Category: Discipleship

How Can We Continue to Walk in Jesus? – Part 2

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Discipleship, PracticalLeave a comment

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,” (Col 2:6a)

Continually walking with Jesus is easier said than done. Maybe we have gotten out of the habit, found another walking partner or we are just not feeling it. Whatever it may be, Paul knows it can happen, which is why he, like the good spiritual trainer he is, provides us with motivation for why we should keep walking with Jesus. (see Part 1)

(2) We must remember that God uses Jesus to save, grow, and establish us (vs. 7a-b)

Following on the heels of telling us that we are to walk in Jesus, in verse 7, Paul tells us that we are, “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,” (Col. 2:7a)

(1) We are rooted in Christ

If you have ever planted a plant, I am sure most of you have, you know it’s important to make sure its roots are covered by the soil. If they aren’t, the plant will die for lack of nutrients. Just like a plant needs to be planted in soil in order to live, we need to be planted in the soil that is Christ in order to live. Without Him we are dead.

But here is the thing, just like a plant can’t plant itself in a pot, we can’t plant ourselves in Christ. God has to do that for us. We know God is the One who roots us in Christ because the verb “rooted” is a passive. The passive in grammar tells us that someone else besides the subject is doing the work and that someone else is God. He is the One who is rooting us in Christ, which means we are not the ones who save ourselves; it’s God who saves us by rooting us in the soil of Christ. It is through Christ, then, that we are saved, not anything else. He is the One who provides us with salvation and He alone.

(2) We are built up in Christ

After we are planted in Christ and receive life from Him, God not only keeps us planted in Christ, but He also uses the soil that is Christ to build us up in the faith. As we receive the spiritual nutrient that is Christ, we grow strong.

(3) We are established in the faith in Christ

As we continue to feed on the nutrient that is Christ, our roots grow deep, establishing themselves in the soil, allowing us to grow tall and mature in our faith.

When we are tempted to find another walking partner, we need to remember Jesus is the soil God uses to save us, grow, and establish us in the faith. Remembering, we should be motivated to continue to walk with Jesus.

Question for Reflection

  1. Do you realize God is the one who saves, grows, and establishes you in the faith?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon How can we continue to walk with Jesus?

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How Can We Continue to Walk in Jesus? – Part 1

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Discipleship, Practical2 Comments

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,” (Col 2:6a)

My wife and I like to take walks together, which has been somewhat hard for us to do since the boys came along. But when the weather is nice and the boys are cooperating, we take the opportunity to take a walk on the country roads around our home. This might be an oversimplification, but what it means for my family and me to go on a walk together is for us to actually walk next to each other. If I ran ahead, lagged behind, or just quit altogether, it would be hard for me to say I went on a walk with my family.

Applying that idea to Paul’s phrase “walk in him” gives us a good idea of what Paul wants us and the Colossians to do, which is to continually walk alongside Jesus. He doesn’t want us to lag behind, walk ahead, or quit altogether. He wants us to stay right next Jesus.

As we walk next to Jesus, we should be in conversation with Him, so that He is establishing our values, guiding our thinking, and directing our conduct. As we continue walking with Jesus, our lives should constantly be changing.

Continually walking with Jesus, however, is easier said than done. Maybe we have gotten out of the habit, found another walking partner or we are just not feeling it. Whatever it may be, Paul knows it can happen, which is why he, like the good spiritual trainer he is, provides us with motivation for why we should keep walking with Jesus.

3 Things We Must Do to Keep Walking with Jesus

(1) We must remember our profession of faith (vs. 6)

In verse 6, before Paul tells us to walk in Jesus he says, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord,” (Col. 2:6a)

One of my family members adopted a little boy a couple of years ago. When you adopt a child, you adopt them for life. No matter what happens, or who he becomes, he is theirs. If there was any doubt as to their commitment, they only need to look back to the day when they received him.

In a similar way, that is what Paul wants us to do. He wants us to look back on the day we received Jesus; to remember our profession of faith and what we thought about Jesus, namely that He is the Lord of our lives and our Savior. Remembering our profession of faith and what we thought about Jesus should motivate us to continue walking with Him, so that He is the One who is establishing our values, guides our thinking, and direct our conduct.

Question for Reflection

  1. Are you continually walking with Jesus or are you allowing other walking partners to steal you away?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon How can we continue to walk with Jesus?

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Are You Connected to a Biblically Minded Church? – Part 4

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Church Life, Discipleship, Practical3 Comments

Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. In this series, I am focusing in on that last one – who we are – in an effort to expound on the evidence of a biblically minded church (Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).

What is a Biblically Minded Church?

By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.

What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?

I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The third piece of evidence we come across tells us,

(4) A Biblically Minded Church Seeks to Please God

In verse 10, Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is that they would be

“fully pleasing to [God].” (Col. 1:10b)

Paul’s prayer should be our prayer as well. We should pray that we would live lives that are pleasing to God. But before we can pray that we would live lives pleasing to God, we need to know what a life that pleases God looks like.

