A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

F O U N D A T I O N S

M I N I S T R Y S E R I E S f o r

Christian Ministry

A C OMPELLING T ESTIMONY : M AINTAINING A D ISCIPLINED W ALK , C HRISTLIKE C HARACTER , AND G ODLY R ELATIONSHIPS AS G OD ’ S S ERVANT

D r. Don L . Da v i s

C2-404

T h e U r b a n M i n i s t r y I n s t i t u t e , a m i n i s t r y o f W o r l d I m p a c t , I n c .

© 2006, 2012. The Urban Ministry Institute. All Rights Reserved. Copying, redistribution and/or sale of these materials, or any unauthorized transmission, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher is prohibited. Requests for permission should be addressed in writing to:

The Urban Ministry Institute 3701 E. 13th Street Wichita, KS 67208

The Urban Ministry Institute is a ministry of World Impact, Inc.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bible, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

About the Author

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Preface

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Session 1 Introduction

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Session 2 The Disciplined Life

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Session 3 The Celebrations of a Disciplined Life

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Session 4 Cultivating Our Communion: The Inward Disciplines

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Session 5 Cultivating Our Character: The Outward Disciplines

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Session 6 Cultivating Our Community: The Corporate Disciplines

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Session 7 Fleshing Out a Compelling Testimony: Disciplining Our Disciplines

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Appendix

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Bibliography

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About Us

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About the Author

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis is the Director of The Urban Ministry Institute. He received a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College, an M.A. in Systematic Theology from the Wheaton Graduate School, and holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics from the University of Iowa School of Religion. Dr. Davis has taught as professor of religion and theology at a number of colleges and seminaries, including Wheaton College, St. Ambrose University, and the Houston Graduate School of Theology. Since 1975, he has served with World Impact, an interdenominational missions agency dedicated to evangelism, discipleship, and urban church planting among the inner cities of America. A frequent speaker at national conventions and conferences, Don also serves as World Impact’s Vice President of Leadership Development. He is a Staley Lecturer and a member of the American Academy of Religion. Over the years Dr. Davis has authored numerous curricula, courses, and materials designed to equip pastors, church planters, and Christian workers for effective ministry in urban settings, including the Capstone Curriculum, The Urban Ministry Institute’s comprehensive sixteen-module seminary-level curriculum designed specifically for developing urban church leaders.

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The Urban Ministry Institute is a research and leadership development center for World Impact, an interdenominational Christian missions organization dedicated to evangelism and church planting in the inner cities of America. Founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1995, the Institute (TUMI) has sponsored courses, workshops, and leadership training events locally for urban leaders since 1996. We have recorded and reformatted many of these resources over the years, and are now making them available to others who are equipping leaders for the urban church. Our Foundations for Ministry Series represents a significant portion of our on-site training offered to students locally here in Wichita. We are thankful and excited that these materials can now be made available to you. We are confident that you can grow tremendously as you study God’s Word and relate its message of justice and grace to your life and ministry. For your personal benefit, we have included our traditional classroom materials with their corresponding audio recordings of each class session, placing them into a self-study format. We have included extra space in the actual printed materials in order that you may add notes and comments as you listen to the recordings. This will prove helpful as you explore these ideas and topics further. Remember, the teaching in these sessions was actually given in class and workshop settings at our Hope School of Ministry. This means that, although the workbooks were created for students to follow along and interact with the recordings, some differences may be present. As you engage the material, therefore, please keep in mind that the page numbers on the recordings do not correspond to those in the workbook. Our earnest prayer is that this Foundations for Ministry Series course will prove to be both a blessing and an encouragement to you in your walk with and ministry for Christ. May the Lord so use this course to deepen your knowledge of his Word, in order that you may be outfitted and equipped to complete the task he has for you in kingdom ministry!

