What’s the difference between discipleship and religion? Discipleship is different from religion, because it refuses to be bound to time and place. It is about PROXIMITY (to God in Christ) and PROACTIVITY (with others in fruitfulness and forgiveness).

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations… but you have made it a den of thieves.”

God’s Intent                Israel’s Practice
Prayer                             Exploitation
Nations included      Nations excluded
Worship                         Corruption

An Example of False Security

  • It looked like the place of God’s presence
  • It functioned like a guarantee of God’s favour
  • But it had become detached from fruitfulness

You can’t be defensive and be a disciple. When Jesus confronts the temple, the leaders don’t pause… They don’t REFLECT… They don’t REPENT. They DEFEND. Because defensiveness is what happens when something we trust is threatened.

You cannot be DEFENSIVE and be FORMED by Jesus at the same time.

JESUS MAKES WORSHIP ACCESSIBLE – At the cross, Jesus removes every barrier between us and God.

  • “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

Q: Do I approach God freely, or do I subtly believe access is earned?

 

JESUS MAKES DEVOTION DELIGHTFUL - At the cross, Jesus does more than forgive sin. He restores relationship:

  • “And we have seen and testify… so that you also may have fellowship with us… with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)

Q: Has devotion become image management rather than delight in God?

 

JESUS MAKES FAITHFULNESS FRUITFUL - Through the cross, Jesus secures the fruit our effort never could.

  • “I am the vine; you are the branches… the one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit.” (John 15:5)

Q: Do I actually pray with expectation, or just talk about faith?

 

JESUS MAKES FORGIVENESS POWERFUL - Through the cross, Jesus frees us from the anger of injustice by entrusting judgment to God

  • “Do not avenge yourselves… but leave room for God’s wrath…” (Romans 12:19)

Q: Is there an injustice I am still holding onto instead of entrusting to God?