The Call To Discipleship
The Call to Discipleship
As a church we just wrapped up a teaching series called Sacred Rhythms. We have been focusing on spiritual disciplines like fasting, solitude, prayer, simplicity, and confession. Now we turn our attention to a final, overarching theme: Discipleship.
The Call to Go All In
Jesus commands in Matthew 22:37 (NIV), “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Not some of our heart, not part of our soul, but all. Discipleship is not a partial commitment; it’s an all-in devotion.
Think about the things people go all in for—diets, fitness goals, hobbies, or even sports teams. We see people go to great lengths to perfect their craft, whether it’s training for a marathon or studying everything about their favorite pastime. But what about our faith? Are we that committed to following Jesus?
What Is a Disciple?
The term “Christian” is used only three times in the New Testament, whereas “disciple” appears 269 times. A disciple is a student, a learner—someone who follows Jesus with the intent of becoming like Him. Author John Mark Comer describes it simply:
- To be with Jesus
- To become like Jesus
- To do as Jesus did
If we aren’t intentionally being formed by Jesus, we are unintentionally being formed by something else.
What Shapes Us?
- Our Beliefs:W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What we believe shapes how we live. If we trust in God’s truth, we walk in freedom (John 8:31-32).
- Our Habits: We become what we practice. Spiritual disciplines—like prayer, fasting, and worship—aren’t just religious tasks; they are transformational habits that build our faith (Matthew 7:26).
- Our Culture: The world around us influences us, but James 4:4 warns that “friendship with the world makes us enemies of God.” We must be mindful of what we allow to shape our values.
- Our Relationships: Who we surround ourselves with matters (Galatians 5:7). Our community shapes our spiritual walk, whether positively or negatively.
The Cost of Discipleship
Becoming like Jesus requires intentionality, time, sacrifice, and consecration.
- Intentionality: Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident (Matthew 6:19).
- Time: It’s a lifelong journey. As German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche says, “there should be a long obedience in the same direction” (Colossians 2:7).
- Sacrifice: Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
- Consecration: Joshua 3:5 tells us that setting ourselves apart for God leads to amazing things.
Are You All In?
Many people want Jesus to follow them—to bless their plans, their decisions, their way of life. But true discipleship means surrendering everything to follow Him.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said in his book The Cost of Discipleship: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
Are you ready to go all in for Jesus? If we, as a church, embrace this level of commitment, we will see God do amazing things among us. Let’s be disciples who are shaped by Him, transformed by His presence, and fully surrendered to His calling.
***This blog post was adapted from a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Kimbrow at Legacy Church. Click the “Watch Sermon” button below to view the sermon in its entirety.***