Timestamps
- Introduction: Reflecting on past teachings and the journey through the foundations of faith.
00:00 - Foundations of Faith: Exploring how one might come to faith, focusing on seeking God, examining Jesus’s life, and the resurrection.
02:30 - Humanity’s Problem and God’s Solution: Discussing sin and God’s response through Jesus’s death and resurrection.
05:15 - Responding to Faith: Importance of faith, repentance, and baptism as responses to God’s gift of salvation.
10:40 - Biblical Definitions and Transformation: Understanding discipleship through continuing in Jesus’s word and loving one another.
14:50 - Living as Disciples: Emphasizing abiding in Jesus to bear fruit and reveal God’s glory.
20:10 - Common Mistakes in Discipleship: Warning against making oneself a disciple of another person instead of Jesus.
24:30 - Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit’s crucial role in guiding and teaching believers.
30:00 - Path of Discipleship: Developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit as a guiding person.
35:20 - End Goal of Discipleship: Becoming friends with Jesus, knowing Him deeply, and loving one another.
40:00
Introduction
Discipleship, as explored in the sermon is not just a traditional religious practice but a transformative journey every believer must undertake. This sermon delves into the foundations of discipleship, its biblical roots, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the ultimate goal of becoming friends with Jesus.
Foundations of Faith
The sermon begins by reflecting on the past two months of teachings, highlighting a journey through the foundational aspects of the Christian faith. This journey includes re-examining the Bible study series, strengthening convictions, and addressing incorrect teachings or practices. The process of coming to faith involves seeking God, examining Jesus’s life and claims, and understanding the significance of His resurrection.
Humanity’s Problem and God’s Solution
A crucial part of the teaching is understanding the problem of sin. Sin is described not merely as doing wrong but as having no God in one’s heart, leading to self-worship and its destructive consequences. God’s solution to this problem is the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and resurrected to offer salvation. This act of love requires a response from humanity, which includes faith, repentance, and baptism.
Responding to Faith
Faith, repentance, and baptism are pivotal responses to God’s gift of salvation. Baptism is described as a pledge of a good conscience towards God, symbolizing a believer’s decision to die to their old self and live anew in Christ. The importance of teaching obedience to Jesus’s teachings and becoming replicas of Him is emphasized, aligning with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
Biblical Definitions and Transformation
Discipleship, according to Jesus’ teachings in John 8:31 and John 13:34, involves continuing in His word and loving one another as He loved us. This process of discipleship is seen as a way to be saved, healed, and made well through faith, repentance, the cross, and resurrection. The goal is not just intellectual understanding but a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus.
Living as Disciples
Abiding in Jesus is essential for bearing fruit and revealing God’s glory. John 15:1-8 outlines that those who remain in Jesus will bear much fruit, while those who do not will be like branches that wither and are thrown away. This underscores the importance of a continuous, intimate relationship with Christ.
Common Mistakes in Discipleship
A significant warning is given against making oneself a disciple of another person instead of Jesus. This can lead to misplaced focus and hinder true discipleship. The speaker stresses that Christians should fix their eyes on Jesus, not on human intermediaries, to maintain the purity and effectiveness of their discipleship.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in discipleship. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide, teach, and help believers walk in God’s ways. This divine presence is essential for true discipleship, as it enables believers to live according to God’s desires and not their own fleshly inclinations.
Path of Discipleship
Developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit is fundamental to discipleship. The Holy Spirit should be viewed as a person with desires, capable of leading and guiding believers. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, reading the Bible, and being attentive to the Spirit’s guidance in everyday life.
The End Goal of Discipleship
The ultimate goal of discipleship is to become friends with Jesus. As believers grow in their discipleship, they learn more about God and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. This friendship is characterized by mutual love and understanding, transforming the believer’s life and making them more like Christ.
Conclusion
Discipleship is a transformative journey that requires commitment, obedience, and a deep relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. It involves continuing in Jesus’s teachings, loving one another, and bearing fruit that glorifies God. By understanding and embracing this process, believers can experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises and ultimately become His friends.
How does the concept of discipleship in the New Testament differ from modern perceptions of being a Christian?
The sermon provides a comprehensive examination of the concept of discipleship, highlighting key differences between the New Testament understanding of discipleship and modern perceptions of being a Christian. Here are the main points discussed:
Terminology and Frequency:
- In the New Testament, the term “disciple” is used 269 times to describe followers of Jesus. This frequent use underscores the importance of discipleship as the primary identity for believers.
- Conversely, the term “Christian” appears only three times, and always as a nickname given by outsiders, often with a negative connotation. Today, “Christian” is the more commonly used term, but it may not fully capture the depth of commitment implied by “disciple.”
