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."
God’s relationship with us is covenantal, marked by promises and commitments. Our discipleship journey should reflect this covenantal nature, committing ourselves fully to God’s will and His commands.
A marriage covenant symbolizes mutual commitment and faithfulness. Similarly, our relationship with Christ is based on a sacred covenant, demanding our faithfulness and devotion.
Tim Keller explains, "To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God."
Hebrews 8:10 (NLT): "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
This verse highlights the intimacy and internal transformation that comes with the new covenant through Christ. God’s laws are not just external commands but are written in our hearts, indicating a deep, personal relationship with Him and an internal change.
Picture a gardener who carefully plants seeds in fertile soil. As the seeds grow, they become a natural part of the garden’s landscape. Similarly, God's laws become a natural part of our inner being.
A.W. Tozer stated, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Knowing God intimately transforms our inner life.
5. Habitual Practice
Acts 2:42 (NLT): "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer."
The early disciples exemplified habitual practices that sustained their faith. Regular engagement in teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer is essential for a vibrant discipleship journey.
Consider a musician who practices daily. Their skill is honed through consistent, disciplined effort. Similarly, spiritual disciplines shape and strengthen our walk with Christ.
Dallas Willard noted, "The first and most basic thing we can and must do is to keep God before our minds."
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT): "Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
Paul compares spiritual training to physical training, emphasizing the greater value of godliness. Spiritual discipline requires effort and dedication, much like physical exercise, but it yields eternal benefits.
Think of an athlete who trains rigorously for a competition. Their dedication to physical fitness is analogous to the dedication we need for spiritual fitness—consistent, disciplined practice.
Dallas Willard noted, "The first and most basic thing we can and must do is to keep God before our minds." Spiritual disciplines keep us focused on God.
6. Incarnational Living
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Paul's declaration in Galatians highlights the essence of incarnational living. Our lives are to be a reflection of Christ’s presence within us, living out His love, grace, and truth daily.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God."
Matthew 5:16 (NLT): "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Jesus calls us to live in such a way that our actions reflect His light and bring glory to God. Our good deeds are not for self-glorification but to point others to God.
Imagine a lighthouse shining in the darkness, guiding ships safely to shore. Our lives, filled with good deeds, act as beacons of God’s love and truth in a dark world.
John Stott said, "We should not ask, ‘What is wrong with the world?’ for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, ‘What has happened to the salt and light?’" This challenges us to be proactive in living out our faith.
Conclusion:
Discipleship is a journey marked by intentionality, incremental growth, relational depth, covenantal commitment, habitual practices, and incarnational living. Each aspect is essential for a robust and transformative walk with Christ.
Application and Call to Action:
These scriptures together paint a vivid picture of what it means to be a disciple of Christ—intentional in our commitment, growing incrementally, relationally connected, covenantally committed, habitually disciplined, and incarnational in our witness. Let us embrace these truths and live transformed lives that reflect the glory of our Lord.
Embrace Intentionality: Commit to intentional steps in your spiritual growth.
Pursue Incremental Growth: Allow God’s Word to shape you daily, embracing continuous spiritual development.
Build Relational Bonds: Engage deeply in the life of your church community.
Honour the Covenant: Reflect on God’s covenantal promises and commit yourself fully to His will.
Develop Spiritual Habits: Integrate regular spiritual disciplines into your daily routine.
Live Incarnationally: Let your life reflect Christ’s presence and love to those around you.
As we embrace these principles, may our lives be transformed by the truth of Christ, shining brightly in a world in need of His love and grace.
May God bless you as you seek to follow Him more closely each day. Amen.
