Curriculum

Dive Deeper

Vision 2021 (Part 1)

Rhordan Wicks

INTRODUCTION

Gravity is very important to us. Every object in space exerts a gravitational pull on every other, and so gravity influences the paths taken by everything traveling through space. It is the glue that holds together entire galaxies. Without it, we can easily become disoriented.

2020 has been a very disorienting time for us as we deal with change after change. Though there have been so many changes happening in our lives, there are some things that do not change. The one thing that does not change for us as a church family is God’s mission. Matthew 28:18-20 was Jesus’ last words to His disciples. He commissioned them to make disciples of all nations. This mandate was given before Jesus’ ascension and it has not changed. Will you let Jesus’ last words be your first works?

DISCUSSION

With so many changes happening in our lives, what acts as your ‘gravity’ – to keep you grounded on what matters?
Read Matthew 28:16-20. Putting it in context, what key events precede Jesus’ giving the Great Commission, and how would this have affected the disciples?
One thing that has not changed is the Great Commission. Jesus made it very clear what His disciples should do. With Matt 28:18-20, let us dive deeper with these observations.

a. All authority belongs to Jesus (read Phil 2:10-11 and Luke 10:19). Why does Jesus stress his authority (v.18) as a backdrop to his command to ‘make disciples’?

b. Jesus has only one plan, and that is to make disciples of all nations. What is the difference between disciples and converts (refer to Matt 4:19 and Luke 9:23-24)?

c. A disciple teaches others to obey all the teachings of Christ. How is disciple-making (the process) to be carried out?

d. He promised to be with His disciples always. In Acts 2 we see the fulfilment of his promise to send the Helper, the Counselor, the Spirit of God to empower His disciples for life and ministry. Read John 16:7-15. How do you view the purpose of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Read Luke 9:23-24. If a disciple is one who knows and follows Christ, is being changed by Christ and is committed to the mission of Christ, to what extent do you see yourself as a disciple of Christ?
Which characteristic/s of a disciple comes easier to you and which characteristic/s are harder for you to live out? i. Following Christ
ii. Being changed by Christ
iii. Being on mission for Christ
On a personal level, what is one step you would take towards being a disciple of Christ and being involved in disciple-making?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Luke 4:19

The bible defines a disciple through this verse, Luke 4:19,

“Follow me”…a disciple is one who knows Christ and follows Him. A disciple has surrendered to Jesus as Saviour and Lord of his or her life.
“I will make you”…a disciple is one who is being changed into the image of Christ. As we spend time following Jesus, he changes us internally – He changes who we are.
“Fishers of men”…a disciple is one who is committed to the mission of Christ. Jesus saved us for a purpose. Some believe we are given a ‘get out of jail free’ card and are free to do what we want with our lives – not true. God’s mission is now our mission. Our hands are for His service.

The book of Matthew presented Jesus as the new King. He came to claim His world and establish His rule book. Who is your king? Are you the king of your own life? Or would you choose Jesus to be your King and be on mission for Him?

MEMORY VERSE

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 NIV