Title: The Call to Discipleship

Speaker: Pastor Chris Davis

Icebreaker: Which disciple do you most identify with and why? For example, do you relate to the zeal of Peter, or the sensitivity of John, etc.

This Sunday we heard a special message from Pastor Chris Davis as he taught some essentials to growing as disciples of Christ. When we look at the ministry of Jesus we can see a clear distinction between the crowd and the disciples. Jesus’s ministry to the crowd benefited them with miracles and wonders, but the disciples labored with him and reaped benefits in ways unseen. All of us can draw similarities to Simon-Peter in our own lives, toiling away in this world and life just doesn’t seem to work out our way. It’s not until Jesus passes by that everything changes, for Peter and for all of us who are called to follow Jesus. If we are to accept Jesus’ invitation to follow him it will cost us everything, but the deep transformation of our lives will be well worth it.

Luke 5:1-11

I. What Is Discipleship? 

• To be a disciple is to learn from and grow to be like Jesus. To be a disciple means to learn a new way of life. If we study Jewish tradition we'd find that there were a number of teachers (rabbis) who gathered disciples unto themselves, selecting students who stood out from the rest with their academic excellence or talents. The students would be found following the teachers around, learning from and imitating their ways. When Jesus begins his ministry, however, he chooses some very unlikely candidates to be his disciples...
• Discipleship is intertwined with community - there were no solo disciples who had the teacher all to themselves at all times. To look at the disciples Jesus called is to notice that they had nothing in common besides their Jewish heritage and the fact that Jesus had called each of them. In fact, there was contention between many of them due to the different paths they walked, from fishermen to tax collectors and more, the disciples who followed Jesus had many issues to resolve as they walked together with the Lord. To be a disciple requires setting aside personal differences for the sake of following the Teacher.
• To be a disciple centers on maintaining a firm foundation, which means never forgetting the basics of relationship with Jesus. These basics anchor us and keep us steady as the storms of life try to tear us away from the path of following Jesus.

Discussion:

What are some of the habits you can think of that have helped you grow more in your walk with the Lord?

II. Growing as a Disciple

• There are the foundational things of our faith that keep us afloat, then there are further steps we can take to grow more in our walk with Christ over time. It is important to keep in mind that growth is always a gradual process, so we must commit to small habits overtime that will yield greater long-term results. First, there is learning to live in rhythm with God (Matthew 11:28-30). We can get so busy with the things of this world that we don’t have time for what’s important to God. Life will always demand more and more of you, but to be in rhythm with God means learning to take on his yoke and follow his leading, which often requires us to slow down. This rhythm with God keeps you steady in the constantly changing seasons of life.
• Next, there is growing in rhythm with the people of God. One unchanging rhythm is Sunday service, this day set aside to commune with God and the family of Christ; along with weekly meetings in community outside of Sunday service, spending time walking through life with people. There is also the rhythm of prayer service, gathering with the people of God to learn how to pray and sit in the presence of God regularly. This rhythm of community is not a burden, but a privilege that we have to walk with and learn from others as we all pursue Christ.
• Another way that we grow in discipleship is by learning the daily process of taking up the cross, surrendering our selfishness for life in Christ (Luke 9:23). If you stop picking up the cross you will stop following Jesus. To follow Jesus requires surrendering all of our other loves, which is a lifelong surrender only done through the work of the cross. Carrying the cross comes with the understanding that there will be things that come and try to separate us from the love Christ poured out for us, but we don’t let them tear us away because we’ve made a commitment to follow him.
• Lastly, we grow as disciples by learning to live on mission, that means committing to fulfilling the purpose God has for our lives (Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 28:18-19). There are things the Lord will call you to carry that feel too heavy for you, but that’s where taking up the cross and leaning into his grace are essential. There’s authority on our lives for carrying out the assignment God places on us, and we must learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the works of Jesus in the ways he desires us to.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!