I will Help You

‘Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ (Isaiah 41:10).

In Isaiah 41:10 God speaks with tenderness to His people and four main lessons are being drawn from it in today’s study. Fear not, for I am with you: Faith is the virtue that links man to the limitless power of God and fear is the vice that enables the devil to intimidate and destroy man. The feeling of loneliness breads fear in the same way that mob psychology breads courage. Loneliness is usually a mental issue. The fact that one feels lonely does not mean he is alone. As long as you remain in Christ you are not alone, you are in the company of the heavenly host, that is the triune God together with the ten thousand times ten thousands of angels (Heb 12:22). Most of the greatest accomplishments by men were achieved when they were perceived to be alone. You can be alone physically without feeling lonely. Do you think that you are alone? It is an opportunity to talk to your father. Paul when he was alone in prison wrote most of the epistles. John when he was alone on the island of Patmos received the book of revelation. 

Do you think that you have been deserted by people and you are alone? This period offers a great opportunity to accomplish something unique. Rather than complaining, realize that there is a time for everything and a season for every purpose (Eccl 3:1). There is a purpose for this season of your life and there is a need to make the best out of it. Remember, if everyone is gone your God is not gone. Be encouraged by the words of the Psalmist ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up’ (Psalm 27:10). God’s assurance is ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Heb 13:5).

Be not dismayed I am your God: To be dismayed is to be shocked, discouraged or overwhelmed. God is the God of all flesh but the question is ‘is He personally your God’? David said ‘oh God you are my God’ (Psalm 63:1). His statement reveals his personal relationship with God and His devotion to Him. God is the God of all the earth but He reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him. If He is your God personally, then His word to you is do not be overwhelmed I am your God. Others have heathen gods that cannot hear nor move, but the Almighty God hears and moves mightily, when He does move, nothing stops Him. The God you serve is bigger than any giant you see.

I will strengthen you: Sometimes we get into situations in life, where we think we have come to our withes end or breaking point and all our strength is gone. At that point it feels like throwing in the towel, but that is when you have to call on your God for renewal of strength.  In Luke 22:42-43, Jesus felt like giving up on His mission but after praying, angels were sent to strengthen Him.

I will help you: You may be at a point in the journey of life where you think that you cannot go any further. God is assuring you that He will help you. What an assurance. God helps us when we think we cannot help ourselves. His strength kicks in where our strength ends. His word says His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Are you looking up to men for help instead of God, Jer 17:5 says that, ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord’.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand: By this God means ‘If you feel that you are ready to fall. He will uphold you with His right hand which is full of righteousness, which deals forth rewards and punishments. Hisrighteous right hand is a mighty hand of deliverance. Hold on and cast all your cares upon God in prayer. His word to you is you are mine, I love you and I will never leave you nor forsake you. The next lesson is ‘your mess is birthing a message’.

Secret Anger

‘Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many’ (Heb 12:15). 

Anger is a natural emotion that was given by God; its role can be very beneficial if it is controlled and it does not lead to sin. Like pain and fear, anger is a natural emotion that usually comes as a natural reaction to a negative situation. It is usually a signal that something is not right. Ignoring these emotions can be very detrimental, even causing loss of lives. There are numerous examples of acceptable anger in the Bible. Psalm 7:11 says, ‘God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day’. There are other examples of God being angry when men sin. There are also accounts of Jesus being angry when men sinned (Mark 3:5). Clearly, it can be established that anger cannot be always classified as sin. So Paul told the Church in Ephesus, “be angry, and do not sin” do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph 4:26).

The Bible is very clear about the importance of controlling anger. Many are in jails because of actions they took during a few minutes of rage. Also, there are others who have a habit of been easily angered at the slightest provocation, pushing people away and destroying valuable relationships. Another aspect of anger that can be more dangerous is secret anger. It can breeds bitterness. This bitterness can become a deadly poison that can destroy a person, families and an entire society if not dealt with (Heb 12:15). This lesson focuses on the dangers of secret anger and how to deal with it.

This is how Bob Gass describes the dangers of secret anger, ‘It can ‘eat away’ at you, replacing kindness with animosity. You try to keep a lid on it, but inevitably it explodes, surprising (and sometimes devastating) those who thought they knew you so well. Secret anger hurts most the one who carries it, for it colors your world, embittering you to everything around you. As it percolates, you feel less and less joy, and all your experiences are filtered through the lens of resentment, instead of gratitude. It can hide behind smiles and laughter, yet still be simmering towards the person you eat and sleep with. It can take some event that happened 20 years ago, label it “irreconcilable differences,” and make it the basis for a divorce.

