Ripe for Harvest

368 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

B. The Significance of a Kingdom Perspective

1. Matt. 6.33

2. Luke 16.10

3. Isa. 55.8-11

4. 2 Cor. 10.3-5

5. 2 Cor. 4.16-18

C. What is the nature of being persuaded regarding the things of God?

1. A hunger and passion to know God and His Word (Ezra)

2. A willingness to study them (the Bereans)

3. A commitment to apply the implications (Zacchaeus)

4. A readiness to reorder one’s priorities in light of the truth (the Ephesians)

5. A determination to follow through on something, no matter what (Paul on his way to Jerusalem)

D. The Centrality of Persuasion in Discipling, 2 Tim. 1.12

An emphasis on enabling a person who is fully persuaded to grow in what they are committed to eliminates scores of detrimental problems associated with the discipling relationship. To seek to train someone who is not committed to the same thing that you are is not only futile, but can be extremely counter-productive in the life of the disciple. It leads to frustration, waste, and a cheapening of the call to be what Christ desires in our lives.

1. Persuasion affirms the individuality of the disciple.

2. Persuasion undermines creating co-dependent relationships.

Context Values/Vision

3. Persuasion establishes mutual desire and commitment.

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

4. Persuasion avoids coercion and manipulation.