Choose Your Own Adventure:
“Be a Teacher!”
Today we continue with the Callings God has placed on everyone, and the Choice we have to pursue them. Today we examine one of the most important choices we will ever make, that of “Being a Teacher”. Translated to the believer, “Invest in Discipleship.”
Discipleship is one of my passions in life! But many times we hear that word, discipleship, and think “that doesn’t involve me.” I understand that there are different areas of ministry that we get fired up for, but this is one that seems over our heads at times.
However, I want to present to you today that Discipleship is not a category of ministry that we can pick or choose to involve ourselves in:
Ex. Children’s Ministry, Senior’s Ministry, Bible Study, Service, etc….
Discipleship is not localized—it is commanded in all parts of the life of the believer!
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
GO: poreuomai (por-yoo’-om-ahee): to travel, depart, go, take a journey.
It could be translated “as you go.”
So the final command (commissioning) from Jesus is “As You Go” through life, create Disciples of Christ.
Disciple—learner, pupil, follower, adherent
A disciple is not just someone who follows; they are invested:
Biblical Examples: Elijah/Elisha, Jesus/Disciples, Paul/Timothy
We, the church body, are commanded To Make Disciples. But if we’re taking an honest assessment, Discipleship is not on the forefront of our actions. It’s cast off as the responsibility of the church leaders, and neglected or forgotten.
“Every Member is a Minister.” If you believe this, you cannot avoid:
“Everyone can Disciple Someone.”
As we do life, we should be making disciples…
1. Two Common Misconceptions
Let’s look at two misconceptions I hear in regards to discipleship:
A. “I’m not Ready!” (Feelings of Inadequacy)
- lack of experience, training, etc…
I would argue that if you have positioned yourself to just be available for God, YOU ARE READY.
Acts 8:30-31, 34-35 (NIV)
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
31″How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
It’s easy to look at the biblical examples as “larger-than-life” in regards to discipleship, but we have to understand it is really as simple as being ready to act when the spirit prods you.
Last week we talked about how God has crafted us specifically to minister to others in specialized ways. God has done the same with Discipleship. Let me show you:
By show of hands, Who would say:
- Others could say you live a credible Christian lifestyle
- They understand prayer
- They have a working knowledge of the Bible
- Could help others with your experience as a parent
- Understand Forgiveness of past hurts
- Have a testimony of how Jesus freed you of addiction
- Are around unbelievers
God has prepped you to make others Disciples! You have EVERYTHING that you need. We now need to pour into others. Stop allowing Yourself to block you from investing in Discipleship.
B. “I don’t need someone to disciple me.” (The Lone Wolf)
“The better that you are, or the better that you hope to be, the more specialized help you should seek.”
– Pastor Craig Groeshel
Soccer Team Coaches: Basic in the beginning, more coaches required the higher the level of play involved: Keepers Coach, Strikers Coach, Midfielders Coach, Defense, Physical Training, etc.
If we hope to excel, we will need coaching!
Sarah Jacklich Shares (Heb. 6:1)
We all Need a Paul (Coach)
We all Need a Timothy (Pupil)
– Ministry Philosophy at Faith Fellowship: Find someone to replace you…and be better than you!
“The graveyard is one of the richest places in the world.” – Wayne Cordiero
If we could harvest all the wisdom and experience that others take to the grave with them, we would be set for several lifetimes. When we die, it all goes with us.
“A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”
- Martin Luther.
If we are not creating disciples, the church will die when we do. It’s that simple. So how can we disciple others?
2. Disciple by Your Example
Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The Greek translation of the word “follow” here is that of “imitate”. Paul is saying as imitate me, as I imitate Christ.
My brother is 7 years younger than me: Used to imitate everything! What I didn’t know then is that I was discipling him…
There are people watching your every move, and you may not realize it, but you are discipling someone. Question is, “What are you creating disciples of?” It’s a nice lifestyle check!
But let’s take this a step further: don’t just let your discipleship be passive, but also proactive! Go out of your way to invest in others!
Start with the Relationships you already have:
- Family (Your absolute biggest ministry)
- Friendships
- Co-Workers
Form new relationships without agenda. Street Evangelism is great, but if you want to make a disciple your going to have to invest further!
“Immersion Discipleship!” – Watching the progress in them is amazing, but even more amazing will be the progress you see in yourself!
3. Disciple with Your Words
Our words must promote discipleship:
2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Car Wreck Story – All I knew to do was talk to the injured man, and pray.
2 months later: Phone Call of thanks
The Following Easter: He and his wife came, told me my actions saved his life! What a humbling moment. God allowed me to be a part of that, but I had to be ready to act!
If you claim to be a disciple of Christ, but aren’t making disciples I would say very bluntly, you are not a disciple.
A Disciple of Christ must make other Disciples.
Challenge:
1) Seek to Imitate Christ—not pretend!
2) Seek out a Paul
3) Seek out a Timothy
-Prayer
Go Further! - Personal Study Questions
1. Who has God put around you that doesn’t know Christ? What can you do to reach out and make a disciple?
2. Everyone needs a Paul (someone to disciple us) and everyone needs a Timothy (someone to disciple). Who is (or could be) your Paul? Who is (or could be) your Timothy?
