Text: 2Timothy 2:1-6
INTRODUCTION—
Jesus set the pattern and standard: Mk. 3:14, “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,”
Barnabas: Paul, John Mark
Paul: Timothy, Titus, etc.
Peter: John Mark
Timothy: faithful men
Aquila & Priscilla: Apolos
Bible-believing Baptist history is a history of discipleship—passing on the “one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
BODY—
A. Supernatural Quality
· The natural law of this world—all things tend to decay.
· Vs.1—“be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Acts 11:22-23—Barnabas saw the grace of God. Acts 13:43—disciples exhorted to continue in the grace of God.
B. Supernatural Faith
· To commit is to put in trust.
· What was committed?
o “the things which thou hast heard of me”
o Mat. 28:20, “...all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
o Ac. 2:4, “...continued stedfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship.”
o Eph. 4:5, “...one faith.”; Ac. 20:27, “...all the counsel of God.”
C. Supernatural Vision
· That our disciples be disciplers—vs.2.
o Mat. 4:19, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
o John 21:15-17: Love for Christ manifests itself in our lives by feeding others.
· That they be meticulous disciplers—vs.5.
o The Word of God sole authority—
o Worthy Life—1Thess. 2:10, “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:”
o Focused Life—1Cor. 9:25, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”
o Sacrificed Life—Gal. 4:19, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,”
· That they be partaking disciples—vs.6.
o You cannot produce what you are not. 1Thess. 1:6, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:” There is an order in discipleship; first they follow you, and through you, they learn to follow Christ.
§ The Qualification: 1Cor. 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
§ Make ourselves ensamples: 2Thess. 3:9, “Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”
§ Mark godly disciples to follow: Phili. 3:17, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”
o Following Christ = having a vital intimate personal fruitful relationship with Christ.
· That they be visionary disciplers—vs.2, four generations.
o If we do not disciple up multiplying disciples then what we have passed on will end with them. We must disciple up disciplers.
o There is a depth and quality needed in our discipling if we are shooting for multiple generations. (In families: what about your grand-children? You raise your grand-children through your children. If you want godly grand-children then you must raise your children to such a quality that they will be godly parents of your grand-children.)
CONCLUSION—
What kind of disciple are you? Could you say ‘follow me, as I follow Christ’ and be at peace with the Holy Spirit of God that you will lead others correctly?
How much are you willing to spend for others?
Are you still pushing toward the mark? And are you trying to take others with you for the glory of Christ Jesus?
