S.T.A.R.T. in the Right Direction

Introduction

How are you enjoying this year’s theme? Victorious Faith.

➟ ➟ ➟ Our key verse is 1 John 5.4

Check out the action words:

➟ ➟ ➟ overcomes;

➟ ➟ ➟ victory;

➟ ➟ ➟ overcome.

These words each carry the meaning of conquering; prevailing; winning; and defeating.

They are continuous and in present tense.

They are seen as habitual, permanent, and ongoing.

They are a promise. The ultimate victory is yours.

This is true because you have been delivered from Satan’s domain - Colossians 1.13.

➟ ➟ ➟ This is a settled fact.

Even though we still live here, we are no longer from here.

You have been recreated and inside you is something that compels you to draw near to God, His word, and His love.

It’s an exciting new reality!

With all of this being true, we still understand we’re at war, while we’re here.

All around us is growing cultural rot. ➟ ➟ ➟ Broken families. Death. Suffering. Pain. ➟ ➟ ➟ Rejection.

We’re surrounded by intellectualism and sophistication that either denies or devalues the Creator by replacing God with self on the throne of the heart.

That’s the essence of post-modernism, … which we talked about so much during December.

➟ ➟ ➟ How do we respond victoriously to the assault on our faith?

How do we handle all the challenges coming our way?

How do we maintain the proper perspective as we navigate the fog of war?

During January we’re answering these questions with rock-solid certainty from the word of God.

Focusing on foundational things that serve as the basis for our Victorious Faith.

Things that, if we learn now, will set us up for decades of success as we move toward the goal of heaven.

Look again at 1 John 5.4: see the concepts of conquering; prevailing; winning; and defeating.

See how this is to be habitual, permanent, and ongoing.

How can we make it happen? An ongoing occurence in life?

Where does it all begin?

➟ ➟ ➟ It begins with Authentic Faith.

Last week, Cain talked about Real Faith in a Real World.

Something he said really stood out to me: “the greatest evidence for God is the redeemed life.”

The life where we exhibit the reality of God.

By confidence in His standard

Our certainty that He is

Our embracing of the new reality He has given us.

Next week we’ll talk about the principle of character and integrity.

And, on the 26th we’ll talk about the need for consistency.

➟ ➟ ➟ Today we’ll talk about effective discipleship. We’ll do this in two ways:

We define discipleship and its connection to authentic faith.

We’ll examine 5 keys to true discipleship by looking at the S.T.A.R.T. method.

Discipleship 101

Not all believers are disciples.

The Scriptures demand much more than 5-step salvation.

And yet, some struggle to get much beyond the foundation of their belief.

Go through the motions, Sunday after Sunday, stuck in a rut.

Others look like they’re spiritually vibrant, when in reality, they’re on the verge of spiritual death.

Still others are lukewarm.

Apathetic and self-deceived.

Spiritual life has stagnated.

If you’re looking at your soul this morning and don’t want your rut to become your grave … it’s very important that you hear what this lesson.

What did Jesus say about discipleship?

➟ ➟ ➟ Luke 6.40 - a disciple is like His teacher.

Just because a person is a Bible student does not guarantee he/she is a disciple.

Being a disciple involves our intention to be like Jesus.

➟ ➟ ➟ Romans 8.29 - God is conforming us into the image of His Son.

We must be a willing participant in that process.

God is literally at work pressing you into shape. Molding or forming you into a pattern.

How are you cooperating with Him?

If you’re stuck in a rut and need an exit … you must reorient your thinking to a higher plain .... a spiritual perspective.

➟ ➟ ➟ 2 Corinthians 5.15 - you live for Him.

➟ ➟ ➟ Colossians 3.1-2 - you set your mind on things above.

➟ ➟ ➟ Philippians 3.13-14 - you move heavenward. (I really like the NIV translation here)

This is the heart of discipleship.

Now, as I think about excelling in my faith … demonstrating something that is real and authentic, what are some practical things I need to do?

Let’s talk about a 5-step method that will make your discipleship truly authentic.

Sever Entanglements

➟ ➟ ➟ Hebrews 12.1 - sin can tangle our feet, impacting upward movement and spiritual progress.

➟ ➟ ➟ Colossians 3.4a - note the imperative. Put to death …what is earthly in you.

➟ ➟ ➟ Romans 6.6 - Your old self was crucified with Him...

➟ ➟ ➟ Romans 6.11 - consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

So, any entanglement I come to realize must be removed.

There are many things that can trip us up:

Recreation - impacts the way we spend our time, money, and the way we behave.

