discipleship as a lifestyle sessionone: session one: “a review of the basics”

DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP AS A AS A

LIFESTYLELIFESTYLE

SESSIONSESSION ONE:ONE:

““A REVIEW OF A REVIEW OF THE BASICS”THE BASICS”

AIM...AIM...

• To review the five building To review the five building blocks of discipleshipblocks of discipleship

• To clearly define what To clearly define what discipleship truly isdiscipleship truly is

REVIEW OF THE REVIEW OF THE BASICSBASICS

THE MANDATE --THE MANDATE --

““Therefore go and make disciples of all Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded obey everything I have commanded you.”you.” Matthew 28: 19 - Matthew 28: 19 - 2020

This is “THE GREAT COMMISSION”This is “THE GREAT COMMISSION”

WHAT IS THE WHAT IS THE MISSIONMISSION??

To get people To get people savedsaved

and then teach and then teach them how to live them how to live the Christian life!the Christian life!

THE MISSIONTHE MISSION… … a mission a mission EVERY CHRISTIANEVERY CHRISTIAN is to is to

be be INVOLVEDINVOLVED in. in.

… … a mission based on the invitation a mission based on the invitation of Jesus:of Jesus:

““Come to me, all you who are Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”give you rest.” Matthew Matthew 11:2811:28

THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM

The problem is the The problem is the nature of mankind…nature of mankind…

We are We are SINFUL.SINFUL.

GOD’S PLAN OF GOD’S PLAN OF GRACEGRACE

GODGOD

ll

JESUSJESUS

ll

MANMAN

THE BUILDING THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF BLOCKS OF

DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP

The Christ-like life if The Christ-like life if developed through developed through practicing five basic practicing five basic “inner” disciplines...“inner” disciplines...


DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP1) Reading, 1) Reading, memorizing memorizing and and studying studying SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE..

SCRIPTURESCRIPTUREThere is no minimizing the There is no minimizing the

importance of Scripture in a importance of Scripture in a disciple’s life!disciple’s life!

Scripture:Scripture:• teaches usteaches us• rebukes, or admonishes usrebukes, or admonishes us• corrects uscorrects us• equips us for every good workequips us for every good work



2)2)Developing vital Developing vital communication with communication with God through God through PRAYERPRAYER..

WHY PRAY?WHY PRAY?A. Example of JesusA. Example of Jesus

B. Antidote to TemptationsB. Antidote to Temptations

C. Communication with GodC. Communication with God

AA - ADORATION - ADORATION

CC - CONFESSION - CONFESSION

TT - THANKSGIVING - THANKSGIVING

SS - SUPPLICATION - SUPPLICATION


DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP3) 3) Giving the Giving the HOLY HOLY SPIRITSPIRIT freedom to freedom to conform our lives conform our lives into the “spiritual into the “spiritual nature”. Also, to nature”. Also, to find, develop and find, develop and use our spiritual use our spiritual gifts.gifts.

THE HOLY SPIRIT...THE HOLY SPIRIT...

• is the Spirit of Truthis the Spirit of Truth• is a Teacheris a Teacher• functions as a Witnessfunctions as a Witness• is an Advocateis an Advocate• speaks for Godspeaks for God


DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP4) Seeking to live 4) Seeking to live

a truly a truly HOLY LIFEHOLY LIFE, , not conformed to not conformed to the world, but the world, but transformed in transformed in heart and mind.heart and mind.

HOLINESSHOLINESS““Holiness is growing into the likeness Holiness is growing into the likeness

of Christ, resulting from the of Christ, resulting from the ministry of Christ in our minds, ministry of Christ in our minds, motives, decisions, deeds, words, motives, decisions, deeds, words, characters and conduct.”characters and conduct.”

Commissioner Edward ReadCommissioner Edward Read


DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP5) Looking on 5) Looking on

the world, on the world, on individuals, individuals, with the with the COMPASSIONCOMPASSION Jesus had.Jesus had.

COMPASSIONCOMPASSION

If Jesus was here to move us If Jesus was here to move us to compassion for hurting to compassion for hurting

people, who would he move people, who would he move us towards in our us towards in our communities… communities…

““the least of these”?the least of these”?

SO, HOW’S IT GOING?SO, HOW’S IT GOING?• What disciplines are currently What disciplines are currently

being developed in your life?being developed in your life?• Where have your struggles been?Where have your struggles been?• Have you had the time you want Have you had the time you want

or need to practice these inner or need to practice these inner disciplines?disciplines?• What things distract you?What things distract you?

““ADD ON” ADD ON” CHRISTIANITYCHRISTIANITY

We add a little We add a little Christianity/spirituality…Christianity/spirituality…

• to our personalityto our personality• to our jobto our job• to our family activitiesto our family activities

““ADD ON” ADD ON” CHRISTIANITYCHRISTIANITY

When we run into difficulties When we run into difficulties and problems, we think…and problems, we think…

• if I just pray more...if I just pray more...• if I go to Church more...if I go to Church more...• if I read my Bible more...if I read my Bible more...

