Untitled Sermon (2)

Discipleship

By having a common goal, we are able to rally our collective efforts towards that common goal as a unified family. As we noted last week that common goal of Elim Mission Christian Church is one that we have derived from what we think is the clear instruction of what our Lord Jesus. The commandment he leaves behind for his church, we have reinterpreted into our vision and mission. By beginning with our goal, we will be able to focus on the purpose for why we do what we do, and how we hope to achieve it. As a way or remembrance, let us begin with our established vision and mission:

Vision statement:Presenting the biblical good news to everyone.

Mission statement: To be a Christ-centred, Bible-base communitythat shares the message of Jesus with all ethnic groups and makes disciplesfocused on faith and family.

The Vision Statement is the ‘what’ we are collectively working towards. The Mission Statement is the ‘how’ we hope to execute that goal. Before we expand a little more on the ‘how’ we aim to achieve this common goal I would like to firstly consider expanding on the ‘why’ of our vision and mission statement.

Why the ‘why’ matters?

The purpose of our leadership seminar fundamentally, is not just to unfold for you the changes that we plan to implement in the coming year, but more so than that, our goal here is to lay down a foundational purpose, or reason for existence. Understanding the ‘why’ in what we do reinforces Love, encourages sacrifice and strengthens commitment. These three elements help sustain a family-based community that is committed to making disciples.

A big part of my role in the company that I work for is to train up any up-and-coming baristas on how to make coffee our way. The majority of the time, these baristas come already well equipped with skills and some training from either formal institutions or past employment. They would generally say that they know ‘what’ to do in order to make a decent cup and are even willing to walk me through their steps on ‘how’ to do it. My task is not just to show them what to do and how we do it, but rather show them why we do it. The best approach, I have found, is to press them on the ‘why’. Why do they use that preferred technique(s)? It doesn’t necessarily mean that their technique is wrong or ineffective (sometimes it isn’t), but my aim is for them to see the purpose of said technique.

Most of my time is spent on showing the negative effects of compromising on their technique. There are many elements and at various points in the coffee making process that can have a negative impact on the desired goal. Making them aware of these potential negative effects helps reinforce the baristas commitment to sticking to our preferred techniques. Simultaneously, we also show them the positive results of consistently applying these, even (or especially) when they are under pressure. Understanding the ‘why’ in what we do helps solidify commitment, motivation and trust. The same principle of understanding the ‘why’ can be seen in our commitment to our vision and mission.

It can be an effective approach to only offer you a methodology or fools proof strategy on how to increase numbers in our church and find great success in it. But there are two problems with this. Firstly, we are not aiming to increase in numbers just for the sake it. That should never be our sole purpose or desire. We believe that increase is a result of effectively reaching our goal together, not the aim of our goal. Secondly, effectively increasing numbers can be achievable, however, it is short term boost but in the long-term it will fail because there is no purpose or reason to keep growing. Our committed goal is to foster discipleship. We begin then with the question of ‘what is discipleship?’

Individualism and Individuality

There was a very influential poem that was written around the 1960s and gain tremendous popularity in the 80s and 90s called ‘footprints’. This poem was printed on bookmarks and even on plaques for people to hang up on their walls by the masses and you can still find them today. The poem describes an experience of a person walking on the beach with God. The person recalls two sets of footprints, one his and the other Gods. However, whenever he would face difficulties, the two sets of footprints were reduced to only one. The assumption of the dreamer was that God would abandon him when things got difficult. God’s response to the man was “during your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." A lot of the time this is how we imagine discipleship looks like. When you think of discipleship, do you see it similar way to the ‘footprints in the sand’ poem? Is that how the scripture portrays how discipleship?

There seems to be a growing perspective on how discipleship is done, and it is through an ‘individualistic’ mentality and approach. This is what we call ‘individualism’. We must make a notable distinction, at this point, between ‘individualism’ and ‘individuality’. ‘Individualism’ correctly recognizes the concept that not all people are the same. By making an emphasis on the individual’s unique characteristics, personality, gifts, talents and point of view, however, individualism can breed competition rather than cooperation. Where individualism goes wrong is in its ‘ideology’. The interest of the individual is seen as most important, over and above the community. This inevitably leads to separation and isolation. The result of such an approach is detachment from any communal ties and detachment from responsibility or commitment.

