Deeper Discipleship, Greater Influence | Rev Edmund Chan

Summary

In this powerful message, the speaker reflects on the transformative journey of Billy Graham, emphasizing the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit for greater works. Drawing from Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the message highlights five essential elements for deeper discipleship: maintaining our compass in relation to the world, focus on unity and intimacy with God, gratitude for salvation, a mission-driven life, and a Christ-centered vision. The call is clear: to engage in greater works, we must be willing to sacrifice, grow spiritually, and embrace the gospel's eternal glory.

Takeaways

• 😀 The greater works in life require both God's power and our consecrated effort. It's a partnership between divine empowerment and human responsibility.
• 😀 Spiritual growth and greater impact come from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This experience transforms one's life and ministry.
• 😀 John 14:12 emphasizes that those who believe in Jesus will do the works He did, and even greater works, because He is going to the Father.
• 😀 John 17 reveals five key petitions in Jesus' prayer, which provide guidance for deeper discipleship and greater impact: keep, unite, give joy, sanctify, and envision.
• 😀 To grow deeper in discipleship, we must not lose our compass in relation to the world. We are in the world but not of it, and must guard against spiritual compartmentalization.
• 😀 Spiritual compartmentalization can lead to spiritual schizophrenia, where different aspects of life are treated as separate from God’s influence, hindering true discipleship.
• 😀 True unity, as prayed for in John 17, is not mere harmony but spiritual intimacy with God. The closer we draw to God, the closer we become to one another in true unity.
• 😀 Sanctification is not a one-time religious detox but an ongoing process of being set apart for God's mission, emphasizing the importance of a missional life.
• 😀 The joy mentioned in John 17 is rooted in the power of the cross and the redemption of humanity. This joy should motivate discipleship and maintain gratitude for our salvation.
• 😀 Jesus’ prayer in John 17 for unity is not just about avoiding conflict, but about intimacy with God. As we grow closer to God, we will naturally grow closer to others in His mission.
• 😀 The vision of our mission in relation to Christ should always center on the gospel and the cross. True greatness in God's eyes is rooted in embracing the cross and its redemptive power.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'greater works' mentioned in John 14:12?

In John 14:12, Jesus speaks of believers doing greater works than He did. This refers to the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel and fulfill God’s will on a global scale. Greater works are not about personal ambition, but about fulfilling God’s purpose for the Kingdom of God.

How does the story of Billy Graham's transformation during his trip abroad relate to the message of being filled with the Holy Spirit?

Billy Graham's transformation highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to do greater works for God. His encounter with Stephen Alford led him to a deeper spiritual commitment, where he experienced a new empowerment to preach and spread the gospel more effectively.

What is the 'compass' in relation to the world that Christians should not lose?

The 'compass' refers to maintaining a strong spiritual direction in life, resisting the temptations and values of the world. Believers are called to be 'in the world but not of the world,' meaning they should not conform to worldly standards but remain grounded in God’s will and guidance.

What is spiritual compartmentalization, and why is it detrimental to discipleship?

Spiritual compartmentalization is when a believer separates their spiritual life from other aspects of life, such as work or family. This leads to a divided commitment where God is only acknowledged in certain areas, and discipleship becomes inconsistent. It undermines the total surrender to Christ in all aspects of life.

What does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 teach us about the foundation of Christian unity?

Jesus’ prayer for unity emphasizes spiritual unity rooted in intimacy with God. True Christian unity is not about mere conformity or avoiding conflict, but about being united in purpose and intimacy with God. The closer we draw to God, the more united we become with one another in the body of Christ.

How does the concept of intimacy relate to unity in John 17?

Intimacy with God is the foundation for unity. The closer believers draw to God in their personal relationship with Christ, the more unified they will be with each other. The unity Jesus prays for is not just external harmony, but a deep, spiritual connection that flows from shared intimacy with God.

What does the joy in John 17:13 refer to, and why is it important for discipleship?

The joy in John 17:13 refers to the joy of redemption and salvation through the cross. It is the joy of knowing that Jesus' sacrifice brings eternal life to humanity. This joy is essential for discipleship, as it fuels gratitude and strengthens believers in their daily walk with Christ.

What role does sanctification play in the life of a believer according to John 17:17?

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s purposes. In John 17:17, Jesus prays for the sanctification of His disciples through truth. Sanctification is not just a one-time event but an ongoing lifestyle that equips believers to fulfill their mission in the world, spreading the gospel and living for God’s glory.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need to not lose vision in relation to Christ?

The speaker emphasizes that Christians must keep their focus on Christ’s glory and the cross. Losing sight of Christ’s glory leads to pursuing earthly gains and distractions, rather than prioritizing the eternal purposes of the gospel. The ultimate vision for a believer is to live for Christ and His mission in the world.

How does the story of the widow and her three sons illustrate the cost of discipleship?

The widow’s story highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship. Her three sons each gave their lives to evangelize, demonstrating the willingness to pay the ultimate price for the gospel. The story challenges believers to consider whether they are truly willing to pay the price for following Christ, no matter the cost.