GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES
I know an apostle
here in the United States named Jim McCracken. Jim has developed an excellent
system for discipling those called to full time ministry. He has a box of
printed material that he calls, “Bible School in a box.” The material is
divided into eight categories: personal witnessing and evangelism, basic truth
and church history, counseling, prayer and fasting, missions, public speaking
and music ministry, the church in operation, and leadership, discipleship, and
ministry. It takes Jim about two years to go through the material with someone.
He says that towards the end of that time, his disciple is effectively entering
into the ministry.
In his
introduction to the outline of the material, Jim states: “When considering the
subject of discipling, most New Testament Church leaders will refer to
Ephesians 4:11,12, and say that all the believers should be trained to do the
work of the ministry. In reality, there is a large gap between what leaders say
and what is being done practically. In most cases, leaders who believe in the
concept of training and discipling are hoping that it happens. . .” Jim
concludes by saying, in effect, while church leaders hope the process of
discipling happens, very few actually have a structured system to accomplish
the process. I agree with him.
The last words
Jesus spoke as He physically left this world to return to His Father were
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . .” (Mat
28:19 NIV, emphasis added.)
In the last half
of the 20th century, we have seen worldwide mass conversions of
people by the hundreds of thousands. Yet, after a few years, many of those
converted have fallen back into life as usual. And of the ones who have
continued in Christ, few can honestly say that they have radically changed
lives.
As many of you
know, I am called to be a teacher in the body of Christ. Because I'm a teacher,
I used to attribute the lack of maturity in Christians to a lack of teaching.
In my last pastorate I tried to teach people into Christian maturity. We had
several Bible classes during the week as well as an extensive Sunday school
ministry on Sundays. But after a year or so, I became aware that the same group
of people were attending the classes while the rest of the congregation were
not attending any! I concluded that teaching Bible classes is not the answer.
Teaching the Bible imparts knowledge and does contribute to developing
Christian maturity. But while it is an important aspect of making true
disciples, simple knowledge is not enough.
I have concluded
that the church has become very good at producing converts, and reasonably good
at imparting knowledge, but I don't think we are very good at making disciples.
Why is this?
Greek versus
Hebrew Concepts
A
few months ago I was watching a video tape of a teaching by an apostle. As he
was laying the groundwork for his chosen subject, he explained the different
world views of the Jewish and Greek cultures. The speaker said that the Greek
method of training was through lecture to a class while the Hebrew
method was primarily one-on-one mentoring! (For purposes of this teaching, I will use the word, “disciple” for
student, and I use the word, “mentor” to mean the teacher.)
In
other words, using the Greek method of lecture, one teacher can impart
knowledge to dozens, even hundreds of people. We have adopted this efficient
method of instruction in our churches today but the result does not produce
disciples, it simply increases knowledge. Look at what Paul told the church at
Thessalonica. “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you
not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so
dear to us.” (1 Th 2:8 NIV, emphasis added.) The King James Version says,
“So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto
you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you
were dear unto us.” (Emphasis added.) This is the Hebrew method of one-on-one
instructing. I believe it is this kind of living relationship that exceeds
simply the impartation of knowledge. It makes disciples.
The Word
“Mentor”
Let
me briefly define “mentor.” The word mentor comes to the English
language from Greek mythology. The mythological story includes a man named Mentor
who was an old, wise friend of Odysseus (Ulysses in Latin). Odysseus, before
going off to fight in the Trojan War, made Mentor the guardian and instructor
of his son, Telemachus. Mentor imparted his knowledge and wisdom to Telemachus
by living with him, by daily instruction, and by example. Webster's dictionary
defines mentor as, “1. . . the loyal friend and advisor of Odysseus, and
teacher and guardian of Odysseus’ son, Telemachus. 2. A wise, loyal advisor.”
