Sermon Notes + 6.16.2024
How to Make Disciples in a World Gone Mad
John 17:16-19; John 13:34-35; Romans 10:13-17; Mark 1:16-20
Taylor Mendoza, Pastor of Youth and Adults
Overview: Within the first 400 years of church history, the church moved from being a small, marginalized group of Christians to one of the most influential groups of people within the Roman Empire. One of the reasons for this was their unflinching commitment to making disciples. Even though they were persecuted, they continued to help others follow Jesus, and God gave the growth. However, in 410 AD, the unthinkable happened. The Visigoths of the North sacked the city of Rome. Pagans blamed the Christians, while the Christians wondered if the City of God was falling. In the midst of a world seemingly gone mad, Christians then asked: How do we make disciples in our world today? We likewise ask the same.
Outline and Texts:
1. Be changed by truth.
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:16-19).
2. Love one another in the church.
“34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
3. Proclaim the gospel to the lost.
“13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:13-17).
4. Help others follow Jesus.
“16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him” (Mark 1:16-20).
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Many Christians “feel” like they are living in a strange new world. Ever since the moral and sexual revolution has seemingly won over the cultural and political institutions in the United States, Christians have had a nagging question about what they should do next. What are some unbiblical responses you see from Christians around you? What unbiblical responses have you been attracted to?
2. The Great Commission (see Matthew 28:16-20) is not just for the original disciples but for ALL believers in Jesus Christ. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? What pattern do you see set by the early church? What does Scripture say?
3. Out of the 4 points in the sermon which one stood out to you the most? Which one do you personally ignore or neglect?
4. What does it mean to be changed by the truth? (see John 17:16-19) While reflecting on the message, is there any area in your life you think you need to change in order to obey the Bible more specifically?
5. What does it mean to move towards others in love just as Jesus did for us? For review, see Romans 5:8 and John 13:34-35.
6. Pastor Taylor mentioned that we won’t often feel our responsibility to proclaim the gospel to the lost until we have experienced the pain and joy of proclaiming the gospel to the lost. What do you think he means by this? For help see Rom. 10:13-17.
7. Sometimes we can overthink the command to “make disciples.” Yet, Jesus gives us a simple picture in Mark 1:16-20. It includes two parts: 1. Following Jesus personally; 2. Helping others follow Jesus. How are you helping others follow Jesus? Are there ways you can improve in your own discipleship?
8. Lastly, spend some time in prayer. Here are some suggestions of things you could pray:
a. Pray that you would have a heart that is changed by
God’s truth in his word
b. Pray that you would truly recognize God’s love for you in Jesus Christ and that you would practice that love towards others in the church even when it is tough
c. Pray that you would experience the pain and joy of proclaiming the gospel to the lost, and thus develop a sense of responsibility to do so
d. Pray that you would continue to follow Jesus, but also that you would actively seek out ways to help others follow
Jesus
Further Reading: DeYoung, Kevin; Gilbert, Greg. What is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission (Wheaton: Crossway, 2011).