Transforming Lives Through Discipleship and Internal Change
Summary
In our time together, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when we align our lives with the teachings of Jesus and the vision of the Great Commission. True change begins from within, requiring us to desire different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors than those we currently possess. This internal transformation is essential for personal growth and for the flourishing of our church communities. We must train ourselves to act differently, even in simple acts like praying for someone immediately rather than promising to do it later. This shift in behavior reflects a deeper change in our spiritual habits and readiness.
As we gather as a church, it's crucial to recognize that our practices should not merely reflect societal norms but should be rooted in the wisdom of the early church as seen in the book of Acts. Our gatherings should foster spiritual competence, enabling us to live out the gospel, help others, and endure suffering with joy. The church's role is to equip its members to grow into the fullness of Christ, not just in numbers but in spiritual maturity. This growth is characterized by unity, love, and the exercise of spiritual gifts, which are manifestations of Kingdom power rather than human ingenuity.
The New Testament provides principles for church life but is silent on many structural details, suggesting that these are not the focus. Instead, our attention should be on living out the principles of the Great Commission, making disciples, and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This requires a shift from consumer Christianity to a discipleship model, where the church's vision, intention, and means are aligned with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness.
Key Takeaways:
- Internal Transformation: True change begins with a desire to alter our inner thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This transformation is essential for personal growth and for the church to function as a community that reflects Christ's love and unity. [00:44]
- Equipping the Saints: The church's role is to equip its members to grow into spiritual maturity, characterized by unity, love, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This growth is not about increasing numbers but about developing deeper, more mature Christians. [11:13]
- Principles Over Structure: The New Testament emphasizes principles for church life rather than specific structures. Our focus should be on living out the Great Commission, making disciples, and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. [25:40]
- Discipleship Model: Shifting from a consumer Christianity model to a discipleship model requires aligning the church's vision, intention, and means with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. This may involve significant changes and challenges. [39:25]
- Living the Gospel: Our gospel message should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. We must examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. [50:48]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - The Need for Internal Change
[01:46] - Changing Prayer Habits
[03:14] - Church Gatherings and Practices
[05:28] - Spiritual Competence and Growth
[07:21] - Unity and Love in the Church
[09:33] - Gifts and Kingdom Power
[11:13] - Equipping the Saints
[14:36] - Natural Church Growth
[18:23] - Mortifying the Old Self
[22:05] - Living as Kingdom People
[25:40] - Principles Over Structure
[28:23] - Making Disciples
[32:34] - Vision, Intention, and Means
[39:25] - Shifting to a Discipleship Model
[50:48] - Living the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:1-16
2. John 13:34-35
3. Matthew 5:33-37
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4, what are the characteristics of a community that walks in a manner worthy of their calling? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on spiritual competence and growth? [07:21]
2. In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a new commandment. How does this commandment relate to the sermon’s discussion on unity and love within the church? [08:56]
3. What does Matthew 5:33-37 say about the use of language and truthfulness? How does this connect to the sermon’s point about letting our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no"? [11:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual gifts in the church, and how does this align with Ephesians 4:11-13? [09:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of internal transformation in the sermon relate to the idea of laying aside the old self in Ephesians 4:22-24? What might this transformation look like in a believer’s life? [15:10]
2. The sermon suggests a shift from consumer Christianity to a discipleship model. How does this shift align with the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28:19-20? [39:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church should focus on principles over structure? How does this reflect the teachings in Ephesians 4 about the unity and maturity of the body of Christ? [25:40]
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on living the gospel relate to the command in John 13:34-35 to love one another? What practical steps can be taken to embody this love? [50:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual habits. What is one specific area where you desire internal transformation, and what steps can you take to begin this change? [00:44]
2. Consider the role of spiritual gifts in your life. How can you use your gifts to contribute to the unity and growth of your church community? [09:51]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of immediate prayer. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily interactions with others? [01:46]
4. Think about the structure of your church gatherings. Are there any practices that reflect societal norms rather than biblical principles? How might you suggest changes that align more closely with the teachings of the early church? [03:14]
5. How can you shift your mindset from a consumer Christianity model to a discipleship model in your personal faith journey? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [39:25]
6. Reflect on your use of language. Are there areas where you struggle to let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no"? What practical steps can you take to improve in this area? [11:40]
7. Identify one person in your life who you can disciple or mentor. What steps will you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation or activity? [28:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Internal Transformation Begins with Desire
True change in a believer's life starts with a deep desire to transform one's inner thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This transformation is not merely about external actions but involves a profound internal shift that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. It is essential for personal growth and for the church to function as a community that reflects Christ's love and unity. This internal change requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of old patterns and embrace new, Christ-centered ways of thinking and acting. As individuals undergo this transformation, they contribute to the flourishing of their church communities, creating an environment where love and unity thrive. [00:44]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What specific thought pattern or behavior do you feel God is calling you to change today? How can you begin to align this area of your life with Christ's teachings?
