Authentic Discipleship

2 Timothy 2:1-7

What does the word “disciple” mean? A dictionary definition doesn’t really work for this term. At least in a worldy sense. I think because the word “disciple” means a lot of things. It can be describing what someone is. As in they follow something or someone, or it can be used as a verb which is to disciple as God has commanded us in…

Matthew 28:18–20 “18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Why is discipleship important? Discipling is not only a strong command from God but, it is what helps is grow, learn, share burdens, and develop as believers.

Paul called Timothy “my son”. Why do you think Paul might have done this? Paul had no kids and Timothy probably was like a son to Paul. He was living out “be fruitful and multiply” just not through his own kids.

In verse 2, What command did Paul give timothy? Should we do this today? Paul tells timothy to commit to faithful men all the things he heard from him! To pass on the Gospel and being saved by faith.

In verse 2 we also see an example of multiplication. Why is it important that authentic discipleship multiplies?

How does Paul describe being a strong disciple like being a soldier? Share in suffering, and not getting entangled in civilian pursuits.

What does civilian pursuits mean? Civilian pursuits I consider them distractions. When a soldier is commanded to serve in one place, to carry out a mission, but he can’t keep his eyes and his attention away from the random things around him. Then he WILL fail the mission. What civilian pursuits are we distracted by?? A civilian pursuit for me a lot of the times is money or job related. I get distracted by things or sometimes devote way too much time trying to make my life better when my main goal and desire should be to grow God’s kingdom. What about yall?

In verse 5, How does paul say a disciple is like an athlete? In their discipline. Paul uses an athlete to compare the christian life to many times but in this case he says they must abide by the rules in order to win. Same goes for discipling, we must rely on christ, and live out our faith. How can we help others live more like christ when our life isnt that at all.

In verse 6, how does paul compare it to a farmer? He says they should get the first of the crops. This does not mean that we get the glory or benefit from anything that God does. But this is saying that if we live properly and love and disciple those around us that we should see fruit. But do we always see fruit or success every time we share the Gospel? of course not, that does not mean we did not disciple properly. In the same way as farming, the greatest reward is to see growth and fruit from a harvest. Same thing for discipleship.

Paul tells us to consider all the things he has said and the LORD will give us understanding in everything! That’s a promising statment right there. We are called to trust christ and HE will do the rest of the work in our hearts to make us live and look more like him. Discipleship is a lifestyle, it is what God has called us to do in all the nations! Are we doing it? if not, How can we get started.