READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Do we need each other to become Christ-like intentional disciples? Resoundingly, yes!
Caring relationships that persevere to show the unfailing love of God, can gently redirect a backslidden believer back to Christ and to take the next step of faith. In Wesley Methodist Church’s CORDS model of environmental opportunities that grow faith, Spiritual [R]elationships is one area where we can hold each other accountable, be motivated to live as Christ disciples, and encourage each other to grow in Christ-likeness.
RELATING SPIRITUALLY TO INSPIRE CHRIST-LIKENESS
Christ-like transformation comes about when we apply Hebrews 10 in two parts.
1. Consider how we may stir up one another toward love and good deeds. (v24)
a) We must first pause and consider, giving careful attention, to the action required of us.
b) Translated variously, we are to spur (NIV), motivate (NLT) and even provoke (KJV) one another — implying a strong reaction and passionate use of energy, to love and do good in our faith community. Mutual love and care do not happen unless we intentionally work at it. Conversely, the negative connotation of provoke warns us not to stir one another to hatred and bad deeds by being careless with our words and actions. Consideration to stir others up to love and good deeds, starts with ME. I must first be motivated and willing to feel, talk and act lovingly towards others before I can expect them to do likewise.
2. Meet regularly for mutual encouragement and accountability. (v25)
God’s Word reminds us “not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but to encourage one another, all the more as we see the Day approaching.” We are warned not to neglect meeting, especially when it is inconvenient or troublesome to do so, but to conscientiously meet to mutually encourage and account. Whether up-close and personal or virtually, it is good to see others face to face, and to call a person by name. Sharing spiritual experiences, responding readily to each other’s queries, motivates us to relate intentionally. It is only when we make time to meet and connect regularly are we able to support each other, stay rooted and built up in Jesus. We are spurred to faithful discipleship when small group members love and accept one another’s shortcomings and support each other in life’s significant events. Checking how each of us is living out our calling as disciples, prepares us to give an individual account to the LORD before His judgment seat at Jesus’ second coming.
John Wesley’s Class Meetings
Established to bring about church revival in England in the 1800s, class meetings were designed to keep every person connected to the community, ensuring that no one was forgotten or left behind. While gaining Bible knowledge or learning about the Christian faith are necessary, it is even more important to be transformed as a result and not be merely informed. Class meeting members in Wesley’s day, focused on knowing Jesus more intimately. They practised giving every part of their lives to loving and serving Christ. Most importantly, it was to watch over one another in love. To them, the Christian life was growing in grace and living in tandem with others to persevere and succeed. As they invited others into their lives and related authentically so as to share each other’s burdens, they grew love for God and one another.
We need each other. We are to watch over in love by growing in Christ, sharing Christ, and serving Christ. God uses our spiritual relationships to
- motivate us to show love and do good to one another;
- help us live intentionally as Christ disciples, when we meet regularly in smaller groups to encourage and hold one another accountable in discipleship;
- transform us into Christ-likeness, and be prepared for the Day of judgment when we stand before the LORD.
What does a small group with members practising intentional discipleship look like?
- Commit to regular attendance
- Listen actively when others share
- Honour confidentiality so everyone can be authentic in their sharing
- Exercise humility and allow vulnerability when relating one’s circumstances
- Practise spiritual disciplines — meditate on scripture, pray, worship God with hymns and songs of praise, and soul search to reflect on and apply His Word
Let us as a body of Christ take the next step to join a Small Group if we have not already. Then begin asking our members: How does your soul prosper? How is your life in God? For “as they began to bear one another’s burden…they had daily a more intimate acquaintance with, (and) a more endeared affection for each other. Speaking the truth in love, they grew up…into Christ.” (John Wesley)
(Sermon Notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Name the people in your discipleship journey that inspire you to love, serve or grow in Christ.
- What have they done that you emulate?
2. How have your spiritual relationships motivated or stumbled others from showing love and doing good?
- What can you do intentionally to improve the relationships?
3. Are you meeting regularly for mutual encouragement and accountability? Why?
- How can you encourage one another to meet more regularly?
4. Have you been in a small group that was particularly formative in your life?
- If so, what was it about the group that made it conducive for spiritual growth?
5. Do you agree that groups such as Wesley’s class meetings that focused on transformation are likely to be more effective in making disciples for Jesus? Why?
