Scripture
1Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2You 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. 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Observation
This last letter from Paul to his spiritual son Timothy is filled with so much fatherly wisdom as he tries to share what matters most. Paul is passing on to Timothy his version of the Great Commission (making disciples of all nations) . This ensures that Timothy will be a “Conduit Christian”, taking what had been imparted to him and pouring it in to others who would then pour into others. It’s no accident that verse one references “the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” This unending reservoir of grace was never made to be held up in a cul-de-sac but poured out on others. How?
- Discipleship, as it turns out is pretty simple, not easy, but simple. Share what you know with who you know.
-Discipleship is not automatic, but intentional.
-Discipleship is not optional, but critical to fulfilling the Great Commission and reaching the next generation.
Application
I started a new Life Group recently at Vigilante Coffee in Oceanside with a handful of twenty-somethings all at different levels of faith and trying to figure life out. I talked with the young man after the group and he thanked me for challenging him to invite his friends to come. He said, “I was starting to doubt my purpose and whether God could really use me.” I looked at him and smiled as I said, “I don’t know any of these guys. They wouldn’t be here growing in the Lord and in His Word if it wasn’t for you inviting them and making the Life Group an intentional priority for yourself.” And just like I became a conduit for Christ pouring in to this young man who in turn was pouring in to his friends. Who knows how far this will go? I talked with another young man today who wants to start a Life Group at his work place with his co-workers. I told him I’d help him get that started if he did the inviting. Who knows how far this will go? Moving from a cul-de-sac to a conduit is as simple as taking what was given to me and giving it to others. As we approach the end of the year and look to 2025 I’m sensing God wanting to restore the priority of discipleship to His people. If you are interested in joining or starting a six week Life Group in January sign up Here!
Prayer
Jesus, I’m so very grateful for the many men and women You’ve put in my life that have taught and modeled for me the importance of discipleship in Your Word. I can’t ever pay them back, but I’m determined to pay it forward and to not keep bottled up what You’ve given me to pour out. I thank You and advance for all the disciples that will be made in these Life Groups being birthed all around me! “14But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-16
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