As we follow Jesus (discipleship), we are gradually transformed into His likeness (sanctification). 

  • Sanctification is God’s work in us (by grace, through the Spirit). 
  • Discipleship is our participation in that work (surrender, formation, friendship). 

“Discipleship is the means through which sanctification happens. We grow in holiness not merely by trying harder, but by apprenticing under Jesus in the company of others and practicing His way of life.” — Jeff Vanderstelt, Gospel Fluency (2017) 

Mark 1:35-39 — Jesus had a rich interior life with God. Because Jesus had a supreme priority of prayer.   

1. Jesus was REFRESHED by prayer –  35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, 

Jesus slept because, in the flesh, His body needed physical rest.  

Jesus prayed because, in the flesh, He lived in constant dependence on the Father 

2. Jesus was RENEWED in prayer - …went out, and made his way to a deserted place;  

The Spirit works renewal in all of creation including us.  As Christians we have the Spirit and then are filled by the Spirit who overwhelms the flesh and allows us to live in VICTORY and PRIORITY.  We SURRENDER to this work in PRAYER. This is what makes BIBLICAL prayer DIFFERENT than any other RELIGION or SPIRITUAL practice. 

  • Religion – Prayer done in the flesh out of duty or obligation 
  • Irreligion – Prayer done in the flesh, as an emptying instead of a filling. 

3. Jesus was REESTABLISHED in prayer - … and there he was praying. 

Jesus IDENTIFIED God as FATHER.  Jesus was IDENTIFIED as God’s SON. In prayer he would  REMEMBER the words of God from His baptism.   

For us, the Bible is the WORDS of God: 

  • Promises of God to reestablish us. 
  • Priorities of God to repurpose us. 

4. Jesus was REPURPOSED in Prayer - 38 And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” 

Jesus was sent.  Jesus ministry was a movement not a monument. He went to the people. He sought them out.  Following prayer Jesus reminds the Disciples that ministry moves. And that their discipleship would be where the people.  

How much more will we then need communion with the Father in order to: 

  • Overcome temptation through being reminded that the Spirit of Christ lives within us.  
  • Reject identity distortions through being reminded that we are God’s children, and He is our Father 
  • Restore our souls through grace through being reminded that he is well pleased with us 
  • Reclaim our purpose through being reminded that He is building a Kingdom through our words and deed.