Laying the Groundwork…

Discipleship: January 14, 2007

It’s all about Jesus!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Discipleship is not about us. It’s about Jesus. Christianity is not about us. It’s about Jesus. Church is not about us. It’s about Jesus. It’s God’s grace, not ours, that saves. It’s the faith God gives us to follow Him that counts. We can’t muster it up on our own.

Everything is about God through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only visual we have of the Father. He came to extend the deliverance of God the Father to us, in us, through us, because of us, and sometimes, in spite of us. Discipleship means clinging to Jesus. Whatever it takes you to cling to Jesus, do it. Prayer, worship, Bible study, listening, serving, giving, nurturing are signs of being a disciple. They are important disciplines, but by themselves they mean nothing.

Discipleship…your mission…

…should you choose to accept it. Think about it. Pray about it. The costs are high—being a disciple of Christ means counting the cost. The world is watching for those who claim to be followers but who pull back, who can’t cut it, can’t make the grade, and give up. The world is watching and pointing a finger. They know hypocrisy. The world is an expert at hypocrisy because it fits the standard of the world. Jesus tells us, “Come apart. Take up the cross, count the costs, and commit your way to me.”

Jesus knows that His power will see us through. Our step is to place our lives, our religion, our purpose, our destiny into the hands of the Savior, and He will provide the rest. You see, it’s all about Jesus.

Assignment for the week of January 14-20:

1. Read Ephesians chapter 2:1-10. Remembering what it means to receive God’s grace and peace (from your reading of Ephesians 1), reflect on how your life has been changed by knowing Christ.

2. Read chapter one of “Real Faith for Real Life.”

3. Memorize the key verse found at the top of this sheet (Ephesians 3:20)

4. Reflect on what it means that God is to receive glory in the church throughout all generations. Consider how you will share the good things of Christ with someone else this week. Are you willing to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?