Untitled Sermon (5)

How to Disciple

[Oak image]

[Oak image]

At the very beginning of the church, we see that in every new area, before new disciples started popping up like seedlings first the word of God was applied.

Intro (2.5 min)

[Oak image]

Intro (2.5 min)

Intro (2.5 min)

Intro (2.5 min)

Oak trees impress me. What impresses me about Oak trees is what they look like when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape. And they endure. Depending on the type of Oak it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to fully mature. 50 to 100 years of endurance, and ongoing growth until the tree is completely matured.

By now everyone here should have something that look like this in their hand. Does anyone have the courage to tell me what it is? Yes that’s right, it’s an acorn. Next question, another difficult one. What does an acorn turn into? Bingo, a Oak tree.

By now everyone here should have something that look like this in their hand. Does anyone have the courage to tell me what it is? Yes that’s right, it’s an acorn. Next question, another difficult one. What does an acorn turn into? Bingo, a Oak tree.

I love oak trees. We where luck enough, that when we bought our house 7 years ago it had a Oak in the back yard. It is that very oak that provided all these lovely acorns. What I love about Oak trees is how impressive they are when they are fully matured.

I love oak trees. We where luck enough, that when we bought our house 7 years ago it had an Oak in the back yard. It is that very oak that provided all these lovely acorns. What I love about Oak trees is how impressive they are when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape.

By now everyone here should have something that look like this in their hand. Does anyone have the courage to tell me what it is? Yes that’s right, it’s an acorn. Next question, another difficult one. What does an acorn turn into? Bingo, a Oak tree.

- 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

By now everyone here should have something that look like this in their hand. Does anyone have the courage to tell me what it is? Yes that’s right, it’s an acorn. Next question, another difficult one. What does an acorn turn into? Bingo, a Oak tree.

[Oak image]

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. That little acorn. How does something like this acorn turn become so grand as a fully matured Oak?

[Oak image]

[Oak image]

As the word of God advanced in Jerusalem and beyond, so did the growth of new disciples.

[Oak image]

The question that we are answering tonight, is how do I grow from an immature acorn to a fully matured oak tree. How do I grow, and how do I help others grow from where we are right now as a disciple of Jesus, into a fully matured Christlike disciple?

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. How does something like this small acorn turn into something so grand as an Oak?

Why is that? Because it is the word of God alone, that gives knowledge of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God is the only soil that a disciple of Jesus will grow in. It is the earth into which we sink our roots and grow strong and healthy.

Oak trees impress me. What impresses me about Oak trees is what they look like when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape. And they endure. Depending on the type of Oak it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to fully mature. 50 to 100 years of endurance, and ongoing growth until the tree is completely matured.

Oak trees impress me. What impresses me about Oak trees is what they look like when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape. And they endure. Depending on the type of Oak it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to fully mature. 50 to 100 years of endurance, and ongoing growth until the tree is completely matured.

You and I, are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding it’s breath. We are called to become… like Jesus Christ. We are called to mature into the likeness of the perfect human. We reach our full maturity when we are perfect reflections of Jesus. You will have heard last week,

Oak trees impress me. What impresses me about Oak trees is what they look like when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape. And they endure. Depending on the type of Oak it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to fully mature. 50 to 100 years of endurance, and ongoing growth until the tree is completely matured.

Oak trees impress me. What impresses me about Oak trees is what they look like when they are fully matured. They are near monolithic in size, they exude strength and power, and they are all different and unique in shape. And they endure. Depending on the type of Oak it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to fully mature. 50 to 100 years of endurance, and ongoing growth until the tree is completely matured.

You and I are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding its breath. We are called to become… like Jesus Christ. Not just to follow, but to imitate the Son of God, Son of man. Humanity reaches its full maturity when we are perfect reflections of him.

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. That little acorn. How does something like this acorn turn become so grand as a fully matured Oak?

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. That little acorn. How does something like this acorn turn become so grand as a fully matured Oak?

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. That little acorn. How does something like this acorn turn become so grand as a fully matured Oak?

Consider for a moment what it is then that you hold in your hand. That little acorn. How does something like this acorn turn become so grand as a fully matured Oak?

Consider for a moment, as you did the acorn, what it is that you are? A human. How does someone like you become something so grand as a perfect reflection of Jesus Christ?

