Biblical Salvation/Conversion/Discipleship/Servanthood
Goals
Define sin and why we need Saving
Define Salvation and Conversion
Define Discipleship and how servanthood fits in.
Why is salvation necessary?
What is Sin?
Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
To miss the mark (in regards to God’s law/standard)
How does sin affect man?
Because of Adam’s Fall, there is an inborn desire for man to go his own way
We are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3)
By nature alienated and hostile to God (Colossians 1:21)
No one is righteous (Romans 3:9-12)
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
Man is in need of redemption
Reject humanism and ideas that build with man at the center
Believe that we are born into sin
Salvation
Salvation is being delivered from the righteous judgement of God that will fall upon those who have sinned by breaking his law.
Salvation comes through Christ alone (Acts 4:12/John 14:6)
By grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Accompanied by works(James 2:17)
Sins are forgiven (Colossians 1:14)
Conversion
Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which we sincerely repent of sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation. Conversion is the process by which we change from following self and Satan, and change to following Christ.
It is a turning from and a turning to. It is a turning from sin, repentance, and a turning to God to serve and follow Him through faith. It involves repentance and faith.
Synonymous with being born again- allows us to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3)
A moment in time – refer to analogy of birth pains vs. actual birth. Conversion is the “actual birth.”
Accompanied by repentance from dead works
Personal process where H.S. convicts people of sin. God uses HS, the Word, and people to shine light on sin. We do not heap rules on people to follow, but through relationship co-labor with Christ.
Includes turning away from and forsaking ungodly ways (1 Thess 1:9)
Discipleship
Discipleship is the process we undertake to follow Jesus and become more like him.
A disciple in a biblical sense is not just a pupil but also a follower and an adherent. A disciple follows and adheres to his teacher. A disciple following his teacher is not a negotiable issue. The word “disciple” appears 269 times in the Bible, KJV. The designation “Christian” only occurs 3 times in the New Testament.
Discipleships is not only “Spiritually” focused, but encompasses all elements of ones life
Spiritual, doctrinal, work, relationships, finances, relationships, past, call of God, sin, etc.
Not just a class or program, but a continuous lifestyle
God uses various methods on our discipleship journey to mature us into him
Personal walk with HS, study of the Word, relationships within the Body, Sunday morning gatherings, life groups, prayer, serving, ministries, personal pastor, etc. These are all parts of discipleship
Recognition of Jesus as Lord
Not only Savior, but Lord
A denial of self and seeking to follow Jesus
God places members in the body according to his Will
Fervent Love for all who belong to Christ
Servanthood
The body of Christ is a living organism that requires all members to function accordingly (1 Cor 12:12-26) so that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10)
We are all living stones being built into a Spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-5)
Each stone has a place in the wall and is critical for the placement of other stones
Think in accordance to the measure of faith that God has assigned (Romans 12:3-8)
Use your gifts to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)