Perhaps nothing is more critical in leadership development than the force of our very personalities and characters: who we are is more

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important than what we do. The greatest asset we possess before others is the compelling nature of the testimony that we maintain and present before them. The goal of this workshop is to highlight the essential principles, perspectives, and practices necessary to maintain this kind of compelling testimony before others regarding our dedication and service to the Lord. We will first highlight the elements involved in maintaining a disciplined walk with the Lord, both personally and also in the context of the Body of Christ. We will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping the life and ministry of the person called of God, and highlight ways in which the filling of the Holy Spirit enables us to develop a Christlike character and conduct. Finally, we will consider maintaining a compelling tes timony within the web of relationships represented in one’s oikos , or one’s circle of contacts and associations. We will explore some of the critical dimensions and principles involved in presenting a clear and compelling witness of Christ and his Kingdom in the midst of and before the members of our home and marriage, in the church, with our extended family, friends and neighbors, our bosses and co workers, and even strangers and enemies. Our goal will be to help equip students with the vision to live out the Gospel with clarity and conviction, presenting those around us with undeniable evidence of the power and love of God. As a result of taking this course, each student should be able to: • Quote, interpret, and use effectively key Scriptures related to our privilege and responsibility to present a compelling testimony of Christ and his Kingdom throughout the contacts of our lives. • Trace the major elements surrounding the theme of dedication, leadership, and the discipline to become God’s person for others. • Identify and discuss the current key issues related to the nature of the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, from both a personal and corporate perspective. • Outline the major principles and issues related to authentic spirituality as it connects to the person of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian leader. • Recite in an overview and in practical terms what is involved in developing a Christlike character in one’s speech, conduct, and lifestyle. • Reproduce the theme and principles related to a Christian leader’s oikos and how this concept helps us to understand

Preface

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and flesh out our personal testimony with clarity and conviction in the life situation God has placed us in.

• Exegete a selected text in the Scriptures related to the theme of maintaining a compelling testimony for Christ before others in one’s personal world. • Memorize and be tested upon a selected Scripture text on the theme of the compelling testimony and witness of a Christian leader. True discipleship involves living a disciplined walk–walking in the Holy Spirit and disciplining one’s body, soul, and spirit as one walks with God and with the people of God, the Church. The price of living a life that glorifies God is embracing the rigor of self-discipline. Such clear obedience produces a remarkable and compelling tes timony, one that is obtained by persistent submission to the Spirit through the personal and corporate disciplines of the Christian life. May the Lord grant you grace to experience firsthand the power of living a disciplined life, in order that he may use your life as a compelling testimony of the grace of God to your family, church, and larger life circle, to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ Don Davis

Assignments and Grading For our TUMI satellites, all course-relevant materials are located at www.tumi.org/foundations . Each course or workshop has assigned textbooks which are read and discussed throughout the class. We maintain our official Foundations for Ministry Series required textbook list at www.tumi.org/foundationsbooks .

For more information, please contact us at foundations@tumi.org .

Session 1 Introduction

Maintaining a Compelling Testimony: The Call to Excellence

Wisdom touches every area of life and conduct, but primarily it is displayed in a person’s character. This is the fundamental biblical perspective on excellence, since character is the source of actions. The excellence of a life is seen primarily in what a man is, and is, in turn, expressed in every role, relationship, or responsibility a person sustains. A wise person has mastered life because [their] life is lived in fellowship with the Master. A life of excellence is not so much the ability to do things well as it is the ability to live life well, in fellow ship with God Himself. . . . God’s desire is that every Christian should walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus. The term worthy is a picture word, conveying the idea of balancing the other beam of the scales. In other words, what is worthy is what measures up to a standard. For the believer, the standard of measurement is never people-centered, but always Christ centered. We are not to measure our lives by what others have done, but by what the Lord has done. We are to walk worthy of our heavenly calling (Eph. 4.21); to live worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Phil. 1.27); to walk worthy of God (1 Thess. 2.12). All of this is a response of gratitude to the grace and goodness of God. ~ Gary Inrig. A Call to Excellence . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. pp. 16-17.

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I. Setting the Right Foundation

A. The need for prophetic servant leadership in the city today

We are constantly on a stretch, if not on a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel. The trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man [sic] or sink the man in the plan or organization. God’s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God’s method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. ~ E. M. Bounds. Power through Prayer . rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982. p. 11.