““EARTHY SPIRITUALITY”EARTHY SPIRITUALITY”

Let’s learn Let’s learn from a local from a local favorite…favorite…

RICE!RICE!

““EARTHY EARTHY SPIRITUALITY”SPIRITUALITY”

This is the secret to a This is the secret to a balanced Christian life:balanced Christian life:

WORK IT A BIT AT A TIME!WORK IT A BIT AT A TIME!


A A DOORDOOR to be to be opened and opened and a a PATHPATH to be to be

followed.followed.

SESSION TWO:SESSION TWO:

““DEALING WITH DEALING WITH TEMPTATION”TEMPTATION”

AIM...AIM...

• To learn some practical ways To learn some practical ways of identifying and dealing of identifying and dealing with temptationwith temptation

TEMPTATIONTEMPTATIONWhile God’s Holy Spirit teaches While God’s Holy Spirit teaches

and encourages us to and encourages us to BECOME BECOME more and more like Christ…more and more like Christ…

While we practice the disciplines While we practice the disciplines of a Christ-like life and are being of a Christ-like life and are being filled with the filled with the FULLNESSFULLNESS ofof GODGOD......

TEMPTATIONTEMPTATION

WE NEED WE NEED TO BE TO BE

CAREFUL CAREFUL AND AND

ALERT!ALERT!

TEMPTATIONTEMPTATIONLet’s read out loud together:Let’s read out loud together:

““Be of sober spirit, be on the Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. seeking someone to devour. But resist him, stand firm in But resist him, stand firm in your faith.your faith.


““And after you have suffered for And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”strengthen and establish you.”

1 Peter 5: 8 - 101 Peter 5: 8 - 10

WWJD?WWJD?Let’s look at Luke 4, Jesus’ temptation.Let’s look at Luke 4, Jesus’ temptation.

Group 1: verses 3 - 4Group 1: verses 3 - 4

Group 2: verses 5 - 8Group 2: verses 5 - 8

Group 3: verses 9 - 12Group 3: verses 9 - 12• Define the temptation/appealDefine the temptation/appeal

• Discover the antidote/His responseDiscover the antidote/His response

YOU HAVE 5 MINTUES!YOU HAVE 5 MINTUES!

WWJD? Temptation WWJD? Temptation #1#1• Hunger -- 40 days Hunger -- 40 days

without foodwithout food• ““lust of the flesh”lust of the flesh”• symbolic of our symbolic of our

“appetites”“appetites”• ““If you don’t take If you don’t take

care, who will?”care, who will?”• TAKE CARE OF TAKE CARE OF

YOURSELF!YOURSELF!

• Scripture quoted Scripture quoted Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 8:38:3

• Israel in desert Israel in desert for 40 years -- for 40 years -- manna provided manna provided by Godby God

• TRUST GOD TRUST GOD WITH NEEDS!WITH NEEDS!

WWJD? Temptation WWJD? Temptation #2#2• Power, prestige, Power, prestige,

ambitionambition• ““lust of the eyes”lust of the eyes”• symbolic of our symbolic of our

need to look and need to look and feel successfulfeel successful

• ““The end justifies The end justifies the means!”the means!”

• BE SUCCESSFUL!BE SUCCESSFUL!

• Scripture quoted Scripture quoted Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 6:136:13

• Fear the Lord our Fear the Lord our God and serve God and serve Him onlyHim only

• TRUST GOD WITH TRUST GOD WITH SUCCESS!SUCCESS!

WWJD? Temptation WWJD? Temptation #3#3• Use divine powers Use divine powers

inappropriatelyinappropriately• ““pride of life”pride of life”• symbolic of our symbolic of our

need for attention, need for attention, spectacular thingsspectacular things

• ““Seek popularity!”Seek popularity!”• SEEK THE SEEK THE

SPOTLIGHT!SPOTLIGHT!

• Scripture quoted Scripture quoted Deuteronomy 6:16Deuteronomy 6:16

• God provided -- God provided -- don’t keep testing don’t keep testing His trust/provisionHis trust/provision

• TRUST GOD FOR TRUST GOD FOR ANY HONOR ANY HONOR COMING TO YOU!COMING TO YOU!

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTED““Jesus had been affirmed by God Jesus had been affirmed by God

and Baptism by a dove. Jesus was and Baptism by a dove. Jesus was clear on His mission of redemption. clear on His mission of redemption. The question was one of strategy The question was one of strategy -- how and what would Jesus do? -- how and what would Jesus do? This is the whole focus of the This is the whole focus of the temptation -- the HOW of life.”temptation -- the HOW of life.”

