Seth Horrell talks about the second leg of the “Balanced Disciple” stool, last week was worship, today was spiritual formation from Ephesians 4:14-16.
Discipleship is all about students following the master, which is a lifelong journey. It is encouraging to know that we are in process, we are not yet complete. We can still make progress toward our conforming to the image of Christ.
Seth quoted a definition of discipleship, “a Long obedience in the same direction.”
Church is not a place of entertainment but rather a training ground for the saint, to go out into the world and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
In a dojo, the teacher helps the student learn through repetition, where the movements become second nature. The movement becomes a reflex.
Jonah may have fled but when times were dark, his reflex was to pray. Paul understood the training of an athlete (1 Corinthians 9:25), the disciples of self-control and sacrifice in order to excel.
The church needs to be a gymnasium where we train before going out for ministry.
- We are not in a random rehearsal, but are training and moving toward a goal.
- This training happens best in groups where we find support, encouragement, and accountability. We learn best in circles rather than rows.
- This lifelong process continues to change us personally, and as a church body.
The goal is not to get saved, because salvation is just the beginning!