DIGGING INTO DISCIPLESHIP 2

PART 2 - THE CYCLE OF DISCIPLESHIP (1st Thessalonians 1:6-9)

In my last post I discussed The Constitution of Discipleship. By constitution I mean that which makes up discipleship. In verse 5-6 Paul highlighted two factors that empower the discipling of other: 1) prayer soaked preaching and teaching and 2) the power of a consistent practice of godliness. Where one or both of these elements is missing discipleship is, at best, hindered or, at the worse, not Christian discipleship. It will not lead others to Christ being formed in them.

Today, my focus is on verses 6 -9 where we will understand how Paul sees discipleship actually playing out. Often discipleship is conceived of as an ongoing process that, simply put, keeps going. This is not the case. True discipleship is like a handoff in football. You practice it over and over in practice so that in the game the running back can actually execute the play. The quarterback does his job by handling the snap correctly and placing in the correct spot between the running back’s arms so he can do his job. That is what discipleship is. It is teaching a saint how to do what God has uniquely called them to do and then, letting them do it! In these verses we will see what happens when true, genuine, Gospel-centered discipleship is taking place.

1. The Practice: Becoming Imitators

As Paul poured into the Thessalonians it was inevitable that they would model the ways and character of the apostle. This is why our character is essential in discipleship. People will follow us because they will believe that we are doing the right thing! This is what happened here. Paul describes this by using the word imitators, which means that they began to mimic Paul. I don’t know about you but it’s annoying when people are playing around by mimicking me! It’s funny at first, but when they don’t stop it descends to irritation!

Paul says, however, that this is not only a good thing but it is a necessary step for others to become mature believers. New Christians need to see what it looks like to be a Christian in a world that is contrary to Christ. Maturing Christians may need to see how a mature saint handles problems in marriage or some other moral issue. The fact is that saints will need to see modeled before them a life that lives above fleshly and worldly passions; a life that honors Christ as the prize of their life as well as their greatest joy and affection.

So, this is the first step in discipleship: imitation. As disciple-makers we are to willingly and humbly call others to follow our example. However, it is in this step - being willing to be followed - that I think makes the Body of Christ weak in discipleship. It is not the lack of godly examples but of time. It is the lack of being willing to spend time with others in such a way and to such an extent that they can actually see our lives regularly lived out for the Lord. If disciples are to be imitators, first, this demands that we be willing to sacrifice some time to let them into our lives to see how we live, respond, and speak in various situations.

None of us can truly imitate what (or who) we do not regularly see.

2. The Play: Becoming Examples

It has been said that practice makes perfect. But, one man has noted a slight difference which makes all the difference. Practice does not make perfect; practice makes progress.

The purpose of a disciple imitating us is not to imitate us for the rest of their lives. Imitation provides a moral, disciplined, framework in which disciples can now apply their unique personality and ways to make it their own. As they continue to grow in their faith and in the faith the situation has to change from imitating you to their own lives being imitated by someone else.

Paul had made an impact in the lives of the Thessalonians with his preaching and his life. We know that this is true because they themselves made an impact from Macedonia to Achaia (v7). Now, their faith – the growing and vibrant faith that is now characterized in their own lives - is itself an example to other and making an impact. This is how you know discipleship is complete: when others are living the faith with strength, resolved and endurance (v6) and others are being shaped by it (v7). Note, however, the flow or cycle of the Thessalonians impact in their region. In verse 9 Paul says, “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you….”

Do you see that?

The others, of whom Paul speaks, are those in Macedonia and Achaia who are now imitating the faith of the Thessalonians! The very people who had, first, imitated Paul are now, themselves, being imitated by others! With integrity and discipline, they grew in their faith and became examples of godliness to others. The power of Paul’s life created an imitation of it by the Thessalonians who, in turn, made it their own. They are now in the front and Paul could not be more joyful than to see this taking place.

Paul was not egotistical! He did not need them to need him forever. That is dysfunctional. He needed them to be disciplined in imitating him but to be equally as disciplined in living out their unique calling so that others could see Christ in them! This is how it is supposed to be! This is the cycle of discipleship.

Paul was not egotistical! He did not need them to need him forever. That is dysfunctional. He needed them to be disciplined in imitating him but to be equally as disciplined in living out their unique calling so that others could see Christ in them!

3. The Post-Game: Whose On Your Tree

I often think about my life in terms of a tree. I have a responsibility for my own tree, to cultivate on it - through evangelism and discipleship - the fruit of men and women converted by the gospel and discipled by me. I am called to do both of these things with and for the whole of my life (Matthew 28:19-20). I often review my tree. Not for pride purposes but for fruitful inspection: is it growing or are the same fruit still there? If the fruit on it producing fruit or simply there? I am conscious of these two factors: my tree will only blossom as much as the Lord will give it but also as much as I am obedient to His commission.

Whose on your tree?

While I have been honored to disciple quite a few men and women over the years one recent exchange stands out to me. A few days ago a brother shared with me how he was ministering to another man and how the Lord was moving. He then said these words to me in a text message:

“Pastor, you brought me out of the dark into the light and I’m doing the same for

the next brother. We can do this one at a time if necessary. Thank you for opening

my eyes. You showed me and I’ll show others….”

My heart is excited even now as I type those words. These are not words about me. They are words to me about the continuing impact of the gospel and the growth of the tree. My tree has blossomed because His tree is blossoming. When I disciple him anyone he disciples will have a direct connection to my discipleship of him. How many people will be in heaven because you chose to spend time with someone and disciple them to become a mature saint?

Discipleship is a cycle.