[Proclamation]

The question that we are answering tonight, is how do I grow from an immature acorn to a fully matured oak tree. How do I grow, and how do I help others grow from where we are right now as a disciple of Jesus, into a fully matured Christlike disciple?

You and I, and the rest of humanity are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding its breath. We are all called to become… like Christlike. Not just to follow, but to imitate and perfectly reflect Jesus in everyway. Humanity reaches its full maturity when we are perfect reflections of him, and this process is called discipleship.

You and I, and the rest of humanity are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding its breath. We are all called to become… like Christlike. Not just to follow, but to imitate and perfectly reflect Jesus in everyway. Humanity reaches its full maturity when we are perfect reflections of him, and this process is called discipleship.

Proclamation of the word of God, is the first necessity of a disciple of Jesus.

This is the question that we are answering tonight in our series on discipleship. How do I grow, and how do I help others grow from where we are right now as immature disciples of Jesus, into a fully matured Christlike disciples? How do we mature from one to the other?

You and I, and the rest of humanity are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding its breath. We are all called to become… like Christlike. Not just to follow, but to imitate and perfectly reflect Jesus in everyway. Humanity reaches its full maturity when we are perfect reflections of him, and this process is called discipleship.

You and I, and the rest of humanity are not so dissimilar to this acorn. We like this little seed, have a more matured form, that when realised leaves the world holding its breath. We are all called to become… like Christlike. Not just to follow, but to imitate and perfectly reflect Jesus in everyway. Humanity reaches its full maturity when we are perfect reflections of him, and this process is called discipleship.

Consider yourself for a moment, as you did the acorn. How do you, where you are right now, become something so grand as fully matured disciple of Jesus? And what role do you have in assisting the person next to you, or the person at work, or the gym in their calling to be a fully matured disciple of Jesus. How do you transform someone that doesn’t believe in Jesus at all into, not just a believer, and a matured disciple?

Consider yourself for a moment, as you did the acorn. How do you, where you are right now, become something so grand as fully matured disciple of Jesus? And what role do you have in assisting the person next to you, or the person at work, or the gym in their calling to be a fully matured disciple of Jesus. How do you transform someone that doesn’t believe in Jesus at all into, not just a believer, and a matured disciple?

Consider yourself for a moment, as you did the acorn. How do you, where you are right now, become something so grand as fully matured disciple of Jesus? And what role do you have in assisting the person next to you, or the person at work, or the gym in their calling to be a fully matured disciple of Jesus. How do you transform someone that doesn’t believe in Jesus at all into, not just a believer, and a matured disciple?

Consider yourself for a moment, as you did the acorn. How do you, where you are right now, become something so grand as fully matured disciple of Jesus? And what role do you have in assisting the person next to you, or the person at work, or the gym in their calling to be a fully matured disciple of Jesus. How do you transform someone that doesn’t believe in Jesus at all into, not just a believer, and a matured disciple?

Now I know, that at least 90% of the people here just had hole open up in the pit of their stomach, at the mention Proclamation. Relax. I’m there with you. We all start thinking about soap box preaching or grand declarations to everyone on the bus on the way to work, when we hear the word. Take a moment, have a breath. My point is not concerning the messenger, but the focusing on the power of the message. Not how you proclaim, but what is being proclaimed.

How are disciples made? This is the question that we are answering tonight in our series on discipleship. And to do so, we are going to be looking at a broad range of scriptures tonight, and sadly moving relatively quickly. So lets pray that I can communicate well, you can listen well and by the grace of God in the work of the Holy Spirit we will have our eyes opened to how we might become great Oaks of Christ.

How are disciples made? This is the question that we are answering tonight in our series on discipleship. And to do so, we are going to be looking at a broad range of scriptures tonight, and sadly moving relatively quickly. So lets pray that I can communicate well, you can listen well and by the grace of God in the work of the Holy Spirit we will have our eyes opened to how we might become great Oaks of Christ.

How are disciples made? This is the question that we are answering tonight in our series on discipleship. And to do so, we are going to be looking at a broad range of scriptures tonight, and sadly moving relatively quickly. So lets pray that I can communicate well, you can listen well and by the grace of God in the work of the Holy Spirit we will have our eyes opened to how we might become great Oaks of Christ.

