Here is the second post in the Focused Disciple Series. In the first post, we looked at the WHO we are focused on, and in this post, we will study the WHAT.
We are called to make a radical shift in our thinking. We often find ourselves overwhelmed, thinking it’s time to sit down and rest. However, Scripture never instructs us to sit down and fight our battles from a place of comfort. We are called to be active in our spiritual warfare, never shrinking back, even when we are tired or facing setbacks. As we grow as a congregation, we must pack a punch in our community and beyond, not allowing fatigue or change to derail us. The world is constantly changing, and we must adapt and stay vigilant, following Jesus with passion and fortitude.
We need to shift our mindset to believe that we can walk out of depression, ailments, and mental struggles by following Jesus. It’s not about asking Siri for help but asking Jesus to show us the way. This series of sermons is a setup for what’s to come, focusing on what it means for the church to come together as true disciples. The church has been shrinking back, allowing society to dictate moral norms and even define who God is. We must press forward, leading with hope, faith, joy, and peace, not changing our beliefs to fit the world around us.
1 Peter 2:21 tells us that we are called. Many of us feel unworthy or think we are not called, but God is persistent in His call. We need to stop fighting His promptings and start leading our marriages, families, and communities well. Jesus left us an example to follow, and we must focus on Him, walking where He walked and dying to ourselves as He did. The parables in Luke 15 illustrate the importance of seeking the lost. The shepherd, the woman, and the father all sought what was lost, and we are called to do the same. We are not lost; we are found and filled with Jesus. We must now go out and find others who are lost.
We can be saved but still puzzled, feeling like we are on the back foot. This is because we know the example of Jesus but don’t feel good enough to replicate it. We must move out of our comfort zones and truly follow Jesus, not just in name but in action. We are called to use God’s Word and be Spirit-led in our lives. Every decision we make should be based on Scripture. We must breathe in Jesus’ example and breathe out His teachings to the world. We are not just followers; we are called to be like Jesus, to lead and inspire others.
Jesus calls us to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. The solution to distraction is to focus on kingdom thinking. We must not worry about worldly concerns but trust that Jesus has already conquered Satan and knows our needs. We are called to be more than just followers; we are to be like Jesus, loving, forgiving, and giving even when it’s difficult. We are world changers, called to breathe out the inspiration and hope we have received from Jesus.
In closing, we must remember that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us. We are not lost or found; we are called to be like Jesus, going out into the world to find the lost and bring them to Him. We must not shrink back in our struggles but stand firm, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, empowering us to do His work.
Key Takeaways
1. **Active Spiritual Warfare**: We are called to be active in our spiritual battles, never shrinking back even when we are tired or facing setbacks. Scripture does not instruct us to fight from a place of comfort but to be vigilant and proactive in our faith. This means continually pressing forward, adapting to the changing world, and following Jesus with passion and fortitude. [01:41]
2. **Shift in Mindset**: We need to shift our mindset to believe that we can walk out of depression, ailments, and mental struggles by following Jesus. It’s not about asking for help from worldly sources but seeking guidance from Jesus. This shift in mindset is crucial for overcoming our struggles and living a life of faith and victory. [03:51]
3. **Persistent Calling**: God is persistent in His call to us. Many of us feel unworthy or think we are not called, but God continues to prompt us. We need to stop fighting His call and start leading our lives according to His will. This includes leading our marriages, families, and communities well, and following the example Jesus set for us. [06:20]
4. **Kingdom Prioritization**: The solution to distraction is to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. We must not worry about worldly concerns but trust that Jesus has already conquered Satan and knows our needs. By focusing on kingdom thinking, we can live a life free from worry and full of faith. [26:17]
5. **Empowered by the Spirit**: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, empowering us to do His work. We are not lost or merely found; we are called to be like Jesus, going out into the world to find the lost and bring them to Him. We must stand firm in our struggles, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, giving us the strength and authority to overcome. [49:17]
Youtube Chapters
[0:00] – Welcome
[01:41] – Active Spiritual Warfare
[03:51] – Shift in Mindset
[06:20] – Persistent Calling
[26:17] – Kingdom Prioritization
[49:17] – Empowered by the Spirit
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