21st Nov 2021 – The Blessings Of Discipleship Sermon by Deacon Jorum ~ A Call to Discipleship Series
Mark 10: 17- 31
Previous sermon we learnt about the discipline of discipleship. Today we learn about the blessing/reward of discipleship.
Mark 10 is an account of a young rich man seeking to know how he can attain eternal life. Jesus tests his allegiance; the man opts for the things of the world (riches) other than the Saviour.
Jesus reminds the disciples:
… “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!(Mark 10:24 NKJV)
Also that:
“With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
(Mark 10:27 NKJV)
Blessings of discipleship are at two levels: now and eternal.
Three main blessings:
- Blessing of eternity
God gives us a ticket to spend eternity with Him. This is the greatest blessing of discipleship.
Eternal life is the ultimate blessing kept for us in the end- eternal life.
God has given us eternal life through His son Jesus Christ (I John 5: 11).
Another promise is in John 3: 16:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16 NKJV)
Eternal life is a promise we receive when we come and believe in Jesus Christ.
Eternal life starts here on earth. We will go to live forever/spend eternity with Christ.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:3 NKJV).
There is a life beyond the grave because Christ also was raised from the dead by God. Christ is our example (I Corinthians 15: 11-14)
We may suffer in our bodies now but when we look at the things that are not seen we attain eternity with God (II Corinthians 4: 16- 18).
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:18 NKJV).
Martha knew about resurrection at the end. But Christ assured that we will live in Christ whether alive or when we die.
- Blessing of a new family: A family of Jesus Christ.
Living for Christ connects us to many other believers.
We were strangers to the earliest covenant made with the Israelites, but now in Christ we have been brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph 2: 8-15).
…. who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (I Peter 2:10 NKJV)
We have become God’s family on account of Jesus Christ- a family registered in heaven (Hebrews 12: 21)
We become God’s sons and daughters
He has broken down the wall of separation by connecting believers through Christ.
We build concern for others on account of Christ. We receive care, provision and support through brethren because we are part of the family of Christ.
- Blessings of things
God honours those who serve Him. We get a medal of honour from God (John 12: 26).
God’s equation: We gain earthly possession plus eternal life (Mark 10: 30)
It costs us our selfish desires to earn God’s reward. As we receive the blessings, we need to be contended.
Godliness and contentment is great gain, …. (1 Timothy 6: 6).
Phillipians 4: 11- 13 is about Paul talking about contentment.
– The spirit of craving makes us miss to enjoy God’s earthly blessings.
– The Lord gives his beloved sleep.
– Every blessing is one hundred fold.
– We need to be grateful and praise God for every provision.
God bless