- 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

How are disciples made? This is the question that we are answering tonight in our series on discipleship. And to do so, we are going to be looking at a broad range of scriptures tonight, and sadly moving relatively quickly. So lets pray that I can communicate well, you can listen well and by the grace of God in the work of the Holy Spirit we will have our eyes opened to how we might become great Oaks of Christ.

[Pray]

[Pray]

One of the true powers in discipleship is that the power to grow yourself, or someone elses into maturity doesn’t rest in your presentation skills. It rests in the power of the of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he died, came back to life and will return again.

[Pray]

[Pray]

Point 1 (5 min)

Point 1 (5 min)

Point 1 (5 min)

Point 1 (5 min)

It wouldn’t surprise many here to realise the first thing needed for an Acorn to grow is that it must be planted. But it cannot be planted just anywhere. You do not see oaks on the side of volcanos, or under the sea. Neither do they grow on clouds, beaches or deserts. The Acorn must be planted in the right place for healthy growth to occur. Humanity is no different in it’s growth into a mature disciple of Jesus. We must likewise be planted in the correct soil. It is this soil that we must ensure we our selves are planted in in order to grow. It is this same soil that we must ensure we are planting new Christians into for them to grow.

It wouldn’t surprise many here to realise the first thing needed for an Acorn to grow is that it must be planted. But it cannot be planted just anywhere. You do not see oaks on the side of volcanos, or under the sea. Neither do they grow on clouds, beaches or deserts. The Acorn must be planted in the right place for healthy growth to occur. Humanity is no different in it’s growth into a mature disciple of Jesus. We must likewise be planted in the correct soil. It is this soil that we must ensure we our selves are planted in in order to grow. It is this same soil that we must ensure we are planting new Christians into for them to grow.

It wouldn’t surprise many here to realise the first thing needed for an Acorn to grow is that it must be planted. But it cannot be planted just anywhere. You do not see oaks on the side of volcanos, or under the sea. Neither do they grow on clouds, beaches or deserts. The Acorn must be planted in the right place for healthy growth to occur. Humanity is no different in it’s growth into a mature disciple of Jesus. We must likewise be planted in the correct soil. It is this soil that we must ensure we our selves are planted in in order to grow. It is this same soil that we must ensure we are planting new Christians into for them to grow.

It wouldn’t surprise many here to realise the first thing needed for an Acorn to grow is that it must be planted. But it cannot be planted just anywhere. You do not see oaks on the side of volcanos, or under the sea. Neither do they grow on clouds, beaches or deserts. The Acorn must be planted in the right place for healthy growth to occur. Humanity is no different in it’s growth into a mature disciple of Jesus. We must likewise be planted in the correct soil. It is this soil that we must ensure we our selves are planted in in order to grow. It is this same soil that we must ensure we are planting new Christians into for them to grow.

At the very beginning of the church, we see that in every new area, before new disciples started popping up like seedlings first the word of God was applied.

At the very beginning of the church, we see that in every new area, before new disciples started popping up like seedlings first the word of God was applied.

At the very beginning of the church, we see that in every new area, before new disciples started popping up like seedlings first the word of God was applied.

At the very beginning of the church, we see that in every new area, before new disciples started popping up like seedlings first the word of God was applied.

- 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

- 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

- 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

- 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

As the word of God advanced in Jerusalem and beyond, so did the growth of new disciples.

As the word of God advanced in Jerusalem and beyond, so did the growth of new disciples.

As the word of God advanced in Jerusalem and beyond, so did the growth of new disciples.

As the word of God advanced in Jerusalem and beyond, so did the growth of new disciples.

Why is that? Because it is the word of God alone, that gives knowledge of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God is the only soil that a disciple of Jesus will grow in. It is the earth into which we sink our roots and grow strong and healthy.

Why is that? Because it is the word of God alone, that gives knowledge of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God is the only soil that a disciple of Jesus will grow in. It is the earth into which we sink our roots and grow strong and healthy.

Why is that? Because it is the word of God alone, that gives knowledge of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God is the only soil that a disciple of Jesus will grow in. It is the earth into which we sink our roots and grow strong and healthy.