What does it look like for us to live lives that are pleasing to God?

In verses 10-12, Paul tells us that we please God:

(1) When we live obedient lives

That is what Paul is getting at when he says that we are “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Just like a parent is pleased when their children obey, God is pleased with us when we obey Him.

(2) When we make it a point to grow in our relationship with Him

Our relationship with God grows, in the same way, it does with a friend, by spending time with Him and learning more about Him. We spend time with and we learn more about God by reading His Word, praying, meeting with others for Bible study, reading books that help us understand His Word better, and coming to worship service. When we do those things, we are actively seeking to grow our relationship with God, and that pleases God.

(3) When we trust in Him

One of the ways you can know if you are trusting in God is by how you respond to trials and tribulations. When faced with a trial, if you find yourself constantly worrying, getting angry or anxious, you are most likely trusting in yourself. On the other hand, if you are able to endure trials with patience and joy, then most likely you are trusting in God. When we trust God, we please Him.

(4) When we give thanks to Him

When we acknowledge and thank God for all He has given us, we please God.

In all these ways we please God. A church that seeks to please God, then, is the fourth and final evidence of a biblically minded church.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Are you a part of a church that is focused on pleasing God?
  2. Are you a part of a biblically minded church?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?

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[1] http://catalystconference.com/read/us-churches-no-longer-in-decline/

Are You Connected to a Biblically Minded Church? – Part 3

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Church Life, Discipleship, Practical1 Comment

Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. In this series, I am focusing in on that last one – who we are – in an effort to expound on the evidence of a biblically minded church (Read Part 1, Part 2).

What is a Biblically Minded Church?

By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.

What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?

I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The third piece of evidence we come across tells us,

(3) A Biblically Minded Church is a Reproducing Church  

Focusing in on verses 5 & 6, we see that the gospel is not only bearing fruit among the Colossians, but it is also increasing among them.

“Of this you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing — as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” (Col. 1:5b-6).

The Colossians are not only growing in Christ, but they are also doing the crucial work of reproducing themselves.

Churches must reproduce themselves or they will die.

The most recent statistic I read on churches closing said, “3,500 US churches close their doors every year.” They also said,“Growing churches make up only about 20 percent of all U.S. churches today. The rest have reached a plateau or are declining.”[1] One reason churches are closing at this rate is their failure to reproduce themselves.

How does a church reproduce itself?

Reproduction occurs when a church is focused on making disciples. When a church is making disciples, they are both focused on winning people to Christ by spreading the gospel, and growing their people in Christ by teaching them the Word. I believe both are necessary in order for a church to make disciples and be considered a reproducing church. The reason both are necessary is that people aren’t going to come to Christ if they don’t hear the gospel, and people aren’t going to grow in their faith, nor will they be equipped or motivated to spread the gospel, if they aren’t taught God’s Word. Making disciples, then, includes both a focus on evangelism and spiritual growth.

So the third evidence of a biblically minded church is that they are reproducing themselves.

Question for Reflection

  1. Are you a part of a church that is focused both on winning the lost and building up its members spiritually?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?

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[1] http://catalystconference.com/read/us-churches-no-longer-in-decline/

Are You Connected to a Biblically Minded Church? – Part 2

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Church Life, Discipleship, Practical2 Comments

Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. In this series, I am focusing in on that last one – who we are – in an effort to expound on the evidence of a biblically minded church (Read Part 1).

What is a Biblically Minded Church?

By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.

What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?

I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The second piece of evidence we come across tells us,

(2) A Biblically Minded Church is Focused on Spiritual Growth

Usually, when a church talks about growth, it is referring to its numerical growth. It’s not necessarily wrong to talk about numerical growth. We all want to be a part of a church that is growing numerically. There is something exciting about new visitors coming through the door and new members joining. If you think about it, a church has to grow numerically in order for it to survive and do the work of ministry.

Numerical Growth Can’t Be Our Primary Focus

Here is the thing, however, we can’t just focus on numerical growth. We also, and more importantly, have to focus on spiritual growth. In fact, I believe spiritual growth has to be our primary focus because I believe focusing on spiritual growth is the biblical approach. I mean, think about it: Jesus, the disciples, and the apostles weren’t primarily focused on growing a big church, rather they were focused on growing people spiritually.

Jesus

Reading through the gospels, it is clear Jesus’ primary focus was spiritual growth. He wasn’t there to make people feel comfortable or to entertain them. Instead, He confronted them with their sin. He demanded His disciples deny themselves and follow Him. He demanded folks be willing to die for the spread of the gospel. With that in mind, I believe it is safe to say Jesus wasn’t necessarily focused on physical growth, but rather spiritual growth.

Paul

In our focus text, it is evident Paul wasn’t focused so much on the Colossians physical growth, as he was their spiritual growth. In verse 9, his desire is that they  be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, that they would have spiritual wisdom and understanding. In verse 10, he continues by telling them that he desires that they walk in a manner worthy of God, that they would bear fruit in every good work, and that they would increase in their knowledge of God. Then in verse 11, his desire is that they would have endurance, patience, and joy. So Paul’s focus is the spiritual growth of the Colossians.

