TODAY:

Discipleshift | Part 6 – DO WHAT Jesus Did: The Practices

BIG IDEA:

Discipleship is a demonstration of & invitation to the Gospel

SCRIPTURES:

Matthew 4:19, Luke 18:35-42, James 2:17 & 26 Leviticus 19:33-34, Matthew 25:35-36 & 40, 1 Peter 4:8-10 Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:4-5, 12-17, John 11:35, Luke 19:41-44 Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Are you more internally (on self) or externally (on others) focused? Why?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Be With Jesus/ Love God (UP)...

Q: Read John 13:4-5, 12-17 several times slowly. Let it sink in. How does this shape the way you understand the importance of allowing Jesus to transform us? What does this mean for us as we join what He’s doing in the world around us?

Q: Can we truly be a disciple/follower/apprentice of Jesus if we don’t join what He’s doing? Why or why not?

Become Like Jesus (Formation) / Love People (IN)...

Q: How can we practice hospitality instead of hostility to each other & the world around us? How can we practice hospitality without excusing or endorsing the sinful systems of the world?

Q: Service is “do what” practice, but it’s also very formative. What are some ways that you can serve & how would that both form you & demonstrate God’s generosity?

Do What Jesus Did / Serve the World (OUT)...

Q: How can you demonstrate the Good News to the world this week?

NOTES & QUOTES

"A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is transformed by Jesus, and joins Jesus in what He's doing. Disciple = apprentice."

“If you are not a demonstration ofthe words you speak, your worlds will not carry authority. God is not looking for you to discover a ‘new’ message. He is inviting you to become the message He has already given... Many people want to amaze audiences with information. Others hope to be ‘prophetic’ by revealing unknown things. But God is after something different. He wants to transform us into the message.” (Samuel Whitefield, “Will You Choose the Wilderness”)

“We must become a people of hospitality in a culture of hostility. We must embody and extend the love, welcome, warmth, and generosity of God. We must open our homes, our tables, and our lives to ‘the last, the least, and the lost.’ I may not be able to solve the great systemic injustices of our time, butI can cook some ofthe best pizza you’ve ever had and invite you to my table. Who knows what else could come of that?” (John Mark Comer, “Practicing the Way”)

“Service enables us to say ‘no’ to the world’s games of promotion and authority. It abolishes our need (and desire) for a ‘pecking order’. Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires ofthe flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition.” (Richard Foster, “Celebration of Discipline”)

ACTION STEPS

1) Pick at least 1 practice to join what Jesus is doing this week and do it (have fun!)

2) Ask Jesus to take these practices & grow them into a way of life

3) Ask a friend for accountability & share how it goes