Although
the first century church grew within the context of the Greek/Roman culture,
the church embodied the Jewish pattern of training or mentoring. The first
century church made disciples by mentoring new converts rather than by simply
teaching or lecturing. We know from the book of Acts that they often lived
together and shared everything they had with each other. Perhaps this explains
why the early disciples of Jesus were so committed and radical! Perhaps this is
why the unbelievers in Thessalonica said, “These that have turned the world
upside down are come hither also . . .” (Acts 17:6 KJV)
How
many of our converts today turn their world upside down? Not many I fear. I am
firmly convinced that the key to true discipleship lies in the mentoring of
young Christians by wise, mature, older believers.
Jesus Mentored
His Disciples
As
one reads the Gospels, a clear picture emerges of Jesus mentoring His
disciples. He lived with them, ate with them, taught them, and modeled before
them His very life and ultimately, even His death. Certainly Jesus included
instruction as a method of imparting understanding to His followers. We have
already made the point that lecture is a good way to instruct. But Jesus also
spent time with the disciples, mentoring them as a group or one or two at a
time. He modeled God the Father before them. Remember when Philip asked Jesus to
show them the Father? He answered, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I
have been among you for such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the
Father. . . .” (Jn 14:9 NIV)
Paul Mentored
Others
Paul
is probably the best New Testament example we have of a church leader who
mentored others. He was continually developing younger believers. Clearly he
mentored Timothy and Titus. Even in his travels the words “we” seems ever
present indicating that he had traveling companions. The time spent together on
the long, slow journeys made it possible for Paul to instruct and encourage his
companions.
John
Mark was one of Paul’s disciples on his first missionary journey. (Acts 12:25)
But Mark left them at Pamphylia, returning to Jerusalem. (Acts 15:37,38)
Apparently Mark’s failure to follow through on his commitment made quite a
negative impression on Paul. In fact, a dispute arose between Paul and Barnabas
over Mark. (Acts 15:37-40) But note that Mark's failure wasn't the end of his discipleship.
Later in Paul's ministry he wrote Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you,
because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Tim 4:11 NIV) Eventually this
young disciple became the author of the second Gospel, the book of Mark.
We
see Paul at work making disciples of the Thessalonians. He lived among them and
got to know them well. There is no doubt he set an example of Christ-centered,
Spirit filled life for them. In so doing, he imparted not only his knowledge,
but his very life to them. He didn't merely teach them, he lived out his faith
before them.
John
the Baptist is another good example of this kind of living with and imparting
of the whole self to others. In effect, John discipled his followers in a kind
of school of prophets where they all lived together, traveling and ministering
as a team under his leadership.
All Are Called
It
is my conviction that all Christians should be involved in this kind of
mentoring process. We are to be either a mentor or a disciple under the
mentorship of another. At times we can be both. We can be mentored by someone
more mature in Christ than we are, and at the same time, we can be mentoring
others. Many have written volumes of books on Jesus' words to “go and make disciples
of all nations.” I believe that mature and maturing believers should seek out
younger Christians and establish friendships with them, thereby setting the
stage for the mentoring process. Men should seek men and women should seek
women, because part of the process is to model what a man or woman of God is
supposed to be.
When
I say, “all are called,” I don't mean that all want to participate. Scripture
tells us that the Lord calls all His children to maturity, but not all are
willing. For some, as with the case of John Mark, there is a divine timing to
be considered. Apparently Mark was not quite ready for an intense discipleship
when he left with Paul and Barnabas. It was later that he became a pillar in
the first century church. We may say the same of potential mentors. Some may
initially be hesitant but later become fully involved in modeling Christ to
younger believers.
There
are several ways we mentor or are mentored. The first is what I call being a
mentor from afar. By that I mean that inevitably the younger people in the
church watch and listen to the older Christians, from the pulpit, or in a
Sunday school setting, a women's or men's group, in a church business meeting,
at church social gatherings, or wherever. We are being watched and we are
watching all the time. This type of mentoring is not particularly personal, but
it does impact the church.
