The Potter's House

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The Need for Warriors: Training disciples for Kingdom rescue [Genesis 14:14-16]

Adam Dragoon

Sermon Summary

In service, I preached on discipleship and the call to be and train warriors for God's kingdom. We are reminded of the importance of discipleship, a process that transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Discipleship is not merely about conversion but about growing in relationships and community, becoming more like Jesus daily.

We jumped into the story of Abram from Genesis 14, where Abram mobilized 318 trained men to rescue his nephew Lot. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Just as Abram trained warriors in his household, we are called to be trained in spiritual warfare, equipped to fight the battles of faith. The Christian life is not a passive one; it requires active engagement, training, and readiness to wage the good warfare against spiritual forces. We are reminded that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers, and we must be prepared to fight with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God.

The call to discipleship is a call to action. It is about being trained and training others, creating a culture of discipleship within our church. This involves making intentional decisions to follow Jesus, to learn from Him, and to teach others. As we look forward to the coming year, we are challenged to embrace this theme of "Decisions Make Disciples," committing ourselves to be both learners and teachers in the faith. We are encouraged to cultivate relationships that foster growth and accountability, ensuring that our church is where new believers can thrive and mature in their walk with God.

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Message Study Guide

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[00:00] - Welcome
[45:05] - God's Provision and Partnership
[46:07] - New Building Opportunity
[49:02] - Call to Discipleship
[50:44] - Theme for 2025: Decisions Make Disciples
[52:09] - Spiritual Warfare
[53:32] - Victory in Christ
[54:30] - The Need for Warriors
[57:06] - Holy Ghost Confidence
[58:04] - Embracing the Battle
[59:12] - Lot's Captivity and Our Compassion
[01:01:14] - Abram's Response
[01:06:21] - Training Warriors
[01:13:05] - Training in the Local Church
[01:19:41] - The Power of Relationships
[01:23:30] - Spirit of Discipleship
[01:28:38] - Call to Prayer and Commitment

Key Takeaways

  1. God's Provision and Partnership: The new building opportunity is a divine provision, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in expanding God's kingdom. This partnership is not just about physical space but about fulfilling God's vision for our congregation. [45:05]

  2. The Call to Discipleship: Discipleship is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. It involves intentional decisions and relationships within the community of faith. We are called to be more than converts; we are called to be disciples who make disciples. [50:44]

  3. Spiritual Warfare: The Christian life is a battle against spiritual forces. We must be trained and ready to fight with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God. Victory is not automatic; it requires active engagement and readiness. [53:32]

  4. Training in the Local Church: Just as Abram trained warriors in his household, we are called to train and be trained within the local church. This training is essential for spiritual growth and for equipping believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. [01:13:05]

  5. The Power of Relationships: Discipleship and spiritual growth occur within the context of relationships. We need mentors, peers, and those we can mentor. These relationships are vital for accountability, encouragement, and growth in the faith. [01:19:41]

Bible Reading

  • Gen 14:14-16 NKJV - 14 Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained [servants] who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which [is] north of Damascus. 16 So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

  • 1Ti 1:18 NKJV - 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

    Mat 11:12 NKJV - 12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Observation Questions

  1. In Genesis 14:14-16, what actions did Abram take when he learned about Lot's capture, and what was the outcome of his actions?

  2. According to 1 Timothy 1:18, what charge does Paul give to Timothy, and how does it relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

  3. How does Matthew 11:12 describe the nature of the kingdom of heaven, and what does this imply about the attitude of its followers?

Interpretation Questions

  1. What does Abram's mobilization of 318 trained men suggest about the importance of preparation and readiness in spiritual battles? [01:06:21]

  2. How does the concept of "decisions make disciples" challenge the traditional view of discipleship as merely a passive process? [50:44]

  3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual warfare is an active and ongoing process for believers? [53:32]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a spiritual challenge. What steps can you take to be better equipped for future spiritual battles? [01:06:21]

  2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relationships in discipleship. Identify one person in your life who could benefit from a mentoring relationship. How can you initiate this connection? [01:19:41]

  3. Consider the theme "decisions make disciples." What intentional decisions can you make this week to grow in your faith and help others do the same? [50:44]

  4. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer and the study of God's Word into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual readiness? [53:32]’

  5. The sermon highlights the need for a warrior mentality in the Christian life. What specific area of your life requires a more proactive and courageous approach? [54:30]

  6. Reflect on the partnerships in your life that help expand God's kingdom. How can you strengthen these partnerships or form new ones? [45:05]

  7. How can you create a culture of discipleship within your local church or community, and what role can you play in this process? [01:13:05]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

Written with Love by Pastor Adam Dragoon

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