READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Becoming a disciple doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a life-long journey of transformation. It is intentional and relational.
Be Intentional. In our scripture verse, Paul says to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, i.e. while salvation is attained through God’s grace, the evidence of genuine faith is in how we live. Therefore salvation is not only something we receive, but something we do – growing in and expressing the gospel in our daily life.
God Works in Us to Will and Act. Therefore, salvation is not something we can do alone, and our ministry is an overflow of our walk with God. We must Be disciples before we can Make or Teach disciples. Discipleship is intentional and relational, and it takes people to disciple people.
The Wesley Discipleship Model provides a holistic approach to discipleship by offering growth opportunities in 5 faith environments reflected in C.O.R.D.S – Circumstances, i.e. significant defining moments; Obedience to God’s Word; Relationships, i.e. spiritual relationships and accountability; Discipline, i.e. spiritual disciplines/habits; and Service. This model is holistic as it shapes the head, heart, and hands through the rhythm of our habits.
Two Discipleship Paths in Wesley are “First Steps” and “Next Steps”. First Steps is transitory and temporary. It’s mainly for new/pre-believers or new transferees. The aim of First Steps is to move people to Next Steps which is an ongoing process which helps those who have already started on the discipleship journey to grow in spiritual maturity. The goal here is to help us intentionally take the next step towards Christ. After one answers simple questions in a Spiritual Health Check, we will receive a report which points us where to go next through C.O.R.D.S.
Reflection What is the status of your spiritual health? Have you been growing in discipleship? Have you been struggling to relinquish control of your life to God? Are you willing to take the first/next step to letting Jesus lead your life? God hears the sincere prayers of our hearts when we’re willing to let Him take over.
Our Prayer Dear Lord, help us spend intentional and extended time in your presence, and help us cultivate rhythms and habits of seeking your presence on a regular basis, that you may shape our ways of thinking and living. May we be willing to take the next step towards growing in Christ, and willing to help others take the first step on the path to discipleship.
(Sermon Notes by Desley Khew)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What are some ways that evidence of our salvation individually and corporately can be seen in our church?
2. How can we as disciples of Christ encourage the application of the gospel in our church?
3. What is your understanding of the Wesley Discipleship Model? Why is the Wesley Discipleship Model a holistic framework for Intentional Discipleship?
4. By completing the Spiritual Health Check, you have taken the first step to grow in your relationship with Christ.
i. Share how and which of the five faith environments (CORDS) that you have identified can help you grow towards Christ-likeness:
- C – Significant Circumstances
- O – Scriptural Obedience
- R – Spiritual Relationships
- D – Spiritual Disciplines
- S – Sacrificial Service
ii. Share your action plan with an accountability partner, spiritual friends or with your small group.
5. Discipleship is intentional and relational.
i. Share with someone your next steps towards intentional discipleship. Be authentic in sharing and pray with the person on your next steps.
ii. Ask someone about his next steps and pray with the person.
iii. Pray for 2-3 persons whom you can relate to in an authentic and accountable relationship.