The
second way we can mentor or be discipled is to be part of a small group that
meets regularly, spends time with one other, and shares their personal lives
and prayer needs, as well as some kind of structured Bible study. This is an
effective way to mentor if the group is not more than four to six people. If it
has too many participants, it often drifts into a teaching setting with good
fellowship, but it lacks the intimacy needed to accomplish a deeper mentoring
relationship. Often someone will use this group setting to mentor several
younger Christians at a time because it just seems to be a better use of a
limited time commitment. And certainly a small group setting is better than
nothing at all.
The
third way of mentoring is the one-on-one relationship which I think is the best
and most effective way to truly disciple another. This type of mentoring inevitably
takes place in a family setting, husband and wife, parents with children, and
so on. Never forget, your most important disciples are your children and your
children's children. Always make time for your own family.
The
remainder of this teaching article will deal primarily with the one-on-one
relationship, although the same principles can certainly be applied to a small
group setting.
The Disciple
First and foremost we must be led by the
Holy Spirit in establishing these relationships. As a practical matter, each of
us has only so much time and it is important in God's economy that we choose as
wisely as we can those to whom we make such a time commitment. I think a good
candidate for discipleship is a believer who shows a serious desire to follow
Jesus. He or she should want to learn and be teachable and open to correction.
Their faithfulness to the word of God and the church should be evident. A good
candidate for discipleship must also be willing to make a commitment of time to
this mentoring relationship.
Unfortunately,
I think most of us have been in relationships where we have been disappointed
at the response of the other person, be he a mentor or a disciple. This sounds
harsh but I think there are times when the Lord releases us from such a
relationship because it just doesn't produce the desired fruit. In a case like
this we need wisdom and the mind of the Lord as to whether or not we should end
the relationship. Of course, the best ending of a mentoring relationship is
when you have mentored yourself out of a job. That's when you have taught your
disciple everything you know and he or she has become your true partner in
Christ and His church!
The Mentor
In
a sense a mentor is a model. Whether we like it or not everyone of us in the
church is modeling something. The question is, “Are we modeling positively what
is good or are we modeling a negative image of what a Christian is?” Paul
understood his inevitable role as a model. Look at his words to the church in
Thessalonica. “We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,
but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.” (2 Th 3:9
NIV, emphasis added.)
The
ideal qualification of a mentor is someone who has all the characteristics as
the Apostle Paul. But let's be realistic. Not many of us are that well
qualified! So we must settle for something less. I have heard a mentor
described as “someone further down the road than the one he is discipling.”
The
mentor is to become a friend, a listener, a teacher, and an encourager. The
mentor's objective is to provide proper guidance, instruction, encouragement,
and to be a Christian model for those he is discipling. Indeed, perhaps setting
an example of how to live a Christian life is the most important aspect of all
for the mentor. Again, I refer to Paul's words, “Follow my example, as I follow
the example of Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1 NIV)
At
times the Lord will send a mentor to someone for a season, or to help the
disciple through a specific crisis in his or her life. Often a mentor will deal
specifically with a problem in someone's life such as a family breakup, a
serious illness, a period of unemployment, or some other crisis which really
shakes the disciple's world. This kind of mentoring is very valuable although
it may end as the crisis or situation resolves itself.
Mentoring
Objectives
Your personal mentoring relationship can
and should have as many objectives as needed to fit each individual situation.
But I think every mentor should strive to attain at least the following four
objectives.
1. Affirmation
Many
young people are withdrawn and lack self-confidence. Some have a negative or
poor self-image. God didn't create us this way, nor does He want us to go
through life with this negative attitude of ourselves. The truth is that we are
created in the image of God and are predestined to be conformed to the image of
Christ. (Rom 8:29) Therefore we must discard such harmful self-images and put
on the biblical image of ourselves.
As
a young person's mentor, you can play a great role in this self-image
transformation by continually encouraging and affirming your disciple. Each
time he or she does something well use affirming comments such as, “That's
right!” or, “Well done! I'm proud of you!” or “You are doing so well.” Speaking
these kinds of affirmations have real power in your disciple's soul and spirit.