Why is that? Because it is the word of God alone, that gives knowledge of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God is the only soil that a disciple of Jesus will grow in. It is the earth into which we sink our roots and grow strong and healthy.

[Proclamation]

[Proclamation]

[Proclamation]

[Proclamation]

Proclamation of the word of God, is the first necessity of a disciple of Jesus.

Proclamation of the word of God, is the first necessity of a disciple of Jesus.

Proclamation of the word of God, is the first necessity of a disciple of Jesus.

Proclamation of the word of God, is the first necessity of a disciple of Jesus.

Now I know, that at least 90% of the people here just had hole open up in the pit of their stomach, at the mention Proclamation. Relax. I’m there with you. We all start thinking about soap box preaching or grand declarations to everyone on the bus on the way to work, when we hear the word. Take a moment, have a breath. My point is not how you proclaim, but what is being proclaimed.

Now I know, that at least 90% of the people here just had hole open up in the pit of their stomach, at the mention Proclamation. Relax. I’m there with you. We all start thinking about soap box preaching or grand declarations to everyone on the bus on the way to work, when we hear the word. Take a moment, have a breath. My point is not how you proclaim, but what is being proclaimed.

Now I know, that at least 90% of the people here just had hole open up in the pit of their stomach, at the mention Proclamation. Relax. I’m there with you. We all start thinking about soap box preaching or grand declarations to everyone on the bus on the way to work, when we hear the word. Take a moment, have a breath. My point is not how you proclaim, but what is being proclaimed.

Now I know, that at least 90% of the people here just had hole open up in the pit of their stomach, at the mention Proclamation. Relax. I’m there with you. We all start thinking about soap box preaching or grand declarations to everyone on the bus on the way to work, when we hear the word. Take a moment, have a breath. My point is not concerning the messenger, but the focusing on the power of the message. Not how you proclaim, but what is being proclaimed.

- 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

- 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

- 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

- 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The power to fuel your growth, or someone elses growth into maturity doesn’t rest in your presentation skills. My power point skills, my speaking skills even now, are not what is fueling your growth as a disciple right now. It rests in the power of the of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he died, came back to life and will return again. It is the good news of Jesus Christ that you and I, and every disciple of Christ must be planted in. And never again be moved.

One of the true powers in discipleship is that the power to grow yourself, or someone elses into maturity doesn’t rest in your presentation skills. It rests in the power of the of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he died, came back to life and will return again.

The power to fuel your growth, or someone elses growth into maturity doesn’t rest in your presentation skills. My power point skills, my speaking skills even now, are not what is fueling your growth as a disciple right now. It rests in the power of the of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he died, came back to life and will return again. It is the good news of Jesus Christ that you and I, and every disciple of Christ must be planted in. And never again be moved.

The power to fuel your growth, or someone elses growth into maturity doesn’t rest in your presentation skills. My power point skills, my speaking skills even now, are not what is fueling your growth as a disciple right now. It rests in the power of the of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he died, came back to life and will return again. It is the good news of Jesus Christ that you and I, and every disciple of Christ must be planted in. And never again be moved.

Just as a seedling does not out grow it’s need for soil neither do we out grow our need for the word of God. It is in fact the opposite. In order to grow in our Christ likeness, and encourage the growth of others in theirs, we must sink our roots deeper into the word of God. It is foolishness, to think a seedling will continue to grow if you rip it up.

Just as a seedling does not out grow it’s need for soil neither do we out grow our need for the word of God. It is in fact the opposite. In order to grow in our Christ likeness, and encourage the growth of others in theirs, we must sink our roots deeper into the word of God. It is foolishness, to think a seedling will continue to grow if you rip it up.

Point 2 (5 min)

Just as a seedling does not out grow it’s need for soil neither do we out grow our need for the word of God. It is in fact the opposite. In order to grow in our Christ likeness, and encourage the growth of others in theirs, we must sink our roots deeper into the word of God. It is foolishness, to think a seedling will continue to grow if you rip it up.

– 1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

– 1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

– 1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

Point 3 (5 min)

Paul reminds the Corinthians that in order to continue their growth in their salvation they must do what? Be reminded of the gospel. Stand in the Gospel. Hold firm to it. Our need for the power of the word of God, does not diminish.