What we see exemplified throughout the scriptures is quite distinct. Discipleship in scripture is always presented to us within the framework of community. Now, that is not to say that you don’t possess a personal relationship with Jesus through closeted prayer and private devotions, of course we do. But your relationship is nurtured within the larger body of community. It is within community that your personal walk with God is fostered, encouraged, edified, equipped. It is within community where the individual is given opportunity for spiritual maturing through testing times and challenges and also creates space for individual gifting and talents to be shared for the betterment of the community.

Depending on how one views discipleship will hold a greater impact on other biblical concepts. Just like in the example of coffee making, there is value in being aware of the negative impacts a certain technique or approach can have if adopted. What I would like to do briefly is look at the result of an individualistic approach to discipleship, its roots and how this strategic approach is infiltrated our way of thinking in the modern age, even within the Church.

Individualism and its results

Self-centred individualism is considered an essential element of what constitutes being a person. This is the basic language of our modern times. Therefore, it is not surprising that we view people and society as things to be utilized for the individual’s satisfaction and growth. What takes priority is the individual over the group. “Will this person benefit me?” “Is this a worthwhile relationship?" “Will I get anything out from being a part of this group?” Even the way we speak has been impacted by the effects of individualism.

But how did it get so far that even the way we talk has been altered?

Impacted by technology

Change in society is rarely observed overnight. Change takes incremental steps towards a certain direction. When we observe the culture of community throughout the years, it becomes more apparent to us. I remember the time when there was only one phone to each household. If ever I was going to receive a call from someone, I would have to share with my friend the family phone number that we all used. Whenever the phone would ring, no one ever really knew who the phone call was for (unless they were expecting it of course). The phone would be answered by the father or mother of the house, and they would instantly recognize the voice on the other side. It was Jimmy from down the road asking if I could go out and play. Now a days, there isn’t any home phones because practically every individual in the household owns their own smart phone.

Now this may seem like an insignificant thing to note, but if we think about it, the impact is dramatic. Before mobile phones, my parents would literally and metaphorically stand between me and my friend on the other line. They would determine if it was suitable for me to speak with him and determine when it was time to hang up. If any suspicion arose, they had the means to listen in on the conversation. Even before a phone call was received, my parents needed to know who my friend was. Where did I know him from? What school did he go? Who were his parents and what did they do? Today, with the introduction of the mobile phones, the parent’s authority and influence is bypassed immediately without resorting to any level of interrogational questions about my friend.

I can recall day when there were no self-check-out machines. These are relatively new to the retail market. Groceries are a routine-based necessity that at one point required you to speak with the checkout person at the registers. Small talk would be engaged, but over time, they check out person could really get to know the family, ask how little Toms soccer match went over the weekend or offer condolences for the family’s recent loss. It wasn’t too long ago when family dinners were the time and place for the family to share and open up about whatever troubles one would be facing. It was a place where the family would discuss vacation plans, and what was happening on the weekend. Today, we see less and less of this type of family dynamics with the introduction of Television, PC’s and smart phones.

Technology has been a crucial piece that keeps society moving further and further away from a community-based mentality. And it has succeeded in its mission because it feeds that individualistic approach. For example, the self-check-out system were successfully sold to the big chain supermarkets on the premise that it would save the individual shopper time. Now why would that matter to a person who is individualistically minded you ask? Because it means the individual now has more time to do whatever they want! After all, buying groceries for the family can be such a drag! Never mind the loss of employment and the loss of that sense of community – what matters most to is the individual’s happiness!

My point here isn’t to start up a revolution and remove all self-check machines, discard our mobile phones and stop watching Netflix (though monitoring our use of these things is never a bad idea). The point that I raise with these examples is to show that bit by bit, the western world is being shaped by this individualistic approach to life. These examples can be seen as trivial, but the underlining concepts are quite servery dangerous when crept into more important aspects of life, such as the family itself.

Impacts on the family

Two further examples can be given that highlight the results of individualism. Consider marriage. There is an alarming decline in marriages and in increase in divorces over the past 30-50 years. Marriages are crumbling more and more under the pressures of life. One of the causes of the breakdown in marriages is the false pursuit of the individual’s happiness as being the most important element in a marriage. When we view marriage from the perspective of what individualisms teaches, then it is no wonder we are seeing more and more divorces. Our society is propagating and promoting the notion that what is best for the family is the happiness of the individual even at the expense of the family unit. Therapist, counsellors and phycologist are recommending that what is best for the children of a couple who are no longer ‘happy together’ is for the parents to separate. ‘It is not healthy for the child to grow in an environment where they see their parents unhappy”.