Bruce LarsonBruce Larson

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTEDSatan’s basic STRATEGY is to Satan’s basic STRATEGY is to

make us believe that God ismake us believe that God is NOT NOT trustworthy.trustworthy.

Satan’s basic LIE is that we Satan’s basic LIE is that we CANNOT CANNOT trust God.trust God.

Therefore, our basic SIN, our Therefore, our basic SIN, our yielding to temptation, is to:yielding to temptation, is to:

MISTRUST GOD.MISTRUST GOD.

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTEDGet into 4 new groups.Get into 4 new groups.

Individually, take time to study Individually, take time to study

God’s Word and answer God’s Word and answer

the questions 1 through 4.the questions 1 through 4.

(Stop when you come (Stop when you come

to the Unison Reading.)to the Unison Reading.)

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTED1) The antidote to temptation, and 1) The antidote to temptation, and

important tool in dealing with important tool in dealing with temptation is…temptation is…

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE• reveals the trustworthiness of reveals the trustworthiness of

GodGod• keeps us trustworthy and faithful keeps us trustworthy and faithful

Psalm 119:11Psalm 119:11

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTED2) Other things we can do to keep 2) Other things we can do to keep

temptation from leading to sin…temptation from leading to sin…• Matthew 26:41Matthew 26:41 PRAYER -- PRAYER --

VIGILANCE IN WATCHINGVIGILANCE IN WATCHING• Colossians 3:2 Colossians 3:2 SET YOUR MIND SET YOUR MIND

ON ON GODLY THINGSGODLY THINGS• James 4:7 James 4:7 SUBMIT TO GOD --SUBMIT TO GOD --

RESIST THE DEVILRESIST THE DEVIL

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTED3) According to Hebrews 4:15, 3) According to Hebrews 4:15,

what areas was Jesus tempted in?what areas was Jesus tempted in?

ALL AREAS, JUST AS WE AREALL AREAS, JUST AS WE ARE

4) What does this verse in 4) What does this verse in Hebrews tell us about Jesus?Hebrews tell us about Jesus?

HE IS OUR HIGH PRIESTHE IS OUR HIGH PRIEST

WHEN TEMPTEDWHEN TEMPTEDWe have learned:We have learned:• everyone faces everyone faces

temptationtemptation• temptation does temptation does

NOT have to NOT have to lead to sin!lead to sin!

TEMPTATIONTEMPTATIONLet’s read this again out loud:Let’s read this again out loud:

““Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls Your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist someone to devour. But resist him, stand firm in your faith.him, stand firm in your faith.


““And after you have suffered for And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”strengthen and establish you.”

1 Peter 5: 8 - 101 Peter 5: 8 - 10

THE CHALLENGETHE CHALLENGEThe challenge is…The challenge is…

TO STAND FIRMTO STAND FIRM

HOW DO WE DO THIS?HOW DO WE DO THIS?In your 4 groups, study the passage In your 4 groups, study the passage

assigned and answer the questions. assigned and answer the questions. You will share with the larger group in You will share with the larger group in 10 minutes.10 minutes.

CHALLENGE -- Group CHALLENGE -- Group #1#1

• Parable of the TalentsParable of the Talents• each person to faithfully use and each person to faithfully use and

cultivate what was entrusted to themcultivate what was entrusted to them• those who cultivated it -- “faithful”those who cultivated it -- “faithful”• those who did nothing, abused or hidthose who did nothing, abused or hid• good guys go to heaven, bad to hellgood guys go to heaven, bad to hell• faithfulness, standing firm, hanging infaithfulness, standing firm, hanging in


• Christians are “servants” of JesusChristians are “servants” of Jesus• Christians are entrusted with God’s Christians are entrusted with God’s

stuff: mission, goals, plansstuff: mission, goals, plans• If we are taking care of God’s If we are taking care of God’s

business here on earth, we had business here on earth, we had better be faithful… consistent… better be faithful… consistent… stand firmstand firm


• All saints -- and all Christians All saints -- and all Christians are saints! -- should love Godare saints! -- should love God• God “preserves” faithful God “preserves” faithful

saintssaints• God brings down the pridefulGod brings down the prideful


• The end of this world, the final The end of this world, the final judgment sending people to their judgment sending people to their destinydestiny

• Many will fall away -- love grows coldMany will fall away -- love grows cold• Many will stand firm and hang on!Many will stand firm and hang on!• The second group of Christians, the The second group of Christians, the

faithful, will spend eternity in heavenfaithful, will spend eternity in heaven

THE CHALLENGETHE CHALLENGEScripture is full of challenges to Scripture is full of challenges to

REMAIN FAITHFUL REMAIN FAITHFUL

and to and to

STAND FIRM.STAND FIRM.

*** We do today what we want *** We do today what we want because we can’t really because we can’t really comprehend a forever tomorrow.comprehend a forever tomorrow.

