Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Singapore
November 1, 1995
Good Morning!
Recently, a friend called and asked me HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS
BUSINESS OF DISCIPLESHIP. Following are exerts of
my letter to him:
"Doug, it seems to me that the essence of discipleship
is this:
(1) Select people to disciple who have F-A-A-T qualities: (Faithful, Available, Able [to teach others], Teachable. (Luke 6:12, 13; II Timothy 2:2). Understand that in
SHEPHERDING all are included (I Peter 5:2; Romans 15:1, 2). But here the discussion
is DISCIPLING, and that involves selection.
(2) Spend quality time with these people:
- Developing friendship and trust (Proverbs 17:17)
- Encouraging them in their walk (Hebrews 3:13)
- Modeling what they need to become (I Cor. 11:1; Prov. 23:26)
- Listening to them in order to learn who they
are and what they need (James 1:19)
(3) Help them re-arrange their priorities in order to develop the DISCIPLINE and
DESIRE for consistency in the quiet time, Scripture memory and Bible study.
(I Timothy 4:7)
(4) You can pretty well count on the fact that they have
unresolved problems in at least one
of the following areas which you will need to address
with them:
- FINANCIAL - Greed, debt, co-signing, fear that God won't provide for their needs
- SEXUAL - Pornography, sexual fantasies, un-fulfilled expectations in marriage, etc.
- RELATIONAL - Un-resolved anger toward God, parents, spouse, friends, etc.
(5) Keep in mind that behind everything we do must be Compassion and Intercession:
'Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping,
and carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying
sheaves with him.' (Psalm 126:5, 6)
OH YES...ONE MORE THING, Doug, REMEMBER THAT GOD USES CLEAN
VESSELS:
'In a large house there are articles not only of gold and
silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes
and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter,
he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful
to the Master and prepared to do any good work.' (2 Tim. 2:20-21)
So be sure to focus first on the quality of your
walk with God. Then seek to help others!"
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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