Urgent Discipleship: Responding Joyfully to God's Call
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound call to discipleship and the transformative power of truly trembling at God's word. Reflecting on Isaiah 66:2, we considered what it means to be humble and contrite in spirit, to genuinely tremble at God's word, and to act upon it without hesitation. This is not about accumulating knowledge or being moved emotionally; it's about immediate obedience and action. The challenge is not the lack of sermons or teachings but the heart's readiness to respond to God's voice with urgency and commitment.
We examined the story of Zacchaeus as a powerful example of repentance and joy in giving up everything for the sake of Christ. Unlike the rich young ruler who walked away sad, Zacchaeus responded with joy and generosity, demonstrating the true essence of salvation and discipleship. This attitude of joyfully surrendering to God's will is what honors Him and should be our response to His call.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 was highlighted as a clear directive from Jesus, who, after His resurrection, declared His authority over heaven and earth. This command to make disciples of all nations is not just about forming small groups but reaching the unreached with the gospel. It's a call to boldness, to step out of our comfort zones, and to engage with those who have not yet heard the good news.
We also discussed the importance of living a life that exemplifies discipleship, where our actions align with our teachings. It's about inviting others into our lives, sharing not just the word but our very lives, as Paul did. This requires a willingness to sacrifice privacy and comfort for the sake of others, demonstrating the gospel through our daily interactions.
Finally, we were challenged to consider how we might need to restructure our lives to prioritize discipleship. This involves making concrete changes, both individually and collectively, to ensure that making disciples is central to our mission. As we go forth, we are reminded of Jesus' promise to be with us always, empowering us to fulfill His command.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trembling at God's Word: True trembling at God's word involves immediate obedience and action, not just emotional conviction or intellectual understanding. It's about hearing God's voice and responding without delay, embodying a heart posture that prioritizes His commands above all else. [02:55]
2. Joyful Surrender: The story of Zacchaeus illustrates the joy and freedom found in surrendering to Christ. Unlike the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus responded with generosity and joy, showing that true discipleship involves a willing and joyful surrender of our possessions and priorities for the sake of Christ. [08:54]
3. The Great Commission: Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is a call to reach the unreached with the gospel. It's a directive that requires boldness and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, engaging with those who have not yet heard the good news. [16:09]
4. Living Discipleship: Discipleship is about sharing our lives with others, not just imparting knowledge. It involves inviting others into our daily lives, demonstrating the gospel through our actions, and being willing to sacrifice privacy and comfort for the sake of others. [42:14]
5. Restructuring for Discipleship: To prioritize discipleship, we must be willing to make concrete changes in our lives and communities. This involves evaluating our current structures and activities to ensure that making disciples is central to our mission, resisting distractions that pull us away from this primary calling. [45:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction and Reflection
- [01:34] - The Thunderous Voice of God
- [02:13] - Trembling at His Word
- [03:16] - Immediate Obedience
- [05:23] - Following Jesus
- [07:31] - The Rich Young Ruler vs. Zacchaeus
- [10:22] - The Call to Discipleship
- [12:09] - The Great Commission
- [16:09] - Reaching the Unreached
- [19:10] - The Challenge of Evangelism
- [22:15] - Praying for Boldness
- [26:29] - Experiencing Jesus in Discipleship
- [30:34] - A New Perspective on Church
- [35:03] - A Personal Story of Discipleship
- [44:19] - Restructuring for Discipleship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 66:2
2. Luke 19:1-10
3. Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Isaiah 66:2, what characteristics does God look for in a person? How does this relate to the idea of trembling at His word? [02:13]
2. How does the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 illustrate the concept of joyful surrender? What actions did Zacchaeus take that demonstrated his repentance? [08:07]
3. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples after His resurrection? How does this command relate to the concept of discipleship? [16:09]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the main challenge in responding to God's word today? How does this challenge manifest in the church? [03:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be humble and contrite in spirit, as described in Isaiah 66:2? How can this attitude affect one's response to God's word? [02:13]
2. How does Zacchaeus' response to Jesus differ from that of the rich young ruler? What does this tell us about the nature of true discipleship? [08:54]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission challenge believers to step out of their comfort zones? How does this relate to the idea of reaching the unreached? [16:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between living a life of discipleship and sharing one's life with others? What sacrifices might this entail? [42:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted by God's word but delayed in taking action. What steps can you take to ensure immediate obedience in the future? [03:40]
2. Consider the possessions or priorities in your life that might be hindering your full surrender to Christ. What changes can you make to align more closely with Zacchaeus' example of joyful surrender? [08:54]
3. Identify a specific group or individual in your community who has not heard the gospel. What practical steps can you take to engage with them and share the good news? [16:09]
4. Think about your current lifestyle and commitments. What concrete changes can you make to prioritize discipleship in your daily life? How can you involve others in this journey? [45:19]
5. Reflect on your willingness to share your life with others as part of discipleship. What are some practical ways you can invite others into your life and demonstrate the gospel through your actions? [42:14]
6. How can you restructure your small group or church activities to ensure that making disciples is central to your mission? What distractions might you need to eliminate? [45:19]
7. Consider the promise of Jesus' presence in the Great Commission. How does this assurance empower you to take bold steps in making disciples? [26:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Obedience to God's Word
True trembling at God's word involves not just an emotional or intellectual response but an immediate and decisive action. It is about hearing God's voice and responding without delay, embodying a heart posture that prioritizes His commands above all else. This kind of obedience reflects a deep reverence for God and a commitment to align one's life with His will. When we truly tremble at God's word, we are moved to act in ways that demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, regardless of the cost or inconvenience. [02:55]
Isaiah 66:2 (ESV): "All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
Reflection: What is one specific command from God that you have been delaying to act upon? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting in His guidance and provision?