THE CHALLENGETHE CHALLENGELive keeping one eye on Live keeping one eye on JESUSJESUS inin

HEAVEN HEAVEN and one eye on and one eye on JESUSJESUS herehere onon EARTH.EARTH.

*** Life on earth has a *** Life on earth has a continuation into eternity. What continuation into eternity. What we do here and now WILL affect we do here and now WILL affect where we spend it.where we spend it.

SESSION THREE:SESSION THREE:

““OUTER OUTER DISCIPLINES”DISCIPLINES”

AIM...AIM...• To see that the basics of To see that the basics of

discipleship, the “inner” disciplines, discipleship, the “inner” disciplines, naturally lead to the blossoming of naturally lead to the blossoming of the “outer” disciplines.the “outer” disciplines.

• To discover these “outer” To discover these “outer” disciplines that should be disciplines that should be evidenced in a disciple’s life.evidenced in a disciple’s life.

THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTHGROWTH

• Spirit-filled livingSpirit-filled living• CompassionCompassion• PrayerPrayer

OUTER DISCIPLINESOUTER DISCIPLINES

INNER DISCIPLINESINNER DISCIPLINES• Bible readingBible reading• Seeking a Holy Seeking a Holy

LifeLife

STEWARDSHIP - STEWARDSHIP - defineddefined

Stewardship…Stewardship…• is what we do with what God has is what we do with what God has

given to us and entrusted to our given to us and entrusted to our care.care.

• involves a reality;involves a reality; knowing what we knowing what we havehave..

• involves responsibility; involves responsibility; the wise use the wise use of what we haveof what we have..

STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIP““Everything comes from You, and we Everything comes from You, and we

have given You only what comes from have given You only what comes from Your hand.”Your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:14b1 Chronicles 29:14b

““Jesus said, ‘Everything You have given Jesus said, ‘Everything You have given me comes from You,’ and ‘All I have me comes from You,’ and ‘All I have is Yours, and all You have is mine.’”is Yours, and all You have is mine.’”

John 17:7b, 10John 17:7b, 10

3 A’s of 3 A’s of STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIPALL...ALL...

““Every good and Every good and perfect gift is from perfect gift is from above, coming down above, coming down from the Father of the from the Father of the heavenly lights, who heavenly lights, who does not change like does not change like shifting shadows.”shifting shadows.”

James 1:17James 1:17

3 A’s of 3 A’s of STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIP

ADMINISTER...ADMINISTER...““Now it is required Now it is required

that those who that those who have been given have been given a trust must a trust must prove faithful.”prove faithful.”

1Corinthians 4:21Corinthians 4:2

3 A’s of 3 A’s of STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIP

ACCOUNTABLE...ACCOUNTABLE...““For we must all appear For we must all appear

before the judgment before the judgment seat of Christ, that each seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is one may receive what is due him for the things due him for the things done while in the body, done while in the body, whether good or bad.”whether good or bad.”

2Corinthians 5:102Corinthians 5:10

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS““Again, it will be like a man going on a Again, it will be like a man going on a

journey, who called his servants and journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.entrusted his property to them.

To one he gave five talents of money, to To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his one talent, each according to his ability. Then ability. Then he he went on his went on his journey.journey.

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS““The man who had received the five The man who had received the five

talents went at once and put his talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.money to work and gained five more.

So also, the one with the two talents So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.gained two more.

But the man who had received the one But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.ground and hid his master’s money.

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS

““After a long time the master of After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled those servants returned and settled accounts with them.accounts with them.

The man who had received The man who had received the five talents brought the the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master’, he said, other five. ‘Master’, he said, ‘‘you entrusted me with five talents. you entrusted me with five talents.

See, I have gained five more.’See, I have gained five more.’

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS““His master replied, ‘Well done, good and His master replied, ‘Well done, good and

faithful servant! You have been faithful faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’master’s happiness!’

The man with the two talents also came. The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master’, he said, ‘you ‘Master’, he said, ‘you

entrusted me with twoentrusted me with two

talents; see, I have talents; see, I have

gained two more.’gained two more.’


““His master replied, ‘Well done, good His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’and share your master’s happiness!’

Then the man who had received the Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master’, he said, one talent came. ‘Master’, he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, ‘I knew that you are a hard man,


““harvesting where you harvesting where you have not sown and have not sown and gathering where you gathering where you

have not scattered have not scattered seed. seed.

So I was afraid and went out and hid your So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’belongs to you.’

His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvestservant! So you knew that I harvest

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS““where I have not sown and gather where I have not sown and gather

where I have not scattered seed.where I have not scattered seed.

Well then, you should have put my Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.have received it back with interest.

Take the talent from him and give it Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.to the one who has the ten talents.

PARABLE of the PARABLE of the TALENTSTALENTS““For everyone who has will be given For everyone who has will be given

more, and he will have an abundance. more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.he has will be taken from him.

