From Believers to Disciples
Thursday, January 18, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for the New Life leaders as they participate in the annual retreat on Saturday and Sunday.
Pray specifically for:
- God’s anointing of this time together;
- God’s wisdom and guidance as the leaders pray, plan and prepare to serve Him through their ministries at New Life;
- Pastor Chris as he shares teachings at the retreat.
God’s Word Today
We will be reading from 2 Timothy this week. This is the Apostle Paul’s last will and testament to his spiritual son Timothy. Paul leaves Timothy (and us) with words of wisdom and encouragement as well a picture of what believers and disciples of Jesus are called to be and to do – how we are to “grow up” in the faith.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
A believer in Jesus is a farmer! Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9:
5 Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. 7 The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. 9 We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building – not ours.
Each believer, as a farmer, has a ministry to perform. From the Corinthian reading, what are some the tasks of a farmer?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
Some believers plant.
How can we plant? What would be our ministry tools for planting?
How can we water? What would be our ministry tools for watering?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
A disciple of Jesus is a farmer.
Farmers plant and water. Who provides the growth?
Before farmers can plant and water, what must happen to the ground?
How can disciples prepare/plow the ground to receive the seed? What would be our ministry tools?
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
The East Liberty Food Kitchen in Pittsburgh prepares and serves meals to those who need to receive the love of Jesus as well as the nourishment of a hot meal and a friendly face. New Life sends servants to the kitchen on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We will be serving on January 20, 8:30am – 2pm. Contact elder Rich McCarthy at 724-766-9047 for details on how you can serve.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
Disciples of Jesus, like farmers, need to learn patience. We may share Jesus with those in our family or with friends in the community but we may not see growth. The Bible tells us to be patient – but not to stop plowing, seeding and watering.
We always look ahead with hope. We know that God is in charge and that He will provide the victory. Like the farmer, we look ahead with hope. The farmer plants the seed and waits patiently for the harvest. Jesus assures us that He will be back. When German pastor and theologian Helmut Thielicke was asked what he will say to Jesus at His return, he replied, "I knew You meant it."
Disciples are farmers. We plow, we seed, we water. All in the confidence that God will provide the harvest of souls. Get out the overalls – we’ve got lots of ground yet to work!