Failure to recognize that the very purpose of marriage is to find a suitable partner with whom you commit to face and overcome challenges together. By choosing the voice of individualism, and removing the committed marriage of the parents, the child is left without a solid foundational example of overcoming obstacles in a community. The ability to trust in another person diminishes and a sense of responsibility and duty is lost. Now children can unfriend, unfollow or unsubscribe to anyone just be the click of a button. Commitment and responsibility is diminishing with every generation. Alongside the increase of divorce rates is the abortions women are freely having. This deep seeded display of ‘individualism’ is even more aggressive since there isn’t even an opportunity for community offered to the unborn child. Under ‘individualism’ the interest of the self is always more important than the interest of the other.

Discipleship in community

It is clear to see the impact individualism has had on our modern world today, but what about discipleship? I return to that first question; how do you imagine discipleship to look like in practice? Do you see it as the individual walking alongside Jesus, like in the poem? Or, what comes to mind is you among fellow brothers and sisters surrounding our Lord? It is the latter of the two images we see depicted in scripture.

📷

📷

You see, depending upon how you see discipleship being shaped will impact not only the way you view the Christian walk in general, but even individual doctrines begin to look different in practice depending from which lens you are seeing the through, be it the lone ranger or the community based discipleship. Consider some of these doctrines and try to imagine how they would look through either lens.

1. Sanctification (growing in likeness to God)

2. Word of God (interpreting)

3. Salvation

4. Prayer/worship

5. Discernment

6. Eternity

How would these look like in practice?

The basis of community is God

When we think about the creation of the universe, God speaking time, space and matter into existence with the power of his Word, we see God establishing order, structure and purpose for all of existence. When it came to creating the first man, Adam, we notice that the forming of this man was more intimate and personal. Genesis records for us the intention of man’s creation, and in it, the very purpose of his existence, ‘let us create man in our image, after our likeness’ (Genesis 1:26).

There are a lot of things that we could consider as the basis for what that ‘image’ of God consists of such as possessing a stewardship or dominion over creation, another might be found in the call to bear fruit and cover the earth just as Gods glory’s fills his creation. Yet another is found in the way God describes himself. Up until now, we have been hearing the words ‘and God said’ and then something would happen (there was light, or vegetation sprouted from the ground), but when it came to creating man, we notice that the declarative language changes into an inter-personal dialogue. God speaks within himself. He isn’t giving instruction to creation, instead it is a personal conversation between the Godhead, Father, Son and Spirit.

One of the fundamental intention and purpose for the creation of man was to be like God in the sense of community. Just as God is a plurality within unity, so too, mans purpose is to live in the same way God does – He is three persons and yet remains the one singular God.

This is made even more evident when we consider other repeated phrases in the Genesis narrative. All throughout the creational process we hear the phrase ‘and God saw that it was good’ after each working day. And yet throughout this narrative there a unique phrasing from God that stands out like a sore thumb. In Genesis 2:18 we hear for the first time God describe to us something that is displeasing to him personally, “then the LORD God said, “it is not good that the man should be alone.” This gives us further evidence that from the beginning, the purpose of man is to be amongst a community, we were never designed for isolation. God would create not only a suitable ‘helper fit for him’ but that suitable helper was design so that together they may create a community through gift of multiplying.

Continuing on with our observation of the intentional language used in Genesis, we notice in 1:27 something that is similar to that of nature of our triune God – His plurality within unity. Notice that it states ‘So God created man (the singular) in his own image, in the image of God he created him (singular); male and female he created them (plurality). Genesis sets a foundational principle for human relationships. It suggests that companionship reflects God's intent to meet humanity's needs for love and support. Living in community aligns with divine design. The image of God is the foundation of and reason for the individual person to live amongst community.