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1. God is looking for select, prepared individuals whom he can use for his purposes in the city.

Eph. 4.17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. Eph. 5.2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Phil. 1.27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Col. 1.9-10 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 1 Thess. 2.12 We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

a. God searches for men and women of distinction who can represent his interests and advance his Kingdom in the earth. (1) 2 Chron. 16.9a – For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

(2) Ps. 34.15 – The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

(3) 1 Pet. 3.12 – For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

(4) Ps. 37.37 – Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

b. Men and women to intercede for the broken and oppressed are difficult to find, Isa. 59.16 – He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

c. Faithful servants of God are rare.

(1) Isa. 63.5 – I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me.

(2) Prov. 20.6 – Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

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d. God dares his prophet to find a just, truth seeking man in Jerusalem, Jer. 5.1 – Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her.

2. God is looking for individuals who can stand in the breach for him to represent him before the people.

a. Abraham, Gen. 18.28-32

b. Moses

(1) Exod. 32.10-14 – “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.” [11] But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? [12] Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this dis aster against your people. [13] Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’” [14] And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people. (2) Ps. 106.23 – Therefore he said he would destroy them – had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.

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c. Samuel, Jer. 15.1 – Then the Lord said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go!”

d. Ezekiel’s prophecy, Ezek. 22.30 – And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.

3. Much is at stake in whether or not the Lord finds a person to represent his interests; if he does not find one to represent his interests among his people and the nations, he will pour his judgment upon them.

a. The tragedy of the absence of godly representatives among God’s people, Ezek. 22.30-31 – “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. [31] There fore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads,” declares the Lord God. b. People of distinction living in a place can protect it, Jer. 5.1 – Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her. c. God was willing even to spare Sodom if only 50 righteous were dwelling there, Gen. 18.23-26 – Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? [24] Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? [25] Far be it from you to

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do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” [26] And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

B. Biblical concepts of excellence: defining the nature of a compelling testimony

“A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice based on the truth of God’s Word in Christ and in Scripture, where one’s life is lived in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of demonstrating a Christlike character, in the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that God provides, done for the glory of God”

1. A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice

a. A compelling life is a life of dedication, Rom. 12.1-2 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be trans formed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. b. A compelling life is a life of discipline, 1 Tim. 4.7-8 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

c. A compelling life is a life of sacrifice, Matt. 16.24-26 – Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross

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and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?”

2. Based on the truth of God’s Word in Christ and in Scripture

a. The Word of God brings maturity , Heb. 5.11-14 – About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. [12] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, [13] for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. [14] But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. b. The Word of God applied and obeyed brings usefulness and security, Matt. 7.24-27 – Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26] And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. [27] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

3. Where one’s life is lived in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ

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a. A life worthy of God, 1 Thess. 2.11-12 – For you know how, like a father with his children, [12] we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. b. A life worthy of the Gospel of Christ, Phil. 1.27 – Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

c. A life worthy of the Lord, Col. 1.10 – so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

4. In the power of the Holy Spirit

a. We have been sealed by the Spirit for salvation, Eph. 1.13-14 – In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. b. We are taught by the Spirit for instruction, 1 John 2.27 – But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything – and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you – abide in him.

c. We are filled with the Spirit for power, Eph. 5.18-21 – And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] addressing one

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another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. d. We walk in the Spirit for direction, Gal. 5.16-18 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. e. We are transformed by the Spirit for exhibition of God’s glory, 2 Cor. 3.17-18 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

5. For the purpose of demonstrating a Christlike character

a. Possessing an absolute dependence upon Christ, John 15.4-5 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

b. Following Christ without qualification or condition , Luke 9.23-24 – And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever would

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save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

c. Imitating Christ in his lowliness and willingness to suffer

(1) The lowliness of Christ, Phil. 2.5-8 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, [8] he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (2) The suffering of Christ, 1 Pet. 2.21-23 – For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. [22] He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. [23] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

6. In the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that God provides

a. In our roles, 1 Tim. 5.8 – But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

b. In our relationships, Rom. 13.8-10 – Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. [9] The command ments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and

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any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [10] Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

c. In our responsibilities (good works), Eph. 2.10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

7. Done for the glory of God

a. In the name of the Lord Jesus, Col. 3.17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

b. To the honor and glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

C. The power of a compelling testimony

1. A testimony that is compelling brings honor and glory to God through Jesus Christ.

a. God receives honor because of who you are as well as what you do .

b. Our lives lived in excellence and wisdom reflect back on the person and work of God in Christ.

