The Making of an Apostle – Part 1

The word ‘discipleship’ has different meanings to different people. For some, it might imply a course or training program that churches offer. Rev Edmund teaches that discipleship is not a program but a transformation journey. In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul writes that since he has been crucified with Christ, it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives in him. Paul understood that ever since his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, his life was being transformed. But what does ‘Christ who lives in me’ mean for Christians today? What does the ‘transformation journey’ look like?

Read Galatians 2:20

Discuss

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘discipleship’?

2. Rev Edmund states that the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a key element missing in discipleship today. What is your understanding of this statement? If discipleship is a journey of becoming more Christ-like, what reasons can we have for not living with Christ front and centre?

In Galatians 2:20, Paul highlights two important paradigm shifts. First Paradigm: From being a committed Christian to being a crucified Christian.

3. Paul identifies himself with Christ, the crucified Savior. This is not meant literally. Rev Edmund teaches that Paul means living a life of complete surrender. What makes it difficult for you to surrender control? Surrender does not mean giving up to Christ, rather, it means giving in to Christ. How are these two different?

4. The Bible calls us to live a life of surrender, but Rev Edmund suggests that we have substituted surrender with mere commitment. The difference lies in commitment being up to us — we choose what, how much, and when to give — while true discipleship is a life of surrendering all to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. Discuss this statement.

Living a crucified life is impossible when we focus on what we can do for God. The second paradigm addresses this. Second Paradigm: From what we do for God to what God has done for us.

5. God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son for us. His salvation is complete, eternal, free, and costly. Nothing we can do in this world will save us, except through Christ. How does this influence your approach to life and decision-making?

6. What are some common things people might rely on for salvation outside of Christ? How can we point others to the truth that salvation is found only in Jesus?

Respond

When you open your heart to Christ, He comes into your life, beginning your journey of transformation — your discipleship journey. Only you and God know where you are on that journey. You may be fired up and giving in to what He has for you. Others may be in a season where you’ve become more committed than crucified, focusing on what you can do instead of what He has done. Use this time to reflect and pray so that you can continue to follow Him and be transformed daily.

Note for Life Group Leaders: Pay attention to those who have yet to make a first-time commitment to a personal relationship with Jesus. Take time after the group meeting to have a conversation with them. Pray as you feel led. Contact your Life Group Pastor if you need help following up.