Spiritual discipleship 1

Spiritual Parenting

Personal DiscipleshipMentor - Model - Example - Attentive - Teach

Wednesday, January 2, 13

A Newborn Child

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, you don’t just sit them down and say, “Welcome to the family, Reagan. Make yourself at home. The towels are in the hall closet upstairs, the pantry is right here on the right. The can opener is in this drawer. No crying after 10 pm. If you have any questions there are lots of people in the family that would love to help you so don’t be afraid to ask.”


That is AbsurdBut this is what generally happens when baby, young or immature Christians need attention. People show up and start attending and may never get the one one one spiritual attention they need.

We devote 18 years to raising and nurturing our natural children. But often we don’t even spend 6 months helping immature Believers understand the spiritual world. At times, we all need guidance and help to continue to mature.


The Need

When new Believers first come to the Lord, they are passionate and in love with the Lord and the ways of the Lord. But, as time passes and they become lax in their new disciplines, they begin to adopt attitudes and habits of other Believers who may have themselves grown cold in their relationship with the Lord. This has caused the Body of Christ to become complacent, without the power and authority She is supposed to carry in this world. The Church has lost its first love.


Being a Mentor

More than just a teacher - doing all the talking

A student needs to be able to ask questions, express unique needs, and understanding.

Discipleship must be redefined to include the idea of spiritual parenting, spiritual tutoring, or spiritual mentoring.

Teacher is a five-fold ministry gift but we are all commanded to make disciples.


Corporate and Individual

Corporate discipleship is necessary. Heb 10:25

However, the Biblical method of making disciples is duplicating and multiplying, and is much more effective over the long term.


Spiritual Multiplication1 new disciple = 6 months

1 year = 42 years = 163 years = 64

4 years = 2565 years = 1,0246 years = 4,0967 years = 16,3848 years = 65,5369 years = 262,144


2 Timothy 2:2

Paul told Timothy, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” NLT

The Church as a whole typically focuses on converts rather than making disciples.

Many Believers are reluctant to commit to discipling b/c it may interfere or limit their lifestyle or plans.


Commitment

We must be committed to the spiritual welfare and growth of those the Lord requires us to disciple/mentor/parent.

2 Cor. 11:28-29, he said he felt the pressure and concern for all the churches.

2 C0r. 2:4, out of great distress & anguish of the heart & with many tears.... the depth of my love for you.


2 Corinthians 12:14-15

2 Cor 12:14-15, what I want is not your possessions but you. I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.

Col 1:28-29, For this purpose I labor (strenuously contend) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. HIS POWER - NOT MINE

2 Tim. 2:10, I endure everything for the sake of the elect (the chosen).


A Discipler - A Role Model

It is vital to be real and transparent so the disciple will emulate (mirror, echo) your convictions & passions.

1 Cor 4:15-16, I became your “father”; imitate me.

1 Cor. 11:1, Imitate me as I imitate Christ.

Phil 3:17, Follow my example... you have us as a model... keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Phil 4:9, What you have “learned, received, heard from, seen in me... put into practice.”


Duplicate You!

1 Thess 1:6-7, you imitated us... now you are examples.

2 Thess 3:7-9, you know how... now follow our example

Heb 13:7, imitate their faith

1 Tim 4:12, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, be an example.


Titus 2:7-8

Paul said, “be an example of good deeds...

Practice what you preach/teach

Show some dignity - be serious

Be sound in your speech

Live beyond reproach


Luke 6:40

Jesus said... “a pupil (disciple or apprentice) is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained will be like his teacher.

You will be duplicating yourself.


1 Thess 2:3-13Spiritual parenting with single-minded purpose.

vs 3-6, Not out to please men, but God. Not doing it for greed. Not for the praises of men.

vs 7-8, gentle/tender as a nursing mother; affectionate; imparting themselves into them; loving them.

vs 9-10, became role models thru labor/hardship. They were devout, upright, and blameless before them.


vs 11-12, were attentive and instructed as a father; exhorting, encouraging, imploring individually that each would walk in a manner worthy of God.

vs 13, The Word of God as essential component; the Word of God performs its work in you who believe.


What’s Next?To train you to mentor, to duplicate yourself, we recommend that you prepare yourself first by attending these Breakout training sessions for the next 8 weeks. Specific materials will be used.

To strengthen yourself and learn to become a discipler, prayerfully seek an older believer who you respect, and who would be willing to meet with you at least once each week for three months. However, you will gain ground by attending these sessions the next 2 months.


Bible & JournalBring these each week.

Use them at home in your personal studies.

Write the scriptures out in your journal and make them personal.

Pray and ask the Lord to speak to you throughout the studies.

Here is your homework until next week. Let the discipling begin.


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