Transformative Gospel: From Consumers to Disciples

 

Summary

The gospel is the foundation upon which discipleship is built. It is essential to examine whether the gospel we preach naturally leads to the creation of disciples or merely consumers of religious services. A true gospel should ignite a passion within individuals, propelling them to live out their faith actively and dynamically. A missional church is characterized by its unstoppable growth, driven by the genuine transformation of its members. Such a church doesn't just decide to engage in missions sporadically; it is inherently mission-oriented. If a church finds itself needing to consciously decide to engage in missions, it may indicate a deeper issue that needs addressing.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gospel's Role in Discipleship: The gospel should inherently lead to the creation of disciples, not just consumers of religious services. It should inspire and transform individuals, encouraging them to live out their faith actively. This transformation is the true measure of a gospel-centered life. [00:57]

2. Missional Church Defined: A missional church is one that cannot be stopped from growing because it is driven by the genuine transformation of its members. It is not about occasional mission activities but about being inherently mission-oriented. This kind of church naturally expands as its members live out their faith. [01:41]

3. Consumer vs. Disciple: There is a critical distinction between creating consumers of religious goods and services and creating disciples. A gospel that only produces consumers may need reevaluation, as the true purpose of the gospel is to create disciples who are active in their faith. [01:19]

4. The Need for Genuine Transformation: Churches that find themselves needing to consciously decide to engage in missions may have a deeper issue that needs addressing. Genuine transformation should be at the heart of a church's mission, driving its growth and outreach efforts. [02:01]

5. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel should light people up, sending them off like rockets in their faith journey. This powerful transformation is what fuels a missional church, making it unstoppable in its growth and outreach. [01:19]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - The Crucial Question
[00:57] - Gospel and Discipleship
[01:19] - Consumers vs. Disciples
[01:41] - Defining a Missional Church
[02:01] - Addressing Deeper Issues
[02:20] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Acts 1:8 (Empowerment for Mission)
3. Romans 12:2 (Transformation through the Gospel)

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the natural outcome of preaching the true gospel? [00:57]
2. How does the sermon define a missional church, and what distinguishes it from other churches? [01:41]
3. What is the difference between creating consumers of religious services and creating disciples, as discussed in the sermon? [01:19]
4. What might indicate a deeper issue within a church that needs addressing, according to the sermon? [02:01]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the idea of a gospel that naturally produces disciples?
2. In what ways does Acts 1:8 support the concept of a missional church that is inherently mission-oriented?
3. How does Romans 12:2's call for transformation align with the sermon’s emphasis on genuine transformation within the church?
4. What might be the implications for a church if its members are more like consumers than disciples, as suggested in the sermon? [01:19]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of the gospel. Does it inspire you to live out your faith actively, or do you find yourself more as a consumer of religious services? How can you shift towards being a disciple? [00:57]
2. Consider your church's approach to missions. Is it inherently mission-oriented, or does it engage in missions sporadically? What role can you play in fostering a more mission-driven environment? [01:41]
3. Identify one area in your life where you feel the need for genuine transformation. How can the power of the gospel help you in this transformation process? [02:01]
4. Think about a time when you felt "lit up" by the gospel. What was different about that experience, and how can you seek to reignite that passion in your daily life? [01:19]
5. How can you contribute to the unstoppable growth of your church by living out your faith more dynamically? What specific actions can you take this week to be more mission-oriented?
6. Reflect on the distinction between being a consumer and a disciple. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are contributing to the church's mission rather than just receiving from it? [01:19]
7. How can you encourage others in your church community to embrace the transformative power of the gospel and become active disciples? What conversations or actions can you initiate this week?

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel as a Catalyst for Transformation
The gospel is not merely a message to be heard but a transformative power that should lead to the creation of disciples. It is essential to evaluate whether the gospel being preached is inspiring individuals to live out their faith actively or if it is simply creating consumers of religious services. A true gospel ignites a passion within individuals, propelling them to engage with their faith dynamically. This transformation is the true measure of a gospel-centered life, as it encourages believers to embody the teachings of Christ in their daily lives. [00:57]

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the gospel to transform your daily actions and interactions with others today?


Day 2: The Unstoppable Growth of a Missional Church
A missional church is characterized by its inherent mission-oriented nature, driven by the genuine transformation of its members. Such a church does not engage in missions sporadically but is naturally inclined towards outreach and growth. This unstoppable growth is a result of the members living out their faith authentically, which in turn attracts others to the church. If a church finds itself needing to consciously decide to engage in missions, it may indicate a deeper issue that needs addressing. [01:41]

"And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47 ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the mission-oriented nature of your church through your personal faith journey today?


Day 3: Distinguishing Between Consumers and Disciples
There is a critical distinction between creating consumers of religious goods and services and creating disciples. A gospel that only produces consumers may need reevaluation, as the true purpose of the gospel is to create disciples who are active in their faith. Disciples are those who are committed to following Christ and living out His teachings, rather than merely attending church services or participating in religious activities. This distinction is vital for the health and growth of the church. [01:19]

"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." (Matthew 28:19 ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to move from being a consumer to a disciple in your faith journey?


Day 4: Addressing Deeper Issues in Church Missions
Churches that find themselves needing to consciously decide to engage in missions may have a deeper issue that needs addressing. Genuine transformation should be at the heart of a church's mission, driving its growth and outreach efforts. When a church is truly transformed by the gospel, its members naturally engage in missions as an expression of their faith. It is important for churches to evaluate their mission strategies and ensure that they are rooted in genuine transformation. [02:01]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Reflection: What deeper issues might be hindering your church's mission efforts, and how can you be part of the solution today?


Day 5: The Power of the Gospel to Ignite Faith
The gospel should light people up, sending them off like rockets in their faith journey. This powerful transformation is what fuels a missional church, making it unstoppable in its growth and outreach. The gospel is not just a message to be heard but a force that compels individuals to live out their faith with passion and conviction. This transformation is the true measure of a gospel-centered life, as it encourages believers to embody the teachings of Christ in their daily lives. [01:19]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16 ESV)

Reflection: How can you allow the power of the gospel to ignite your faith and propel you into action today?

Quotes


"Well the gospel isn't up here, but if you will look this is what comes out of the gospel if you decide to make disciples you're going to need to have a gospel on the basis of which disciples are made. Their major question for all of us as we think about what we hear and what we do is does the gospel I preached have a natural tendency to produce disciples?" [00:25:39]

"Does the gospel I preach have a natural tendency to produce disciples or only consumers of religious goods and services and then you as ministers you supply those goods and services or does it actually light people up so they go off like a rocket?" [00:76:72]

"My definition of a missional Church is one that you can't stop from growing. That's a missional Church. It's not one that sort of one day wakes ups and shakes itself and says hmm we should have some missions now." [00:98:49]

"Some churches need to do that I concede that and it's not an altogether bad point to make but probably if they were not already on a mission there's something deeper that needs to be dealt with." [00:116:89]

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Transcript
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