Taking a closer look at Scriptures record of the words, actions and attitudes communicated by one of the Persons in the Godhead to another in the Godhead, we get glimpses of the standard for what oneness is in community looks like. Consider the following passages:

1. Each showed deference to and dependence on the other: John 5:19, 30, 8:26, 28, 38, 14:24, 16:13

2. Reciprocal interdependence: John 3:16, 17:6a

3. What belongs to one belongs to the other: John 17:6, 17:10

4. What the Son had to give was given him by the Father: John 17:7

5. Each other honoured the will of the other: John 4:34, 5::36, 14:10

6. One sought to please the other: John 5:30, 8:29

7. One gave glory to the other: John 16: 14, 17:1

8. One obeys the other: John 16:7

God’s nature reveals an inter-relational community within the unity. This serves that the basis for our own image, as image bearers. Understanding the Trinity helps us understand the intention for God people and the purpose for why we ought to strive to live within community.

The basis for discipleship is community

In John 13:1-17 we come across a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus. Only hours before Christ would offer up his own body as a sacrifice for his disciples at the cross, he organized for him and for his disciple to partake in the Passover. A practice that had been done for centuries till that point. After the cross, however, the Passover would take on greater meaning for the followers of Jesus. But just prior to their supper, John records for us what some have even suggested to be the inception of the Church. Whether or not that is true is not our concern here. What ought to be significant to us is that this display of humility and expression of love towards the other is the example Jesus chooses to leave behind for his followers to emulate – the washing of feet.

In his discussion with Peter, Jesus points out that at that present moment, Peter wasn’t going to understand its significance until after. A possible reason for Peters lack of understanding may have been due to the fact that this was way out of the norm. The washing of feet was generally reserved for the ‘least of these’, in other words, this task would be performed by a servant in the household. Whenever the master came back from a trip or had guest come over, it would be the servant’s job to bow down low and wash their feet. This was important because during their travels, it would be the feet that would accumulate dirt. Jesus points out that even though one might have bathed earlier on, the feet would eventually become dirty by evening. Taking another bath wasn’t necessary, only the feet needed attending to.

But here in this moment, it wasn’t the servant of the house that came to wash the feet of the disciples, instead, we see Jesus take on the role or duty of the servant. What an inversion of expectations! Our individualistic society tends to gravitate towards the opposite. Most of the time, we seek the ‘greater’ roles or opportunities even at the expense of the other. Jesus, on the other hand, exemplifies the complete opposite to that societal inclination. Jesus says to his disciples ‘you call me Teacher, and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ (14). The point made here is that Jesus who rightly holds the position of teacher and Lord over them, humbled himself to take on the role of a servant for them.

It might be good to raise the question; is Jesus telling his disciples that the practice of washing feet ought to be done on a regular basis? Or are we to follow the principlethat this example shows us? I believe it is that latter of the two, since there aren’t any examples of the disciples doing this as a common practice, nor do we have the Apostles instruct us to do so. It seems, then, that the underlying principle is what we are called to replicate within the body of Christ. This becomes a snapshot of what discipleship ought to look like. That is the call to humility by laying down the individuals right for the betterment of the other. Jesus had every right to not wash the feet of his disciples yet set that aside in humility and done that, which even his disciples, never thought to do for him. Jesus expresses his deep love for his brothers, by serving them in the role that was arguably the most humbling one could take.

Not only does this act of washing the feet display humility on the part of the one doing the washing, but even a sense of humiliation on the part of the recipient too. This might be the reason why Peter was so reluctant at first to have his feet washed by Jesus. Our natural inclination is to hide our imperfections from others and present the best version of ourselves. What the washing of feet, then, represents to us is a discipleship that is modelled after the dual act of humbling oneself for the benefit of others (washing other’s feet) and the willingness to admit our imperfections within the context of community (allowing our feet to be washed). This is most potently described to us by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12.

It is also interesting that Jesus explains to Peter, that though a person by be initially washed, the instruction to wash their feet is not removed! We could maybe draw out from this example that though we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus sacrificial love for us at the cross, yet that does not alleviate us from the responsibility to tend the needs of us. Instead, it is because the teacher and Lord has done this, we are called to follow in his example of selfless care of others. It challenges individuals to reassess their roles within the church and consider how they can contribute to one another's growth in Christ. Jesus' example demonstrates that authority and greatness in the kingdom of God are found in humility and serving others rather than seeking power or recognition.