Point 4 (5 min)

Paul reminds the Corinthians that in order to continue their growth in their salvation they must do what? Be reminded of the gospel. Stand in the Gospel. Hold firm to it. Our need for the power of the word of God, does not diminish.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that in order to continue their growth in their salvation they must do what? Be reminded of the gospel. Stand in the Gospel. Hold firm to it. Our need for the power of the word of God, does not diminish.

Conclusion (2.5 min)

So what is the first think we do to make disciples? Bury them like an acorn in the word. Not with aggression, we do not beat people with the bible. But like someone who desperately wants to see this acorn flourish into maturity. Gently carry, and place them in the word.

So what is the first think we do to make disciples? Bury them like an acorn in the word. Not with aggression, we do not beat people with the bible. But like someone who desperately wants to see this acorn flourish into maturity. Gently carry, and place them in the word.

So what is the first think we do to make disciples? Bury them like an acorn in the word. Not with aggression, we do not beat people with the bible. But like someone who desperately wants to see this acorn flourish into maturity. Gently carry, and place them in the word.

Point 2 (5 min)

Point 2 (5 min)

Point 2 (5 min)

Every farmer knows, that just because you place a seed in the right soil, with the right amount of water and sun, not every seed grows. For whatever reason the seed just lacks the energy to get up and go. Similarly discipleship growth is not a math equation, it is a grace equation.

Every farmer knows, that just because you place a seed in the right soil, with the right amount of water and sun, not every seed grows. For whatever reason the seed just lacks the energy to get up and go. Similarly discipleship growth is not a math equation, it is a grace equation.

Every farmer knows, that just because you place a seed in the right soil, with the right amount of water and sun, not every seed grows. For whatever reason the seed just lacks the energy to get up and go. Similarly discipleship growth is not a math equation, it is a grace equation.

- 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

- 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

- 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

You, me, the neighbor next door. We may attend the best church, hear powerful proclamations of the gospel each and every day for the rest of our mortal lives. Be planted in the richest soil. And none of that guarantees even the smallest iota of growth if God does not give it. In particular, it is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring about the power for transformation. So what are we to do? Pray!

You, me, the neighbor next door. We may attend the best church, hear powerful proclamations of the gospel each and every day for the rest of our mortal lives. Be planted in the richest soil. And none of that guarantees even the smallest iota of growth if God does not give it. In particular, it is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring about the power for transformation. So what are we to do? Pray!

You, me, the neighbor next door. We may attend the best church, hear powerful proclamations of the gospel each and every day for the rest of our mortal lives. Be planted in the richest soil. And none of that guarantees even the smallest iota of growth if God does not give it. In particular, it is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring about the power for transformation. So what are we to do? Pray!

[Pray]

[Pray]

[Pray]

Being a disciple of Jesus allows no place for pride. Our strength, our only strength rests in the one to whom we call. Like a child calling for a parent, we call to the Spirit to be present and active in our lives and in those that we desire to see grow in discipleship.

Being a disciple of Jesus allows no place for pride. Our strength, our only strength rests in the one to whom we call. Like a child calling for a parent, we call to the Spirit to be present and active in our lives and in those that we desire to see grow in discipleship.

Being a disciple of Jesus allows no place for pride. Our strength, our only strength rests in the one to whom we call. Like a child calling for a parent, we call to the Spirit to be present and active in our lives and in those that we desire to see grow in discipleship.

– 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

– 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

– 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

In this passage highlights twice the necessity of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a disciple of Jesus. It is first the holy Spirit that bring about conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment, this is what it means to have a full conviction. No stone is left unturned. The second mention of the Holy Spirit is that it inspires the reception of the word with joy. And it is because of this. The double hit of power, in the word and in the Holy Spirit that the Thessalonians are being praised by Paul as what? As examples of Jesus to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

In this passage highlights twice the necessity of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a disciple of Jesus. It is first the holy Spirit that bring about conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment, this is what it means to have a full conviction. No stone is left unturned. The second mention of the Holy Spirit is that it inspires the reception of the word with joy. And it is because of this. The double hit of power, in the word and in the Holy Spirit that the Thessalonians are being praised by Paul as what? As examples of Jesus to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

In this passage highlights twice the necessity of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a disciple of Jesus. It is first the holy Spirit that bring about conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment, this is what it means to have a full conviction. No stone is left unturned. The second mention of the Holy Spirit is that it inspires the reception of the word with joy. And it is because of this. The double hit of power, in the word and in the Holy Spirit that the Thessalonians are being praised by Paul as what? As examples of Jesus to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

- 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

- 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

- 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Just as with the word of God, we cannot. Cannot stop receiving the growth producing power of the Holy Spirit. To do so would be like taking the sun away, and expecting the sapling to grow. And if we are not humbly praying for the ongoing grace of God, in the work of the Holy Spirit in the live of those that we are hoping to disciple we may as well be planting rocks instead of acorns.

Just as with the word of God, we cannot. Cannot stop receiving the growth producing power of the Holy Spirit. To do so would be like taking the sun away, and expecting the sapling to grow. And if we are not humbly praying for the ongoing grace of God, in the work of the Holy Spirit in the live of those that we are hoping to disciple we may as well be planting rocks instead of acorns.

Just as with the word of God, we cannot. Cannot stop receiving the growth producing power of the Holy Spirit. To do so would be like taking the sun away, and expecting the sapling to grow. And if we are not humbly praying for the ongoing grace of God, in the work of the Holy Spirit in the live of those that we are hoping to disciple we may as well be planting rocks instead of acorns.

In order to make disciples we must be proclaiming the word of God & Praying for the Holy Spirit.

In order to make disciples we must be proclaiming the word of God & Praying for the Holy Spirit.

Point 3 (5 min)

Point 3 (5 min)

Point 3 (5 min)

Point 4 (5 min)

Conclusion (2.5 min)

It is for this very purpose that God has given you and I and all of his disciples spiritual gifts. So that we might participate in… building one another up. God uses us as his agents on earth to participate in proclamation and prayer. This is where my Oak tree illustration fails, because they are only out for themselves. Selfish Oak trees. We however are to participate with God in each one another’s growth and maturity towards Christlikeness.

It is for this very purpose that God has given you and I and all of his disciples spiritual gifts. So that we might participate in… building one another up. God uses us as his agents on earth to participate in proclamation and prayer. This is where my Oak tree illustration fails, because they are only out for themselves. Selfish Oak trees. We however are to participate with God in each one another’s growth and maturity towards Christlikeness.

Has anyone here seen Avatar the movie? Do you remember, when Grace Augustine is explaining to Norm that on Pandora all the trees are connected, like they are all one big network? That is closer to what it is like to be a disciple, and being discipled. Not only are we to be in the proclaimed word, and prayer, but we are to be doing it together. This is the purpose for all the different gifts that we all have.

Has anyone here seen Avatar the movie? Do you remember, when Grace Augustine is explaining to Norm that on Pandora all the trees are connected, like they are all one big network? That is closer to what it is like to be a disciple, and being discipled. Not only are we to be in the proclaimed word, and prayer, but we are to be doing it together. This is the purpose for all the different gifts that we all have.

- 11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

- 11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

We are to all be in unity together. Piling the word of God on each other, praying for the spirit to be active in one another. Urging one another into maturity. Which means that in order to grow as a disciple into full maturity in Christlikeness. What do you need? You need the church. You need the people next to you. You cannot do this alone.

We are to all be in unity together. Piling the word of God on each other, praying for the spirit to be active in one another. Urging one another into maturity. Which means that in order to grow as a disciple into full maturity in Christlikeness. What do you need? You need the church. You need the people next to you. You cannot do this alone.

Now if we are each responsible for proclaiming the word of God to one another for the rest of our lives, and praying for each other for the rest of our lives. what exactly does that look like? Are we talking about a lot of scripture quotes.

Now if we are each responsible for proclaiming the word of God to one another for the rest of our lives, and praying for each other for the rest of our lives. what exactly does that look like? Are we talking about a lot of scripture quotes.

- 26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

- 26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

As I said earlier, it is not the presentation that this important, but instead the message. When you come together let the words you offer one another be rich in the word of God. When you come together, be bold in using the gifts God has given you to proclaim the word of God into each other.

As I said earlier, it is not the presentation that this important, but instead the message. When you come together let the words you offer one another be rich in the word of God. When you come together, be bold in using the gifts God has given you to proclaim the word of God into each other.

Dennis and I catch up every Wednesday morning. We read a Psalm, we discuss it, we listen about how one another are going and encourage one another, and we pray for one another. Our decision to do this, is one of the wisest I have made in my life to date. Dennis has encouraged me and lifted my eyes to God countless times. & I have done the same. We do not sing to one another.

Dennis and I catch up every Wednesday morning. We read a Psalm, we discuss it, we listen about how one another are going and encourage one another, and we pray for one another. Our decision to do this, is one of the wisest I have made in my life to date. Dennis has encouraged me and lifted my eyes to God countless times. & I have done the same. We do not sing to one another.

I do however sing to my children. They know all the words to a lot of kids bible songs and a number of old school hymns. I also read stories, pray and live life as an example to them of what it is like to be a disciple of Jesus. I don’t ask them deep challenging theological questions, just ones that they are at a level for.

I do however sing to my children. They know all the words to a lot of kids bible songs and a number of old school hymns. I also read stories, pray and live life as an example to them of what it is like to be a disciple of Jesus. I don’t ask them deep challenging theological questions, just ones that they are at a level for.

My mentors, ask me questions that are personal, challenging, and redirect my eyes to Jesus. We Pray… etc on and on.

My mentors, ask me questions that are personal, challenging, and redirect my eyes to Jesus. We Pray… etc on and on.

There are many ways that we can participate in discipling one another. But each of them requires intention. they don’t just happen. And we tend to grow lazy in doing this. There is never a time in your life, from here into eternity where you can grow by yourself. You must have other people participating in your growth. And you must be participating in theirs.

There are many ways that we can participate in discipling one another. But each of them requires intention. they don’t just happen. And we tend to grow lazy in doing this. There is never a time in your life, from here into eternity where you can grow by yourself. You must have other people participating in your growth. And you must be participating in theirs.

We must proclaim, pray, and participate.

We must proclaim, pray, and participate.

Point 4 (5 min)

Point 4 (5 min)

The last point tonight is this… we must be prepared to persevere. I said that one of the aspects that I appreciate regarding Oak trees is that they take 50 – 100 years to reach maturity. Which means, they have had to persevere in their growth. Imagine the things a 100 year old Oak will have had to endure. 100 seasons of hot and cold. Fires, ice, wind, earthquakes, sickness, animals, bugs. But in order to reach their maturity they must persevere through it all. Tell you what, if you come out of this no wise regarding discipleship, you will at least have an appreciation for Oak trees.

Conclusion (2.5 min)

Guys, in order to reach full maturity as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be prepared to persevere. Not only in our own suffering, but in the suffering of one another.

- 18 “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you.

As a disciple, and as someone that will disciple it is important to realise that the journey will not be one without obstacles. To belong to Christ is to walk against the flow of the world, and the world will throw things at you, so that you are swept away.

It is for this reason that we must persevere together, hold one another, encourage one another’s roots to sink evermore deeply into the word of God that we may not be shaken.

We must also be aware that just like the Oak the road to being a matured disciple of Jesus is not a short one. It can be hard discipling others, when they just don’t seem to be getting it, growth doesn’t seem to be coming. Do we just give up? No.

J. Oswald Sanders wrote in his book ‘In pursuit of Maturity’ A Chinese proverb says: “If you are working for a year, plant rice. If you are working for a century, plant a tree. If you are working for eternity, plant a man.” When God is developing a life for eternity, He is in no hurry. A pumpkin will mature in three months, but an oak tree takes a century, and there are no shortcuts.

The road to mature discipleship in Christ is long, it is bumpy, and it is seldom straight, but that is because we are called to being more than a pumpkin, more even than an oak. We are call to be perfect reflections of Jesus Christ. So persevere.

Conclusion (2.5 min)

In closing tonight, we must remember that to be a disciple of Christ is to know that we are called to be Christlike. And to come to full maturity, like an acorn becoming a mighty oak, we perfectly reflect the image of Christ.

In order to do this, both for our selves, and for those around us we must be proclaiming, praying, participating, and persevering.

Proclaiming the powerful word of God, only in it’s soil can we find root.

Praying that God might bring growth through the holy spirit.

Participating in the discipleship of one another

Persevering for the road is long, But it is worth every moment of it.

Therefore let us go on toward perfection.

Lets Pray