Pursue Discipleship
FG LESSON & personal reflection guide
Based on the message, “Pursue Discipleship’s Goal: Obedience”
By Ptr Eniong Hilario
READ Matthew 28:19-20; Exodus 19:5-6; Deu 28:1-2, 20; Luk 11:28; Mat 7:24-27
Discipleship is the journey of following Jesus, and it comes with a cost. True disciples are called to take up their crosses daily, facing challenges and sacrifices. Following Jesus requires more than just knowing His teachings; it demands that we listen and obey with humility. Obedience is at the heart of discipleship. A person cannot truly follow Jesus without living out His words in their actions. This obedience is the fruit of a genuine relationship with Christ, showing that we are His disciples.
The ultimate goal of discipleship is obedience, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. True discipleship is more than belief; it requires action. This call to obedience goes back to the beginning of creation, where Adam and Eve were commanded to obey God, but their disobedience led to a fallen nature in humanity. From that moment, God’s plan has always been to raise a people who would obey Him, as shown in the nation of Israel, which was called to live distinct and holy lives in obedience to God’s commands.
Obedience is what sets God's people apart. In Exodus 19:5-6, God promises blessings and a special relationship with those who obey Him. This obedience is not just about following rules but about reflecting God’s character and fulfilling the role He has for His people. Obedience unlocks God's blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, but disobedience brings the opposite—curses, frustration, and hardship. Disobedience leads to God’s opposition, which makes life more difficult and ultimately leads to destruction.
Level 3: Provisional Obedience “I’ll give God what He wants as long as He meets my needs.”
There are two key differences between Level 2 and Level 3. First, at this stage, the disciple obeys God without waiting for a response, trusting God to act in His timing. Second, the disciple now focuses on having their needs met, rather than demanding their wants. While they have made progress in understanding who God is and what He desires, there is still much growth ahead.
Level 4: Future-Happiness Obedience “I’ll give God what He wants, believing—in faith—that at some point, I’ll get what I need and want.”
Disciples at this level have made significant progress. Many mature Christians live here, believing this is the highest level of obedience. They understand that God is in control and they are not. They know their role is to obey Him now, not later. They bring their needs and desires to God, trusting in faith that He will provide, even if His answers come in His perfect timing, possibly even in Heaven. While they have learned to trust God, there's still an element of obedience tied to delayed gratification, and they continue to grow in their obedience.
Level 5: Unconditional Obedience “I’ll Give God What He wants.”
Disciples at this level have fully surrendered both their wants and needs to God. They have embraced the truth of Jeremiah 10:23, which says, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” They understand their place in the relationship with God, humbling themselves and trusting Him completely. This level of obedience, rooted in loving trust, is the one we should all strive to reach. This level of obedience has come to understand what it means for a disciple to pick up their cross daily as they follow Jesus.
Jesus came to restore the plan of creating a people set apart for God. In 1 Peter 2:9-10, believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, called to proclaim God’s greatness. As followers of Christ, our obedience is essential for receiving God’s blessings and aligning our lives with His will. Obeying God unlocks the doors to His favor and guidance, while disobedience leads to opposition and hardship.
Reflecting on our own level of obedience is crucial. Justin Gravitt of the Navigators outlines five levels of obedience:
Level 1: Inconsistent Obedience - “I’ll do what I want.”
Many new believers are at this stage. They may know what God wants, but they don't yet care enough to put His desires before their own. They obey sometimes, but it's more by chance than by choice. When it's easy, they follow God's will, but when it's not, they ignore it. These "spiritual infants" tend to react rather than think things through, and they have a lot to learn about the consequences of sin and the importance of living God's way.
Reflecting on our own level of obedience is crucial. Justin Gravitt of the Navigators outlines five levels of obedience:
Level 1: Inconsistent Obedience - “I’ll do what I want.”
Many new believers are at this stage. They may know what God wants, but they don't yet care enough to put His desires before their own. They obey sometimes, but it's more by chance than by choice. When it's easy, they follow God's will, but when it's not, they ignore it. These "spiritual infants" tend to react rather than think things through, and they have a lot to learn about the consequences of sin and the importance of living God's way.
Level 2: Conditional Obedience “If God gives me what I want then I’ll give Him what He wants.”
At this stage, disciples see God more like a servant to fulfill their needs. They try to control the relationship with God, obeying only when God gives them what they want. If God doesn't meet their expectations, they may turn away. Most people start their relationship with God at this level, often seeking forgiveness or help in a time of desperation. Unfortunately, even their first act of surrender can be influenced by selfish desires. Disciples at this level don't yet fully understand who God is or the kind of relationship He wants with them.
Hear from the Pastor