True Disciples: Understanding the Call to Discipleship [Mat 28:18-20]
Sermon Summary
As we embark on a new year, we are reminded of the importance of discipleship in our Christian journey. The theme for this year, "Decisions Make Disciples," calls us to reflect on the choices we make as followers of Christ. Discipleship is not merely about being busy with church activities; it is about spiritual reproduction and fruitfulness. Just as a mule, despite its strength and hard work, cannot reproduce, we must ensure that our efforts in the church lead to the making of new disciples.
Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is a call to action for all believers. He has given us all authority to go and make disciples of all nations. This is not a suggestion but a commandment, a testament to His last will for us. Discipleship involves being a follower, a learner, and an imitator of Christ. It requires us to leave behind our old ways and fully commit to following Jesus, just as His first disciples did.
Being a disciple means being a student of Jesus, constantly learning and growing in our faith. It requires humility, recognizing that we do not know everything and that we must continually seek His wisdom and guidance. Moreover, discipleship is about imitation, striving to live like Christ in every aspect of our lives. This is why Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit, to empower us to become more like Him each day.
The church plays a crucial role in discipleship, not by saving souls, but by nurturing and guiding believers to grow in their faith. This involves a commitment to love one another, as Jesus commanded, and to work together in unity for the kingdom of God. Discipleship is a journey of surrender, where we lay down our desires and ambitions to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
As we move forward this year, let us embrace the call to discipleship with renewed vigor and dedication. Let us make decisions that align with God's will and purpose for our lives, knowing that true discipleship comes with a cost but is ultimately worth it because of the price Jesus paid for us.
Watch/Listen
Message Study Guide
Youtube chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[40:32] - Testimonies and Building Updates
[44:46] - Prayer for Comfort and Strength
[46:02] - Introduction to Discipleship
[47:20] - The Importance of Reproduction
[50:12] - The Great Commission
[50:59] - Authority and Purpose
[51:28] - Misconceptions of Church Growth
[53:28] - What is a Disciple?
[55:17] - Following Jesus
[57:36] - Personal Sacrifices
[59:00] - Continuous Learning
[01:02:20] - The Role of Humility
[01:07:13] - The Church's Role in Discipleship
[01:13:15] - The Cost of Discipleship
Key Takeaways
Discipleship as Reproduction: Discipleship is about spiritual reproduction and fruitfulness, not just hard work. Like mules, which cannot reproduce, we must ensure our efforts lead to making new disciples. This requires intentionality and focus on spiritual growth and multiplication. [47:20]
The Great Commission: Jesus' command to make disciples is a testament to His last will for us. It is a call to action for all believers, emphasizing the importance of discipleship in fulfilling God's purpose. This involves going beyond mere church attendance to actively engaging in the mission of making disciples. [50:12]
Being a Follower, Learner, and Imitator: Discipleship involves following Jesus, learning from Him, and imitating His life. It requires humility, recognizing our need for continual growth and transformation. This journey demands leaving behind old ways and fully committing to Christ. [55:17]
The Role of the Church: The church plays a vital role in discipleship by nurturing and guiding believers. It is not about saving souls but about helping them grow in faith and become more like Christ. This involves a commitment to love and unity within the body of Christ. [01:07:13]
The Cost of Discipleship: True discipleship comes with a cost, requiring us to forsake all for the sake of Christ. It involves surrendering our desires and ambitions to follow Him wholeheartedly. Despite the challenges, the journey is worth it because of the price Jesus paid for us. [01:13:15]
Bible Reading
Matthew 28:18-20: 'And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.’
Observation Questions
What is the significance of Jesus stating that "all authority has been given to me" in Matthew 28:18? How does this authority relate to the command to make disciples? [50:12]
In the sermon, the pastor compares discipleship to the inability of mules to reproduce. What point is being made with this analogy? [46:02]
According to the sermon, what are the three key aspects of being a disciple of Jesus? [55:17]
How does the pastor describe the role of the church in the process of discipleship? [01:07:13]
Interpretation Questions
Why does the pastor emphasize that discipleship is not just about church activities but about spiritual reproduction and fruitfulness? How does this perspective challenge common views of church involvement? [47:20]
The sermon mentions that discipleship involves leaving behind old ways. What might this look like in a believer's life today? [55:17]
How does the pastor interpret the cost of discipleship, and why is it considered worth it despite the challenges? [01:13:15]
What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus' word, and how does this relate to being a true disciple? [01:07:13]
Application Questions
Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it align with the call to discipleship as described in the sermon? What might you do differently next time? [44:46]
The pastor talks about the importance of humility in discipleship. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with humility. What steps can you take to seek Jesus' wisdom and guidance in this area? [59:52]
Consider the analogy of the mule. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel busy but not fruitful? How can you shift your focus towards spiritual reproduction? [46:02]
The sermon emphasizes the role of the church in nurturing disciples. How can you contribute to this process within your church community? [01:07:13]
The pastor mentions the cost of discipleship. What is one specific thing you might need to forsake to follow Jesus more closely? How can you begin to take steps in that direction? [01:13:15]
Think about someone in your life who might be open to learning about Jesus. How can you intentionally engage them in a conversation about faith this week? [50:12]
The sermon highlights the importance of love and unity within the church. How can you actively promote these values in your interactions with fellow believers? [01:08:41]
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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