Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Discipleship

Discipleship is a journey of transformation, not just a one-time event. It involves teaching, admonishing, and growing in wisdom to present everyone fully mature in Christ. This journey is about being transformed into the fullness of Christ, moving from spiritual babes to mature believers. The process of discipleship is continuous and requires a deep relationship with Jesus, much like the bond between a rabbi and his disciples, but even more intimate, like a family relationship. This transformation is not just about knowledge but about becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our lives. [01:09:07]

Colossians 1:28 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel needs transformation to become more like Christ? How can you take a step today to grow in that area?

Day 2: Unique Vessels for God's Purpose

God uses our unique personalities and backgrounds to fill us with His Spirit, making us vessels for His purpose. Just as different mugs can hold hot water, we are all different but filled with the same Spirit, called to serve His glorious purpose. Each of us has a unique role to play in God's kingdom, and our differences are not a hindrance but a strength. Embracing our uniqueness allows us to serve God in ways that are authentic and impactful. [01:11:04]

2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and background to serve God's purpose today? What specific action can you take to be a vessel for His glory?

Day 3: Relational Aspect of Discipleship

Discipleship is deeply relational, akin to a family relationship. Paul often referred to his disciples as his children, emphasizing the nurturing and loving aspects of discipleship. This relational aspect is crucial for our growth and maturity in Christ. Building intentional relationships within the church community helps us to grow together, support one another, and become fully mature in Christ. Discipleship is not just about instruction but about walking alongside each other in love and accountability. [01:14:16]

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV): "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 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: Who in your church community can you build a deeper, more intentional relationship with? How can you show them the love and support that reflects Christ's love?

Day 4: Role of the Holy Spirit and the Word

The Holy Spirit breathes life into the Scriptures, making them more than just words on a page. The Word of God, both logos and rhema, is essential for our growth. The Spirit and the Word work together to transform us and build us up in Christ. Engaging with the Word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit allows us to understand and apply God's truths in our lives, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. [01:21:13]

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and understanding of the Bible today? What specific passage will you meditate on and seek the Spirit's insight?

Day 5: Community and Evangelism

Being part of a church family is essential for our growth; we cannot grow in isolation. Discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand. Our lives, words, and deeds serve as a public witness to our faith. The Great Commission is a command to be obeyed, and as we grow, we prepare for the harvest that God is bringing into His kingdom. Engaging in community and sharing the gospel are integral parts of our discipleship journey, helping us to grow and bear fruit for God's kingdom. [01:23:14]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week? What is one way you can share the gospel with someone in your life today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church! Today, we continue our series on discipleship, focusing on the Great Commission and Paul's teachings in Colossians 1:28. Discipleship is about more than just securing a place in heaven; it’s about being transformed into the fullness of Christ. This journey involves teaching, admonishing, and growing in wisdom so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

Paul's analogy of different mugs filled with hot water illustrates how God uses our unique personalities and backgrounds to fill us with His Spirit, making us vessels for His purpose. Discipleship is a continuous journey of transformation, not just a one-time event. It involves a deep relationship with Jesus, akin to the bond between a rabbi and his disciples, but even more intimate, like a family relationship. Paul often referred to his disciples as his children, emphasizing the nurturing and loving aspects of discipleship.

In the church, we need both the father’s and mother’s voices to guide us. Discipleship is about building intentional relationships, being part of a community, and growing together. Paul’s relationship with his disciples was not just instructional but deeply relational, akin to parenting. This relational aspect is crucial for our growth and maturity in Christ.

The journey of discipleship also involves the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the five-fold ministry, and being part of a church family. The Holy Spirit breathes life into the Scriptures, making them more than just words on a page. The five-fold ministry equips us for works of service, helping us to mature and attain the fullness of Christ. Being part of a church family is essential; we cannot grow in isolation.

Discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand. We are called to make disciples and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Our lives, words, and deeds serve as a public witness to our faith. The Great Commission is not an option but a command to be obeyed. As we grow in our discipleship journey, we prepare for the harvest that God is bringing into His kingdom.

###

Key Takeaways

1. time event. It involves teaching, admonishing, and growing in wisdom to present everyone fully mature in Christ. This journey is about being transformed into the fullness of Christ, moving from spiritual babes to mature believers. [01:09:07]
2. Unique Vessels for God's Purpose: God uses our unique personalities and backgrounds to fill us with His Spirit, making us vessels for His purpose. Just as different mugs can hold hot water, we are all different but filled with the same Spirit, called to serve His glorious purpose.

3. Relational Aspect of Discipleship: Discipleship is deeply relational, akin to a family relationship. Paul often referred to his disciples as his children, emphasizing the nurturing and loving aspects of discipleship. This relational aspect is crucial for our growth and maturity in Christ.

4. Role of the Holy Spirit and the Word: The Holy Spirit breathes life into the Scriptures, making them more than just words on a page. The Word of God, both logos and rhema, is essential for our growth. The Spirit and the Word work together to transform us and build us up in Christ.

5. Community and Evangelism: Being part of a church family is essential for our growth; we cannot grow in isolation. Discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand. Our lives, words, and deeds serve as a public witness to our faith. The Great Commission is a command to be obeyed, and as we grow, we prepare for the harvest that God is bringing into His kingdom.

