5 Day Devotional: “New Year, Same Mission: LEARN”

Day 1: The Foundation of Learning – Transformation Through the Gospel

Summary:
True transformation begins when we hear, understand, and personally respond to the gospel. Discipleship starts with salvation, grows through the work of the Holy Spirit, and equips us to live on mission.

Read:

• Ephesians 4:11-13
• Romans 10:17
• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Background:
Ephesians 4 emphasizes the role of the church in equipping believers for ministry, aiming for unity and maturity in Christ. Romans 10:17 highlights the importance of hearing the Word, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that salvation makes us new creations.

Key Words:

• Equip: To prepare or furnish for a specific purpose.
• Maturity: Growing into Christ’s likeness.
• Gospel: The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Theological Truths:
John Stott wrote, “The church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought.” The church equips believers for transformation and mission.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How has the gospel transformed your life?

2. What does it mean to you to grow in maturity in Christ?

3. How can you help others hear and understand the gospel?

Application:
Identify someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Pray for an opportunity to share it this week.

Day 2: Learning Through Community

Summary:
Discipleship thrives in community, where believers encourage, hold each other accountable, and grow together. Biblical fellowship is vital for spiritual transformation.

Read:

• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Acts 2:42-47
• Galatians 6:2

Background:
The early church modeled a life of community through teaching, fellowship, and mutual care. Hebrews and Galatians emphasize the importance of gathering together to spur one another on and bear each other’s burdens.

Key Words:

• Fellowship: Sharing life and faith with other believers.
• Encourage: To give support, confidence, or hope.
• Accountability: Mutual responsibility to help each other stay faithful.

Theological Truths:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.” Community sustains and strengthens us in our walk with Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How has being part of a community strengthened your faith?

2. What role does accountability play in your spiritual growth?

3. How can you encourage someone in your community this week?

Application:
Reach out to someone in your church community and offer support or encouragement today.

Day 3: The Goal of Discipleship – Transformation and Mission

Summary:
Discipleship is not just about knowledge but about transformation and mission. Biblical discipleship follows the model of a master and apprentice, focusing on becoming more like Christ.

Read:

• Ephesians 4:14-16
• Matthew 28:19-20
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Background:
Ephesians calls believers to maturity and unity, avoiding immaturity and deception. Matthew’s Great Commission challenges us to make disciples, and 1 Thessalonians reminds us to build each other up.

Key Words:

• Disciple: A follower and learner of Jesus Christ.
• Mission: Living out the gospel and making disciples.
• Transformation: A change in nature and character to reflect Christ.

Theological Truths:
Charles Spurgeon said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” Discipleship equips us to fulfill our mission of sharing Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does discipleship help you grow in Christlikeness?

2. Why is it important for discipleship to include mission?

3. What steps can you take to engage more in God’s mission?

Application:
Commit to one missional act this week, whether sharing your faith, serving someone in need, or inviting someone to church.

Day 4: Learning to Bear Fruit in Christ

Summary:
Discipleship involves applying God’s Word to our lives, producing fruit that glorifies Him. Learning the Word leads to transformed lives that reflect Christ’s love and mission.

Read:

• John 15:5-8
• Colossians 1:9-10
• James 1:22-25

Background:
Jesus teaches in John 15 that abiding in Him is essential for bearing fruit. Colossians encourages believers to grow in knowledge and good works, while James warns against being hearers only.

Key Words:

• Abide: To remain in Christ.
• Fruit: Visible results of spiritual growth.
• Obedience: Acting on God’s Word.

Theological Truths:
J.I. Packer wrote, “The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of odd moments of worship and prayer.” Discipleship is lived out in daily obedience.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean to abide in Christ daily?

2. How can you ensure you’re applying God’s Word, not just hearing it?

3. What fruit is evident in your life from your walk with Christ?

Application:
Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you abide in Him and bear fruit that glorifies Him.

Day 5: Discipleship Leads to Multiplication

Summary:
The ultimate goal of discipleship is multiplication—helping others to know Christ and grow in Him, creating a ripple effect of transformation.

Read:

• 2 Timothy 2:2
• Matthew 9:37-38
• Philippians 2:12-13

Background:
Paul’s instruction to Timothy emphasizes passing on the faith to others. Jesus calls for laborers in His harvest, and Philippians reminds us that God works in us to fulfill His purpose.

Key Words:

• Multiplication: Reproducing disciples who make disciples.
• Harvest: The mission field of souls.
• Work: Cooperation with God’s Spirit in fulfilling His mission.

Theological Truths:
Francis Schaeffer said, “True spirituality covers all of reality. There are no compartments in life.” Discipleship affects every area of life and leads to sharing Christ with others.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who has been instrumental in discipling you?

2. How can you intentionally disciple someone else?

3. What is one area of your life where you can multiply God’s work?

Application:
Pray for someone you can disciple, and make plans to reach out to them this week.