Introduction
Victory Life’s Mission: “To see people transformed by Jesus”
“[T]he greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heart-breaking needs, is whether those who…are identified as “Christians” will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.” ~ Dallas Willard
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“As Jesus’s disciple, I am his apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life in the kingdom of the heavens as he would lead my life if he were I.” ~ Dallas Willard
Jeremiah 6:16a (ESV) Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
Discipleship Framework
A Transformed Life: a life that naturally embodies the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), a person’s character that reflects the character of Christ (Romans 8:29)
“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.” ~ Dallas Willard
“The secret of the easy yoke…is to learn from Christ how to live our total lives, how to invest all our time and our energies of mind and body as he did. We must learn how to follow his preparations, the disciplines for life in God’s rule that enabled him to receive his Father’s constant and effective support while doing his will.” ~ Dallas Willard
Inspiration—Vision
Revelation— Intention
Integration — Means
Transformation
Luke 6:46-49 (NLT) “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Definitions
Inspiration: (noun) the drawing of air into the lungs; an animating action or influence; (Theology) a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.
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- Synonyms: encouragement, influence, insight, vision (information, knowledge)
Revelation: (noun) something revealed or disclosed, as of something not before realized; (Theology) God’s disclosure of Himself and His will to His creatures.
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- Synonyms: discovery, epiphany, unveiling (understanding)
Integration: (noun) an act or instance of combining into an integral whole; (verb) to bring together or incorporate (parts) into a whole.
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- Synonyms: assimilation, union, conform, incorporate, embody (practice, obedience)
Transformation: (noun) change in form, appearance, nature, or character; (Theater) a seemingly miraculous change in the appearance of scenery/actors in view of the audience.
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- Synonyms: metamorphosis, revolution, transfiguration, radical change (wisdom)
Applying the Framework
“Who, in Christ, do you want to be?” — Crafting a vision for the Christ-like Life.
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- What about the life, character, person of Jesus inspires you? What character trait(s) does Jesus manifest that you desire the most to embody?
“What does it look like for me to become that person?” (“Do I intend to become that person?”) — Clarifying the vision, Choosing to become that person (in Christ).
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- What does the Word say about that character trait? What did that character look like in Jesus’ life? How does being in the presence of the Lord change that character trait?
Essential Disciplines
When you give (Matt. 6:2-3)
When you pray (Matt. 6:5-7)
When you fast (Matt. 6:16-17)
Abide in His Word (John 8:31-32)