SENT DISCIPLE: VIBRANT FOLLOWER

Day 1: Eternal Life Is Not Earned by Good Deeds
Many people seek assurance of eternal life through good behavior or religious rule-keeping, but Jesus teaches that entering into life is not about checking off a list of good deeds; it is about responding to God’s call and following Him wholeheartedly. The rich young man in Matthew 19 had kept all the commandments, yet still sensed something was missing, revealing that salvation is not about our efforts but about a relationship with Christ. [28:16]

Matthew 19:16-22 (ESV)
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are relying on your own good works or religious habits for assurance, rather than trusting in Jesus’ invitation to follow Him?


Day 2: We Are Incapable of Saving Ourselves
Scripture makes it clear that no one is righteous or able to do enough good to earn God’s favor; our salvation begins with God’s initiative, not our own, as He awakens our hearts and calls us by name. Recognizing our inability to save ourselves humbles us and opens us to receive the grace and power that only Christ can provide, shifting our focus from self-effort to dependence on Him. [33:22]

Romans 3:10-12 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Reflection: In what ways do you need to surrender your self-reliance and ask God to awaken your heart to His calling today?


Day 3: Nothing Should Be Loved More Than Jesus
Jesus calls His followers to love Him above all else, refusing to let possessions, hobbies, or even family take first place in our hearts; anything we love more than Christ becomes an obstacle to true discipleship. The challenge is not to give up all we have, but to examine our priorities and be willing to let go of anything that competes with our devotion to Jesus, making Him our one true King. [37:47]

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Reflection: What is one thing—whether a possession, relationship, or pursuit—that you are tempted to love or prioritize above Jesus, and how can you intentionally put Him first today?


Day 4: Following Jesus Is a Relationship, Not a Religion
Being a disciple is not about rigidly following rules or religious routines, but about cultivating a living, growing relationship with Jesus, where the Spirit guides and transforms us from the inside out. Just as a healthy marriage grows through intimacy and communication, so our walk with Christ deepens as we spend time with Him, listen to His voice, and respond to His love, rather than simply performing religious duties. [50:07]

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from religious performance to deepening your personal relationship with Jesus this week?


Day 5: Growing as a Disciple Requires Scripture, Prayer, and the Spirit
A vibrant follower of Jesus grows by immersing themselves in God’s Word, engaging in prayer, and staying in step with the Holy Spirit, allowing both truth and Spirit to shape their life. When we are led by the Spirit and grounded in Scripture, we are empowered to put Jesus first and live out our calling as disciples, experiencing transformation and fruitfulness in every area of life. [57:26]

Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV)
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Reflection: What practical step can you take today to grow in both God’s Word and prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you more fully?