Instead of being consumed by it, God tells you to forgive it and let it go. When you deny your feelings and stew under the surface, you give the devil the advantage over you (2 Corinthians 2:11). But by dealing scripturally with the situation your painful experiences can make you better, not bitter. If you're struggling with bitterness today do these three things.

         First, forgive. Forgiveness isn't based on an emotion. Don't wait until you 'feel' like it; decide today to let the offence go. When you do, God's Spirit will calm your emotions and help you overcome the urge to retaliate. Jesus said, 'blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy' (Matthew 5:7 NIV). Since you yourself will always need to make withdrawals, God calls you to keep making 'mercy deposits'. 

         Second, pray about it. The moment you sense resentment, turn to God and He will give you the strength to act in love rather than react in anger. When you commit to living this way He promises to give you '...power to keep [yourself] calm in the days of adversity...' (Psalm 94:13 AMP).  

         Third, think scripturally. Look up every verse you can find on showing forgiveness and meditate on them. Remember, each time you choose to do the right thing, a little more of the old you dies and the new you develops. That's how God prepares you for greater blessing. But you must be in position to receive it. So decide now that although you've been 'burned', you won't become bitter’. Remember, ‘Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city’ (Proverbs 16:32 NIV).

On the other hand, if you have wronged others, it is your responsibility to apologize to them. Make an effort and apologize to them and help their healing process.

Arise

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request (I Chron 4:9, 10). 

You can blame others for your past and present situations, but not for your future.  By your thoughts, actions, habits, character and general work attitude you create your own future. Life is what you make it; ‘as a man thinketh in his heart so is he’ (Prov 23:7). 

The Biblical character Jabez had every reason to fail in life. Why? The name Jabez meant distress. His mother went through so much pain during his birth that, she decided to call him distress. The sad reality is that Jabez received a legacy of distress. A name gives one an identity and has a spiritual influence. When the name of something is mentioned, instantly a mental picture is created in your mind. Jabez was given a wrong identity right from birth, but yet he became more honorable or distinguished than all his brothers at the end.

Watch how Jabez turned his life around.

1.    He discovered God’s purpose to bless him.

2.    He was not satisfied with his present identity, name or the status quo.

3.    He did not hide behind the excuse of blaming others for his life.

4.    He took responsibility and prayed unto Jehovah Elohim the Creator of heaven and earth, who has the power to recreate any situation.

5.    Finally he worked and prayed till he became blessed and more honorable than all his brothers.

Biologically, God has given all people almost the same potential. Genetic research has found a variation of only 0.001% in single base-pair DNA between any two random humans globally (no matter their race). Simply put, apart from the color of our skin we are almost the same except for a genetic variation of 0.001%. That is why race doesn’t matter during organ transplants and blood transfusions. 

More so, as a child of God you have no excuse to be a failure in life. It is said that when Alexander the great was born there were two eagles hovering over his house. The good news is when you were born again there was jubilation in heaven. You are not a mere man, you have been made heavenly through the second Adam (1 Cor 15:48). Take responsibility for your life and turn things around, your future is in our own hands. Finally, remember that ‘…with God all things are possible,’ and sinking does not mean you are sunk, rise up. (Matthew 19:26).

Your Mess is Birthing a Message

‘And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).

  

‘Your pain can become someone else's gain. Your ministry to others can come out of that mess'.  According to James McClelland, Henry Francis Lyte who had pastored a church in England for over 20 years had a health challenge. His doctor's diagnosis showed he had 'consumption' and was asked to leave his seaside location to sail mid sea so as to take in as much as he could from the sun, or else he would die. He was frail and very sickly. With death so close, he had lost strength. But he managed to muster some courage and took the pulpit and enjoined his tear-filled congregation to keep faith in Christ.

Later that day, he took part in the Holy Communion. In that state of grief, he sought solace from God at home later that evening, and he received the inspiration to write the hymn "Abide with me". He set out for Nice, southern Europe the following day but died two months after. His last words were 'joy' and 'peace', yet he left a beautiful legacy through which millions have found solace since November, 1847. From his experience, we know it is possible to comfort others out of your uncomfortable situation. When you experience times of testing, you've two choices: give up, or grow up. Strength is born out of struggle. Without obstacles we'll always be ordinary. How can you celebrate victory unless you've known defeat?

