From Believers to Disciples
Friday, January 19, 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:
- Elder Jim Brown and his leadership of the Buildings and Grounds teams;
- Elder Dean Burtner and his leadership of the Mission Teams;
- Deacon Pat Campbell and her leadership of the Comfort and Celebration Teams;
- Elder Mark Dickson and his leadership of the Worship Teams;
- Elder Pat Fecich and her leadership of the administrative ministries of the church;
- Worship Facilitator Patti Gomola and her leadership of the Worship Teams.
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 utensil! (Some translations use the word “vessel.”)
What is a utensil’s purpose?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
What kind of utensil do people prefer to use? Ones that are dirty or ones that are clean?
Why?
From today’s reading, what kinds of utensils can God use?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
A disciple of Jesus is a utensil.
Utensils hold “stuff.” When we think of our bodies as a utensil to be used by God, what “stuff” will be in it?
In 1 Corinthians 6, we read: 19 Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
We learn that a disciple’s body/utensil is a temple of the Holy Spirit. What does this mean?
How are disciples/utensils bought? And, what is our response to this purchase?
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 must constantly guard against the evils of the world. We need to remain in the Potter’s hands so that He can shape us and mold us for His use each day. Our lives must be filled with the attitudes, actions and reactions of Jesus each day.
As we let Him change our heart, our utensils, our behaviors will bring honor and glory to Him.