Lecture on Discipleship and Desires

Introduction

• Gathering for Bible study and worship, expressing gratitude for attendance.
• Acknowledgment of Pastor Roy Walter for leading a service and the visitors attracted by the church's Vacation Bible School.

Main Scripture: John Chapter 1:35-42

• Focus on the series "Questions Jesus Asks."
• Key passage about John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the "Lamb of God" and two disciples following Jesus.
• Jesus asks them, "What are you seeking?"

Importance of Questions

• Emphasis on the power and necessity of asking questions in self-evaluation and discipleship.
• Jesus' question "What are you seeking?" is highlighted as one of the most potent and evaluative questions.

The Concept of Discipleship

• Discipleship in biblical times was a serious, lifelong pursuit.
• Being a disciple involved learning and memorizing scriptures and choosing a Rabbi to follow.
• Modern Application: The necessity of defining what being a disciple means in today's context.

Evaluating What You Seek

• Jesus' question "What are you seeking?" challenges individuals to evaluate their inner desires and motivations.
• The importance of identifying what truly drives one's actions beyond just beliefs or knowledge.
• Not just a matter of knowledge, but of changing what one loves and desires.

Love as a Precondition to Knowledge

• Quoting Philippians 1:9-11, indicating that love should abound with knowledge and discernment.
• Love leads to knowledge and the pursuit of understanding.
• The necessity to love God and His word to grow in understanding and righteousness.

Analyzing Personal Desires

• Encouragement to pray for God to reorient desires towards Him.
• Questions to consider: What am I really after? What is my definition of a good life? Where did I get that definition?

The Challenge of Discipleship

• Luke 9:23-26 highlights the need to deny oneself and follow Jesus.
• Understanding the "self" that needs denying involves recognizing deep-seated desires and habits.
• The call to discipleship is not merely about changing behavior but altering desires and affection.

Influence of Society on Desires

• Discussion on how marketing and societal influences shape desires and views of the good life.
• The importance of being around those who model Christ to reshape desires toward holiness and righteousness.

Practical Steps in Discipleship

• Recognition of the need for community and being around believers to reinforce godly desires.
• The role of the church community in shaping what we love and desire.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to seek God, not merely avoiding sin but genuinely desiring Him above all else.
• Final prayer for reorientation of desires towards God's kingdom and righteousness.

Announcements

• Gratitude for Vacation Bible School volunteers and acknowledgement of successful blood drive with details of participation.