As a Child of God you are hidden in Christ and Christ in the Father, so you are out of the devils reach,  as long as you abide in Christ by continually surrendering your will to Him (Col 3:3). So Paul said, ‘…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’ (Rom 8:28). Hard times energize some people, yet paralyze others, the difference is attitude. Your attitude in times of distress should be that of Joy and faithfulness. ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing’ (James 1:2).

If the bones of a dead Elisha gave life, then you can be a lifeline to others even at your point of greatest weakness, let hope stay alive (2 Kings 13:21). Are you troubled? Let this be your song, ‘Abide with me - fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comfort flee. Help for the helpless, O abide with me’ (Henry Francis Lyte).

Building with Words

‘But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see’ (Deuteronomy 3:28)

By words, the beautiful world we live in came into existence. By the power of the tongue many lives have either been built up or destroyed. In Psalm 64:1-3, David runs to God for refuge as a result of the words of his enemies; ‘who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows-bitter words’. Your words can either destroy or build up lives. William Barclay the Bible expositor said, 'One of the highest human duties is the duty of encouragement.' 

‘As a follower of Christ you are commanded to build others up by highlighting what's good instead of magnifying what's bad, by seeing them as unique individuals instead of stereotypes, by respecting instead of ridiculing, by forgiving instead of shaming, by modeling unconditional love instead of love with strings attached, by applauding each step of growth instead of saying, 'You'll never change,' by seeing their God-given potential instead of seeing them as problems to be handled.

God knew that Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So He told his mentor, Moses, '...encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land...’ God recognized that Moses was the best man to strengthen and encourage Joshua because he'd dealt with pressures and 'people problems' at the Red Sea, and again in the desert when Israel grumbled against God and him. Everybody needs encouragement, including you! You need others to cheer you on when you've been battered by setbacks and circumstances’ (Kevin Craig - Be a "builder-upper).

  

German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, said, 'Correction does much, but encouragement does much more.' It rekindles your spirit and gives you the oomph to keep going. One well known pastor also wrote, 'Nothing can uplift more than the encouragement of a friend or loved one. It's the oxygen of the soul.

Today, pause and think about somebody who needs encouragement, and before the day is over, make it a point to get in touch with them. '...let us pursue the things...by which one may edify [build up] another' (Romans 14:19 NKJV).

The Bema Seat - the Trial by Fire

‘Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire’ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

‘The "Bema seat" was an elevated seat located in Corinth. At this seat in the square, Roman magistrates would sit and administer justice. Athletes may also have appeared here and received rewards for having distinguished themselves. In other words, the king sat in the Bema Seat at the stadium in Corinth to present the winning athletes their crowns, judging them victorious. So it is with the judgment of Christians. It’s more like an awards ceremony for the Christian. Since we aren’t saved by our works, but by our faith, this judgment is not related to salvation, but to the things the Christian has done since becoming saved that have furthered the work of the Kingdom. The “race we’ve run,” so to speak’ (Jeff Jenkins). Unlike the Great White throne judgment which will be after the millennium for unbelievers from all dispensations from Adam to the end of human history (Rev 20:11-15), the Bema seat or Judgment seat of Christ will be in heaven for only Born again Church Age believers, during the period between the rapture and the second advent (Luke 14:14, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Oh!! the Bema seat; where all hidden things will be revealed whether secret sins or secret labor for the Lord, for we will all stand before Christ the omnipotent and omniscient judge of the whole earth. All Christians, whether Apostles or  children's Bible lesson teachers, whether rich or poor will be rewarded for their works. Christ labored and laid the foundation of the church with His life and He will judge all Christians for what they also did after their salvation. Believers will be judged concerning doctrines (Rom 2:14-16), conduct to others (Mt 18, Rom 14), Carnal traits (Col 3, Rom 1-2, 8:1-13, 14:1-23), words (Mat 12:32-37, Rom 14). We will also be judged concerning our works, things that affect others like; slander, quarrels, broken promises etc (Gal 5:19-21). Things that affected us like; neglected opportunities, talents wasted and lack of spirituality (Heb 2:1-4, Rom 214-16). Also Christians will be judged concerning things that affected God; refusal to walk in the light, disobedience and failure to cooperate and yield to the spirit - Eph 41-32, 1 Cor 12 (Finis `Dake).

