Understanding Evangelism and Discipleship in Christ
Summary
In our journey as followers of Christ, we often encounter the intertwined paths of evangelism and discipleship. Evangelism is the act of preaching the gospel to those who do not know Christ, bringing them the message of salvation. Once someone becomes a disciple of Christ, discipleship begins, which involves teaching and nurturing them to grow into the image of Christ. Discipleship is broader than many perceive, encompassing every aspect of life, from doctrinal teachings to practical life applications, such as being a Christian husband or friend.
A common mistake in evangelism is a superficial understanding of the gospel. Many fail to preach about sin, the wrath of God, and the necessity of repentance. There's often a lack of clarity about the distinction between forgiveness and righteousness in justification by faith. Churches may present the gospel but hesitate to call people to a decision for Christ, fearing they might resemble figures like Charles Finney. This results in a lack of urgency and clarity in evangelism, leading to congregations filled with people who may not truly understand or have embraced the gospel.
In discipleship, there's a misconception that it only occurs in small groups or specific settings. True discipleship happens primarily through the preaching of the Word in gathered worship. Preaching is not merely a lecture; it is the exposition and application of God's Word, calling for a response. It challenges believers to grow in grace and knowledge, conforming to the image of Christ. Preaching should address the whole person, reaching into the soul and prompting genuine transformation.
The lordship of Christ is often underemphasized in modern evangelism. True saving faith involves submission to Christ's authority. Many people claim to have accepted Christ as Savior but not as Lord, which is a misunderstanding of genuine faith. A full presentation of the gospel includes the necessity of repentance and submission to Christ's lordship. Without this, churches risk having members who are not truly converted.
Finally, for those who feel guilty about not sharing their faith enough, the answer is repentance. A life of repentance is a hallmark of true belief, as Martin Luther emphasized. It's not a one-time act but a continual process of aligning our lives with God's holiness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Evangelism vs. Discipleship: Evangelism is about bringing the gospel to those who don't know Christ, while discipleship involves nurturing believers to grow into Christ's image. Discipleship is broader than often perceived, affecting every aspect of life. [00:25]
2. Superficial Gospel Understanding: Many Christians have a shallow understanding of the gospel, lacking emphasis on sin, repentance, and the full scope of Christ's work. This leads to ineffective evangelism and a lack of true conversions. [04:20]
3. True Discipleship Through Preaching: Discipleship primarily occurs through the preaching of the Word, which is more than a lecture. It involves the exposition and application of Scripture, calling believers to respond and grow in Christ. [11:16]
4. The Lordship of Christ: Genuine saving faith involves recognizing and submitting to Christ's lordship. Many misunderstand this, thinking they can accept Christ as Savior without acknowledging His authority. [17:04]
5. Repentance as a Lifestyle: Feeling guilty about not sharing faith should lead to repentance. A life of repentance is evidence of true belief, as it continually aligns us with God's holiness. [28:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Evangelism vs. Discipleship
- [01:14] - Broader View of Discipleship
- [01:56] - Discipleship in Everyday Life
- [03:24] - Common Mistakes in Evangelism
- [04:20] - Superficial Gospel Understanding
- [05:13] - The Need for Repentance
- [06:12] - Preaching vs. Lecturing
- [07:14] - True Discipleship Through Preaching
- [08:56] - The Role of Repentance in Evangelism
- [09:54] - Legalism in Discipleship
- [11:16] - Preaching as Discipleship
- [14:06] - The Call for a Verdict in Preaching
- [17:04] - The Lordship of Christ
- [18:55] - Assurance and False Assurance
- [28:32] - Repentance as a Lifestyle
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Luke 6:46 (Lordship of Christ)
3. 1 John 1:9 (Repentance and Forgiveness)
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the difference between evangelism and discipleship as described in the sermon? [00:25]
2. According to the sermon, what are some common mistakes made in evangelism? [03:24]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of preaching in discipleship? [11:16]
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of recognizing Christ's lordship in genuine faith? [17:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that a superficial understanding of the gospel affects evangelism and discipleship? [04:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon propose that true discipleship extends beyond small group settings? [09:54]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between repentance and a lifestyle of faith? [28:32]
4. What implications does the sermon draw from the lack of emphasis on Christ's lordship in modern evangelism? [17:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the gospel. Are there aspects of sin, repentance, or Christ's work that you need to explore more deeply? How can you do this in the coming weeks? [04:20]
2. Consider your approach to discipleship. How can you incorporate the principles of discipleship into your daily life, beyond just attending small groups? [09:54]
3. Think about your personal evangelism efforts. How can you ensure that you are presenting a full and clear gospel message to others? [03:24]
4. Evaluate your recognition of Christ's lordship in your life. Are there areas where you struggle to submit to His authority? What steps can you take to address this? [17:04]
5. If you feel guilty about not sharing your faith enough, what practical steps can you take to overcome this guilt and become more active in evangelism? [28:32]
6. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of repentance in your daily walk with Christ? What specific actions can you take to align your life more closely with God's holiness? [28:32]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not fully understand the gospel. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith this week? [24:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Evangelism and Discipleship: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Evangelism and discipleship are two essential components of the Christian journey, each playing a distinct yet interconnected role. Evangelism involves sharing the gospel with those who have not yet encountered Christ, offering them the message of salvation. Once someone accepts this message, discipleship begins, guiding them to grow in their faith and become more like Christ. Discipleship is not limited to formal settings or small groups; it encompasses all aspects of life, including how one lives as a Christian in various roles, such as a spouse or friend. Understanding the breadth of discipleship helps believers integrate their faith into every part of their lives, ensuring that their spiritual growth is holistic and transformative. [00:25]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Consider how you can integrate your faith into a specific area of your daily life, such as your work or family relationships. What practical steps can you take today to live out your discipleship in this area?