2. Grounded in
Christ and in Scripture
You
can learn about a person's relationship with Jesus very quickly by spending
time with them. Does his or her conversation speak freely of Jesus? Does he
often mention what he is learning from the Lord? Does he speak affectionately
of the Lord? A maturing disciple should have a daily, continuing relationship
with Jesus. Part of the mentor's job is to see that the disciple becomes well
grounded in his relationship with Jesus.
Every
maturing Christian should also possess a good working knowledge of the Bible.
This includes the general chronology and incidents of both the Old and New
Testaments. Again, you can quickly find out if your disciple has that kind of
knowledge of Scripture. If not, your job will be to help him or her learn the
Bible, both as to the facts as well as the general principles it contains.
3. Discipline
One
of the most vital lessons anyone can ever learn in life is personal discipline.
By discipline, I mean learning how to say “yes” and “no” to yourself at
the appropriate time and then to follow through. Proverbs says, “Lazy hands
make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Pro 10:4 NIV)
There
are two kinds of people in the world, those who are internally motivated
and those who are externally motivated. Internally motivated people are
self-starters. Someone must tell externally motivated people what to do, then
supervise them to make sure it is done properly. All effective Christians I
know are disciplined, self-starters. Try to instill this attitude in your
disciple.
4. Integrity
Integrity
is one of the most valuable things a Christian can possess. We know from
Scripture that God esteems integrity. Note David’s prayer, “I know, my God,
that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” (1 Chr 29:17 NIV)
Since
integrity is so precious to God, let's examine its definition. Webster’s
dictionary defines integrity as “the quality or state of being of sound moral
principle; uprightness, honesty and sincerity.” Since the word “moral” is important to understanding the meaning of
integrity, let’s also define moral. Webster’s defines it as, “1. Relating to,
dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong in
conduct; 2. In accordance with the principles of right and wrong. 3. Good or
right in the conduct of character… ”
Part
of your mentoring process should be to develop a strong sense of integrity in
your disciple. Integrity, or the lack of it, touches every part of our lives
and makes a permanent impact on God's church. I cannot overemphasize its
importance. As I mentor others, if I am not helping develop godly character and
integrity in those over whom I have influence, I consider myself a failure. I
believe that strongly in the absolute necessity of Christian integrity!.
Let
me conclude this Part I by quoting from what the Spirit Filled Life Bible says
in its appendix to 2 Timothy about helping someone get motivated for ministry.
Ministry is
service, and a “minister” of the gospel is primarily a servant of God's word,
boldly and courageously sharing its message. He treasures the word of God and
defends it tirelessly, being careful to communicate its truth with absolutely
accuracy. This is no easy task because the word of God faces violent
opposition. Thus the “minister” of God's word learns that patience, endurance,
and hard work are necessary for success in his calling.”
Part II
In
Part I of this teaching, we examined the need for mature Christians to mentor
younger believers, making them true disciples, not simply converts. We will now
look more closely at the mentoring process focusing on the book of 2 Timothy.
Choosing
Disciples
In
order for a mentor-disciple relationship to prosper and succeed, the two people
involved need to be reasonably compatible. Observe the younger Christians in
your church. Look for one who shows a real openness to guidance and fellowship.
A natural attraction for each other or a sort of friendship may develop between
the two people. This natural gravitation to each other may be based on having
the same call or gifts, or having something else in common like a profession,
or whatever. I think this is often the way the Holy Spirit brings two people
together for a mentoring relationship.
If
you want to be discipled by a more mature Christian, the same process applies. Look
around and ask the Holy Spirit to point out to you a person who could mentor
you. It is often helpful to ask others in the church who know the person better
than you do for their opinion. But remember, never get into a mentoring
relationship without asking the Holy Spirit to confirm it.
Getting
Started
Invite
your younger believer into a casual social setting with you. Ask him (or her)
to tell you about himself. What are his plans? What does he want to do in life?
How does God fit into his plans? Does he have a heart for God? What is his
level of Bible knowledge? By letting him do most of the talking, you can learn
much about him.