Today many Christians hide behind the fact that we are in the Dispensation of Grace to live their lives anyhow. However, the fact that we will give an account at the Bema seat should cause every believer to be diligent and laborious. This judgment is going to be so detailed that, ‘everyone will have to give account for every empty word they have spoken’ (Mat 12:33-37). Our motives for doing what we did in the kingdom will be revealed, those that did it for the praise of men will have already received that reward on earth, but those that genuinely served God and man with love will be crowned. For sure there will be a lot of surprises. That unnoticed, faithful and sincere intercessor will receive crowns for his faithfulness, whereas the unfaithful preacher who preached to millions without faithfulness and for the wrong motives will ‘suffer loss’. 

Some Christians sometimes fall into sin and do not repent, confess and ask God for forgiveness. It is said that any ‘unrepented’ and ‘unconfessed’ sin is still written in the books of heaven. Jesus taught that, when we pray we should say forgive us of our trespasses. 1 John 3:8, 9 also teaches that ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God’. So clearly the child of God does not continue to sin, but when he falls into sin he quickly repents as a result of his love for God and rises up to continue his journey.

For the joy set before him, Christ endure the cross, may you endure your cross today and be assured that your work done for God and man has an eternal reward (Heb 12:1, 2).  Are there any unrepented’ and ‘unconfessed’ sins in your life? God knows them all, repent and ask Him for forgiveness today, He will forgive and cleanse you. See you in heaven.

The Power of Unity

‘Beneath this surface the wings of each living being stretched out to touch the others’ wings, and each had two wings covering its body. As they flew, their wings sounded to me like waves crashing against the shore or like the voice of the Almighty or like the shouting of a mighty army. When they stopped, they let down their wings’ (Ezek 1:23-24).

In the first chapter of the book of Ezekiel, he describes in detail his vision of God and the angelic host. Ezekiel describes each of the four living creatures, as having four faces and four wings. Let’s consider how he describes their faces, ‘Each had a human face in the front, the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle at the back’ (Ezek 1:10). About these four faces and wings, Matthew Henry comments that, ‘They have the understanding of a man, and far more. A lion excels in strength and boldness. An ox excels in diligence and patience, and unwearied discharge of the work he has to do. An eagle excels in quickness and piercing sight, and in soaring high; and the angels, who excel man in all these respects, put on these appearances. The angels have wings; and whatever business God sends them upon, they lose no time. They stood straight, and firm, and steady. They had not only wings for motion, but hands for action’.

Considering these powerful and seemingly unlimited angels, some profitable lessons can be learnt from them. In this study the main lesson that is being learnt from them is their unity. Regardless of the tremendous power and strength each of the four living creatures possesses by virtue of their design by God, one striking thing is the unity with which they operate. In Ezekiel one, the eleventh and twenty third verses reveal that, ‘Each had two pairs of outstretched wings—one pair stretched out to touch the wings of the living beings on either side of it’. This clearly reveals that they were created to function as a unit and they see themselves as such, working together and depending on each other. Men were equally created to function as a unit.

Many at times we are tempted to think that because of some unique potentials we posses, we don’t need other people, and we can survive and be successful by going solo. It is interesting to note that when God was creating the world His words were ‘let Us make…’ (Gen 1:26). If God the Father saw the need to work together with the two other members of the Trinity, you surely need other people in your life to win the battles of life and get to your promised land. You even need those that you may disagree with on some issues. In 2 Tim 4:11 Paul said ‘Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry’. It is interesting to note that previously, in Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas went separate ways because they had a sharp contention over the same John Mark, their travelling companion. Paul didn’t want John Mark to accompany him in ministry anymore, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work’. You need others in life, don't give up on people so easily.

Finally, be reminded of this wisdom nugget, ^‘two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble… A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken' (Eccl 4:9-12).

Today, heal broken relationships, God brought those people into your life for a purpose, you will need them some day, don’t wait till then. Your strength lies in your ability to forgive, let go and let God. 

