REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on June 2, 2014. He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Importance of Being Discipled”
1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, [2] To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have you ever had a mentor or a coach teach you a skill or craft? I remember when I first started playing the game of baseball, my coach would devote hours teaching me how to hit, field, and throw the ball. He guided and taught me everything about the game, and because of his mentorship, I grew as a player and teammate.
In this first letter to Timothy, Paul is giving him counsel and guidance on how to conduct himself in the leadership of that church. Right away, we see Paul’s intimate relationship with Timothy, almost like a father-son type (v.2). Most commentators write that Timothy was converted under Paul’s ministry and became one of his most trusted helpers in the faith. It was because of this kind of relationship that Timothy was able to receive advice and encouragement from Paul.
Discipleship is critical in the Christian faith. Part of discipleship is having people who can encourage us in our walk with Jesus. Whether it is through a small group ministry or an accountability group, we should strive to seek Paul/Timothy relationships in our lives. Do you have this type of spiritual relationship in your life? Growing in our faith requires others to guide us and help us along the way.
Ask the Lord for this type of relationship in your life. Get involved in community and seek out spiritual mentorship. If you already have this relationship in your life, take some time thanking the Lord for his provision.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the godly relationships in my life. Help me to seek out more of these types of Paul/Timothy relationships so that it would help me grow to be more like Jesus. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 1
Lunch Break Study
Read Matthew 4:18-22: While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. [19] And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed him. [21] And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. [22] Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Questions to Consider
- What do you find unique about Jesus’ call to discipleship?
- What is the result of following Jesus? Why do you think Jesus mentions the goal of discipleship?
- What are the obstacles to discipleship in your life? How can you overcome them?
Note
- The word “disciple” literally means someone who pledges to be a “learner.” Moreover, it is someone who follows another’s teaching and adheres to it. Discipleship is a commitment and a process. It involves time to undertake the learning and a yearning to imitate Jesus!
- Discipleship is also reciprocal, that is, the discipler makes the commitment to train someone else. That is what Jesus meant by, “I will make you fishers of men.” It is not just catching them and then storing them (fish were processed and sold for the betterment and use of the community); it involves training the disciples, so they, too, can catch, train, and place others in positions of leadership.
- Discipleship requires commitment. It is a daily decision we make to grow and learn. As we follow Christ, we should also find others to disciple and nurture them in their walk.
Evening Reflection
As we have been meditating on the idea of discipleship, what is the Lord asking you to do? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you close the day in prayer.