THE TEST OF TRUE vs FALSE DISCIPLES:

Do you have a God that can say hard things to you?

John 6:60-69

SPOTIFY APPLE PODBEAN YOUTUBE

MESSAGE SUMMARY

Main Theme: True vs. False Discipleship

  • True discipleship is becoming like Jesus by resisting cultural norms and aligning with His way.

  • False discipleship may look like belief but is driven by wrong motives—following Jesus for personal gain, comfort, or image.

Secularism and Its Challenges

  • Secularism defines meaning, morality, and purpose apart from God.

  • It claims neutrality but imposes its own moral values—another form of faith.

“If you agree with everything your God says, your God is YOU.”

Hard Teachings & Offense

  • Jesus’ words often offend—not because they're hard to understand, but hard to accept.

  • John 6:60–69 shows many disciples turning away when Jesus says difficult things.

    • Jesus asks, “Do you want to go away as well?”

    • Peter replies: “Where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

    • The response reveals Peter’s commitment, even in confusion or offense.

The Cost of Discipleship

  • Real discipleship demands full surrender, not a transactional faith.

  • It's not about “what do I get?” but “who do I become?”

  • God must be allowed to challenge you—or He’s just a projection of yourself.

False vs. True Discipleship

  • False discipleship = believing for the wrong reasons (comfort, image, etc.)

    • Jesus warns of people who do great things in His name but never knew Him (Mt. 7).

  • True discipleship = wanting Jesus for Jesus, not benefits.

    • Letting Him set the terms, even when you don’t understand or agree.

Common Obstacles

  • Struggling with God's justice, suffering, or the Church’s history.

    • Yet God works through brokenness—e.g., Church’s role in education, science, abolition, etc.

    • Offense shouldn’t end the pursuit—it should spark deeper seeking.

HOW DO WE RESPOND?

  • Embracing Spiritual Practices // Engaging spiritual disciplines reveals our true motives and leads us toward deeper transformation in our walk with God.

  • A Call to Intentional Discipleship // Discipleship begins with honest self-reflection and choosing one practice or step that aligns your life more closely with Christ.

  • Choose One Practice // Look at the spiritual practices below that overview discipleship in the way of Jesus. Pick one to lean into that makes you uncomfortable. Let it test your motives and refine your heart towards transformation in becoming like Jesus.