Study Guide: Being a Disciple of Yahshua | All In (Act Two)
Title: Being a Disciple of Yahshua – All In (Act Two)
Sermon Summary: In our spiritual journey, we’re called to be true disciples of Yahshua, not just casual followers. This message challenges us to examine what it truly means to be ‘all in’ for God. We’re reminded of Matthew 13, where Jesus explains why He speaks in parables – the mysteries of the kingdom are given to disciples, not to everyone. This raises a profound question: Are we truly disciples, or just part of the crowd? The message urges us to hate our old life, including family ties and even our own desires, to fully embrace our role as disciples. It’s a call to radical commitment, pushing us beyond our comfort zones. We’re encouraged to see ourselves as managers of God’s property, not owners of our lives. This shift in perspective can transform how we handle finances, relationships, and our spiritual gifts. As we reflect on this, let’s ask ourselves: Are we ready to be ‘all in’ disciples, embracing the mysteries of the kingdom and living as true representatives of Christ in this world?
Key Points:
- True discipleship requires sacrificial commitment and detachment from worldly ties
- Tithing and offering are foundational practices for learning to manage God’s property
- Fasting (from food and worldly distractions) is crucial for spiritual growth
- There’s a distinction between worldly riches and true spiritual wealth
- Believers must transition from working jobs to operating in their God-given gifts
- Mismanagement in one area can affect the entire body of Christ
- The importance of being “all in” and avoiding lukewarm faith
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 13:10-11 (Disciples understanding the mysteries of the kingdom)
- Mark 11:22-24 (Having faith of God)
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit)
- Proverbs 18:16 (A man’s gift makes room for him)
- Revelation 3:14-17 (The lukewarm church of Laodicea)
Small Group Guide: Being a Disciple of Yahshua – All In (Act Two)
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
- Being a disciple means learning to manage God’s property faithfully.
- We own nothing – everything belongs to God.
- True wealth comes from operating in your God-given gifts, not just accumulating money.
- Tithes and offerings are the beginning of learning discipline and faithfulness.
- We must transition from working jobs to operating in our spiritual gifts.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be “all in” as a disciple of Yahshua? How can we apply this in our daily lives?
- Reflect on the notion that we are in a continuous spiritual battle. How have you experienced this battle in your own life?
- The sermon mentioned that “sin is not something you do, but who you are or are not.” What impact does this understanding have on your perspective of sin and righteousness?
- The pastor emphasized that we don’t own anything – everything belongs to God. How does this perspective change the way we view our possessions and resources?
- Discuss the difference between riches and true wealth as described in the sermon. How can we pursue godly wealth rather than just financial gain?
- Why do you think tithes and offerings are emphasized as a starting point for discipleship? How does giving relate to spiritual growth?
- The sermon talked about transitioning from a “job” mentality to operating in our spiritual gifts. What might this look like practically in your life?
- How can we become better managers of what God has entrusted to us (time, talents, resources)?
- What areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God’s control?
Practical Applications:
- Commit to tithing and giving offerings consistently as an act of faith and obedience.
- Take time this week to fast from something (food, social media, etc.) and use that time to focus on God’s Word.
- Reflect on your God-given gifts and talents. How can you use them more effectively for God’s kingdom?
- Make a list of areas in your life where you need to improve in managing God’s resources. Choose one to focus on this week.
- Pray daily for God to reveal any “lukewarm” areas in your spiritual life and ask for the strength to become fully committed.
Closing
Encourage group members to hold each other accountable in applying these principles throughout the week.
Discussion Questions
How does the concept of being a ‘disciple of Yahshua’ differ from simply being a follower or church member, and what challenges might this present in modern life?
The speaker emphasizes the importance of ‘managing God’s property.’ How might this perspective change our approach to stewardship and financial giving?
What does it mean to have the ‘faith of God’ rather than just faith in God, and how could this shift in understanding impact one’s spiritual journey?
How does the idea that ‘all flesh is grass’ challenge our typical understanding of identity and purpose?
The speaker discusses the difference between ‘riches’ and ‘wealth.’ How might this distinction affect our goals and priorities in life?
What are the implications of viewing one’s body as ‘the temple of the Holy Spirit’ in terms of health, diet, and lifestyle choices?
How does the concept of ‘multiplying’ as taking authority differ from traditional interpretations, and what might this mean for spiritual growth?
The speaker suggests that ‘taxes are the government taking the place of the sons of God collecting tithes and offerings.’ How might this perspective change our view of societal structures and personal responsibility?
What does it mean to be ‘lukewarm’ in one’s faith, and why might this be considered worse than being ‘cold’ according to the scripture referenced?
