Introduction
In this sermon, I introduced the summer series titled "The Way of Jesus," focusing on Luke chapter 6. Sharing stories from my experiences navigating the roads, I highlighted the importance of choosing the correct pathway in our spiritual journey. Just as I found myself driving in the wrong direction because of missing signs, I reminded us that the early Christians were identified as "the way" because they followed Jesus, who represents the true path of life. This message centers on the choice we face when encountering Jesus: will we continue on our current path, or will we choose the life that He offers us, a journey of discipleship that goes beyond merely being good church members?
Main Points
The Term Disciple Often Brings To
The term "disciple" often brings to mind ideas of a student, follower, or apprentice. The essence of being a disciple of Jesus transcends traditional notions of church membership.
- It's essential to understand that simply participating in church activities does not equate to being a true disciple.
- Jesus didn’t come into the world to create good church members; His mission was to make disciples who truly follow Him.
- A disciple is someone who rearranges their life to develop a relationship with Jesus, learning not just academic truths about Him but embodying His teachings in every aspect of lif.
- To illustrate, consider the image of a student in a classroom taking notes.
This Learner Is Poised To Absorb
This learner is poised to absorb knowledge, aiming to implement what they've learned. The same is true for a disciple: we must actively engage with Jesus' teachings if we are to become like Him.
- When we accept Jesus, there's a fundamental shift in direction; we must now actively seek to organize our lives in alignment with His teachings.
- This call to transformation means that as disciples, we should not only reflect Jesus in our morals but also in our mission.
- If we claim to be followers of Christ but live incongruently with His teachings, we risk going down the wrong road.
- Being a disciple means being shaped from the inside out, where our hearts long for what Jesus loves, and our lives reflect His character.
- A Disciple Is Someone Who
- A disciple is someone who rearranges their life to be with Jesus. - The goal is to reflect Christ's character and mission. As we dig deeper into the teachings of Jesus found in Luke 6, the reality of His words challenges us to live distinctively different lives. Jesus lays out radical teachings, such as loving our enemies, which run contrary to our natural inclinations. This may not only require us to adjust our behavior but also radically change our heart’s orientation toward others. Challenging concepts like these require us to embody His teachings, not just as a set of rules but as a transformative practice.
Living As Disciples Means Integrating Jesus
Living as disciples means integrating Jesus' commandments into our daily realities, operating from the grace that enables us to practice mercy, kindness, and compassion. The journey of discipleship is not one we embark upon in our strength. A significant part of arranging our lives around Jesus involves realizing that we have the Holy Spirit to empower us. After Jesus ascended, He sent the Spirit to guide, teach, and transform us. This divine presence within us fuels our desire and ability to change in ways that reflect Christ's love and integrity. We are not merely striving to keep moral standards; we place ourselves in a relationship with Jesus that cultivates spiritual growth through ongoing partnership with the Holy Spirit.
In Luke 6 Jesus Reinforces The
In Luke 6, Jesus reinforces the idea that simply hearing His words is insufficient. Our faith must manifest through actions; our lives should serve as natural reflections of His will. The parable of the two builders serves as a poignant reminder that those who hear and act on Jesus' words will withstand life's storms, while those who do not will experience collapse. This is a call to ensure our spiritual foundations are solid, built on a genuine commitment to live out Jesus' teachings through practical, day-to-day actions. - We are called to serve and act according to Jesus’ teachings. - Building our lives on His principles will lead to true resilience.
Ultimately The Goal Of Discipleship Is
Ultimately, the goal of discipleship is that we become like Jesus, not just in our behaviors but in our very character. This transformation is gradual, as we spend time learning from Him and applying His teachings in our lives. It challenges us to confront our flaws, pursue character growth, and maintain a posture of repentance. This ongoing journey will reshape our priorities, desires, and relationships, making us into new creations over time. We can trust that as we remain connected to Jesus, we will look back and see how far He has brought us on this path of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pathway to discipleship invites us into a transformative journey, where we are called not merely to attend church but to truly follow Jesus, arranged around His teachings and empowered by His Spirit. As we engage with His word and embody His love, we realize the richness of life found in living according to His way, a way that leads to genuine flourishing and fulfillment. Together, let us accept the invitation to be more than good church members; let us commit to becoming devoted disciples of Jesus, learning from Him so that our lives truly mirror His.