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2. A testimony that is compelling gives convincing evidence of the truth of the claims of Christ and his Kingdom.

a. We simply don’t make arguments, we ourselves are the argument!, 1 Thess. 2.19-20 – For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? [20] For you are our glory and joy. b. We are living epistles written by the Spirit of God, 2 Cor. 3.1-3 – Are we beginning to commend our selves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? [2] You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. [3] And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

3. A testimony that is compelling provides credible models for new and immature members of the body to follow.

a. Phil. 3.17 – Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

b. Phil. 4.9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

c. 1 Thess. 1.6 – And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

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d. 1 Thess. 2.13-14 – And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. [14] For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.

e. 2 Thess. 3.9 – It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

f. 1 Tim. 4.12 – Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

4. A testimony that is compelling mirrors for outsiders to see the excellence of God in who you are, what you do, and how you relate to others.

a. The Father will be glorified when they see our good works, Matt. 5.14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

b. Good works cannot be hidden, 1 Tim. 5.25 – So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

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c. Leaders are to be models in all respects, Titus 2.7 – Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.

d. Our testimony of good works is both excellent and profitable, Titus 3.8 – The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

e. We must do all we can to challenge one another to a new level of love and good works, Heb. 10.24 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

f. Regardless of the defaming of our lives, our excellence will provide our defense, 1 Pet. 2.12 – Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. g. Our excellence will shame our detractors, 1 Pet. 3.16 – yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

II. Counting the Cost to Gain a Compelling Testimony

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell

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all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The Cost of Discipleship . Trans. R. H. Fuller. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1963. p. 47.

A. A willingness to sacrifice whatever it takes to live a life worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling, is a life poured out, willing to endure and experience whatever it will take for Christ to be honored in it.

2. An Example : Paul, Acts 20.22-24 – And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that im prisonment and afflictions await me. [24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

a. Does not count his life of any value, nor as precious to himself

b. His motive: to finish his course and the ministry given to him by the Lord Jesus

3. The Question : am I willing to pay whatever price I must in order to live the life that God would have me live in my own unique life situation?

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B. A zeal to represent with excellence his interests and purpose

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling possesses a zeal to represent the Lord, and to do so in every area with excellence.

2. An Example : Jesus of Nazareth, John 4.31-34 – Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” [32] But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” [33] So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” [34] Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

a. His food was to do the will of the Father, and to accomplish his work.

b. His vision: Jesus considered it to be his nourishment to accomplish the will of God (i.e., John 17.4 – I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.)

3. The Question : am I zealous to do the will of Christ and to accomplish his work, no matter what?

C. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life lived in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.

2. An Example : the one who believes, John 7.37-39 – On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. [38] Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has

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said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” [39] Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

a. The true believer is indwelt and has access to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, likened to rivers of living water inside them.

b. His strength: the very life of God in Jesus indwells the Christian by the power of God, the Holy Spirit (e.g., Rom. 8.9 – You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.)

3. The Question : am I willing to yield daily to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for power and direction in my life?

D. A strategy of applied personal discipline

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life organized and built on the path of discipline for the purpose of godliness.

2. An Example : Timothy, 1 Tim. 4.6-12 – If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. [7] Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full accept ance. [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. [11] Command

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and teach these things. [12] Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

a. The Christian leader must endure discipline for the purpose of godliness.

b. His strategy: Right practice makes more perfect (Heb. 5.11-14)

3. The Question : am I willing to discipline myself for the purpose of godliness and usefulness for the purpose of God?

E. A community of living examples and supporters

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life modeled on the basis of others who support them in their quest.