After
you think you have learned enough, suggest that you establish a mentor
relationship. Make sure he understands that this relationship is to be an
ongoing process that will last for at least a few months or even years. If, for
any reason, the other person declines, don't be discouraged. Ask the Holy
Spirit to help you find someone else.
The Mentoring
Process
I
intend the following topics to be helpful suggestions. I do not view them as
step-by-step rules that everyone should follow.
1. Be A Friend
The
disciple may be a little apprehensive at first, especially if you are well
known in the community, or in your church. An early objective with your new
disciple is to become his or her friend. It is very important that you not
allow a “boss” attitude to develop. If this happens, the entire future success
of your mentoring process could be at risk.
Be
aware that men of all ages tend to relate to one another in a general,
superficial manner. So men, both as mentors and disciples, need to work at
being transparent and open to deeper sharing of emotions, problems, etc. On the
other hand, women just naturally more easily befriend other women and share
deeper feelings, thoughts, and problems.
And,
as with all friendships, there should be a sense of good humor and fun
throughout. Laughter, even at ourselves, is good for the soul as well as the
spirit.
2. Establish
Genuine Communication
As
part of the development of a true friendship, try to establish a level of
communication that frees your disciple to share his thoughts and fears. Don't
expect this kind of openness to happen quickly. As I have already said, men
tend to think of themselves as self-sufficient and thus often talk in
superficialities so this kind of communication takes time and effort.
I
have read that there are four levels of communication. They are:
a)
Superficialities (“Wasn't that a great soccer game yesterday?”)
b)
Exchange of information (“There will be a meeting tonight at 7.”)
c)
Intelligent dialogue about ideas (I don't agree with . . .)
d)
Innermost secrets and thoughts (I'm depressed about my marriage.)
Every
mentor's goal should be to reach the fourth level of communication when needed
and to stay at that level until the shared problem or issue is resolved, or at
least moved forward.
3. Your
Attention
One
of the most valuable things you can give another human being is your undivided
attention. All of us, at one time or another, have been guilty of half
listening to someone while they are talking. Try to clear your mind and devote
your undivided attention to your disciple. If important thoughts occur to you
during a time when he is talking, develop the habit of making a quick note of
the thought to yourself so you can come back to it later and then continue to
give your disciple the attention he or she deserves.
4. Respect
Confidences
This
is an absolutely vital aspect of any mentoring role. You must both respect each
other's confidences. Agree at the beginning that whatever is shared is to be
kept only between the two of you unless you specifically agree to tell someone
else. If your mentoring is in a small group setting, then everything said
should never go beyond those in the group. The reason for this rule is obvious.
If your disciple cannot trust you to keep quiet about whatever she or he tells
you, then he will be much more guarded with you, and rightly so. Of course, if
you are the mentor, you must use good judgment in what you share with your
disciple.
5. Regular,
Scheduled Meetings
It
is very important to have regularly scheduled meetings with your disciple.
Twice a month or weekly usually works well. The meetings should be at least one
to two hours long. This gives enough time to deal with any subject matter in
some depth.
It
is also important that these meetings be in a quiet place without distractions
such as radios, TV, music, or work interruptions. I find that meeting in a
neutral place helps, such as a restaurant, or at home if it's quiet. This gets
you away from other responsibilities and lets both of you focus on your
discussions.
6. Planned
& Unplanned Discussions
As
the mentoring process continues, there will be times when you assign your
disciple study subjects. You may want to prepare a series of questions to
discuss. This is a very effective way of getting discussions going and creates
a good teaching setting with give and take on everyone's part.
There
are also times when the Holy Spirit wants to do some teaching. Allow these
unplanned discussions to happen. Your disciple will learn valuable lessons as
the Holy Spirit orchestrates the discussion. I remember once when I was having
a long lunch with a young man and, completely unplanned by me, we got into a
discussion about demonic spirits and spiritual warfare. Less than a week later
he found himself in a situation where he had to take authority and bind a
spirit that was attacking one of his children. He called me very excited and we
laughed and agreed that, if the demonic attack had happened two weeks earlier,
he probably wouldn't even have recognized it, let alone known how to deal with
it. Obviously the Holy Spirit knew what was coming and wanted this young man to
be ready. God is so faithful if we would only let the Holy Spirit do more
leading and we would do more following!
