Francis Chan: Discipleship Weekend 2014 - Session 2

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of humility, contrition, and trembling at God's word. It challenges listeners to consider what it would look like to truly tremble at His voice, going beyond mere intellectual understanding or emotional response. The speaker encourages listeners to adopt a "zachaeus-type" attitude, where they are willing to give up their possessions and desires in order to follow Jesus and make disciples of all nations.

Key Scripture References

• Isaiah 66:2 - This verse highlights God's desire for those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and tremble at His word. It sets the tone for the rest of the message, emphasizing the importance of a heart that is responsive to God.
• Luke 19:1-10 - The story of Zacchaeus illustrates what it means to truly respond to Jesus' call to follow Him. Zacchaeus' willingness to give up his wealth and status in order to follow Jesus demonstrates the kind of humility and contrition that God desires.
• Matthew 28:18-20 - This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding this command in its historical context, and recognizing that it is a call to evangelism and discipleship.
• Ezekiel 36:27 - This verse speaks to the work of the Holy Spirit in making us desire God's commands. It highlights the importance of having a heart that is responsive to God, and willing to follow Him.
• Matthew 28:18 - The speaker emphasizes the significance of Jesus' statement "all authority has been given to me," which sets the stage for His command to make disciples of all nations. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' authority and submitting to it.

Main Points

The main points of this message can be summarized as follows:

• Humility, contrition, and trembling at God's word are essential for true discipleship.
• A "zachaeus-type" attitude is necessary to follow Jesus and make disciples of all nations.
• The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is a call to evangelism and discipleship, rather than just small group discipleship or personal spiritual growth.
• Recognizing Jesus' authority and submitting to it is essential for obedience to the Great Commission.
• The Holy Spirit's work in making us desire God's commands is essential for true responsiveness to God.

Implications

This message has several implications for listeners:

• They must be willing to surrender their own desires and possessions in order to follow Jesus.
• They must recognize the authority of Jesus and submit to it, rather than relying on their own wisdom or understanding.
• They must be willing to take risks and face challenges in order to share the gospel with others.
• They must trust in the Holy Spirit's work in making them desire God's commands, rather than relying on their own strength or motivation.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of truly responding to Jesus' call to follow Him. He encourages listeners to adopt a "zachaeus-type" attitude, and to recognize the authority of Jesus in order to obey the Great Commission. Ultimately, this message challenges listeners to consider what it would look like to truly tremble at God's word, and to live out their faith in obedience to His commands.