Discipleship 101
Discipleship 101
The priority of the disciple.
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Ephesians 2:4-6
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
This is why the priority of the disciple is not “do” but instead its “abide.”
John 15:4
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
Discipleship is focusing on presence over production.
Discipleship is an “abide” as you “do” journey.
1) God does not exist.
2) God exists in a limited reign.
Psalm 139:7-12
7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— 12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
Discipleship living is assuming God's presence is everywhere even when my senses fail to sense him there.
What are the practices of a disciple?
1) Loves God more than anything.
Matthew 10:37
37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.
2) Lives for God is everything.
Galatians 2:20
20 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.
3) Looks for God everywhere.
Genesis 28:16
16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!”
A) Assume God is present.
B) Stir up your mind and spirit toward God.
C) Ask for help as if God is ready to intervene.
Community Group questions
Transformation and Identity
Question: How does understanding that you were once spiritually dead and are now alive in Christ impact your sense of identity and daily living? How might this transformation shift your priorities and actions?
Presence vs. Production
Question: What does it mean to prioritize “abiding” in Christ over “doing” for Christ in your daily life? How can focusing on presence rather than production change the way you approach your Christian practices and responsibilities?
God's Omnipresence
Question: Reflect on the idea of God being omnipresent versus being present in limited aspects of your life. How can you actively cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in areas where you may feel He is less active or present?
Practical Practices of a Disciple
Question: From the practices listed (loving God more than anything, living for God in everything, and looking for God everywhere), which do you find most challenging to live out? Why? Share some practical steps or strategies you’ve found helpful in addressing these challenges.
Engaging with God in Daily Life
Question: Discuss how you can incorporate the practices of assuming God’s presence, stirring up your mind and spirit towards Him, and asking for His help into your daily routines. Can you share specific examples or experiences where these practices have made a difference in your spiritual journey?