2. An Example : Paul, Phil. 4.9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

a. We need examples to follow as we pursue a testimony that is compelling.

b. His asset: authentic pictures and models of godly people can strengthen us and enable us to be used by the Lord in a deeper, more enriching way (e.g., 1 Cor. 11.1 – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.)

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3. The Question : am I willing to follow the example of my pastor and other spiritual leaders whose lives point the way to maturity in Christ?

F. A determination to grow and to never give up

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life that perseveres and refuses to give up, even in the face of great difficulties and hardships.

2. An Example : the Galatians, Gal. 6.7-10 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [8] For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

a. Only those who refuse to grow weary of doing good will reap at the appropriate season. “It’s always too soon to quit.”

b. Their challenge: the condition for fruitfulness and maturity in the Christian walk and ministry is a tough-as-nails resolve to never give up (e.g., Isa. 40.30-31 – Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; [31] but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.)

3. The Question : when I am tempted to quit or return to my old ways, do I remind myself that I will attain my spiritual goals only if I refuse to quit and give up?

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The High Cost of a Compelling Testimony The Cost The Reward A willingness to sacrifice all for Christ Attaining God’s best for our lives A zeal to represent his interests The honor of standing in the gap on his behalf

Obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit Discipline for the purpose of godliness Submission to mentors and supporters

Power and direction in every area of our lives Excellence in our relationships and character

Clear examples of what it means to be Christlike

A determination to never quit

God’s blessing and reward in due time

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III. Principles and Implications of a Compelling Testimony

The great violinist Isaac Stern was once asked by a reporter, “What truly distinguishes a great musician?” Stern’s reply was perceptive: “A great musician is one who is always seeking to improve, never content with his performances, always moving on to discover more about the instrument and the music he loves.” On a far deeper level, the believer comes with the same attitude to his [or her] Lord. We are called to excellence because we are called to respond, in love, to the love of the Lord Jesus.” ~ Gary Inrig. A Call to Excellence . pp. 20-21.

A. Principles

1. We have been redeemed by God that we might live a life worthy of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, to live a life of excellence, to possess a compelling testimony to the truth and person of Christ and his Kingdom.

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2. A “compelling testimony” means “A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice based on the truth of God’s Word in Christ and in Scripture, where one’s life is lived in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of demonstrating Christlike character in the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that God provides, done for the glory of God.”

3. Although God desires each of us to live a compelling testimony, it involves paying a price and counting the cost. You will only live a life worthy of the Lord Jesus if you ante up the price to attain it.

B. Critical Implications

1. Our lives as Christians and servants of the Gospel do not belong to us; we were bought with a price and now we belong to God.

2. We will only attain to a life worthy of our Lord Jesus if we willingly make ourselves unconditionally available to him to be used for his purposes and desires.

3. We must discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness; our dedication must lead to rigorous personal discipline if it is to be brought to fruition.

4. Without the indwelling and enabling power of the Holy Spirit, none of us will be transformed into the image of Christ.

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IV. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

Matt. 5.14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 1 It is assumed within this workshop and booklet, unless otherwise noted by the instructor, that such references to “man” and “men” should be taken to mean “person” and “people.” The Spirit of God is mighty through women, even as he has proven himself mighty through men.

When God declares that ‘the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him,” He declares the necessity of men and His dependence on them as a channel through which to exert His power upon the world. This vital, urgent truth is one that this age of machinery is apt to forget. The forgetting of it is as baneful on the work of God as would be the striking of the sun from his sphere. Darkness, confusion, and death would ensue. What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use – men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come upon machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men – men of prayer. 1 ~ E. M. Bounds. Power through Prayer . p. 12.

Answer the following questions openly and honestly about the dimensions of discipline covered in this session, relating them both to your personal walk with and witness to Christ where you live.

A. Connection to your personal discipleship

1. Is my life compelling right now? Does my life represent a “living Bible” known and read by all people? How or how not?

