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Radical Disciple 1
Radical Disciple 1
John Stotts farewell book: The Radical Disciple. As someone who has contributed so much to
the church nationally and globally, John Stott is well placed to speak with insight and clarity
into the current issues we face today. So the fact that he has chosen discipleship as the
theme of his final book should get our attention. John Stott brings a wealth of experience,
understanding and Biblical thinking to this often neglected and misunderstood area. Well
journey through his book, delving in and out of scripture, and exploring where these themes
encourage and challenge us. We hope you enjoy this series of studies through this term of
Small Groups, but more importantly; that well grow closer to Jesus as were instructed and
inspired together to follow Him more passionately, more intentionally and more effectively.
Simeon and Jon.
The church has a double responsibility in relation to the world around us. On one hand we
are to live, serve and witness in the world. On the other hand we are to avoid becoming
contaminated by the world. So we are neither to seek to preserve our holiness by escaping
from the world nor to sacrifice our holiness by conforming to the world. Escapism and
conformism are thus both forbidden to us.
Read these passages together:
Leviticus 18:3-4, Ezekiel 11:12, Matthew 6:8, Romans 12:2
Here then is God's call to radical discipleship, to a radical non-conformity to the surrounding
culture. It is a call to develop a Christian counter-culture. It is a call to engagement without
compromise.
- How can we help each other to avoid the common pitfalls of: (i) conformity, & (ii)
escapism?
Stott then goes on to list four contemporary challenges four places where, as radical
disciples we engage with, but must not compromise over:
1. Pluralism.
Pluralism affirms that every 'ism' has its own independent validity and an equal right to
respect. It therefore rejects Christian claims to finality and uniqueness, and condemns as
sheer arrogance the attempt to convert anybody (let alone everybody) to what it sees as
merely our opinions
Read: John 14:6-7
What do Jesus' words say to the challenge of pluralism.
How can we preserve and present the uniqueness and finality of Jesus in ways that are
at one and the same time honest and humble?
2. Materialism.
Materialism is a preoccupation with material things, which can smother our spiritual life
Read: Matthew 6:25
Why is materialism such a dangerous challenge to the radical disciple today?
In what ways could Christians today be accused of conforming to trend of materialism?
3. Ethical relativism.
All around us moral standards are slipping. ...People are confused as to whether there are
any absolutes left. Relativism has permeated culture and is seeping into the church.
What do you make of this poem by Abraham Edel (1908-2007):
It all depends on where you are, it all depends on who you are,
It all depends on what you feel, it all depends on how you feel.
It all depends on how you're raised, it all depends on what is praised.
What's right today is wrong tomorrow, Joy in France, in England sorrow.
It all depends on point of view, Australia or Timbuctoo,
In Rome do as the Romans do.
If tastes just happen to agree then you have morality
But where there are conflicting trends it all depends, it all depends...
Now read: Luke 6:46-49 together.
What does Jesus' parable teach us about how we respond to the challenge of ethical
relativism?
- Could the church be accused of compromise in this area?
4. Narcissism
...'Narcissism' is an excessive love for oneself, an unbounded admiration of 'self'.
Read: Matthew 22:34-40
Jesus' words obviously do not teach self-loathing, because to love your neighbour as
yourself makes no sense if we hate ourselves(!) - but teaches us that the focus of our lives
should be on two things: (i) love for God, (ii) love for others.
Can you remember (or imagine if not) where this demonstration of love challenges the
culture of narcissism?
John Stott ends this chapter by concluding:
We are not to be like reeds shaken by the wind, blowing down before the gusts of public
opinion, but as immoveable as rocks in a mountain stream. We are not to be like fish floating
with the stream... We are not to be like chameleons... but to stand out visably against our
surroundings... We are to be like Christ, 'conformed to the image of God's Son' (Romans
8:29).
End by praying for each other that these words would be true of us as we say no to the
world's standards and a deliberate yes to following Jesus in radical and costly ways.