Demonstrate our love not just in word, but in deed and truth (1 Jn 3:17-18).
For Jesus
In order to feed His sheep, we must set aside our own wants and personal preferences. Loving Jesus means having the heart to meet the needs of the church and its members.
Bearing fruit
Cf. L12 “Growing Towards Spiritual Maturity” > Ways to pursue spiritual growth > Bear fruit
Our faith and love for God and man should not merely be expressed in word, but more importantly shown through our actions.
Faith without works is dead (Jas 2:14-17).
Willing to suffer
If we desire to live a godly life, persecution and suffering are inevitable (2 Tim 3:12). Therefore, if we arm ourselves with the mind to suffer, we will be able to overcome such difficulties (1 Pet 4:1).
When we can see the value of our suffering and set our eyes on the end goal of our faith, we can view our suffering from an eternal perspective (Rom 8:17-18).
We will also feel that our affliction is only light and temporary, achieving a greater and eternal weight of glory for us (2 Cor 4:17).
The cost of discipleship
(Lk 9:57-62)
Put God and His matters first, even over family or social obligations (v. 59-60; Lk 14:26).
This is not teaching us to neglect our parents or despise our family. Instead, we still ought to honor our parents and love our family.
In the original text, the word “hate” in Lk 14:26 means “to love less.” This teaches us that in situations where we must choose between God and His matters vs our family ties, God should still remain the priority.
Place our focus solely on Jesus and do not look back (v. 61-62).
To plow in a line, we must look straight ahead, work in a steady manner, and direct our path forward. However, if we look back or become distracted, we will not be effective or efficient in our plowing.
Similarly, to become a disciple of Jesus and to follow Him, we must set aside the distractions of the world. Press forward toward the goal which is ahead and forget the things which are behind (Phil 3:12-14).
Do not compare ourselves with others (e.g., being proud about the things we have received; complaining about the trials or suffering we have that others seem not to have). Comparison will only cause us to lose our focus.
Ex: When Jesus called Peter to follow Him, Peter saw the disciple whom Jesus loved and asked about him. However, Jesus redirected Peter to focus on Him and follow Him (Jn 21:19-22).
(Mt 16:24-26; Mk 8:34-38)
Deny ourselves.
This requires us to give up our pursuits and pleasures in the world (e.g., lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life) in order to gain spiritual and eternal life.
Take up our cross.
Acknowledging our faith may result in insult, slander, or rejection from others. But taking up our cross means willingly bearing suffering and shame for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
Be willing to give up everything for Christ (Lk 14:33).
Stand firm in the face of persecution (Mt 10:16-25; 1 Pet 4:4).
The mission of Jesus’ disciples
Tend to and feed Jesus’ sheep (pastoral) - Prov 27:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2-3
Have love for one another (Jn 13:35).
Because we love God and are loved by Him, we ought to also love one another, even those we may find difficult to love or people we may not necessarily like.
Just as Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?”, not “Do you love My sheep?” (Jn 21:15-17).
Care for members as a nurturing mother and exhorting father (1 Thess 2:7, 11-12).
Fulfill our ministry
Practice personal evangelism. (tips)
Identify someone in your circle who needs the gospel that you could preach to. This could be a neighbor, friend, classmate, coworker, or family member.
Pray for them and ask God to provide you opportunities to share about your faith with them. Be observant and sensitive to the openings God gives you. Be proactive to invite them to join a service, Bible study, campus fellowship, or other church activities.
Follow up with them. Answer any questions they might have. Share your own experiences, provide resources, and connect them with other brothers and sisters.
Preaching is about planting the seed and watering it. At the end of the day, God is the one who opens the hearts of men (Acts 16:14) and gives the growth (1 Cor 3:6). We only need to continue to be diligent, persistent, and faithful in our role.
Participate in your local church efforts for evangelism (e.g., street preaching, door-to-door invitations, preaching at the park, local or regional evangelical services or events, etc.).
Practice pastoral care. (Examples)
Check in on members (either in person, through email, or text).
Be willing to listen to their struggles, share Scripture, and pray with and for them.
Sit with those who are sitting alone during lunch or service at church.
Leave our own comfort zone to interact with and get to know other members in the church despite age, background, and/or cultural differences.
Identify specific needs for different groups of people:
Offer rides to international students or the elderly who may not have access to their own cars or means of transportation.
Prepare food and extra meals for those who may be busy with work, have big families, live alone, etc.
Invite newcomers to join fellowships and social gatherings.
Visit those who may be sick or bedridden in the hospital.
Invite members who haven’t come to church in a while to catch up over coffee or a meal.
Share our testimonies, experiences, and encouragements with those struggling in their faith or going through a low point.