Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

126

Mas ter the B i b l e : How to Get and Keep the B i g P i c ture of the B i b l e ’ s Stor y

5. The give generously to missions, Phil. 4.15-16; 2 Cor. 8.3-5.

III. Implications of Growing towards Maturity

Discipling is hard work. Paul ‘labored’ to present every man complete in Christ (Col. 1.28-29). The disciple makes a commitment to invest his life in his student: ‘. . . we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives . . .’ (1 Thess. 2.8). Spiritual parenting demands many hours each week for years. It calls for the expenditure of emotional energy. Paul asks, ‘Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?’ (2 Cor. 11.29). Pouring your life into another person is a consuming investment. Do not make a commitment before God to a discipling relationship until you count the cost.”

~ Phillips. The Making of a Disciple , pp. 83-84.

A. God has committed himself to conforming us to Christ’s image: Rely on God’s resources of the Holy Spirit and the Church, his chief instruments to make us like Jesus.

1. The transformation is always by the power of God; the Holy Spirit lives in us to make the transformation complete, Titus 3.4-7; 2 Cor. 3.18; Gal. 5.15-23.

2. The assembly of believers, using their gifts under the Lord’s headship, will shape you into the measure of Christ’s fullness, Eph. 4.11-15; 1 Cor. 12-27.

B. Begin at the beginning: Discipline yourself for the purpose of maturity and godliness.

1. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, 1 Tim. 4.7-9 – 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