TLDR;
The speaker introduces a study on discipleship based on Luke 6:12-19, emphasizing the importance of changing lives from an eternal perspective. Key points include choosing disciples wisely, developing an eternal perspective, modeling the Savior, becoming a servant, and cultivating faith. The passage highlights the opposition faced when changing lives, the necessity of grappling with mortality, and the significance of prayer in selecting individuals for discipleship. The speaker underscores the need for obedience, love, and service in ministry, contrasting these with the prevailing narcissism in society.
- Importance of discipleship and changing lives from an eternal perspective.
- Key principles for discipleship: eternal perspective, modeling Christ, serving others, and cultivating faith.
- The necessity of prayer and careful selection in choosing disciples.
Introduction: The Eternal Perspective [0:00]
The speaker introduces a study focused on discipleship, inspired by his mentor Merrill Tennis, urging the audience to master the life of Jesus. He emphasizes that true impact comes from changing the lives of others with an eternal perspective. The study will center on Luke 6:12-19, which recounts the selection of the twelve disciples.
Context: Opposition and Popularity [2:00]
The speaker highlights the context of Luke 6:12-19, noting that it follows a period of opposition and popularity in Jesus' ministry. The opposition segment, starting in Luke 5:17 and continuing through chapter 6, introduces conflict. This segment is contrasted with the preceding popularity segment, where common people gladly heard Jesus. The speaker uses the example of a student who felt called to minister to miners in Pennsylvania to illustrate the importance of connecting with common people.
The Turning Point: Choosing the Twelve [8:39]
The speaker emphasizes that opposition arises when one begins to change the life of a person, contrasting this with programs that face no opposition. He references the story of the man with the withered hand to illustrate this point. The speaker connects the decision to choose the twelve disciples with the growing opposition Jesus faced, highlighting the importance of coming to terms with one's mortality to engage seriously in discipleship. Moses' understanding of life's brevity in Psalm 90 is cited to underscore the need for wisdom in making an impact within a limited time.
The Discipleship Primer: Four Basics [13:41]
The speaker introduces four basic principles of discipleship found in Luke 6:12-19. These include developing an eternal perspective, modeling the Savior, becoming a servant, and cultivating faith. He stresses the importance of an eternal perspective, especially in a materialistic society like Dallas, where the grip of money can hinder ministry. The speaker contrasts comparing oneself to the Christian community with comparing oneself to Jesus Christ, advocating for the latter to avoid pride and complacency.
Serving and Faith: Essential Elements [18:28]
The speaker shares a personal anecdote about preaching to a small congregation after speaking to 80,000 men at a Promise Keepers event, illustrating the importance of serving regardless of recognition. He emphasizes that true service is about who one is serving, not the attention received. The fourth principle, cultivating faith, is highlighted as the only thing Christ rebuked his disciples for, emphasizing the need for obedience and bridging the gap between knowledge and experience.
Prayer and Selection: A Night of Discernment [24:14]
The speaker underscores the significance of prayer in selecting disciples, noting that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve. He references John 17, the high priestly prayer, as a model for how and what to pray for in discipleship. The speaker advises spending time in prayer, asking God to reveal the individuals He wants one to build into.
The Inevitable Failure: Learning from Judas [26:15]
The speaker prepares the audience for the reality that at least one disciple will likely fail, sharing personal stories of discipleship efforts that ended tragically. He recounts the story of Trevor Mabry, who discipled an anesthesiologist who later committed a horrific crime, and another student who disappeared. The speaker addresses the question of why Jesus chose Judas, emphasizing that even Jesus, after a night of prayer, chose a betrayer. He concludes that the chosen individuals are those given by God, and one may not always understand the reasons behind their selection.
Commonality and Diversity: Building a Discipleship Group [33:40]
The speaker addresses the cultural context of Jesus choosing all Jewish men, emphasizing that it was where he started. He highlights the importance of men in evangelical churches and notes the potential of women in ministry. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that commonality is the basis for building a discipleship group, while diversity makes it distinctive. He reiterates that people followed Jesus because he loved and served them, and that a lasting ministry is built on serving and loving others. The speaker notes that the current generation is narcissistic, emphasizing the need to shift focus from self to God and service. He challenges the audience to consider whether they would have chosen the same group of disciples as Jesus, given their diverse backgrounds and flaws.