2. Am I willing to pay the cost in order to be that distinctive leader the Lord can use?

3. What specifically is the Lord saying to me about my life in light of the teaching here?

B. Connection to your witness, preaching and teaching in urban ministry contexts

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1. Do I clearly articulate for others what is involved in living a life before others that is clear and compelling? Have I watered down the standard of God’s call to discipleship in any way?

2. What elements in this teaching are most lacking in my own discussions and preachings regarding our responsibility to live as disciples before the world?

3. How can I adjust or shape my current teaching and lifestyle to give my students and others a clearer, more biblical, and more challenging picture of the nature of true discipleship before the Lord?

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The call goes forth, and is at once followed by the response of obedience. The response of the disciples is an act of obedience, not a confession of faith in Jesus. . . . It is Jesus who calls . . .

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The Cost of Discipleship . p. 61.

Prayer and Affirmation to God

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ, I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

~ Philippians 2.12-16

Session 2 The Disciplined Life

What do you think Christ means when He says that, if you enter [the kingdom], you have to enter it violently? It does not necessarily mean suddenly. Birth is not always sudden in either physical birth or spiritual birth. Even in the example we have just described, the change came over a period of two or three months. There wasn’t a single day when the lawyer was struck. Yes, the change may indeed be gradual, but the point is that it has to be a radical change in order to be genuine. Our human nature is such that nothing less will suffice. It has to be a change so great that, whether it occurs in a moment or a month or a year, we come out at an utterly different place. . . . There may be a much bigger life coming to us than we know; there may be greater steps ahead of us than we have ever dreamed. The life of full commitment is a life of such wonder that we ought to pray that God may bring us into it. But we cannot end with ourselves. Insofar as new life has come to us, we must try to bring new life to others. God, we are assured, desires new life for all, but it comes through human effort. Most people are reached one by one, as each is made to see both the inadequacy of his own life and the glory that might come in his life if he were really to give himself fully to the cause of Jesus Christ. But we must never suggest that such discipleship is easy or mild. Everyone who enters, says Jesus, enters violently or not at all. There is no easy Christianity; there is no mild Christianity. It is violent or it is nothing.

~ Elton Trueblood. The Yoke of Christ . Waco, TX: Word Books, 1958. pp. 84, 89.

1 Tim. 4.7-10 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the

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I. Living in a Self-Indulgent Society: The Challenge of Discipleship Today

Can what these authors say about American children be said of many professing Christians today?

Today we find that far too many American children at the onset of puberty face an incredible “smorgasbord” of opportunities with a deficiency in capabilities. Self-confidence, self-validation, self discipline, good judgment, and a sense of responsibility are all lacking, and our children find themselves incapable of carving out assets for themselves and ill equipped to take advantage of the opportunities.”

~ H. Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelsen. Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World . Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 2000. p. 4.

Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

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A. The kinds of problems we face

We have been told repeatedly that ours is a secular society, shot through with materialism and hedonism. “The standard of living is the god of twentieth-century America and Europe and the adman is its prophet,” writes Ronald J. Sider of Messiah College. The evidences are overwhelming. The underlying secularism breaks out in ethical relativism, irresponsible individualism, and social rootlessness. There is a shocking lack of personal integrity and, equally, of a sense of community. The hedonism is seen in the “fun” mentality and the constant accent on “escape” – from the kitchen, family, the job, the four walls. The current drug mania is a mark of that irresponsibility. The rootlessness is seen in our shortcuts and quickie attachments, and our ephemeral fads which rise and fall with our moods.”

~ Richard S. Taylor. The Disciplined Lifestyle . Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1973. pp. 30-31.

1. The plague of “Affluenza”: we live in a completely materialistic culture which esteems abundance but lacks the necessary judgment and wisdom to use it for godly purposes.

a. The endorsement without critique of the goodness of greed and acquisition (“Greed is good.” – Mogul on the movie Wall Street)

b. Waste as an acceptable norm in many venues (i.e., education, government, military, etc.)

c. Rank hedonism : consumption of wealth upon pleasure, extravagance, and selfishness

d. Relegating generosity and hospitality to the last priority of responsible financial planning (e.g., Y2K and the Christian community)