Review

•  We are all called to be disciples – following, changed by, committed to the mission of Jesus
• It’s a journey we take in a relational vehicle
• The five spheres

Last week abiding sphere –In Christ I have a new Lord

• Under Christ – following into transformation – not easy –pruned
• Some want to come up with an abiding sphere they like – discipleship is learning to be uncomfortable with what you are comfortable with
• In Christ, I have a new Identity –adopted as a child
• I am a new creature – redemption –redeemed from redeemed for

Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV) — 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, _______________Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Abiding isn’t easy because God is making a masterpiece in me by pruning me –not comfortable

Luke 9:23 (NIV) — 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Sphere number 2: The church sphere –Jesus’ church is Jesus’ idea

Matthew 16:18 (NIV) — 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

• The scope of Ephesians covers every part of our lives
• He spends the most time on this sphere – because it is the sphere that changes everything else
• He lists church before home – why?
• Most churches don’t disciple for the home –most homes don’t disciple kids towards the church
• Abiding isn’t easy – church isn’t easy

The truth about Church:

1. Notice we are now a new nation and ____________ –speaks of family relationship

• • Two kingdoms – races –The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the world

Ephesians 2:14–15 (NIV) — 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

Ephesians 2:19–21 (NIV) — 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but _______________ with God’s people and ____________________________, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

2. The purpose of the church –to reveal the wisdom salvation of God to the world (invitation to join)

Ephesians 3:10 (NIV) — 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

3. His church is built on His Word which reveals “the Faith” –

• • Why we do membership classes etc..
  • Same language

Ephesians 4:1–6 (NIV) — 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

We bring glory to God when we…

A. When we each play our individual part in His church –

Hebrews 10:23–25 (NIV) — 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

B. When His Leaders and members understand their role

Ephesians 4:11–16 (NIV) — 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

C. When we become builders rather than consumers

• Encouragers
• Grace givers
• Difference overlookers
• Conflict resolvers

Ephesians 4:15-16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) — 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

All of this is our work –it’s not always easy –it rarely is –choose to grow

1. Becoming those under Christ –and His authority in this sphere of their lives
2. Take steps to abide in Christ –as your source of strength
3. Becoming a family –loves well—by getting plugged into relationship
4. Becoming a body that serves well –learning to love in action with your gifts
5. Each part doing its work

For series resources and the Small Group discussion guide go to: thedisciplesjourney.org