Discipleship And Commitment To Christ: Transformed By Truth Series

Discipleship and Commitment to Christ: Transformed by Truth

Introduction:

Today, we will explore a profound topic: "Discipleship and Commitment to Christ." Our journey of discipleship is not merely a call to follow but a transformative process that requires intentionality, progression, relationships, covenant, habits, and embodying Christ’s presence.

We will examine these six key aspects using Scripture, seeking to deepen our understanding and commitment to our Lord and Saviour.

1. Intentional Discipleship

Luke 14:27 (NLT): "And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."

Jesus' words in Luke highlight the necessity of intentionality in discipleship. To carry one’s cross implies a deliberate and conscious decision to follow Christ, despite challenges and sacrifices.

Consider the story of an athlete training for the Olympics. The journey requires intentionality, dedication, and a clear focus on the goal. Similarly, discipleship demands a deliberate commitment to Christ.

John Piper states, "Discipleship means more than getting to know what the teacher knows. It is getting to be what he is."

Matthew 16:24 (NLT): "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'"

Jesus' words here are a call to radical discipleship. To "take up your cross" means a willingness to endure suffering, to deny oneself, and to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love and obedience to God. This call is not just about literal martyrdom but involves daily decisions to put God's will above our own desires.

Imagine a firefighter who rushes into a burning building, risking his own life to save others. This selfless act mirrors the commitment Jesus asks of us—to prioritise His mission over our own safety and comfort.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." This highlights the cost and commitment involved in true discipleship.

2. Incremental Growth

2 Peter 3:18 (NLT): "Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen."

Peter emphasizes the need for continual growth in our faith. Discipleship is an incremental process, where we mature spiritually over time through the grace and knowledge of Christ.

Think of a tree growing from a seed. It doesn’t become fully grown overnight. It takes time, nourishment, and the right conditions to grow strong. Our spiritual growth is similar—it’s a gradual, continuous process.

Rick Warren mentions, "Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment."

Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Paul assures the Philippians that God's transformative work in their lives is ongoing and will be completed. This verse is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the continuous nature of spiritual growth. Our journey of becoming more like Christ is a process that God is committed to seeing through to completion.

Consider an artist working on a masterpiece. Each stroke adds to the beauty of the final piece, much like God’s continuous work in our lives, shaping us into His image.

Rick Warren notes, "God is more interested in your character than your comfort." This underlines that God’s work in us is about transforming our character over time.

3. Relational Aspect

John 13:35 (NLT): "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Jesus teaches that our relationships and love for one another are the markers of true discipleship. Discipleship thrives in the context of community and relationships.

Consider the early church in Acts, where believers met regularly, shared their lives, and supported one another. Their relational bonds were a powerful testimony to their faith.

Francis Chan said, "The church is not a building; it's a people who are called to love each other and to go out and make disciples."

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT): "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

This passage encourages believers to engage in community, spurring one another towards love and good deeds. The importance of regular fellowship is emphasized, as it provides mutual encouragement and support in our spiritual walk.

Think of a coal fire: a single coal removed from the fire will quickly cool and lose its heat, but coals together keep each other burning brightly. Fellowship keeps our spiritual fervour alive.

4. Covenantal Commitment

Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT): "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days," says the Lord. "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."