And throw the worthless servant And throw the worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”teeth.’” Matthew 25: 14 - 30Matthew 25: 14 - 30

3 BASIC AREAS of 3 BASIC AREAS of STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIP

TIME...TIME...24 hours… 24 hours… 1440 minutes… 1440 minutes… 86,400 seconds!86,400 seconds!

HOW DO YOU HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPEND YOUR TIME?TIME?

TIMETIME““There is a time for everything, and a There is a time for everything, and a

season for every activity under season for every activity under heaven:heaven:

A time to be born and a time to die, a A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, a a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to time to tear down and a time to build,build,

TIMETIME““a time to weep and a time to laugh, a a time to weep and a time to laugh, a

time to mourn and a time to dance,time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw a time to keep and a time to throw away,away,

TIMETIME““a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to a time to be silent and a time to speak,speak,

a time to love and a time to hate, a a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for time for war and a time for peace.”peace.”

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8

TIMETIME““Be very careful, then, how you live -- Be very careful, then, how you live --

not as unwise but as wise, not as unwise but as wise,

making the most of every opportunity, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Ephesians 5: 15 - 17Ephesians 5: 15 - 17

TIMETIMEThere is a time for everything…There is a time for everything…

Everything has it’s moment…Everything has it’s moment…

So use time wisely,So use time wisely,

be disciplined about time,be disciplined about time,

be wise about time.be wise about time.

TIMETIMEHow do we use time unwisely?How do we use time unwisely?

How do we squander time?How do we squander time?

How do we abuse the idea that How do we abuse the idea that there is a time for everything?there is a time for everything?

TIME - Personal InventoryTIME - Personal Inventory

Where do I need to Where do I need to adjust my usage adjust my usage of time?of time?

What do I need to What do I need to change to change to become a better become a better steward of steward of my/God’s time?my/God’s time?

TIMETIME““You turn men back to dust, saying, You turn men back to dust, saying,

‘Return to dust, O sons of men.’ For a ‘Return to dust, O sons of men.’ For a thousand years in your sight are like thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night… The length of watch in the night… The length of our days is seventy years -- or eighty, our days is seventy years -- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, span is but trouble and sorrow,

TIMETIME““for they quickly pass, and we fly for they quickly pass, and we fly

away. Teach us to number our away. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:3, 4, 10, 12Psalm 90:3, 4, 10, 12

TIMETIME

““Time is the coin of your life. It is Time is the coin of your life. It is the only one you have, and only the only one you have, and only you can determine how it will be you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let spent. Be careful lest you let others spend it for you. Lost time others spend it for you. Lost time is never found again.”is never found again.”

UnknownUnknown


TALENT...TALENT...

TheThe natural abilities natural abilities we have we have inherited are our first birth talent.inherited are our first birth talent.

TheThe spiritual gifts spiritual gifts we receive after we receive after our salvation are our second birth our salvation are our second birth talent.talent.

NATURAL TALENTS NATURAL TALENTS vs. vs.

SPIRITUAL GIFTSSPIRITUAL GIFTS

WHAT’S THE WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE???DIFFERENCE???

TALENTS vs. TALENTS vs. GIFTSGIFTS

SOURCE:SOURCE:

• from Godfrom God

• through through parentsparents

• from Godfrom God

• independent of independent of parentsparents


POSSESSED:POSSESSED:

• from birthfrom birth • from from conversionconversion


PURPOSE:PURPOSE:

• to benefit to benefit mankind on mankind on the the natural levelnatural level

• to benefit to benefit mankind on mankind on the the spiritual levelspiritual level


PROCESS:PROCESS:

• must be must be recognized, recognized, developed, developed, exercisedexercised

• must be must be recognized, recognized, developed, developed, exercisedexercised


FUNCTION:FUNCTION:

• ought to be ought to be dedicated by dedicated by believers to believers to God for His God for His glory and usglory and us

• given to be given to be used to God’s used to God’s gloryglory

TALENTTALENT““Whatever you do, Whatever you do,

work at it with all work at it with all your heart, as your heart, as working for the working for the Lord, not for Lord, not for men.”men.”

Colossians Colossians 3:233:23

TALENTTALENT““Each one should use Each one should use

whatever gift he has whatever gift he has received to serve received to serve others, faithfully others, faithfully administering God’s administering God’s grace in its various grace in its various forms.”forms.”

TALENTTALENT““If anyone speaks, he should do it as If anyone speaks, he should do it as

one speaking the very words of God. one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4: 10 - 111 Peter 4: 10 - 11

TALENTTALENTHow are we to be good stewards How are we to be good stewards

of our talents and spiritual gifts?of our talents and spiritual gifts?• Use whatever you have for othersUse whatever you have for others• Through your talents and gifts, God’s Through your talents and gifts, God’s

grace will be seen and feltgrace will be seen and felt• Do what you can and try NOT to give Do what you can and try NOT to give

in to the desire to be someone elsein to the desire to be someone else

TALENT - Personal InventoryTALENT - Personal Inventory

How am I using my talents & How am I using my talents &

gifts for God and others?gifts for God and others?

