READING: 2 Timothy 2:1-4:18
Too many churches do a poor job of making disciples. If they do anything at all, it’s often adding programs to their already busy schedule. I’m not opposed to good programs, but we must not miss the pattern for strong discipleship so clear in today’s reading:
- Timothy first learned the Word from his family—as we learned yesterday, from his grandmother and mother (2 Tim 1:5, 3:15). Note: God’s plan is that the father lead the way, but Timothy’s father may have been a non-believer.
- Paul invested in Timothy to the point that he shared life with his young protégé, inviting him into all areas of his life (2 Tim 3:10-11).
- Timothy was to teach what he was learning to other faithful men. He was to guard the “sound doctrine” Paul had given him but then give it to others (2 Tim 1:13, 2:2).
- Those Timothy taught were to then teach others. They would become the next generation of leaders among the believers.
Families raise children in the Lord. Other believers come alongside parents and grandparents to help young believers grow. Those who learn then teach others, who then continue the pattern. That’s New Testament discipleship—and you and I can get involved today simply by investing in someone else.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Who is that believer you might invest in? Do you have someone investing in you?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to find my place in this process of disciplemaking.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Timothy 4:19-22, Hebrews 1:1-4:13