Language - the way we talk, laugh at impure things, or curse can trample our influence and damage relationships.

Desires - what do I want in life? Where do I want to be? says alot about our priorities.

Mindset - if we are driven by anger, resentment, or jealousy … we’re not on the right track spiritually. If my mindset is more driven by negativity than positivity … then I’m not on the right track spiritually.

Look introspectly and sever the entanglements you have.

Train Daily

➟ ➟ ➟ 1 Corinthians 9.25: Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. NIV: strict training.

➟ ➟ ➟ 9.27 - I discipline my body and keep it under control.

Don’t walk out of the building today & leave your Christianity here. Live it every day.

➟ ➟ ➟ 1 Peter 2.2 - long for pure spiritual milk.

Is there a longing in your heart that motivates you to do whatever necessary to improve spiritually?

At Kettering, we supply you with many opportunities to train outside of Sunday bible class & worship.

Special conferences, classes, and workshops throughout the year. (Spring workshop on anxiety and addiction in March)

Thursday am study; Friday am study; meet up studies; children’s studies; group studies; daily Bible reading; and the list goes on.

If you’re a member here and not connected to these things in some sort of way, you’re missing out!

Always Online

➟ ➟ ➟ 1 Thessalonians 5.17 - pray without ceasing. Heart in constant communication with God. Always ready.

Prayer is vital for spiritual victory. See Psalm 138.1-3

➟ ➟ ➟ 138.3 - my strength of soul, you increased.

Prayer works. God hears the prayers of His children.

➟ ➟ ➟ Matthew 7.7-9 - what two things can we learn?

prayer is not passive - it is continual … keep on knocking.

persistence pays - those who ask receive.

It should fuel your soul when you live with the knowledge that God wants to supply your every need by prayer.

Rally Together

Why do you assemble?

➟ ➟ ➟ Compare Hebrews 10.24-25 with Galatians 5.15.

➟ ➟ ➟ We rally together to be encouraged, not to devour.

We rally together to build up, edify, and strengthen.

Successful, growing, and thriving churches all share something in common. Their people are always together.

Not just in worship … but outside these 4 walls.

➟ ➟ ➟ A.B. Bruce: “Some churches are like restaurants where all sorts of people sit together and then leave without knowing or caring about each other.”

Show me a church that can be described in this way … and I’ll show you a dying church … spiritually and numerically.

There is just as much importance with what happens outside this place as what happens inside. In fact, what happens outside of here makes what happens here that much more special.

➟ ➟ ➟ We need to be together … as much as possible.

In our homes. Doing things together.

Going to the game together. Movies. Shooting. Shopping.

Visiting our shut-ins, widows, and widowers.

Making time to support our families when someone dies.

Helping out each other after natural disaster; moving; whatever...

Celebrating the good times.

Growing churches are full of people who do life together.

This is one of the things that makes it so special to be here today. We have a connection with each other. We see one another in the good times and the bad. We share our struggles together. We’re helping each other through. I need it. You need it.

If you’re not rallying together with the Christians here … you’re missing out on one of the best ways to stimulate your strength and vigor.

Turn Outward

This is what naturally happens when we are concentrating on severing entanglements; training daily; always online in prayer; and rallying together.

➟ ➟ ➟ 2 Corinthians 5.15 - we no longer live for ourselves but for Him...

Spiritual growth always results in the shifting of our focus toward others.

Spiritual growth leads to fruit to bear.

➟ ➟ ➟ John 15.8 - It is Jesus’ desire that we bear much fruit.

This is not the Christian who has gotten bored and is content with the minimums.

This is the Christian who is busy accomplishing something in his/her life. Sharing good works. The good news. His/her very life.

What are some ways you can turn outward?

Teach a kids bible class. Teach an adult bible class.

See one of our deacons and find out where they need help in their areas of focus.

Find a young person to spend time with.

Be a participant in our meet up studies.

Conclusion:

➟ ➟ ➟ Remember 1 John 5.4 and what it communicates?

We are those who conquer. Prevail. Win. It’s habitual, ongoing, and permanent.

We are those understand the change of location we’ve undergone … we dwell in God’s country. We’re his. We’re headed home.

➟ ➟ ➟ Look again at Philippians 3.13-14.

If you want an authentic faith, you’ve got to start moving in the right direction.

Where are you headed?

You have a way in this congregation to go heavenward.

When you make the determination to get out of the rut you’re in, you’ll be amazed at what God accomplishes through you.

➟ ➟ ➟ Ephesians 3.20-21