9.13.10 "Who's Discipling You?"

"Who's Discipling You?"

Isaiah 12:1-14:32
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 23:9-11

Are you a disciple of Christ? What is a disciple? The dictionary says a follower of Jesus, or a student of a leader. We're commanded in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples..." Jesus had a lot of people around him, but not all of them were considered disciples. Why is that? The disciples were the ones who experienced changes in their behavior, redirection in their lives, and committed themselves to the path.

So "Who's discipling you?" I've asked that question to quite a few people. Some are new in the faith, others have been serving the Lord for years. The reactions to that question are pretty interesting. In fact, there have only been a few times when someone has been able to answer. What does that indicate?

If we are to "go into all the world and make disciples...", that should mean there are many disciples around everywhere right? To some extent, it could be argued that there are, based on our definition. What is a disciple? A follower? a learner? Most Christians would qualify for that definition. So if they're all disciples, who's discipling them?

I'm kind of taking a long way around a point I'm trying to make. There seems to be the feeling that the longer you've been a Christian, the less you need to be discipled. We get the feeling that our growth is just between us and God. This could not be further from the truth.

Empowered through Biblical Training is the element of DREAM that represents discipleship. There are many facets to this, including group bible study, church attendance, personal discipline in the word, but we forget the necessity of personal mentorship that comes through a close discipling relationship.

In today's reading, Paul makes a tough statement: "Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ's presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all?" (2 Cor. 13:5) That's a pretty strong, but it shows something. There needs to be an expectation to feel Christ's presence "more and more". There is a progression, a growth that is necessary to the Christian life.

Paul says at the end of verse 9 " Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians." This is the objective for all of us. How do we become mature? Of course it comes through getting into the word in greater ways, but a major element is being a part of an "iron sharpens iron" discipling relationship.

The root of discipleship is discipline which means "to bring into alignment." We need people we trust to help us stay the course, not grow weary, and to challenge our actions and decisions. This is a vital part of helping us become mature.

Another question to ask is "who are you discipling?" Your friends are not there to make you feel good. Remember, "it's not about you!" We need to be looking at every relationship as a discipling opportunity. A chance to help another come into alignment with the Word of God. It's interesting that we'd be more inclined to stop a friend from buying the wrong car than we would to help them out spiritually. We'll help them with a home improvement project, but we wont ask if they're getting in the Word each day.

We can't Live the DREAM without this. I need it, you need it, your world needs it.

2 Cor. 13:11 "I close my letter with these last words: Be happy. Grow in Christ. Pay attention to what I have said. Live in harmony and peace. And may the God of love and peace be with you."



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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Relationships Devoted to Unity
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