Discipling

March 18: The Business Of Discipleship

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Recently, a friend called and asked me HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS BUSINESS OF DISCIPLESHIP.

Following are excerpts of my letter to him:

"Doug, it seems to me that the essence of discipleship is this:

(1) Select people to disciple who have F-A-A-T qualities: (Faithful, Available, Able [to teach others], Teachable.) (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Lk+6%3A12-13">Luke 6:12, 13</a>; <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Ti+2%3A2">2 Timothy 2:2</a>). Understand that in shepherding all are included (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Pe+5%3A2">1 Peter 5:2</a>; <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ro+15%3A1-2">Romans 15:1, 2</a>). But here the discussion is discipling, and that involves selection.

(2) Spend quality time with these people:

<ul>

<li >Developing friendship and trust (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Pr+17%3A17">Proverbs 17:17</a>)</li>

<li >Encouraging them in their walk (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Heb+3%3A13">Hebrews 3:13</a>)</li>

<li >Modeling what they need to become (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+11%3A1">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>; <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Pr+23%3A26">Proverbs 23:26</a>)</li>

<li >Listening to them in order to learn who they are and what they need (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jas+1%3A19" >James 1:19</a>)</li>

</ul>

(3) Help them rearrange their priorities in order to develop the discipline and desire for consistency in the quiet time, Scripture memory and Bible study. (See <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Ti+4%3A7">1 Timothy 4:7</a>)

(4) You can pretty well count on the fact that they have unresolved problems in at least one of the following areas which you will need to address with them:

<ul>

<li >Financial – Greed, debt, co-signing, fear that God won't provide for their needs</li>

<li >Sexual – Pornography, sexual fantasies, unfulfilled expectations in marriage, etc.</li>

<li >Relational – Unresolved anger toward God, parents, spouse, friends, etc.</li>

</ul>

(5) Keep in mind that behind everything we do must be Compassion and Intercession:

"Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, and carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+126%3A5-6">Psalm 126:5, 6</a>)

Oh yes… One more thing, Doug, Remember that God uses clean vessels:

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Ti+2%3A20-21">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a>)

So be sure to focus first on the quality of your walk with God. Then seek to help others!"

Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.