- We need a shifting perspective on our place (to be low servants) and purpose (to have eternal impact)
- Key Words: “rubbish”, “found in Him”, “press on”, and “hold true”
- Luke 9:57-58 reality: not easy
- Luke 9:59-60 reality: Kingdom most important
- Luke 9:61-62 reality: make a commitment
What promises can we hold on to when following Jesus gets tough?
John 16:33
1 What are some habits that we fall back into from our old life before it had Christ working in it?
2 Why are we sometimes tempted to look back?
3 What are some reasons you might be hesitant to commit to using your time to serve Christ?
4 Why is the pursuit of safety and comfort often at odds with discipleship?
5 How can we practically make sure that Christ alone is our source of comfort?
The Cost
Philippians 3:7-16
Character and Competency
He was GOOD and He was GOOD AT 1 Timothy 4:11-16 putting these things into practice, though Practice! very few things in life come naturally Chart! 1 Cor 9:24-27 Be Intentional - be convinced of why you’re running “I do not run aimlessly” John 14:15-17 Be Strong and Be Encouraged - the Spirit goes with you and empowers you you don’t have to DO! remember how this began; GRACE! Heb 12:1-3 Be Motivated - fix your eyes on Jesus - the finisher May you continue this line of discipleship 1 What is God’s plan for you? 2 What areas of your character is the Lord changing? 3 What “skills” would be helpful for disciple making?
Go!
a. Prepare (for what?) - know the cost, see the worth of Jesus! - opportunities, challenges James 3:13-18 - what is the condition of our heart? - examine your heart b. Learn - knowledge (heavenly wisdom) - from someone so that you can teach someone - but more than just knowledge (mind and heart) > I know the story and it hits me / I’m impacted by the stuff I "know" c. Set an Example Phil 4:9, Phil 3:17 - this gets into your habits, your patterns d. Teach - authentic faith (that impacts every part of life) - why do I need to make disciples? - you have unique (God ordained) relationships - how did the early church grow? conversion-discipleship, do people still come to Jesus? what is our part in that? 1 Who can we disciple in our own lives? 2 How can we build a stronger relationship with God? 3 Who in our lives is discipling us? Do you have someone discipling you?
Fight to Follow
Spiritual Growth is picured as a Plant A seed can’t stay a seed, it has to change If you pursue You - we miss our purpose If we pursue Christ - we find meaning 2 Corinthians 4:18 - don’t waste your life by focusing on worldly things; this is temporary - Seek Christ - Spend our lives on others - Separate from our desire for self-rule Why do we serve? We emulate the Rabbi who served us first; we identify with Him - Make Distance (from the World) Do the people we spend time with see evidence of our faith? We can’t follow Christ if we don’t know Christ The call is to commit our WHOLE life; what needs to die? (Luke 14:27) Ephesians 4:14 Grow, mature, hold fast 1 What are some areas in our lives where we need to “die to self” (give up control and submit to God’s plan?) 2 What are some things you used to enjoy that you now see as ungodly? 3 Is Jesus the master of you life? Are you mastered by something other ham Christ? 4 What are some good things you need incorporate into your life that will brighten your witness for Christ?