Nature of Discipleship:
- New Testament discipleship involves a deep, transformative commitment to following Jesus, emulating His life, and obeying His teachings. It is not merely about belief but about active imitation and learning from a master.
- Modern perceptions of being a Christian often focus on attending church, being a good person, and holding certain beliefs. While these are important, they do not always encompass the rigorous and relational aspects of discipleship described in the New Testament.
Role and Relationship:
- Disciples in the New Testament were expected to form close, imitative relationships with Jesus, learning directly from His example and teachings. This relationship was intimate and required a high level of personal commitment and transformation.
- Today, being a Christian can sometimes be seen more as an affiliation or membership, rather than a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus. The relational and imitative aspects of discipleship may be less emphasized.
Mission and Practice:
- Jesus commanded His disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to obey everything He had commanded. This mission was central to their identity and purpose.
- In contemporary Christianity, the mission of making disciples can sometimes be overshadowed by other activities and programs. While evangelism and teaching are still valued, the specific focus on making disciples who actively imitate Jesus may not always be as prominent.
Perception and Connotation:
- The term “disciple” in the New Testament context implies a serious, committed follower of Jesus who is deeply engaged in learning and living out His teachings.
- In modern usage, the term “Christian” can carry a wide range of connotations, from nominal adherence to deep faith. Some may view the term “disciple” as indicating a more intense or “hardcore” form of Christianity, which can create a distinction between ordinary believers and those seen as overly zealous.
The sermon suggests that reclaiming the New Testament concept of discipleship could lead to a deeper, more transformative practice of faith. It encourages believers to move beyond mere belief and church attendance to a more relational and committed following of Jesus, emulating His life and teachings in all aspects.
What role does the Holy Spirit in the process of discipleship?
The sermon emphasizes the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the process of discipleship. Here are the key points discussed:
Guidance and Teaching:
- The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the primary guide and teacher for believers. After Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to reside with His followers, ensuring they would never be alone in their spiritual journey.
- The Holy Spirit’s role is to lead believers into all truth, helping them understand and apply the teachings of Jesus. This divine guidance is essential for true discipleship, as it directs believers in how to live according to God’s will.
Personal Relationship:
- The speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit should be viewed as a person with desires, capable of leading and guiding believers. This personalization helps believers develop a close, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, similar to a relationship with Jesus.
- Building this relationship involves spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in daily life. This ongoing relationship is foundational to effective discipleship.
Empowerment and Transformation:
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and to bear spiritual fruit. As described in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- This empowerment is not just about moral improvement but about a profound transformation that aligns a believer’s life with the character and mission of Jesus. The Holy Spirit works within believers to bring about this transformation, making them more like Christ.
Conviction and Comfort:
- The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin, righteousness, and judgment, helping them recognize areas in their lives that need change and growth. This conviction is a vital part of the discipleship process, as it leads to repentance and deeper commitment.
- Alongside conviction, the Holy Spirit also provides comfort and assurance, reminding believers of God’s presence and promises. This dual role of convicting and comforting supports believers in their journey of faith, helping them persevere and grow.
Unity and Community:
- The Holy Spirit fosters unity among believers, creating a sense of community and mutual support. This communal aspect of discipleship is important, as believers are encouraged to grow together, learning from and supporting one another.
- The speaker highlights that the Holy Spirit can use other people to help us grow, but ultimately, it is the Spirit who guides and shapes our discipleship. This balance ensures that the focus remains on God’s guidance rather than human leadership alone.
Ongoing Presence:
- One of the most comforting aspects of the Holy Spirit’s role is His ongoing presence with believers. The Holy Spirit is always with us, providing continuous guidance, support, and empowerment.
- This constant presence means that believers can rely on the Holy Spirit at all times, seeking His guidance in every aspect of their lives. This perpetual companionship is a profound gift that underpins the entire discipleship journey.
The sermon underscores that understanding and embracing the role of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective discipleship. By cultivating a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, believers can experience the guidance, empowerment, and transformation necessary to live out their faith fully and faithfully.
How one can cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit in daily life?
The sermon provides several insights into how believers can cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. Here are the key strategies discussed:
Prayer:
- Regular and intentional prayer is essential for developing a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, believers communicate with God, seek His guidance, and express their dependence on Him.
- Prayer should be a two-way conversation where believers not only speak to God but also take time to listen for His voice and promptings. This practice helps believers become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Reading the Bible:
- Engaging with Scripture is crucial as it is the primary way God speaks to His people. The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible, and reading it allows believers to hear directly from God.