### [69:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[68:10] - Introduction to Discipleship
[69:07] - Goal of Discipleship
[69:54] - Transformation into Fullness of Christ
[70:36] - Unique Vessels for God's Purpose
[71:04] - God Fills Us for His Purpose
[71:35] - Journey of Following Christ
[72:02] - Discipleship in Jesus' Time
[72:35] - Jesus' Unique Teaching
[73:02] - Life of the Kingdom
[73:28] - Personal Testimony
[74:16] - Relational Aspect of Discipleship
[75:11] - Discipleship Compared to Parenting
[77:00] - Bonding with Jesus and One Another
[78:17] - Iron Sharpens Iron
[79:10] - Building Intentional Relationships
[80:31] - Role of the Holy Spirit and the Word
[81:13] - Spirit and Word in Discipleship
[81:58] - Five-Fold Ministry
[83:14] - Importance of Church Family
[85:11] - Preparing for the Harvest
[87:00] - Unity and Maturity in Christ
[88:19] - Love One Another
[89:04] - Growing and Being Fruitful
[90:09] - Discipleship and Evangelism
[92:12] - Peter's Journey with Jesus
[93:17] - Discipleship in Everyday Life
[94:50] - Public Witness of Faith
[96:30] - The Great Commission
[97:32] - Be Prepared to Witness
[98:53] - Preaching the Gospel
[99:16] - Bearing Fruit for God's Kingdom
[100:18] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[101:54] - Surrender to Jesus
[102:45] - Prayer for New Believers
[104:04] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 1:28, what are the three key activities involved in discipleship? How do these activities contribute to presenting everyone fully mature in Christ?
In the sermon, what analogy does the pastor use to describe how God uses our unique personalities and backgrounds for His purpose? ([01:10:36])
How does Paul describe his relationship with Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1, and what does this imply about the nature of discipleship?
What roles are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-16, and what is their purpose in the context of discipleship and maturity in Christ?

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be "fully mature in Christ" as described in Colossians 1:28? How does this maturity manifest in a believer's life? ([01:09:07])
How does the analogy of different mugs filled with hot water help us understand the concept of being unique vessels for God's purpose? ([01:11:04])
Why is the relational aspect of discipleship, as emphasized by Paul referring to his disciples as his children, crucial for spiritual growth? ([01:14:16])
How do the Holy Spirit and the Word of God work together to transform and build us up in Christ, according to the sermon? ([01:21:13])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own discipleship journey. In what ways have you experienced transformation, and what areas do you feel need more growth to become fully mature in Christ? ([01:09:07])
Think about your unique personality and background. How can you use these aspects of yourself to serve God's purpose in your community or church? ([01:11:04])
How can you build more intentional and nurturing relationships within your church community, similar to how Paul related to his disciples as his children? ([01:14:16])
In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into your reading of the Scriptures, making them more than just words on a page? ([01:21:13])
How can you actively participate in your church family to ensure you are not growing in isolation? What steps can you take to be more involved in community activities or small groups? ([01:23:14])
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples and share the good news. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([01:36:30])
Reflect on a recent experience where you felt the need for both the father's and mother's voices in your spiritual journey. How can you seek out and balance these influences in your discipleship? ([01:15:39])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are followers of Jesus. We are called to follow him in this kingdom. We are called to follow him into the fullness that God has for each and every one of us. Isn't that beautiful? That's the new life that he wants to give us. That's the new journey he has set before us." [01:13:02] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So discipleship is a journey. Discipleship has to do with transformation. Discipleship has to do with admonishing and teaching and us growing in this journey of following Christ to the life that is full before us. And I would say this is the abandoned life." [01:11:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So following Jesus is a journey. Following Jesus involves a relationship with him and the people and with one another. So Paul is committed to building intentional relationship with his disciples, admonishing and being a model to them." [01:19:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So growing up to mature sons of the kingdom of God, while we are growing, we are called to be fruitful. Be fruitful. Seen trees growing from season to season and at a certain stage they begin to bear fruit. And the trees will be pruned and then the next season they might bear fruits again and it will be on the increase." [01:28:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So discipleship may begin even before a person makes a commitment to say Jesus as Lord because they are receiving life that's flowing out of you. In 2 Corinthians 3 verse 2 to 3, Paul writes to the Ephesian Corinthians church, 'You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men. Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but the spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on the tablets of flesh that is of the heart.'" [01:34:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The purpose of that proclaiming, admonishing and teaching is to eventually present everyone fully mature in Christ. That is the goal of discipleship. That from spiritual babes, from drinking milk, we go to solid food and eventually we are fully matured in Christ." [01:09:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We are not just coming to get an address in heaven, but it is about being transformed into the fullness of the Son. And God has called us for that purpose. But yet He has wired us differently, with different personality, growing up different cultures. Even for the nation of Israel, they come from different tribes with different strength, different abilities." [01:10:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So the purpose of God's having discipleship is one, is to, for the fullness of Christ, the maturity, but also to prepare us, to equip us for the work, the ministry that is coming. Because he wants to bring in the harvest and we are the network of disciples, network of people. The net must be ready before the fish can be brought in." [01:25:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So discipleship is not about a formal class attendance, although in this modern age we have such sessions for teaching and encouragement, but it's also doing life together. So the apostle Paul, when he actually brought his disciples in a journey, he will even speak and teach them and he will also release them to do the ministry." [01:34:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So discipleship begins at our workplace with the, what I would say, pre-believers. They are not in the kingdom, but the life that you have, the words that you use, is rubbing upon their lives through the bond of friendship and relationship. The language that you speak is going to bless your schoolmates, college mates, your colleagues, your relatives." [01:33:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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