20 April 2008
The Disciple’s Heart
The Disciple:
A seven-week series about following Jesus Christ in the world. Discipleship involves a leader (Jesus), followers (Christians), and a way of living (all that Jesus commanded). Sunday sermons and Wednesday evening Community Group discussions are devoted to this topic.
The Disciple’s Heart
Part 4 of 7
Mark 7
Scott Patty
Click here for audio of this sermon.
What does it mean to be a disciple? A disciple loves Jesus from the heart rather than merely following man’s traditions. Jesus wants the gospel to penetrate deeper into the heart of the disciple and broader into the world.
Jesus is teaching on the gospel and discipleship by having a conversation with the religious leaders. (verses 1-8)
This dialog shows that we can keep religious traditions in our behavior and remain unaffected by the grace of God in our hearts. Hypocrisy is placing emphasis on an external behavior while ignoring the state of the heart.
Jesus is deepening the reach of the gospel by showing us that discipleship is a matter of the heart. (verses 14-23)
The defiled heart is not cleansed by keeping religious traditions. The heart is cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. See Ezekiel 36:25-37, which speaks to this point. The disciple will look to Jesus and His cross to change his heart.
Jesus is broadening the reach of the gospel by showing us that discipleship is for all kinds of people. (Mark 24-30)
The gospel is not limited to the Jewish people alone. The good news of Jesus Christ is for all kinds of people. The disciple will join Jesus in His cause to expand the gospel to all kinds of people.
Want to discuss?
If you are interested in discussing the topics of this sermon further, consider attending a Community Group. You may also leave a comment at the end of this post.
For next week:
Review your notes from this sermon. Take time to apply this sermon to your life. Attend a Community Group to discuss following Jesus. Read Mark 8-10 to prepare for next Sunday’s message.
Category: The Disciple.
