believers in their faith, creating a dynamic environment where growth and accountability are nurtured. The intentional pursuit of these relationships within a faith community can lead to profound spiritual development and a stronger collective witness. [46:06]
Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual relationships. Do you have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in your life? If not, how can you seek to establish these key relationships?
Day 5: The Communal Celebration of Baptism
Baptism is a significant milestone in the life of a believer, symbolizing the death to an old way of life and the birth into a new life in Christ. It is not only a personal declaration of faith but also a communal event where the church family comes together to celebrate and welcome new members into their midst. This act of obedience and public profession of faith is a powerful testimony to the work of God in an individual's life and serves as an invitation for others to join the body of Christ. The celebration of baptism is a reminder of the unity and diversity of the church, as each member brings their unique gifts and experiences to the fellowship. [47:46]
Galatians 3:27-28 (ESV)
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How does your own baptism shape your identity as a follower of Christ, and how can you celebrate and support those who are making this public declaration of faith in your community?
Quotes
1) "The automatic response of people that had been impacted by the message of Jesus was to respond by being devoted to one another." [28:59] (Download)
2) "Paul was an example to the people around him... he says follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." [33:38] (Download)
3) "We need people in our life to be a real Incarnation, a real tangible example of what it means to follow Jesus." [34:21] (Download)
4) "The purpose of Fellowship is to find something deep and meaningful... you're going to be on a journey looking for this for the rest of your life." [31:52] (Download)
5) "Baptisms are not just people saying hey I've made a decision to follow Jesus... it also represents them becoming a part of the body of Christ." [46:37] (Download)
6) "If you want to have the healthiest possible Community, you'll have somebody that's investing in you, somebody you're shouldering life with, and somebody you're investing in." [42:32] (Download)
7) "Following Jesus is not a purely intellectual thing, it's following the example of other people, it's becoming that example and then it's being an example to the people around you." [38:14] (Download)
8) "It's hard to expect God to heal us if we're clinging to what's harming us... we haven't said I am going to be a disciple, I am going to make Jesus the center point of everything I do in life." [18:32] (Download)
9) "This is why this is so important because it goes beyond Church attendance, this goes more to being devoted to one another, being devoted to the fellowship." [30:18] (Download)
10) "You need something more than just a little bit of Jesus, you need to make this the center point of your life, you need to make it the focus." [17:49] (Download)
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