Robert Coleman Master Plan for Discipleship Session 4 Consecration

Summary

This powerful sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and love in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. It highlights the call to follow Jesus, not just through reciting creeds, but by obeying His commands. Jesus teaches that love is the motivating force behind true obedience, as demonstrated through Peter’s affirmation and Jesus’ post-resurrection conversation with him. The message also explores how God’s love compels believers to serve and fulfill the Great Commission, revealing the eternal purpose of glorifying God and living in love. Ultimately, love for God and others is the foundation of the Christian life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The principle of consecration is central to Jesus' teachings, emphasizing obedience to Him.
• 😀 Jesus' invitation to follow Him was simple: love Him and obey His commands, rather than following rituals or formalities.
• 😀 True discipleship is not merely about acknowledging Jesus as Lord but also about acting on His commandments.
• 😀 At Caesarea Philippi, Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah marked a turning point in the disciples' understanding, though they still had much to learn.
• 😀 Jesus' command to Peter not to share the truth of His identity might have been to allow time for the disciples to fully grasp the concept of His Kingdom and mission.
• 😀 Jesus' teachings were built upon love and obedience, with love as the motivating factor behind discipleship rather than duty.
• 😀 Jesus taught that to truly follow Him, one must deny oneself, take up the cross, and be willing to lose their life for His sake to find true life.
• 😀 Even though the disciples did not fully understand all aspects of Jesus' mission, He was patient and continued to lead them toward deeper understanding.
• 😀 The story of Peter's denial and subsequent restoration by Jesus emphasizes that even when we fall short, God's love and understanding of our hearts remain central to our relationship with Him.
• 😀 The Great Commission, which calls believers to share the gospel and make disciples, is the ultimate expression of the greatest commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Q & A

What was Jesus' primary invitation to his disciples, and how was it different from traditional religious practices?

Jesus' primary invitation was to 'follow me,' focusing on obedience rather than reciting creeds, kneeling at altars, or shaking the preacher's hand. He emphasized following Him as the key to discipleship.

Why did Jesus ask his disciples to refrain from sharing the truth about Him being the Messiah initially?

Jesus asked them not to share immediately because they had much more to learn about the true nature of His mission and the Kingdom of God, which they didn't fully understand at that time.

What does the statement 'Upon this rock I will build my church' refer to, and what are the different interpretations?

The statement could refer to Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Peter himself as the spokesperson of the church, or Jesus Christ as the foundational rock of the church. Each interpretation highlights a different aspect of the church's foundation.

How does Jesus' teaching on 'taking up your cross' relate to discipleship?

Jesus teaches that discipleship requires self-denial and a willingness to sacrifice for His sake. Obeying Him in this way is essential for growth and understanding, as true discipleship is not just about self-preservation but about following Christ fully.

What is the role of love in obedience according to Jesus' teachings?

Obedience is motivated by love, not mere duty. Jesus emphasizes that love for Him leads to a willing heart that obeys His commandments, and it is this love that makes obedience meaningful and sustainable.

Why did Jesus ask Peter 'Do you love me?' three times, and what was its significance?

Jesus asked Peter three times, likely to mirror Peter's earlier three denials of Jesus. This repetition highlights the process of restoration and reaffirmation of Peter’s love and commitment, emphasizing the importance of genuine love in discipleship.

How did Peter respond to Jesus' question about love, and what does this reveal about discipleship?

Peter affirmed his love for Jesus each time, acknowledging that Jesus knows all things. His response reveals that true discipleship is not about a flawless record but about a sincere love and relationship with Jesus.

What does the story of Peter bringing Jesus a glass of hot water with a smile teach about discipleship?

This story illustrates that discipleship is not about perfection, but about love and the intent to please God. Just like the child bringing a simple gift with love, discipleship is about the heart's intention to follow Christ, even if imperfectly.

How does the 'Great Commission' relate to the Great Commandment?

The Great Commission, which involves spreading the gospel and making disciples, is seen as the most profound expression of the Great Commandment: to love God and love others. It is a practical outworking of loving God and fulfilling His mission in the world.

Why is love described as the bond of perfection in the Bible, and how does it relate to discipleship?

Love is described as the bond of perfection because it fulfills the essence of God's law and commandments. In discipleship, love motivates and sustains obedience, making it the foundational principle that holds all Christian life and mission together.