Living the Call to Discipleship!

March 18, 2007

Taking the Gospel Into the World

Living the Call to Discipleship

It's one thing to talk about discipleship and quite another thing to live it. Even the first disciples did not fully understand what Jesus was calling them to do.

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

Notice the progression in the above verses:

• The disciples first had to go to where Jesus would meet them.
• "When they saw him, they worshipped him…"
• Jesus made himself known to them.
• Jesus reminded them that he had "all authority in heaven and on earth…"
• Jesus sent them out in his power.
• We are to be teachers by example.
• We are assured of Christ's presence with us.

Thoughts for reflection:

• Living the Christian life as a committed follower of Jesus Christ involves living by example. Will that make a difference in the choices we make each day?
• How will you answer God's call on your life to be a disciple of Christ?
• Do you believe the LORD may be calling you to rethink priorities?
• What do you need from the LORD to enable you to become a more committed follower?
• Is your understanding of discipleship different now after these weeks of
study than when we began?
• Take time to reflect on what the LORD has been doing in your life to draw you closer to Him, and prayerfully consider if He may be leading you to share your story with someone as a means of teaching by example.

Topics covered in this class:

What is discipleship?

1. Laying the Groundwork…It's all about Jesus!(Ephesians
3:20)

2. Prayer (The Lord's Prayer—Matthew 6:9-13)

3. Worship (Isaiah 1:18a)

4. Food for the Soul: the Word of God (Psalm 119:103)

5. Our Call to Service—Reflecting Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

6. Our Call to Relationship—Growing with Others (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

7. Generosity: "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

8. Taking the Gospel Into the World (Matthew 28:16-20)

Generosity!

March 11, 2007

Generosity—Abundant Giving is God’s Idea

“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

We frequently associate generous giving with sermons preached on stewardship during the church’s pledge campaign and the close relationship of that to the offering plate passed each Sunday. Monetary giving is part of living as a disciple of Christ, but it is not all of it. Our giving comes from a heart linked to God’s heart and encompasses every area of life as we faithfully live out our calling to be Christ’s disciples. In fact, I would like to suggest to you that emptying our wallets on Sunday morning as the offering plate is passed is scratching the surface of discipleship. The generosity of God and our response as Jesus’ disciples goes much deeper.

The Sermon on the Mount teaches us how to live in response to God’s love (Matthew 5:3-12). When we have encountered the Living God in relationship our lives are changed forever and we live as strangers to planet earth. No longer do we seek prestige for Jesus tells us “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Out of our poverty of spirit comes the realization that everything we have is from God and will return to God.

The world says, “Be happy!” Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn…” because in mourning we receive God’s comfort. The world says, “Strive to be your own person…experience success!” Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.” The world invests in humanitarian efforts, but the sons and daughters of God go a step further—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

What does all this have to do with living generously? We give, not as the world gives. Because we follow our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, we give from His abundance, not ours. He fills us with everything we need—mercy, grace, forgiveness, love, hope, joy—and then asks us to give it all away. As we give it all away for Him, He gives us more, so that the words of Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give,” become our standard by which we live.

“For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16)

At the beginning of our series on discipleship we discussed the cost of discipleship. The cost is great. It is easier to hold a grudge than to forgive. It is easier to give money to the church than to invest time. It is easier to criticize than to support and encourage. It is easier to adopt the standards of the world than to stand apart. Our Lord calls us not only to separate ourselves for His sake, but to give generously to those who cannot or will not ever repay us.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
(1 John 3:16)

Our Call to Relationsip

March 4, 2007

Our Call to Relationship—Growing with Others

“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonians 1:2-3)


God calls us to relationships that matter. We are part of a bigger picture than gathering for a few laughs throughout the week and then returning to our individual ambitions. We are called to nurture one another in Christ. It is our sacred duty as members of the Body of Christ.

Throughout the Epistles the Apostle Paul refers to those who work alongside him in the faith. If you read through his letters carefully you will see the high priority that Paul puts on relationships. Even though Paul received a direct revelation from Christ and was appointed an apostle, he knew the value of relationship in spreading the Gospel. Paul knew the message of the Gospel was wrapped up in relationships. We are not called to be a Christian of “one.” Our witness depends on relationship. Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs to minister and the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost when the disciples “were all gathered in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

There is strength in pairs. There is strength in friendship and family. Family ties are not easily broken—we have proof of that in the number of divorces that sadly occur in our families and churches. Relationships matter to God.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

The Apostle Paul at the end of his letter to the Colossians emphasizes his need of his brothers and sisters in the faith by these words: “Remember my chains.” (Col. 4:18) The persecution(s) Paul faced in his ministry were lighter to bear because those he loved in the faith surrounded him with their love and prayers even when they were separated from the apostle. We need each other.

Consider how God may be calling you to new friendships and restored family relationships as part of your commitment to being a disciple of Christ. Within this church family would you consider meeting with someone on a regular basis to build a relationship, encouraging them in their faith and thereby carrying out the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ?