Discipleship Flows From the Gospel
Notes
Transcript
Handout
INTRO:
School
- you should be more adequate at school now then when you were in 1st grade
- Came about from homework, studying, asking teachers and others for help, etc.
in the life of a Christian the Gospel moves us to discipleship, or growing in our walk with Christ…we learn
Discipleship Flows from the Gospel
Discipleship Flows from the Gospel
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Why did Paul need to go away to Arabia?
Paul is changed by the Gospel....What is he doing?
Last week: Identity
Identity for the believer is rooted in Christ
Identity of the non-believer is an enemy of God
Paul’s past what he used to be, compared to his new life in Christ
Past became a testimony of God’s goodness and glorified Him
Why did he not start a small group
plant a church
become a worship leader
take his bible to the market and start reading from it
Following the example of Christ:
- Jesus had just been baptized
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.
Getting away to be with the Father…Preparing for the ministry
Paul getting away to prepare for his ministry
Growing in knowledge, love, and worship of God - discipleship
It flows out of a renewed heart that is changed by the Gospel
Discipleship Starts with God
Discipleship Starts with God
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Vs.16 Paul does not meet with anyone
He spends time in Arabia to be alone with God
Again following the example of Christ:
12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
My personal discipleship my senior year - alone reading and studying the Word
Led me to ask questions and seek counsel from others
Discipleship Grows From Mentorship
Discipleship Grows From Mentorship
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Paul visits with other disciples after he is alone with God
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
This is the new creation in Christ…a disciple molded by the Gospel
Disciple grows first through time with God
Disciple grows second from mentorship