Day 2: Joyful Surrender in Discipleship
The story of Zacchaeus illustrates the joy and freedom found in surrendering to Christ. Unlike the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus responded with generosity and joy, showing that true discipleship involves a willing and joyful surrender of our possessions and priorities for the sake of Christ. This joyful surrender is not about loss but about gaining a deeper relationship with Jesus and experiencing the fullness of life He offers. It challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and to willingly lay it down for the sake of following Him wholeheartedly. [08:54]
Luke 19:8-9 (ESV): "And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Boldness in the Great Commission
Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is a call to reach the unreached with the gospel. It's a directive that requires boldness and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, engaging with those who have not yet heard the good news. This call to boldness is not just about forming small groups but about actively seeking opportunities to share the gospel with those around us. It challenges us to be intentional in our interactions and to trust in Jesus' authority and presence as we fulfill His command. [16:09]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who has not heard the gospel? How can you step out in boldness this week to share the good news with them?
Day 4: Living Out Discipleship
Discipleship is about sharing our lives with others, not just imparting knowledge. It involves inviting others into our daily lives, demonstrating the gospel through our actions, and being willing to sacrifice privacy and comfort for the sake of others. This kind of discipleship requires authenticity and vulnerability, as we open our lives to others and allow them to see the gospel lived out in real and tangible ways. It challenges us to be intentional in our relationships and to prioritize the spiritual growth of those around us. [42:14]
1 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: How can you invite someone into your life this week to share not just the gospel but your daily walk with Christ? What practical steps can you take to build a deeper relationship with them?
Day 5: Restructuring Life for Discipleship
To prioritize discipleship, we must be willing to make concrete changes in our lives and communities. This involves evaluating our current structures and activities to ensure that making disciples is central to our mission, resisting distractions that pull us away from this primary calling. It requires a willingness to let go of what is comfortable and familiar in order to embrace new ways of living and serving that align with God's purposes. This restructuring is not just about adding more activities but about aligning our lives with God's heart for discipleship. [45:19]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one specific change you can make in your daily routine or community involvement to prioritize discipleship? How can you ensure that this change aligns with God's mission for your life?
Quotes
"Where God says okay this is the person I'm looking for, this is the person that I'm gonna look to, this is the one I'm gonna support, is the one who is humble and contrite and who trembles at my word. And I thought okay what would that look like this morning?" [00:02:22]
"The first thing I think of is just you hear it and you just go do it right. I mean that's what it means to tremble at someone's word. He asks you to do something you just do it. I don't think our problem in the church nowadays is we're not hearing enough sermons." [00:03:32]
"When Jesus told his disciples follow me it was concrete right. I mean that meant literally follow me. It didn't mean follow me in your heart, right. They didn't sit there and go okay you know conviction start crying no, they just start following him." [00:04:58]
"The story of Zacchaeus, it doesn't look depressing. It's not like this bummer you know at the end it's like oh I got to give everything away. It's there's nothing like that it's like wow this is so worth it, this is so good and so I think okay what would honor God this morning?" [00:09:00]
"Jesus made it real simple he just looked at someone and said hey follow me, I'm gonna make you fishers of men okay, follow me and I will make you that means I'm going to turn you into okay trust me I can do this, just follow me and I'll make it." [00:10:21]
"Go make disciples of all the nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, Holy Spirit, teach them to obey everything that I commanded you and I'll be with you always, even to the end of the age and so it's real simple from beginning to start." [00:11:07]
"Go make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. What's he talking about there? Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Pretty simple something that people overlook and I don't understand why." [00:15:47]
"Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you that word means to obey that means you don't just teach people hey memorize this with me memorize this with me memorize this with me. Know you teach people to tremble at his word, you're teaching as you're discipling this new convert." [00:23:54]
"I will say I don't know how you can make disciples if you're going to worship your privacy which is something we do in this country we just feel like we have the rights to all of this private time and I just don't see that in the scriptures." [00:42:05]
"How am I gonna reshape my life like practically, don't say in my heart I'm more stir toward evangelism and discipleship than ever. Okay don't walk away man that wrecked me would just just go what am I going to do, what would it mean for me to tremble at his word this morning." [00:44:28]
"I realized man I can't leave this giant mega church and do discipleship well. I gotta I gotta figure something out and so in your life what are you gonna do what are you gonna restructure that's what you're gonna talk about in your groups." [00:45:36]
"Satan's going to do everything he can to keep you from making disciples. He'll have you do great things he'll have you do 30 hours of worship practice you know ah and let me just he'll do every all good things just so that you don't make disciples." [00:46:59]
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