This concept of togetherness that is exemplified for us in this example of Christ, was fostered in the early church as well. Consider the passages that speak of ‘one another’ as examples of what a community-based church looks like:

1. Giving honour to one another: Romans 12:10

2. Living harmoniously with one another: Romans 12:16

3. Admonishing one another: 1 Corinthians 11:53

4. Demonstrating equal care for one another: 1 Corinthians 12:25

5. Serving one another: Galatians 5:13

6. Giving comfort to one another: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

7. Building each other up: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

8. Maintaining peace with each other: 1 Thessalonians 5:13

9. Doing good to one another: 1 Thessalonians 5:15

10. Lovingly bearing with each other: Ephesians 4:2

11. Being subject to each other: Ephesians 5:21

12. Forgiving one another: Colossian 3:13

13. Confessing to and praying for each other: James 5:16

14. Exhibiting hospitality to each other: 1 Peter 4:9

The list could be viewed as ways in which the principle of washing each other’s feet could be applied to the community of disciples. There is no doubt that the basis and purpose for discipleship is found within community.

Individualism from the beginning

Before we conclude, I would like to finally consider the root of what we identified in ‘individualism’ – the goal of individualism as we stated is to seek the benefit of self, resulting in detachment and isolation. There is a key text that depicts for us these characteristics of individualism. In Genesis 3 we read of the interaction between the deceiving serpent and the woman. The first observation we may note is how the serpent successfully isolatesEve from the word of God by directing her eyes to the attractiveness of the fruit. This first step in the strategy of this ancient serpent is clearly to isolate the individual, increasing vulnerability and confusion to seep in. (Genesis 3:1-3)

The second step in the tactics of the enemy is to use seductivelanguage that will appeal to the individuals desire, promising wisdom and autonomy apart from God, thus driving a wedge in community. This highlights the dangers of choosing independence over God's design for interconnectedness. Through Christ, we overcome these deceptions by embracing the truth that we are part of one body. True wisdom and fulfillment come through communal reliance on God, reflecting how Jesus walked in unity with His Father and followers. (Genesis 3:4-5)

The decision to eat the forbidden fruit was made in isolation from God's command and in flawed partnership, this decision clearly shows how individual choices impact community. Recognizing that Christ’s example in the washing feet, calls us to an interdepended community where believers are encouraged to seek accountability and wisdom within the body of Christ. By seeking counsel and sharing burdens helps maintain strong communal bonds, countering the isolation that sin fosters and creates harmonious living. (Genesis 3:6)

Immediately after the intrusive thoughts of individualism took root and detachment from community and God took place, like an uncontrollable force, this great sense of shame overwhelmed them and led them to hide themselves from the very presence of God. As seen in the example of Christ, however, we are shown the need for a transparent community where we bring our failings into the open, reflecting Christ's light. Jesus provides the perfect example of restoring relationships, tearing down the barriers of shame, and building authentic community. Coming out of hiding into Christ's presence renews our connection with God and others. This is what community in discipleship looks like and we must all make strives to live out what Christ has called us to imitate.

Conclusion

We have seen that the creational story of man is modelled after the triune nature of God. We have argued that the individual is designed for community, and not isolation or an individualistic mentality or approach to life. Consider a lion—a symbol of strength and dominance. Yet even the king of the jungle knows the value of community, hunting in prides. When a lion hunts alone, its chance of success diminishes drastically. Similarly, Jesus called us to live in community, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and sharing burdens. Isolation can lead to failure, while coming together allows us to support and lift up one another. Let's not fall into the trap of individualism but embrace the body we are meant to be. I believe that what we read in John underlines for us the basic purpose or function of what the church should look like. Community is the lifeblood of the church because it is derived from the nature of God.

In the early church, discipleship was not a program, but a way of life. Christians gathered in homes, breaking bread and sharing prayers, learning from one another. Historical accounts reveal the depth of their commitment—not merely to doctrines but to each other. This community living reflects true discipleship as we support one another in faith and action, just as the apostles did. The Bible presents us with the image of Jesus sending His disciples out to make more disciples. This call requires not just teaching, but a transformative relationship that encompasses love, sacrifice, and commitment. Like a vine and branches, discipleship is interwoven; the life of one influence many. Our commitment to discipleship should echo this biblical mandate, as we faithfully cultivate our own spiritual growth while nurturing others.