Us

Spiritual growth must be our focus as well. We must have a strong desire to see our fellow church members grow spiritually.

Spiritual Growth Will Produce Physical Growth

Focusing on spiritual growth doesn’t necessarily mean your church won’t grow physically. Rather I believe as we focus on growing spiritually, the church will inevitably grow physically. A community of believers who are growing in their love for God, one another, and their neighbors are attractive. As a result, it will win people to Christ and to its fellowship.

I believe, then, the key to growing a church is not to focus on its numerical growth, but rather its spiritual growth.

The Benefits of Focusing on Spiritual Growth

When we focus on growing spiritually, instead of physically, we are freed up to take a stand on our beliefs, to confront others about their sin, and to preach the true gospel. We are free to do those things because our primary concern is not entertaining, it’s not making people feel comfortable, or even keeping people happy so they will stay at our church. Instead, our primary concern is their spiritual growth. Sometimes, for people to grow spiritually, they have to be confronted, which means they will probably feel a little uncomfortable. We have to be ok with them being uncomfortable for a time because we know helping them grow spiritually is what’s best for them.

Honestly, if someone is a true believer, even though it may hurt at times, they will accept correction because they know that is what’s best for them, and that you love them because you are concerned with their growth in Christ.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Are you a part of a church that seeks its people’s spiritual growth over their comfort?
  2. Have you witnessed physical growth as your church has sought spiritual growth?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?

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Are You Connected to a Biblically Minded Church? – Part 1

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Church Life, Discipleship, Practical3 Comments

When I was in seminary, almost every class I took required me to write a research paper, which meant that over a two and half year period, I wrote a lot of research papers. As I soon learned, there is a certain learning curve when it comes to writing a good research paper.

I remember, at the beginning of my seminary career, turning in one paper, thinking I had done a good job. After all, I didn’t write it the night before like some of my friends. Instead, I spent weeks gathering my research, outlining, writing, and re-writing. Needless to say, when it came time to submit my paper, I did so with confidence. A few weeks later, however, my confidence was deflated when I received a less than desirable grade. As I flipped through my paper, reading my teachers comments, I discovered the main reason for my grade was a lack of evidence. Even though I had spent a lot of time on the paper, I hadn’t cited enough of my research. In other words, I hadn’t given enough evidence for my claim.

Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. Focusing in on that last one – who we are. I am going to spend the next few posts expounding on the evidence of a biblically minded church.

What is a Biblically Minded Church?

By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.

What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?

I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The first piece of evidence we come across tells us,

(1) A Biblically Minded Church Preaches the True Gospel, Resulting in True Salvation.

In this day and age, preaching is readily available. All you have to do is take out your phone or turn on the tv. A lot of what you can access, however, isn’t biblical preaching because the true gospel isn’t being proclaimed. Instead, in its place might be a prosperity gospel, which is centered on health, wealth, and material possessions. A gospel of social justice which is centered on eradicating oppression. Or a progressive/liberal gospel which denies the inerrancy or truthfulness of Scripture and teaches that Christianity is just one of many ways to experience the Divine.

The True Gospel

In contrast to these false gospels, a biblically minded church preaches and teaches the true gospel. One that is derived from Scripture. It is what Paul calls in verse 5 “the word of truth.” Throughout the book of Colossians, he expounds on the gospel, but a good summary is found beginning in verse 12,

“giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col 1:12–14)

The true gospel, on the one hand, doesn’t shy away from the bad news, which tells us that before we turn to Christ we are sinners who live in the domain of darkness. As a residence of that domain, we live in rebellion against God. As rebels, we deserve punishment in hell for all eternity.

On the other hand, the true gospel doesn’t leave out the good news either. It tells us that God in His grace and Mercy sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. All those who believe that Jesus is their Savior, repent of their sins and turn to follow Jesus are forgiven. They are redeemed from the wrath of God, are adopted into God’s family, and have the bondage of sin and death broken as they are transferred from one kingdom to another, where they will live for all eternity with Jesus as their King.

That is the true gospel, the good news that actually gives us hope. That’s the message you will hear in a biblically minded church.

The result of consistently preaching the true gospel is true conversions.

People’s lives and hearts are truly changed. The sin they once enjoyed is cast off. The desires they once had fades away. The things they once worshiped are broken and thrown out. The life lived for self, turns into a life lived for God.

Of course, this doesn’t happen immediately. Instead, it happens over a lifetime as one consistently follows Jesus. But it does happen. Those who have truly been converted do grow to be more Christlike over their Christian lives.

So that’s the first piece of evidence of a biblically minded church — it preaches the true gospel resulting in true conversions.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Are you apart of a church that preaches the true gospel?
  2. Have you witnessed true conversions in your church?

Resources

Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?

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