The Power of Unity in the Church

^'In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen’ (1 Cor 12:22-23)

The Bible teaches us a lot of important lessons through animals and Bob Gass shares this lesson about the goose. He writes that, ‘If you've ever been to Pennsylvania in early winter, you'll have seen the skies literally darken as multitudes of Canadian geese gather for their annual flight to the sunny south. Geese fly united; they don't fly separately, in random style, because no goose alone can go that distance. They're designed to fly in their characteristic 'V' formation. When a bird flaps its wings the air movement created provides uplift, easing the workload of the bird behind it. Together, their flight range increases about 71 per cent. Even the youngest, weakest and oldest geese can make the trip. They accomplish together what they could never accomplish separately’. The church functions in the same way, one of the best ways to describe the church is, One Body with Many Parts.

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul uses the human body to illustrate the way that the many and different parts of the body of Christ make up one unit. He emphasizes that, God has put each part just where he wants it, meaning each person should appreciate the gifts and capabilities God has given him and be faithful in the use of them. All people in the Church can never be the same, as Paul the Apostle puts it, ‘the body will be strange if it had only one part’. So he says, ‘the eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you’ (1 Cor 12:21). Everybody in the church is important and has been called by God for a purpose, no matter their strengths or weaknesses.

In Eph 4:16 he says, ‘every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part’. The New living translation clarifies it a little bit more, ‘He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love’. With that in mind, it is very important to see ourselves as one body or a unit, and take care of and build each other up through love. That is the focus of this lesson. Individual roles in the Church, that people usually regard as less honorable are the ones that are to be handled with the greatest care and appreciation. Also, we are to be careful to protect the spiritually week in the church through prayer and wise counsel or guidance.

Paul uses 1 Cor 12:22-23 to really illustrate this point. Parts of the human body like the eye can be seen as the weakest, yet they are the most important parts that should be protected by the stronger parts like the arms, when the body is been attacked. Also, less honorable parts of the human body are seen as personal or private, and are protected and clothed with the greatest care. The stronger and more honorable parts don’t need that much attention. The reason is ‘If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad’ (1 Cor 12:26). This principle is very crucial in view of the diversities of our gifts, our individual strengths and different temperaments. Being able to see ourselves as a unit and work together regardless of the differences in our gifts, maturity levels and opinions, is a major key to having a productive church.

In Gal 4:19 Paul says that he labor’s until Christ is formed in his spiritual children. Love is the key to functioning as a unit. May God grant members of the body of Christ love, to labor in each others’ lives. ‘Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone’ (Rom 12:18, NLT).

The Cost of Discipleship

‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ (Mat 16:24).

  

One day Abraham Lincoln was in a slave market and saw a beautiful young slave girl being auctioned. Lecherous men were bidding on her, so Lincoln began to bid. Finally, she was sold to Lincoln. He took the certificate of sale and handed it to her saying, “You’re free.”  She asked, “What do you mean free?” He said, “You are free.” She said, “Free to do what I want to do?” He said, “Yes.” “Free to say what I want to say?” He said, “Yes.” “Free to go where I want to go?” He said, “Yes.” She said, “Then I am going with you.” Friend, Jesus made you free. You have been redeemed by His precious blood, and in gratitude, your life is to be devoted to Him.

The central truth of today’s study is that salvation is a free gift but discipleship comes at a cost. In the words of Jesus, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ (Mat 16:24).Self denial is the primary cost of discipleship, and that is the focus of this study. Without self denial discipleship cannot be a reality. Salvation is a miracle of a moment but discipleship is a costly life long journey. Self denial means forfeiting ones will, losing something or suffering for the good of others or one’s own future good. Self denial and love are the direct opposite of self centeredness. Self centeredness is the origin and cause of all sin (Isaiah 14:12-15, Gen 3:4-6), the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and pride of life all have their root in self. Consequently Jesus said that love is the greatest commandment and that those who want to follow Him must first deny them self.

Self centeredness means focusing on oneself and desires, regardless of the will of God and the needs of your neighbors.  Love cannot be practiced without self denial. Selflessness is an important measure of one’s spiritual maturity. Love is the key to self denial, in love lies the power of self denial. It takes love, the nature of God to overcome the sinful human nature of self centeredness (Phil 2:1-5).Through love and self denial, a born again Christian is able to surrender his will and life to God allowing God to disciple and transform him through His word and the church. One might ask, ‘is it possible to deny one’s self without loving? The answer is yes, Paul taught that self denial is useless if it is not rooted in love (1 Cor 13:3).

