Sermon: The Aim of Discipleship

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:18

Quotes for Reflection

Oaks Parish Vision
Oaks Parish pursues gospel-centered renewal through parish ministry, walking alongside our city, region, and world. This renewal is embodied in the beauty of liturgical worship, mission rooted in people and place among the least and lost, and relational discipleship that forms us into the image of Christ.

Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation
He became what we are that he might make us what he is.

C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
The sense that in this universe we are treated as strangers, the longing to be acknowledged, to meet with some response, to bridge some chasm that yawns between us and reality, is part of our inconsolable secret. And surely, from this point of view, the promise of glory, in the sense described, becomes highly relevant to our deep desire. For glory means good report with God, acceptance by God, response, acknowledgement, and welcome into the heart of things. The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last.

N.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: 2 Corinthians
The gospel isn’t about a different god, someone other than the world’s original creator, but about the same creator God bringing new life and light to his world, the world where death and darkness have made their home and usurped his role. Paul summarizes God’s command in Genesis 1, in order to say: what happened to me that day, what happened to you when you believed, and what happens whenever anyone ‘turns to the Lord’, is a moment of new creation.

Application Questions

1. If the aim of discipleship is to become like Jesus, how does this change your personal aspirations and outlook on life?

2. How is the Holy Spirit is working in your soul right now to restore your image unto God?

3. What is one practice this week that can help you more readily join Christ in the unseen and eternal?