Sermon Title: Outstanding Second Generation Disciples
Scripture: Philippians 2: 12 – 30
Preacher: Rev Ashok Amarasingham
We are celebrating Holy Communion this weekend. Please prepare the elements before starting the video.
Sermon Notes:
1) Introduction
1.1 Recruiting & Processing/Packaging Industry
1.1.1 The church must constantly be recruiting potential disciples of Christ. The church that fails to evangelise will die a natural death.
1.1.2 As “raw material” must undergo processing so that the end product will be refined and ready for packaging/delivery…so too the disciples must be discipled well before entering eternity.
1.1.3 The church that fails to disciple others will produce half-baked Christians that will never take discipleship seriously.
1.2 Our church theme: Discipline Ourselves so as to Disciple Others.
1.3 Focus for Today
The only way to make outstanding second generation disciples is by intentionally teaching God’s truth by word and by deed…and pray to God.
2) God’s part, My (disciple) part & Our (church) part: All must be in sync for discipleship to progress
2.1 Paul was just as practical as he was profound. After describing the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5) and Christ’s humility (Philippians 2: 5-11), he moves on to practical application.
2.2 As a church, we are to be shining lights of Christ in a crocked and twisted generation (Philippians 2: 15).
2.3 Practical Application
2.3.1 Paul devoted his life to discipleship (even while under house arrest).
* “even if I am poured out as a drink offering” (2: 17).
2.3.2 How convinced are you to disciple others?
Fellowship is easy and good but is clearly “a deficient gospel” unless teaching God’s Word (in theory and practice) to others is done.
3) Spiritual Parenting is Needed in the Church: Timothy & Epaphroditus are Living Testimonies of the Fruit of Discipleship
3.1 It is great to portray Jesus and Paul as role models, but…
3.2 We need examples of ordinary men (& women) who become extraordinary people in God’s service like Timothy and Epaphroditus.
3.3 Epaphroditus (a non Jew) was precious to Paul, and Paul listed his manifold functions…
3.4 Practical Application
3.4.1 Leadership challenge – If discipleship is the “core business” of the church, why are the leaders not ensuring this?
3.4.2 Pray for the church leadership – God to give them strength and the will to do discipleship.
4) Conclusion/Summary
Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License – 31/07/2021
* Song@Select Advance – 31/07/2021
* Streaming License – 31/07/2021