What are some new ways I can use my What are some new ways I can use my talents & gifts for God and others?talents & gifts for God and others?

WORSHIPWORSHIPA Faithful Steward:A Faithful Steward:

USES THE GIFT ANDUSES THE GIFT AND

WORSHIPS THE GIVERWORSHIPS THE GIVERAn Unfaithful Steward:An Unfaithful Steward:

WORSHIPS THE GIFT ANDWORSHIPS THE GIFT AND

USES THE GIVERUSES THE GIVER


TREASURE...TREASURE...… … means our means our

money, but also all money, but also all our material our material possessions.possessions.

12 of the 38 12 of the 38 parables told by parables told by Jesus were about Jesus were about money!money!

TREASURETREASUREHow can we be good stewards of How can we be good stewards of

our treasure?our treasure?

MONEY…MONEY…

POSSESSIONS…POSSESSIONS…

TREASURETREASUREEXCERPTS FROM THE SERMON ON EXCERPTS FROM THE SERMON ON

THE MOUNT -- Matthew 6…THE MOUNT -- Matthew 6…

““Do not store up for yourselves Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.thieves break in and steal.

TREASURETREASURE

““But store up for But store up for yourselves treasures in yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, rust do not destroy, where thieves do not where thieves do not break in and steal. For break in and steal. For where your treasure is, where your treasure is, there your heart will be there your heart will be also.also.

TREASURETREASURE

““No one can serve two No one can serve two masters. Either he masters. Either he will hate the one and will hate the one and love the other, or he love the other, or he will be devoted to one will be devoted to one and despise the other. and despise the other. You cannot serve You cannot serve both God and money.both God and money.

TREASURETREASURE““Do not worry about your life, what you Do not worry about your life, what you

will eat or drink; or about your body, will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Look at the birds of what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air, your heavenly Father feeds the air, your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable them. Are you not much more valuable than they? And why do you worry about than they? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. If that is how God clothes the grow. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field,grass of the field,

TREASURETREASURE““will he not much more clothe you? will he not much more clothe you?

So do not worry about what you shall So do not worry about what you shall eat or drink or wear. The pagans run eat or drink or wear. The pagans run after all these things, and your after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”things will be given to you as well.”

ATTITUDE ATTITUDE EXAMPLESEXAMPLES

““In everything I did, I showed you that In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to is more blessed to give than to receive.’”receive.’” Acts 20:35Acts 20:35

• THERE IS MORE BLESSING IN GIVING THERE IS MORE BLESSING IN GIVING THAN IN RECEIVINGTHAN IN RECEIVING


““As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple putting their gifts into the temple treasury.treasury.

He also saw a poor widow put in two He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.very small copper coins.

‘‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ’this poor I tell you the truth,’ he said, ’this poor widow has put in more than all the widow has put in more than all the others.others.


“’“’All these people have their gifts out All these people have their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live poverty put in all she had to live on.’”on.’” Luke 21: 1 - Luke 21: 1 - 44

SHE DIDN’T GIVE A BARE MINIMUM, SHE DIDN’T GIVE A BARE MINIMUM, SHE GAVE LARGELYSHE GAVE LARGELY


““And now, brothers, we want you to And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian has given the Macedonian churches.churches.

Out of the most severe trial, their Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich poverty welled up in rich generosity.”generosity.”


““For I testify that they gave as For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”service to the saints.”


““And they did not do as we And they did not do as we expected, but they gave expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s then to us in keeping with God’s will.will.

So we urged Titus, since he had So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace also to completion this act of grace on your part.”on your part.”


““But just as you excel in But just as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for earnestness and in your love for us -- see that you also excel in us -- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”this grace of giving.”

2 Corinthians 8: 1 - 72 Corinthians 8: 1 - 7


• THEY EXCELLED IN GIVINGTHEY EXCELLED IN GIVING

• A POOR PEOPLE WHO STILL GAVE A POOR PEOPLE WHO STILL GAVE GENEROUSLY, EVEN GIVING MORE GENEROUSLY, EVEN GIVING MORE THAN THEY OR OTHERS THOUGHT THAN THEY OR OTHERS THOUGHT POSSIBLE!POSSIBLE!


““Remember this: Whoever sows Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.will also reap generously.

Each man should give what he has Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.for God loves a cheerful giver.


““And God is able to make all grace And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in you need, you will abound in every good work.”every good work.”

