A Foundation in Christ
“The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
— 1 John 5:12
These words remind us that life in Christ isn’t just about eternity someday—it’s about transformation today. To belong to Jesus means to be changed by Him, right here and right now. Eternal life is both a promise for the future and a present reality we step into when we follow Him.
Pastor Jason reminded us: there is a life we have BEFORE Christ and a life we have AFTER Christ, and to be a disciple is to be submitted to and engaged with that journey. Discipleship is not just about securing our future but about being shaped daily in the present.
Why 1 John Matters
John wrote to a church facing confusion and false teaching. Some had walked away from the truth of Jesus, and others were tempted to follow. His letter points believers back to the essentials:
- Joy: that our joy may be complete (1:4).
- Holiness: that we may not fall into sin (2:1).
- Truth: that we may not be led astray (2:26).
- Assurance: that we may know we have eternal life (5:13).
Pastor Jason highlighted: The contents of the epistle are best understood in light of this purpose (5:13)—to assure us of eternal life in Christ. This assurance is the anchor of discipleship.
How Jesus Forms Disciples
When we look at how Jesus shaped people in the Gospels, we see a pattern that still applies to us. Pastor Jason highlighted four observations:
1. Jesus will ask you to see things His way.
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
— John 3:3
In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus full of questions. Jesus responds by challenging him to be “born again”—to see the kingdom with fresh eyes. Discipleship isn’t about getting Jesus to see things from our perspective; it’s about surrendering our perspective so we can see as He does.
Pastor Jason pointed out: There is a difference between questioning everything and asking questions. One is critical; the other is formative. Following Him means being willing to see with His eyes, not just our own.
But here’s the challenge: we tend to love our opinion more than Jesus’s perspective. It’s like saying, ‘Jesus, you can save my soul, but not my eyes.’ Discipleship calls us to surrender even our way of seeing.
2. Jesus will ask for your stuff.
“Sell all you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
— Luke 18:22
In Luke 18, the rich young ruler kept every commandment but couldn’t release his wealth. Jesus’ request exposed what truly held his heart. As Pastor Jason put it, “the path to our heart always runs through our possessions.”
This isn’t just about money—it’s about whatever we cling to for security or identity. Aquinas observed that greed makes us believe we are our own providers. Frederick Buechner said wealth tricks us into thinking we can solve life’s deepest problems with a checkbook. Pastor Jason reminded us: the real issue is disordered desire. Jesus wants our hearts, not just our possessions.
3. Jesus forms us through people who offend us.
“Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
— Luke 7:47
In Luke 7, a sinful woman’s act of love at Jesus’ feet offended the Pharisee hosting the dinner. Yet Jesus used her to teach a lesson about forgiveness and love. Often, God uses people who frustrate or challenge us to reveal what’s really in our hearts.
Pastor Jason said: Jesus often does His deepest work in us through those who are the most offensive to us. Rather than running away, we should consider whether God is shaping us through that very person. He reminded us that people are the greatest discipleship tools God will use in our lives.
4. Jesus will ask you to leave things behind.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
— Hebrews 12:1–2
In 1 John 2 and Hebrews 12, we’re told to lay aside not only sin but also hindrances—things that aren’t bad in themselves but keep us from growing in Christ.
Pastor Jason noted: Not everything Christ asks you to leave behind is a sin, but it may still be destructive. Hindrances are often good things that become obstacles when we let them shape us more than Jesus. Discipleship is counter-formation, pushing back against selfishness, nihilism, and hedonism, and letting Christ reshape us from the inside out.
A Different Kind of Life
Discipleship is about more than learning facts—it’s about living differently. It’s choosing a way that pushes back against selfishness, pride, and distraction. It’s about being formed in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in God’s Word. In a world that shouts, “More of me,” discipleship whispers, “No more me—only Jesus.”
Our Invitation
Imagine if the church became like an Abbey in the middle of a restless world—a place of peace, purpose, and transformation. A community where people are shaped by Jesus and shine His light into the darkness.
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14
This is the invitation before us: to live a life that says, No More Me—only Jesus.
Reflection Question: What is Jesus asking you to surrender, release, or leave behind so that you can step more fully into life with Him?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me to see with Your eyes, to trust You with my stuff, to learn from the people who challenge me, and to let go of anything that keeps me from You. Make my life shine for You in this restless world.