7. Financial
Considerations
I
mentioned that a restaurant may be a good place to meet. However, meals and
drinks cost money. Be aware of the costs involved before you suggest something.
Do not let yourself get into a situation where your relationship is costing
either of you more money than is reasonable and prudent.
8. Travel With
You
If
you are in ministry, or even travel on business, a great way to spend time with
your disciple is to invite him or her to travel with you. This provides a rich
opportunity for fellowship, discipling and modeling. Certainly we see from
Scripture that this was the Apostle Paul's most frequently used classroom. Paul
was always taking his disciples with him. One of the benefits was that it gave
him hours and days of time to teach and train them. I have no doubt that Paul's
interaction with other believers and those in the world enriched everyone
traveling with him.
9. Exposure to
Mature Ministry Calls and Gifts
Whatever
gifts or ministry call God has given to your disciple, it is very important to
expose him to similarly gifted, more mature ministers. He or she should spend time
with people who have developed similar calls and gifts. If someone is in
ministry, your disciple should travel with them if possible, and simply sit
under their ministry as much as possible. He will learn a great deal this way.
One
word of caution here. Without being critical of any minister, make sure your
disciple doesn't begin to simply imitate a mature minister whom he admires.
Unfortunately, when this occurs, the younger ministers often picks up the older
minister's bad habits as well as his strong points. I have seen this happen
many times. I fell into this trap myself many years ago. I sat under a teacher
whom I admired very much and I found myself using his phrases, imitating his
mannerisms, etc. The Holy Spirit called me on it and told me that I was to be
the man of God that He was making me to be, not an imitation of someone God had
already made. Encourage your disciple to make it his goal to imitate Jesus, not
other men! Remember Paul's words, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly
loved children.” (Eph 5:1 NIV)
2 Timothy as a
Model
I
want to end this study by looking at several points and principles Paul wrote
to his disciple, Timothy. I believe any mentor can focus on Paul's two epistles
to Timothy and have enough material with which to mentor for a very long time.
This is some of what the Spirit Filled Life Bible wrote as an introduction to 2
Timothy.
“This epistle is
a handbook for young ministers of the gospel. The church needs more Timothys
who are determined to guard the gospel as a sacred deposit committed to them,
who are faithful to proclaim it, who are ready to suffer for it, and who will
pass it on to faithful followers.
“Although Paul is
terse and to the point, he is also tender, warm, and affectionate. Second
Timothy reveals Paul's emotions more than his intellect, because his heart was
speaking. Consequently, the letter is not an orderly, well-planned literary
production, but a personal note containing the apostle's last will and
testament. 
1. Pray for
your Disciple
Paul
begins his letter by stating, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers
did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my
prayers.” (2 Tim 1:3 NIV) Paul said he constantly prayed for this young man. As
a mentor, you can pray that the Holy Spirit develops your disciple's character,
and his understanding and devotion to Christ. Pray that he makes time to study
and to pray. Pray that he develops into a mature, godly leader in God's church.
Pray for his family, or his finances, and anything else you feel led to pray.
2. Stir up the
Gifts
Then,
after he told Timothy he constantly prayed for him, Paul encouraged him to stir
up the gifts he has. “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift
of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Tim 1:6 NIV)
Part of your job as mentor is to help identify and develope the gifts your
disciple has been given. (See 1 Cor 12:8-10,28, Rom 12:6-8, Eph 4:11.) 
3. Don't be
Afraid
The
very next sentence Paul wrote to Timothy was, “For God did not give us a spirit
of timidity [fear], but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2
Tim 1:7 NIV) Paul understood the problems and difficulties Timothy no doubt was
facing and would continue to encounter in his ministry. So Paul deliberately
encouraged him to stand against his fears and insecurities and to remind him
that, in Christ, we have God's Spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
4. Strong in
Grace
Paul
begins his second chapter with a directive to Timothy to be strong in grace.