Day 2: The Depth of the Gospel Message
A superficial understanding of the gospel can hinder effective evangelism and lead to a lack of true conversions. Many Christians may not fully grasp the gravity of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the comprehensive work of Christ. This shallow comprehension can result in a presentation of the gospel that lacks urgency and clarity, leaving individuals without a true understanding of their need for salvation. It is crucial for believers to delve deeper into the gospel, recognizing the importance of addressing sin and the need for repentance, to ensure that their evangelistic efforts are grounded in truth and lead to genuine conversions. [04:20]
Hebrews 6:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the gospel. Are there aspects of sin, repentance, or Christ's work that you need to explore more deeply? How can you seek a fuller understanding of these elements this week?
Day 3: Preaching as a Catalyst for Discipleship
True discipleship is often misunderstood as something that only happens in small groups or specific settings. However, it primarily occurs through the preaching of the Word during gathered worship. Preaching is not just a lecture; it is the exposition and application of Scripture that calls believers to respond and grow in their faith. It challenges individuals to conform to the image of Christ, addressing the whole person and prompting genuine transformation. By engaging with preaching as a form of discipleship, believers can experience spiritual growth that is both deep and wide, impacting every area of their lives. [11:16]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: How can you approach the preaching you hear with a mindset of discipleship? What steps can you take to actively apply the messages you receive in your daily life?
Day 4: Embracing the Lordship of Christ
A common misunderstanding in modern evangelism is the separation of accepting Christ as Savior from acknowledging Him as Lord. Genuine saving faith involves submission to Christ's authority, recognizing His lordship over every aspect of life. Without this understanding, individuals may claim to follow Christ without truly being converted. A full presentation of the gospel includes the necessity of repentance and submission to Christ's lordship, ensuring that believers are not only saved but also transformed by His authority. Embracing the lordship of Christ is essential for a faith that is both authentic and transformative. [17:04]
Luke 6:46 (ESV): "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you struggle to submit to Christ's lordship? What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to His authority today?
Day 5: Repentance as a Continuous Journey
Feeling guilty about not sharing one's faith enough should lead to repentance, a hallmark of true belief. Repentance is not a one-time act but a continual process of aligning one's life with God's holiness. As Martin Luther emphasized, a life of repentance is evidence of genuine faith, as it involves a constant turning away from sin and toward God. By embracing repentance as a lifestyle, believers can experience ongoing spiritual growth and transformation, continually drawing closer to God's holiness and purpose for their lives. [28:32]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need to practice repentance. How can you make repentance a regular part of your spiritual journey, and what steps can you take today to begin this process?
Quotes
Well, you preach the gospel to people who do not know Christ. So, you're bringing the message of salvation to them, and that would be evangelism. Once they become a disciple of Christ, then they need to be developed. They need to be taught so that they can grow into the image of Christ. [00:25:28]
I think in evangelism, there is a lack of understanding of what the gospel is. There is a lack of preaching on sin, a lack of, really, the wrath of God and the condemnation of God upon sin to drive people to Christ, a lack of preaching the law to drive people to Christ. [00:03:26]
I think there's a lack of distinction between forgiveness and righteousness that is given in justification by faith. I just think that there is a very superficial, shallow understanding of just basic component parts of the gospel. I think that there is a lack of calling people to repent and commanding people to repent. [00:04:30]
I think we address too many felt needs in presenting the gospel. Your real need is probably, you're not even feeling it. It's, it's, it's, we've, we've got you to, God needs to bring you to the place where you actually feel your real need. I mean, you are aware of your superficial felt need. [00:08:29]
Discipleship takes place first and foremost in Lord's Day gathered worship week in and week out from the pulpit. What we do as shepherds of God's people is disciple God's people through the preaching of the Word of God. [00:10:50]
Preaching is not a large group Bible study; it is the application and the exposition of the Word of God and the whole counsel of God on any given passage in all of Scripture. [00:13:10]
I think one of the weaknesses is, see, is, is the lack of the word "repent." When you look at the life of John the Baptist, or Christ, or Peter at the beginning, that Word was there, "Repent." There is more of an invitation, "Open your heart to Christ. Invite Christ into your heart." [00:14:30]
As far as deficiencies in modern day evangelism is a lack of stressing the lordship of Christ, and there's too much non-lordship preaching, and saving faith, genuine saving faith. here is a faith that does not save, and there is a faith that does save. [00:16:31]
In true saving faith, there is submission under the ruling authority of Christ that happens at the moment of conversion. You come under the yoke of Christ, and it, it, there are testimonies of people that I hear. I used to hear it more. [00:17:12]
I would say nineteen out of twenty were church members who thought they were converted until they at last finally heard the true gospel and heard clarification of what repentance and faith is and the necessity of it, and what is the necessary evidence of true conversion. [00:18:36]
The greater problem in the church is false assurance, that people who think they know the Lord, actually don't. Because we as human beings actually are prone to think good of ourselves, well of ourselves, that we're good, God's good. "He's a loving God, I'm a good guy. Why wouldn't he like me? Why wouldn't he love me?" [00:22:38]
Repent. Yeah, repent. Ask for forgiveness. And "He's faithful and true to forgive us if we confess our sins." I think every time, it happens in my life, every time I could see something that is not in line with the holiness of God, that's where I begin. I repent. [00:28:32]
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