Discipleship Series: It Starts with HIM
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–10; John 15:4–5
We often notice the area of life that needs attention first: a strained marriage, tension at home, frustration with church, or difficulty relating to the world around us. This message brought us back to the relationship that connects them all. If we want to grow as disciples in any area, we must begin with Jesus. Our relationship with Him shapes the way we understand and live every other relationship.
Grace is where we begin
Ephesians 2:8–9 establishes the foundation: salvation comes by God’s grace through faith. We cannot take credit for earning it. That truth protects us from treating spiritual growth as a way to purchase God’s acceptance or prove that we deserve His love. We begin with the Savior who has graciously made salvation possible.
Verse 10 then describes believers as God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. The order matters. We are saved by grace, and that new life has a purpose. The good works God prepares for us flow from being made new in Christ. Our obedience is a response to His grace and the life He is forming in us.
Let Jesus shape every relationship
The sermon identified four connected areas of discipleship: our relationship with God, our relationship with the church family, our home life, and our relationship with the world. Scripture speaks into each one. Jesus does not ask for influence over only the parts of life that already feel religious.
In each area we need to understand His instructions, submit to His authority, allow Him to change us, and put what we learn into practice. We can be willing to follow Him at church while resisting His correction in our home. Becoming a disciple means allowing His Word to reach those places where our habits and preferences need to change.
Stay connected to the source of growth
In John 15:4–5, Jesus compares His followers to branches that depend on the vine. A branch cannot produce fruit independently. Its life and fruitfulness depend on remaining connected. Jesus uses that picture to teach us our continuing dependence on Him.
We can work hard to improve relationships while still relying on the same attitudes and responses that have kept us stuck. Drawing closer to Jesus means giving Him our attention, receiving His teaching, and responding when He corrects us. As we learn to depend on Him, His influence should become visible in our decisions, character, and treatment of others.
Head, heart, and hands
The head, heart, and hands framework helps us examine that process. What does God’s Word teach, and will I submit to it? What desires, attitudes, or motives does Jesus need to change? What action will I take because of what I have learned? Knowledge becomes fruitful as it reaches our hearts and influences our behavior.
Everyone grows at a different pace. Titus 3:1–3 reminds us to respond with humility because we also have needed grace and correction. We can give one another patience while still expecting growth. Choose one area where Jesus is calling you closer, make room to pursue Him, and act on what He has already shown you.
Key Takeaways:
We are saved by grace through faith, and good works flow from that new life.
Our relationship with Jesus shapes every other relationship.
Learn His Word, let Him change your heart, and put what you learn into practice.
Reflection:
Are you trying to change an area of life without first drawing closer to Jesus?
What would making Him your first priority look like this week?
Join Us:
Grow with us at Cross Pointe Church in Laurinburg as we learn to follow Jesus and live out His Word. View our service times and plan your visit.