How might the idea that ‘your gift makes room for you’ change the way we approach career choices and personal development?
Day 1: Becoming a True Disciple
Reading: Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 14:25-33
Devotional: Jesus calls us to a radical discipleship that requires us to deny ourselves and fully commit to following Him. This isn’t about casual church attendance or cultural Christianity – it’s about surrendering our whole lives to Christ. Reflect on areas where you may be holding back from full commitment. Are you willing to prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else, even family and personal ambitions? Ask God to give you the strength and courage to embrace true discipleship, no matter the cost.
Day 2: Stewardship and God’s Ownership
Reading: Psalm 24:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Devotional: Everything we have – our possessions, our bodies, our very lives – belongs to God. We are merely stewards entrusted to manage what is His. This perspective radically changes how we view “our” money, time, and talents. Instead of asking “How much of my money should I give to God?”, the question becomes “How much of God’s money should I keep for myself?” Examine your life and consider: Are you managing God’s resources in a way that honors Him? Ask for wisdom to be a faithful steward in every area.
Day 3: Faith that Transforms
Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6, James 2:14-26
Devotional: True faith goes beyond intellectual belief – it transforms our entire lives. Faith isn’t just believing in God’s existence, but trusting Him so completely that it changes how we live. This kind of faith sees the unseen, hopes against hope, and acts in obedience even when it doesn’t make sense to our natural minds. Reflect on your own faith journey. Is your faith merely conceptual, or is it changing how you think and act? Ask God to increase your faith and give you opportunities to exercise it in tangible ways.
Day 4: Discovering Your Divine Purpose
Reading: Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:3-8
Devotional: God has uniquely gifted each of us for a specific purpose in His kingdom. Your talents, personality, and experiences are not random – they are divinely orchestrated to equip you for your calling. However, many believers never fully step into their purpose, settling instead for less than God’s best. Take time to prayerfully consider: What are your God-given gifts? How might God want to use them? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your divine purpose and give you the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Day 5: Overcoming a Lukewarm Spirit
Reading: Revelation 3:14-22, Matthew 5:13-16
Devotional: God desires followers who are “all in” – not lukewarm, half-hearted believers. Lukewarmness often creeps in gradually as we become comfortable and complacent in our faith. We may still go through religious motions, but we’ve lost our passion and zeal for God. Examine your heart: Has your love for God cooled? Have you become content with mediocrity in your spiritual life? Repent of any lukewarmness and ask God to reignite your passion for Him. Commit to pursuing Him with renewed fervor and devotion.
Each day, set aside time for prayer and reflection. Use these themes and scriptures to guide your discussions and journaling, allowing God’s Word to transform your heart and life.
The sermon refers to a number of scripture references either directly or indirectly. Here is a list based on the provided transcription:
- Proverbs 18:16 – “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
- Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Reference to the Great Commission to make disciples.
- Matthew 13:10-11 – Parables and the knowledge of the mysteries given to disciples.
- Matthew 13:11 – “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
- Matthew 11:23-24 – Mention of having faith of God, moving mountains.
- Matthew 22:39 – The idea of loving your neighbor aligns with serving others.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…”
- Romans 11:6 – Reference to grace not being of works.
- Ephesians 2:8-10 – By grace, not by works (although not directly mentioned, the theme aligns).
- Matthew 16:24 – “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
- Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
- Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
- Luke 14:25-27 – Conditions for being a disciple, including hating one’s family and own life.
- John 1:1 – Indirectly related to the Word and the mystery of Christ.
- Hebrews 11:1 – Faith and substance of things hoped for.
- John 14:12 – Greater works than these.
- 1 John 4:17 – “As he is, so are we in this world.”
- Ephesians 2:10 – We are His workmanship.
- Genesis 1:28 – Be fruitful, multiply, replenish.
- Matthew 19:21 – Selling possessions and giving to the poor.
- Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find…”
- Hebrews 4:10-11 – Entering into rest, ceasing from works.
- John 8:44 – Reference to the devil as a father of lies.
The sermon also talks about general themes like managing God’s property, not loving the world, duplicating the works of Jesus, and becoming a disciple, which can align with verses from various books, including Romans, James, and the Gospels.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Discipleship and Accountability
0:00 – 25:00
An introduction to the importance of accountability in discipleship.
Chapter 2: Understanding the Mystery of Discipleship
25:00 – 50:00
Discipleship is explained as understanding and learning the mysteries of the kingdom.
Chapter 3: The Importance of Faith and Management
50:00 – 75:00
Faith and diligent management of God’s resources are emphasized
Chapter 4: The Consequences of Rejecting the New Nature
75:00 – 100:00
Warning about the consequences of rejecting the new nature and clinging to the old.
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