2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 82 Corinthians 9: 6 - 8

PRINCIPLES OF GIVINGPRINCIPLES OF GIVING• ““GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE”GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE”

• IF YOU ARE GENEROUS, THE GENEROSITY IF YOU ARE GENEROUS, THE GENEROSITY OF GOD AND OTHERS WILL COME TO YOUOF GOD AND OTHERS WILL COME TO YOU

• EVERYONE SHOULD GIVE FROM A EVERYONE SHOULD GIVE FROM A CHEERFUL, LOVING HEART, NOT BECAUSE CHEERFUL, LOVING HEART, NOT BECAUSE THEY WERE FORCED OR COERCEDTHEY WERE FORCED OR COERCED

TO THINK ABOUT...TO THINK ABOUT...

““People show who they are and People show who they are and what they think of their God by what they think of their God by what they do with that which has what they do with that which has been given to them by their been given to them by their God.”God.”

WHAT ABOUT WHAT ABOUT TITHING?TITHING?

THE McDONALD’S PLAN:THE McDONALD’S PLAN:

When you eat at McDonald’s, When you eat at McDonald’s,

you pay McDonald’s.you pay McDonald’s.

You don’t eat at McDonald’s and You don’t eat at McDonald’s and pay at Burger King!pay at Burger King!

HOW MUCH SHOULD A HOW MUCH SHOULD A DISCIPLE TITHE?DISCIPLE TITHE?

““Honor the Lord with your wealth, Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your with the first fruits of all your crops…”crops…”

Proverbs 3:9Proverbs 3:9

• Tithe money should come out before all Tithe money should come out before all other needs are dealt with.other needs are dealt with.

HOW MUCH SHOULD A HOW MUCH SHOULD A DISCIPLE TITHE?DISCIPLE TITHE?

““Bring the whole tithe into the Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”in my house.” Malachi 3:10Malachi 3:10

• Bring the whole tithe -- the Old Bring the whole tithe -- the Old Testament tithe was 10%.Testament tithe was 10%.

• The first disciples tithed The first disciples tithed everythingeverything..

STEPS TO GIVINGSTEPS TO GIVING1) Thoughtfully decide what 1) Thoughtfully decide what

percentage of your income you percentage of your income you will designate to the Lord’s work.will designate to the Lord’s work.

2) Set aside this money first 2) Set aside this money first whenever you receive your whenever you receive your wages.wages.

3) Discipline yourself to be regular 3) Discipline yourself to be regular in the practice of giving.in the practice of giving.

AND ABOUT MISSIONS?AND ABOUT MISSIONS?The Founder was our example…The Founder was our example…

he gave up bread pudding during he gave up bread pudding during Lent, calling it “self-denial”.Lent, calling it “self-denial”.

See your handout “Touching See your handout “Touching People’s Lives Far, Far Away” for People’s Lives Far, Far Away” for ideas on sacrificial giving for ideas on sacrificial giving for missions...missions...

TREASURE - Personal TREASURE - Personal InventoryInventoryWhat percentage of What percentage of

my income goes to my income goes to Godly purposes?Godly purposes?

Which areas of Which areas of God’s ministry is God’s ministry is He asking me to He asking me to support as a good support as a good steward?steward?

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIMEMAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

BE SMART!BE SMART!

SS = simple= simpleMM = measurable= measurableAA = accountable= accountableRR = realistic = realisticTT = timed= timed

SESSION FOUR:SESSION FOUR:

““MAKE DISCIPLES”MAKE DISCIPLES”

AIM...AIM...

• To understand the final goal of To understand the final goal of discipleship, to go and make discipleship, to go and make disciples”disciples”

THE HARVESTTHE HARVEST

VIDEO PRESENTATIONVIDEO PRESENTATION

(15 minutes)(15 minutes)

THE HARVESTTHE HARVESTWHAT IS A HARVEST?WHAT IS A HARVEST?• The gathering of crops The gathering of crops

that are mature or ripethat are mature or ripe• The farmer works toward The farmer works toward

and waits for it with great and waits for it with great anticipationanticipation

• There is urgency because There is urgency because of the short amount of of the short amount of time the crops can be time the crops can be gathered before they spoilgathered before they spoil

THE HARVESTTHE HARVESTWHAT IS A SPIRITUAL HARVEST?WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL HARVEST?

• Refers to people ready to put their Refers to people ready to put their trust in Jesus Christtrust in Jesus Christ

THE HARVESTTHE HARVESTHOW CAN I BE INVOLVED IN THE HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED IN THE

HARVEST?HARVEST?• This is the inevitable outcome, or This is the inevitable outcome, or

fruit, of your spiritual journey of fruit, of your spiritual journey of discipleshipdiscipleship

• When God has your time, talent and When God has your time, talent and treasure, you have opportunities to treasure, you have opportunities to participate in His harvestparticipate in His harvest

THE MISSIONTHE MISSIONTHE GREAT COMMISSION --THE GREAT COMMISSION --

““Therefore go and make disciples Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28: 19 - 20Matthew 28: 19 - 20

THE MISSIONTHE MISSIONFulfilling the “Great Commission” we Fulfilling the “Great Commission” we

lead people to lead people to REPENTANCEREPENTANCE and and OBEDIENCEOBEDIENCE..