Acts 7:59, 60 is a classic example of self denial. Stephen who was being stoned to death was so full of love for his murderers that he was able to deny himself; ‘Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep’. Through this selfless prayer by the dying Stephen, Paul the Apostle who partook in his murder was saved later on. Through love and self denial the world will experience the resurrection power of Christ and many disciples shall be made for the lord. When one person dies to self, many are raised unto everlasting life (Mat 16:21-26, Mat 6:24-30, Titus 1:15-16). Other examples of self denial in the Old and New Testament can be found in the following scriptures (Gen 12:1-4, Phil 2:3-11, Rom 8:13, 1 Cor 15:31, Phil 1:1-8).

Today, may Christ’s love be seen in you as you yearn and learn to know Him more, as a faithful disciple. Tomorrow’s topic of study is ‘the power of discipleship’.

The Power of Discipleship

The Power of Discipleship

“If you hold to my teachings you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the Truth will set you free" (John 8: 31, 32). 

After his encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus, Paul got away to Arabia. There he spent three years before going up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter, even though he was called and he was sure of his calling. After the three years he also stayed under the feet of Peter for fifteen days for guidance before he began his ministry (Gal 1:15-20). The focus of today’s study is the importance and benefits of discipleship.

Christ’s great commission to the church is, go and teach - make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mat 28:19). He did not say go and get church members. In the Gospels the immediate followers of Jesus are called “disciples”. A disciple is someone who follows another person or his way of life. A disciple submits himself to the discipline or teaching of that leader or way. In the Bible the term “disciple” is almost always found in the Gospels and the book of Acts. A few times in the O.T. the word is translated “learned” and “taught.” Wherever there is a teacher and those taught, the idea of discipleship is present (Mat 5:1, 2). All who accepted Jesus’ teaching and were committed to Him are called “disciples.” The calling of these disciples took place at a time when other teachers like John the Baptist had their disciples.

Discipleship efforts include preaching the Gospel, following up, teaching and mentoring the convert, not forgetting prayer. Not taking a new convert through discipleship is like having a baby and starving the baby to the point of death (John 21:15-17). It is the process by which a born again Christian is taught the word of God and guided till he grows to a point of maturity, where he can also do likewise for others (2 Tim 2:2). This is a principle that is evident both in the O.T and N.T. In the Old Testament, Moses trained officials to fulfill this ministry (Exod18:13-23). In the New Testament, Jesus trained His disciples for a period of three years; at a point he appointed the seventy-two and sent them out (Luke 10:1-2). The early church also used the same principle (Acts 20:20).

The Shepherd does not give birth to sheep, his role is to feed the sheep and the sheep gives birth according to their kind. Thus the growth of the Church spiritually and numerically is very dependent on discipleship. Eph 4:11& 12 explains it best, “… He gave some apostles; and some prophets and some pastors and teachers; for training and equipping the saints…” so the members would do the work of the ministry, and thus build up the body of Christ spiritually and numerically”. Discipleship trains and prepares believers for their individual callings (Luke 2:46-52). When discipleship is done in the Bible way, it automatically leads to church growth, spiritually and numerically (John 10:35, Acts 16:4-5).

The results of discipleship are amazing. When the mandate of discipleship is obeyed, the church experiences exponential growth, multiplication not just addition of souls. In just 33 years, more than eight billion souls can be trained in the army of God. Below is a table illustrating this fact. If each person will reach, teach or disciple one soul, at the end of 33 years, more people would be trained than the population of the world.  One at this point will ask, “What is the church doing 2000 years after the death of Christ?”  God have mercy!  ”Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his 

AT END  OF YEAR	NUMBER OF PERSONS TRAINED
YEAR 1	2
YEAR 2	4
YEAR 3	8
YEAR 4	16
YEAR 5	32
YEAR 6	64
YEAR 7	128
YEAR 8	356
YEAR 9	512
YEAR 10	1,024
YEAR 11	2,048
YEAR 12	4,096
YEAR 13	8,192
YEAR 14	16,384
YEAR 15	32,768
YEAR 16	65,536
YEAR 17	131,072
YEAR 18	262,144
YEAR 19	524,288
YEAR 20	1,048,576
YEAR 21	2,097,152
YEAR 22	4,194,304
YEAR 23	8,388,608
YEAR 24	16,777,216
YEAR 25	33,554,432
YEAR 26	67,108,864
YEAR 27	134,217,728
YEAR 28	268,435,456
YEAR 29	536,870,912
YEAR 30	1,073,741,824
YEAR 31	2,147,483,648
YEAR 32	4,294,967,296
YEAR 33	8,589,934,592