Introduction to Disciplines of Discipleship; WHAT IS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?

1 Corinthians 9:16-27 - 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

There is a clear decision whether we will proclaim the gospel (become a Christian) or not.

Paul felt pressure to improve, self-applied pressure.

In what ways do we preach the gospel?

17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.

He’s referring to whether he takes money or not.

18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.

Are we free to do whatever we want?

V. 20-23 — 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Is that easy to carry out?

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

How does one make sure they win a prize?

25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

There comes a day that we need to put the disciplines of training into practice.

26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

Run with purpose and determination.

27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (NASB)

If we want people to be a Christian, we’re expecting them to be a disciplined follower of God, it’s more than just baptizing them.

Sometimes we need to lecture ourselves.

John Maxwell asserts that leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less. Effective leaders influence followers so that they collaborate with the leaders because they want to and not because they have to.