Disciples and Vision
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Bethel MBC

December 5, 2007

DWS

Disciples and Vision

Lesson text: 

Acts 2:41-47

The church of Jerusalem serves as a model for evangelism and vision.  In our reading, 3,000 souls had been saved and presented a tremendous challenge to this emerging church.  The following verses give us insight as to how that church dealt with this challenge and continued to progress with a vision towards evangelism.

As we discussed in our recent study in the Beatitudes, discipleship is a process, not an event.  Several characteristics may be identified within this church at Jerusalem which points us towards a balanced discipleship.

1.  They added the converts to the body (v 41)

The first step by necessity was to incorporate these new converts into this body of Christ.  Is there more to the incorporation of new members into a localized body than baptism and the right hand of church fellowship??  If so, what?

2. They devoted themselves to apostolic teaching (v 42)

Disciples must learn cognitively as well as spiritually and gain knowledge;

particularly knowledge  regarding strong doctrinal teaching.  New converts are normally like sponges; it takes effort to maintain that type of learning.  All of us are commanded to strive to foster an appetite for knowledge concerning Christ and His church.

3. They devoted themselves to one another in biblical fellowship (v42, 44-47)

This demands a commitment of time and energy.  There can be no true fellowship and / or growth in disciples without this level of commitment.   This type of fellowship is often expressed practically through loving sacrifice.

4. They devoted themselves to worship (v 42, 47)

These verses mention praise, breaking of bread, meeting in the temple, and prayer.  Worship, true worship, is essential to growth of a disciple.

5. They were respected throughout the community (v47)

The behavior and deportment of these growing Christians earned them favor, or at least respect, with the individuals of the community.

6. They continued to emphasize outreach (v 47)

The early Christians sowed the seed of the gospel with both their behavior and witness.  As a result, God added unto their numbers daily.

All of these are basic ingredients needed in developing a balanced ministry in our church in the year 2008.  How do we apply these components and characteristics to our church family?

VISION

All disciples develop one.  A vision that is God-sent and God-centered.  It is immensely important as the Bible promises us that where there is no vision…..the people perish.

Here are some characteristics of a God-centered vision…

1.  The vision originates with God. 

True vision does not center upon a pastor, a deacon, teacher or any other group of people.  It MUST be centered upon God Himself.  A genuine vision is not our imagination, but rather the discovery of God’s design and plan.  A supernatural and spiritual encounter with God is the beginning point in vision discovery.  The keys to the discovery of our God-vision are prayer and fasting.  James says (James 4:2) that we have not because we do not ask.  Do you really want a vision?  When you pray, how much time do you spend asking for things?  How much time do you spend listening to God speak to you?!?!?

2. God’s vision will be centered in and supported by His Word

As always, the plumb line must be the scriptures.  Does our vision find its base in the revealed Word of God?  Does it reflect the character of God himself?  Will it glorify Him?

3. To bring a vision to reality, we must have a supernatural empowering

If we can achieve our vision by our own power, it is not a God-centered vision.  God gave Moses a plan for leading Israel to the Promised Land (Exodus chapters 3-4).  Nehemiah had a strategy to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  However, all reliance was placed in God.

4. Vision from God will be grounded in the Great Commission

Any vision must enable the church to better fulfill the Great Commission.  The commission is not a suggestion, but a command and is crucial to any successful church.  Vision emerges when God’s people have a clear understanding of the church’s mission.

5. Vision will lead the church to exalt Christ

Sometimes we make mistakes of thinking or acting as if the church belongs to us.  Authentic vision will exalt Jesus Christ alone.  A disciple and / or church that is ready to grow and prosper will be one that seeks to glorify God more than any other single activity.

6. Vision requires radical obedience

A vision without action is just a dream. What if Paul and Barnabas had refused to leave the church at Antioch?  What if Nehemiah had refused to leave for Jerusalem?  Some churches become cold and lifeless because nobody is willing to obey the vision that God has shown the church.  If we have a vision for the lost of this community and do nothing to reach out to them, it becomes useless to pray for vision.

7. Vision leads to a natural growth

Natural growth is evangelistic growth.  We must stay on our knees until we feel compelled to go out unto the highways and byways, seeking all whom would come in and be filled (Luke 14:23).

8. Vision demands a willingness to change

Nehemiah had to leave a great job as cupbearer for the King in order to return to Jerusalem.  The church at Antioch had to send away two of their best leaders (Paul and Barnabas) to fulfill their church’s vision. Both went through quite an adjustment I am sure.

9. Vision requires family unity

Unity is absolutely necessary for a church to progress with any vision.  Many churches lack family unity precisely because they do not have a family dream.  Aimlessness leads to disunity.

Disciples:  Either we are or we aren’t

Vision: Either we have one or we don’t