A Disciple is Devoted

Simple question

What is one thing, be it an activity or hobby that you have stayed devoted to for a long time? What has kept you devoted?

(Transition) If devotion matters in everyday things, how much more in following Jesus together, in community does it matter?

In the previous weeks we have looked at following Jesus, then learning from the Master, then counting the cost, now tonight we are going to look at the disciple of Jesus is devoted. The disciple thrives in community, where believers are devoted to God, to one another, and to the practices that form Christ in us.

Today, instead of Act 2:42-47, we will explore other scriptures showing how deep devotion fuels the life of a disciple and strengthens the church.

A Disciple is Devoted to Christ

(Scriptures not on slides, have people read them)

John 15:4–6 “4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.”

John 15:7–8 “7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

Key idea: Devotion begins with abiding, remaining, staying connected to Christ daily and intentionally.

Interactive questions:

What does being “devoted to one another” look like in church life today?

Why is community devotion harder now than in the 1st century? What gets in the way?

Application: What one practice will you chose this week that will intentionally help you deepen your abiding in Christ? Daily scripture reading, prayer, gratitude list, meditation/solitude time, etc.

Action Step: Consider a barrier to abiding you may be struggling with and take one step to push against that barrier.

A Disciple is devoted to one another

(below not on a slide, have someone read the passage)

Romans 12:9–13 “9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

Text Focus: Be devoted to one another in love. . . practicing hospitality.

Key Idea: Christian devotion is not merely personal—it is communal. The early church thrived because believers committed to each other’s spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Interactive questions, very similar to our last ones:

What does being devoted to one another look like in church life today?

Why is community devotion harder now than in the 1st century? what gets in the way?

Application: Identify one person in the congregation to intentionally encourage, help, pray for, or include this week.

Action step: Write a name of someone you can invest in, reach out to, or refresh.

A disciple is devoted to God’s mission

(below is not on screen, have the scriptures read)

Titus 3:8 “8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.”

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

Text focus: Be careful to devote yourselves to good works, and make disciples. . .

Key Idea: Discipleship isn’t passive. Devotion leads to action— serving, witnessing, blessing, and participating in god’s redemptive mission.

Interactive questions:

When you hear the phrase “Devoted to good works,” what comes to mind?

What good works or opportunities do you see right now in our church context?

Application: Choose a specific good work : volunteering, checking in on a neighbor, sharing your faith story, serving someone in need, participating in a ministry.

Action Step: Share one good work you can commit to this week as an express of devotion to God’s mission.

Summary Conclusion

Devotion is not accidental— it is intentional, relational, and missional.

A devoted disciple abides in Christ, loves the body, and lives out the mission. When we practice devotion in these areas, discipleship thrives and the church becomes a compelling community of faith and love

Major Takeaway:

“Devotion is the fuel of discipleship—when we stay committed to Christ, one another, and His mission, our faith becomes vibrant and transformative.”

Jesus not only invites us to believe in Him, but to bind our lives to Him and to His people. As we devote ourselves in these three areas, may we grow into a community where discipleship is lived, shared, and multiplied.