- Daily reading and meditation on the Bible help believers understand God’s will, learn about His character, and receive guidance for their lives. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, making them relevant and applicable to the believer’s context.
Obedience to Promptings:
- Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit involves being sensitive to His promptings and responding in obedience. These promptings can come as gentle nudges, strong convictions, or clear directives.
- Acting on these promptings, even when they are challenging or counterintuitive, strengthens the believer’s trust and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Obedience fosters a deeper connection and opens the way for more guidance and direction.
Worship and Praise:
- Worshiping God through song, thanksgiving, and adoration invites the presence of the Holy Spirit. Worship shifts the believer’s focus from their circumstances to God, fostering a deeper sense of His presence.
- Regular times of worship, both corporately with other believers and individually, help cultivate an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move and speak more freely.
Fellowship with Other Believers:
- Being in community with other believers provides mutual encouragement and support. The Holy Spirit often speaks through other people, and engaging in fellowship allows believers to hear God’s voice through their brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Small groups, Bible studies, and church gatherings are opportunities to share experiences, learn from others, and grow together in the faith.
Reflection and Journaling:
- Taking time to reflect on one’s spiritual journey and journaling about it can help believers see how the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives. Writing down prayers, insights from Scripture, and experiences of God’s guidance creates a record of God’s faithfulness and helps discern His ongoing direction.
- Reflection and journaling encourage mindfulness and intentionality in recognizing the Holy Spirit’s activity.
Seeking Spiritual Mentorship:
- Having a mentor or spiritual advisor can provide valuable guidance and accountability. Mentors can offer wisdom, share their experiences of walking with the Holy Spirit, and pray for and with the believer.
- While the ultimate guidance comes from the Holy Spirit, mentors can help believers navigate their spiritual journey and remain focused on God.
Practicing Silence and Solitude:
- In the busyness of life, setting aside time for silence and solitude allows believers to quiet their minds and hearts to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly. These practices create space for deeper communion with God and help eliminate distractions.
- Regularly incorporating moments of stillness can enhance sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s voice.
Cultivating a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves prayer, engaging with Scripture, obedience, worship, fellowship, reflection, mentorship, and solitude. By intentionally incorporating these practices into daily life, believers can grow in their awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance, leading to a richer and more transformative discipleship experience.
Key Takeaways
- ✨ Introduction: The speaker begins by reflecting on the past two months of teachings, highlighting the journey through the foundations of Christian faith and re-examining Bible study series to strengthen convictions.
- 📖 Foundations of Faith: The journey explores how one might come to faith, emphasizing seeking God, examining Jesus’s life and claims, and understanding the resurrection’s significance.
- 🌍 Humanity’s Problem: Discusses the concept of sin, not just as evil actions but as living without God in one’s heart, leading to self-worship and its destructive consequences.
- ✝️ God’s Solution: Explains God’s response to sin by sending Jesus, whose death and resurrection offer salvation to those who believe and repent.
- 🚶 Response to Faith: Stresses the importance of faith, repentance, and baptism as responses to God’s gift of salvation, with baptism being a pledge of a good conscience towards God.
- 🏆 Discipleship’s Role: Jesus commands his followers to make disciples, emphasizing teaching obedience to His teachings and becoming replicas of Him.
- 📜 Biblical Definitions: Defines discipleship according to Jesus’ teachings in John 8:31 and John 13:34, focusing on continuing in His word and loving one another as He loved us.
- 🔄 Transformation through Discipleship: Describes discipleship as a process of being saved, healed, and made well through faith, repentance, the cross, and resurrection.
- 🌿 Living as Disciples: Highlights the necessity of abiding in Jesus, as stated in John 15, to bear fruit and reveal God’s glory.
- 🔍 Common Mistakes: Warns against making oneself a disciple of another person rather than Jesus, which can hinder true discipleship.
- 💡 Role of the Holy Spirit: Emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in discipleship, as the Spirit guides, teaches, and helps believers walk in God’s ways.
- 💬 Path of Discipleship: Encourages a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, personalizing Him as a guiding person in one’s life.
- 🎯 End Goal of Discipleship: Jesus’ goal is for disciples to become His friends, knowing Him deeply and loving one another as He loved them.
Insights Based on Numbers
- 269: The number of times followers of Jesus are referred to as disciples in the New Testament, highlighting the importance of this identity.
- 3: Christians are called by this name only three times in the New Testament, indicating that “disciple” was the primary identity.
- John 15: The passage emphasizes that abiding in Jesus leads to bearing fruit, showing the direct relationship between discipleship and spiritual productivity.
