Simple Discipleship: Discipleship Frame

Reflection Questions

Why this Word?

The sermon drew a sharp line between knowing and doing - pointing out that the more educated and affluent we are, the more susceptible we become to confusing the two. Why do you think knowledge without action is such a particular temptation for people in comfortable circumstances? Where have you seen that pattern in your own life?

What Stands Out?

James 1:22 warns us not to be "hearers only," and the sermon connected this to a striking image from a Soviet film: a Room that gives you not what you say you want, but what you actually want, revealed by your habits and daily life.

• What's your honest reaction to that image? Would you want to step into that Room?
• The sermon said, "Your deepest desire is the one manifested by your daily life and habits." What do you think your daily habits are currently revealing about what you love most?

The sermon introduced the 4 G's as a framework for discipleship: Gather in worship and fellowship; Grow in head, heart, and hands; Give your time, talents, and treasures; and Go as ambassadors.

• Which of the four feels most alive and active in your life right now?
• Which one have you been treating as optional? What has that cost you?

Personal Check-In

The sermon made the point that the church can remove obstacles and provide resources, but it can't make you choose things like friendship over comfort, prayer over scrolling, and generosity over hoarding. Take a few minutes with these questions:

• Is there a gap right now between something you know you should do and something you're actually doing? What's keeping that gap open?
• The sermon asked us to consider whether we're gathering, growing, giving, and going. Which of those is most out of rhythm for you in this season?
• The sermon said we follow Jesus not because we're "put together, confident and good - but because Jesus is." Does your following feel like it's resting on that? Or does it feel more like it's resting on your own effort and consistency?

Looking Outward

The "Go" dimension calls us to be ambassadors of an alternative kingdom within it.

• What does it look like in your specific workplace, neighborhood, or relationships to live as a visible representative of that kingdom?
• The sermon closed with a challenge: Will we use what God has given us only to take care of ourselves, or will we be part of something bigger? What's one concrete way you could lean toward "something bigger" this week?

Closing Reflection

The sermon ended here: "It all depends on whether we see Jesus rightly. If we see Him, we'll want to obey Him, love Him, go with Him, and enjoy Him — and help as many people and peoples as we can do the same."

• What is competing for your clearest vision of Jesus right now?
• And what would one specific, practical step be to act on what you already know this week?