The goal of discipling another is to The goal of discipling another is to help them help them BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS.BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS.

And while they are becoming more like And while they are becoming more like Jesus, we also want them toJesus, we also want them to KNOWKNOW who God created who God created THEMTHEM to be.to be.

SIMPLE CURRICULUMSIMPLE CURRICULUMDiscipleship says,Discipleship says,

““Follow me as I follow Jesus”.Follow me as I follow Jesus”.

So, the curriculum is simple!So, the curriculum is simple!

1) 1) TEACHTEACH someone what I was someone what I was taught.taught.

2) Teach someone to 2) Teach someone to OBEY OBEY as I as I have and am learning to obey.have and am learning to obey.

SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFUL DISCIPLINGDISCIPLING

1)1)Discipling must beDiscipling must be INTENTIONAL INTENTIONAL and and

VOLUNTARYVOLUNTARY..

2)2)Discipling must be Discipling must be RELATIONALRELATIONAL..

SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFUL DISCIPLINGDISCIPLING

3) Discipling must be 3) Discipling must be OPENOPEN and and

VULNERABLEVULNERABLE..

4) Discipling must be 4) Discipling must be RESTORATIVERESTORATIVE,, RELEASINGRELEASING andand EMPOWERINGEMPOWERING..

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES1) The goal of discipling is 1) The goal of discipling is LOVELOVE, not , not

INFORMATIONINFORMATION..

““But the goal of our But the goal of our instruction is love instruction is love

from a pure heart from a pure heart and a good and a good

conscience conscience and a sincere and a sincere faith.”faith.”

1 Timothy 1:51 Timothy 1:5

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES2)2) A discipler views the disciple as A discipler views the disciple as

UNIQUEUNIQUE andand PRICELESSPRICELESS..

““For we are His workmanship, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should beforehand, that we should walk in them.”walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10Ephesians 2:10

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES3) A discipler is concerned with 3) A discipler is concerned with

RIGHTEOUSNESSRIGHTEOUSNESS much more much more than just than just MORALITYMORALITY..

““Blessed are those who hunger Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”for they shall be satisfied.”

Matthew 5:6Matthew 5:6

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES4) 4) INVITATIONSINVITATIONS always work always work

better thanbetter than COMMANDSCOMMANDS..

““Jesus saw a man, called Matthew, Jesus saw a man, called Matthew, sitting in the tax office; and He sitting in the tax office; and He said to him, ‘Follow me!’ And he said to him, ‘Follow me!’ And he rose, and followed Him.”rose, and followed Him.”

Matthew 9:9Matthew 9:9

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES

““The only requirement of following The only requirement of following Jesus is saying, ‘Okay’ --Jesus is saying, ‘Okay’ --

a positive response!”a positive response!”

A CONDUCIVE A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

1) Being 1) Being WELCOMEDWELCOMED “as is” and “as is” and HONOREDHONORED for for their unique their unique individuality.individuality.


2) 2) BELIEVINGBELIEVING in in them more than them more than they believe in they believe in themselves.themselves.

TRUSTINGTRUSTING them them more than they more than they trust themselves.trust themselves.


3) 3) LOVEDLOVED unconditionally unconditionally so they don’t so they don’t need to need to FEARFEAR instruction as instruction as criticism or criticism or disapproval.disapproval.


4) 4) Being given Being given SAFESAFE OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES to to hear of others’ hear of others’ mistakes and to mistakes and to CONFESSCONFESS their their own faults and own faults and failures.failures.


5) Being 5) Being encouraged intoencouraged into HOPEHOPE. They can . They can succeed against succeed against SINSIN and they and they cancan GROWGROW in in the Lord.the Lord.


AA DOORDOOR to be to be opened and a opened and a

PATHPATH to be to be followed.followed.

DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIPDiscipleship is a process, Discipleship is a process,

not a performance.not a performance.

““Therefore, as God’s chosen Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.gentleness and patience.

DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP““Bear with each other and forgive Bear with each other and forgive

whatever grievances you may whatever grievances you may have against one another. have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over these virtues put on And over these virtues put on love, which binds them all love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.together in perfect unity.

DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP““Let the peace of Christ rule in your Let the peace of Christ rule in your

hearts, since as members of one body hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be you were called to peace. And be thankful.thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God.in your heart to God.


““And whatever you do, whether in And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through thanks to God the Father through Him.”Him.”

Colossians 3: 12 - Colossians 3: 12 - 1717

discipleship as a lifestyle sessionone: session one: “a review of the basics”

Documents

lifestyle slide

good work slide

great commission slide

holy life

disciples life

christian life

basic inner disciplines

compassion jesus