The Invested Life

 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

 

1.     Disciples Learn

 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

 “If we stop learning we stop being a disciple!” -Winkie Pratney

 

2.     Disciples Connect

 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” - 2 Tim. 2:2 (NIV)

 “God invests in us, and He expects us to invest in others…  This produces spiritual abundance and joy in our life!”  - Joel Rosenburg and Dr. T.E. Koshy

 

Two crucial questions:

1.     Who is investing in me?

2.     Who am I investing in?

 

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Tim. 2:1 (NIV)

-Herschell Baker

 

3.     Disciples Press Through

 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” - Rom. 8:37 (NKJV)

 

4.     Disciples are Focused:

 Goal: Move one step closer to the image and likeness of Jesus (Rom. 8:29)

 3 key aspects to God’s work in our lives that discipleship should facilitate:

 1. Renew your mind

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:32 (NIV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Rom. 12:2 (NKJV)

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. - Rom. 8:5 (NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Cor. 10:5 (NIV)

 

2.     Heal heart

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” - Eph. 4:12 (NKJV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. - Ps. 51:10 (ESV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John. 13:34-35 (ESV)

 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

-         Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

-         Matt. 5:3 (NIV)

 

“But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says:

“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

-         James 4:6 (NKJV)

 

“So, humble yourselves before God”

-         James 4:7a (NLT)

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)

 

3.     Surrender will

 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. - Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

 “Discipleship requires that we surrender all and be radically remade in the image of Christ.” -Koshy

 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. - James 4:7 (NKJV)

 “God can do more through your surrender than you can through your control” Craig Groeschel

 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. - Rom. 12:1 (NIV)

 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. - John. 8:31 (NLT)

 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”  - John 11:44 (NIV)

  

Questions for discussion/reflection:

1.     Have you ever experienced or witnessed a discipleship relationship?  If yes, share what you saw?

2.     What are the key hurdles to overcome for entering into discipleship relationships for you?

3.     Which of the three focus areas (mind, heart, or will) do you feel the Holy Spirit wants to work in your life this week?

4.     What is a discipleship relationship you are currently engaged in or sense the Holy Spirit may be leading you to pursue?