Holiness in Discipleship
Notes
Transcript
Introduction: Brief Review of First 3 Weeks
Let’s start with a brief reminder of what we having been doing up till now. Week 1 – we started by setting out a definition of discipleship, which we defined as: The intentional encouragement of Christians on the basis of deliberate, loving relationships and training in God’s Word.
Week 2 – We thought about reasons why we should disciple – for your joy and for God’s glory.
Week 3 – We thought about barriers, excuses, and fears in discipling. Remember some of the examples: “I don’t want to be in a position of authority” or “I don’t have time.”
For the next few weeks, we’re going to start narrowing our focus a bit as we study specific aspects of discipling, like studying Scripture together, reading a good book together, ministering to hurting people, etc. Today, though, we want to look at how discipling can and should engender personal holiness in the lives of both the people in a discipleship relationship.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF DISCIPLING—OBEDIENCE
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF DISCIPLING—OBEDIENCE
Let’s start by thinking about the importance of obedience in the Christian life. Above everything else, discipling finally comes down to obedience to Christ’s words and commands. A person can read all the Christian books in the world or pray with an older Christian every day, but if there is not a real change in their life marked by growing obedience to Christ then that person is very likely not a disciple. Discipling is not simply about behavior modification; but about changed hearts that lead to changed lives.
Two reasons why obedience is an important goal of any discipling relationship.
First, obedience is important because God is glorified through the way we live.
First, obedience is important because God is glorified through the way we live.
God is glorified in our lives as we display his character to the world around us, not only by what we say, but by how we live. If we call ourselves Christians but live in a way that is clearly contrary to God’s character, then we misrepresent God to those around us.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Why is Paul so eager for their love for Christ to grow/abound? Note the connector: “so that” – denotes that the purpose is coming afterwards. So that they can “discern what is best” (so they can say no to sin) and “be pure and blameless”(that is, they can be holy).
Second, obedience is important because it is a mark of true Christians.
Second, obedience is important because it is a mark of true Christians.
Obedience springs forth from those who love God. An internal change (e.g., a love for Christ) should manifest itself in an external change of life (e.g., greater obedience).
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
How do we know we are in Christ? It is by our obedience!
In addition, it’s important for us to realize that we are not aiming merely for external changes, nor mere internal theological knowledge. We are aiming to encourage an internal growth and knowledge that spills over into more godly living, greater love for Christians and the lost, and a holiness of life that evidences a changed and maturing heart.
If you can provide encouragement and wisdom in that task, then you have helped them in a way that will serve them well.
ENCOURAGING HOLINESS IN THE DISCIPLE
ENCOURAGING HOLINESS IN THE DISCIPLE
So how is it that we can encourage holiness in the life of someone we’re discipling? Let’s start by differentiating between what happens immediately and what becomes a gradual process when someone becomes a Christian.
The Bible talks about several things that change immediately upon a person’s conversion. (have people look these verses up)
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
There is a change of outlook on life and a new hope in God’s promise of salvation. That can make an enormous difference in the way a person handles hardship almost immediately
8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
One of the things that happens immediately upon conversion is that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. As a result, we will be much more convicted about sin; our consciences will be more tender.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Our sins are immediately forgiven, which is another immediate effect of conversion. That truth can be the source of a new optimism about life, or gratitude toward God.
When a person is converted, his identity changes. He is a newly justified, newly converted disciple of Christ. He is no longer what he once was, but he now has a new status, a new life, and new joy in Christ.
This does not mean, though, that all of his bad habits and cravings will magically vanish. Look closely sometime at Romans 6. It is a wonderful passage about the Christian’s power over sin. It is interesting to see, though, that Paul never says a word about temptation being taken away.
The same idea is spoken of in Galatians 5:16-17. Even after we are Christians, the sinful nature still wars against us. As Christians, though, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us to increasingly defeat sin.
Disciplers often go about things in a backwards way. We often want to see bad habits and cravings disappear immediately in those we are discipling. Don’t expect that! Expect to see God’s Spirit working effectively to take away those cravings and habits over some period of time.
Rather, what you are looking for in a disciple of Christ is growing character, which can be defined as moral strength or constitution.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
So, very practically, how do we encourage holiness in the lives of those we disciple?
First and foremost, pray that God would give you insight into their struggles with sin and wisdom regarding how you can be of help to them.
First and foremost, pray that God would give you insight into their struggles with sin and wisdom regarding how you can be of help to them.
Second, make sure that as you discuss models of obedience in Scripture or various biblical commands, you also discuss how your lives compare.
Second, make sure that as you discuss models of obedience in Scripture or various biblical commands, you also discuss how your lives compare.
The Bible is the best diagnostic tool you have to help that other person see sin in their life. Use it.
Third, do not shy away from sharing concerns you may have about various aspects of their life.
Third, do not shy away from sharing concerns you may have about various aspects of their life.
Sometimes, sin is clear, and it is your job to confront your friend with the reality of what they are doing. “Do you understand from Scripture that lying is sinful?” “But you continue to lie to your boss?” “Are you willing to change and stop living that way?”
As is often the case, however, things are not that clear. Sometimes, you may suspect that there is a sinful attitude behind some action, but you can never be certain.
Though it may be uncomfortable, and though you may be wrong, as a brother or sister in Christ in a close relationship with this person, it is your responsibility to ask them hard questions and to be willing to talk with them about it. As you do that, however, remember that you do not know their motives nor do you have a perfect picture of how they live their life.
Sometimes, the issue is not that the state of their heart is unclear, it’s that their action is not necessarily sinful, but merely unwise. Remind them that our goal as Christians is not simply to avoid sin, but to seek obedience and wisdom. And warn them of the potential consequences of continuing down the path they are on.
Fourth, to the extent that God is doing good things in your life, do not shy away from holding yourself out as an example.
Fourth, to the extent that God is doing good things in your life, do not shy away from holding yourself out as an example.
We know you’re not perfect. But your life may be incredibly useful as a model to flesh out the principles of scripture in a very practical format. Give credit to God for the good things he has done in you. And let him use those good works to encourage other Christians. Always being careful to give the glory and honor to God.
Fifth, try as much as possible to ensure that whoever you disciple is under the authority of a local church.
Fifth, try as much as possible to ensure that whoever you disciple is under the authority of a local church.
HOLINESS IN THE DISCIPLER
HOLINESS IN THE DISCIPLER
Clearly, one way that you can avoid having an unhealthy attitude in discipling is that you too should be growing in holiness. And as you do, God will likely use you as a profitable example in the life of those who you are discipling.
After all, how does a disciple learn what it looks like to be holy? Look at John 13:15.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
These passages all talk about Paul’s example to the believers. Paul expected others to follow his example. Is that something that is unique to an apostle? No.
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
What are some ways to make sure that we remain holy in our own lives?
Regular attendance at church
Regular personal time with the Lord
Regular reading about the character of God in his Word
Regular accountability to other Christians in your church
Regular effort to serve others (esp those in your church)Etc.
Being an example does not mean that we will always do the right thing. After all, we all still sin. The process of being made holy is still happening even in the discipler! It means, though, that even when we sin, the younger Christian sees how we handle that sin.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Paul writes of running the race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Don’t be a cast away. While their holiness is important, so is yours.
Summary
Growing in personal holiness is a primary goal of our encouragement in discipling relationships.
A faithful discipler will specifically encourage greater holiness in any friend being discipled.
Growing in holiness is essential for all Christians….disciple and discipler alike.