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Here it
would be appropriate to study the whole wonderful concept of grace in its many
aspects. God has given us so much grace if we would just recognize it and then
do as Paul says, be strong in it.
5. Recognize
the Hardships and Sufferings
Paul
didn't attempt to hide hardships and suffering from Timothy. He said, “So do
not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But
join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us
and called us to a holy life . . .” (2 Tim 1:8,9 NIV) “In fact, everyone who
wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted . . .” (2 Tim
3:12 NIV)
Paul
encourages Timothy to endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus, to
consider himself an athlete who competes according to the rules, and to be like
the hardworking farmer who should be the first to receive his share of the
crops. (See 2 Tim 2:3-7)
6. To Flee Sin
and Pursue Righteousness
We
all know and love Paul's famous admonition to young Timothy to, “Flee the evil
desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with
those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Tim 2:22 NIV) A vital part
of your mentoring is to help hold your young disciple accountable to flee
temptations and to pursue righteousness in the fellowship of other believers
who are doing the same. As we look through the Bible, so many of the heros of
the faith had older men and women who taught them and admonished them in these
areas.
7. Be Diligent
to Study the Word
Paul
directs Timothy several times in this epistle to read, study, and to ultimately
rightly divine the word of God. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles
the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:2:15 NIV) “But as for you, continue in what you
have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you
learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are
able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:14-17 NIV)
If
your disciple hasn't already developed the habit, he must begin now setting a
time aside for daily Bible reading, study, and prayer. This is a foundation
stone in a Christian's life. No Christian can successfully grow in Christ
without it. Of course, you must model this discipline as part of your role as
mentor. Never let yourself get into the position of encouraging another
Christian to, “do as I say, not as I do.”
8. Preach the
Word
Paul
wrote these powerful words. “. . .I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be
prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with
great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will
not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will
gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears
want to hear . . .But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,
do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2
Tim 4:1b-3,5 NIV)
Notice
that Paul calls these words to Timothy a charge or a command. Paul knows that
he is coming to the end of his life and he doesn't want to waste words. He is
deadly serious in these words to Timothy and you can just feel the power in them.
9. Look to Me
as an Example
To
me, these words of Paul's are among the scariest in the whole Bible. Paul
doesn't hesitate to tell Timothy to look to him as his example in ministry.
Here are some of the things he said. “What you heard from me, keep as a pattern
of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim 1:13 NIV) “And
the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim 2:2 NIV) “You,
however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith
patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings - what kinds of things
happened to me . . .” (2 Tim 3:10,11 NIV) Finally, Paul said to the
Philippians, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen
in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:
9 NIV)
What
an awesome responsibility we have as mentors, or as role models in the body of
Christ! How many of us would freely say to others, “Follow me, my example, my
life, etc. as I follow Christ”? But that is the pattern that the Holy Spirit
set, through Paul's writings, for us to follow. We may not like it, but that is
our responsibility as well as our privilege as we move among other believers,
especially those not as mature as we are.
Conclusion
I
believe a good, Christ-centered mentor/disciple relationship is one of the most
rewarding experiences a Christian can have. How better can we spend our time
than encouraging younger men and women in their walk with Christ? How better
can we pass down to the next generation the ways of the Lord than to spend time
teaching and counseling those who will pick up the mantle of leadership in the
church? And, of course, when we do mentor those around us, we are fulfilling
the great commission in the fullest sense, to go into all the world and make
disciples!
Lord, thank you
that Your word is so clear that we are to make disciples. Give us the grace,
the insight, the focus, and the commitment to do so. Cause us to set aside the
time we need so that we can more fully enter into these valuable relationships.
Show us who we are to disciple, or who we should ask to mentor us. May we
succeed in this generational discipling until You return. Thank You, Lord, that
even as we are being obedient to this command, we are and will be blessed. In
Jesus' name we ask. Amen.
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