Day 2: Equipping the Saints for Spiritual Maturity
The church's role is to equip its members to grow into spiritual maturity, characterized by unity, love, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This growth is not about increasing numbers but about developing deeper, more mature Christians who can live out the gospel in their daily lives. Spiritual maturity involves understanding and using one's spiritual gifts to serve others and build up the church community. It also means enduring suffering with joy and maintaining unity and love within the church. As believers grow in maturity, they become more effective in their witness and more capable of helping others in their spiritual journeys. [11:13]
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you feel God has given you, and how can you use it to serve your church community this week?
Day 3: Principles Over Structure in Church Life
The New Testament emphasizes principles for church life rather than specific structures, suggesting that our focus should be on living out the Great Commission. This involves making disciples and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands, rather than adhering to rigid organizational structures. The early church, as seen in the book of Acts, provides a model of a community that was flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading. By prioritizing principles over structure, churches can remain adaptable and effective in fulfilling their mission in a changing world. This approach encourages creativity and innovation in how churches engage with their communities and make disciples. [25:40]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to your church's mission of making disciples in a way that aligns with the principles of the Great Commission?
Day 4: Shifting to a Discipleship Model
Shifting from a consumer Christianity model to a discipleship model requires aligning the church's vision, intention, and means with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. This shift may involve significant changes and challenges, as it calls for a move away from a focus on personal preferences and towards a commitment to spiritual growth and discipleship. A discipleship model emphasizes the importance of intentional relationships, accountability, and a shared commitment to following Jesus. It requires a willingness to invest time and energy into helping others grow in their faith and to be open to being discipled by others. [39:25]
"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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to become more involved in a discipleship relationship, either as a mentor or a mentee, in your church community?
Day 5: Living the Gospel Through Discipleship
Our gospel message should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. It is important to examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. Living the gospel means embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives and inviting others to do the same. It involves a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and a willingness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. As we live out the gospel, we become witnesses to the transformative power of Christ and invite others to experience the same transformation. [50:48]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally live out the gospel in your daily interactions with others, and who can you invite to join you in this journey of discipleship?
Quotes
True change begins from within, requiring us to desire different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors than those we currently possess. This internal transformation is essential for personal growth and for the flourishing of our church communities. We must train ourselves to act differently, even in simple acts like praying for someone immediately rather than promising to do it later. [00:00:44]
The church's role is to equip its members to grow into spiritual maturity, characterized by unity, love, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This growth is not about increasing numbers but about developing deeper, more mature Christians. The New Testament provides principles for church life but is silent on many structural details, suggesting that these are not the focus. [00:11:13]
The New Testament emphasizes principles for church life rather than specific structures. Our focus should be on living out the Great Commission, making disciples, and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This requires a shift from consumer Christianity to a discipleship model, where the church's vision, intention, and means are aligned with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. [00:25:40]
Shifting from a consumer Christianity model to a discipleship model requires aligning the church's vision, intention, and means with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. This may involve significant changes and challenges. Living the gospel should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. We must examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. [00:39:25]
Our gospel message should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. We must examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. The primary field of evangelism in our day is the American Church. That's where the gospel needs to be heard, but it is a gospel of discipleship and of Kingdom living. [00:50:48]
The church has to be located in a different way that doesn't mean we won't meet beacons that we still will meet people will still meet the group's will mean there'll be larger and smaller groups and so on but we have to think in a different way about what we do as we carry out the commission of Jesus. [00:32:34]
The vision will then determine what our intention is and then the intention will relate to the means so to pull those things together now and and and relate them all in one lump to our concerns about our group meetings and we don't need to think of the group meetings in terms of very large we don't have to do that. [00:39:25]
The primary field of evangelism in our day is the American Church. That's where the gospel needs to be heard, but it is a gospel of discipleship and of Kingdom living because we have this large array of non-discipleship Christianity. Those who are identified as Christians but are not disciples need to be evangelized. [00:50:48]
The church's role is to equip its members to grow into spiritual maturity, characterized by unity, love, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This growth is not about increasing numbers but about developing deeper, more mature Christians. The New Testament provides principles for church life but is silent on many structural details, suggesting that these are not the focus. [00:11:13]
The New Testament emphasizes principles for church life rather than specific structures. Our focus should be on living out the Great Commission, making disciples, and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This requires a shift from consumer Christianity to a discipleship model, where the church's vision, intention, and means are aligned with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. [00:25:40]
Shifting from a consumer Christianity model to a discipleship model requires aligning the church's vision, intention, and means with the mission of transforming individuals into Christlikeness. This may involve significant changes and challenges. Living the gospel should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. We must examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. [00:39:25]
Our gospel message should naturally lead to discipleship and transformation. We must examine our teachings to ensure they invite people into a life of following Jesus, characterized by continual growth and learning. The primary field of evangelism in our day is the American Church. That's where the gospel needs to be heard, but it is a gospel of discipleship and of Kingdom living. [00:50:48]
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