THE LIFE ON LIFE DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY
Just as Jesus discipled twelve and sent them out to make disciples, so Paul discipled Timothy to do the same. This is the powerful, world-changing strategy of life on life discipleship that Paul taught Timothy.
Some have described this strategy of life on life discipleship as following five steps:
1. Paul does. Timothy watches. They debrief.
2. Paul does. Timothy helps. They debrief.
3. Timothy does. Paul helps. They debrief.
4. Timothy does. Paul watches. They debrief.
5. Timothy does. Someone else watches…
The beauty of this strategy is that it passes on both the beliefs and the behaviors of the mentor. It’s not just an academic classroom exercise. It’s one life influencing another with the life-changing message of the gospel lived out. More than that, it utilizes the exponential power of multiplication. For as Paul discipled Timothy, then Timothy would disciple three more, and those three would disciple three more each and so on. This process is slow-starting, but ultimately world-impacting as more and more are discipled.
Important discipleship relationships are formed along the way that become as a family. Consider the three types of relationships that result from life on life discipleship: 1) the parent/mentor, 2) the brother/sister, and 3) the son/daughter. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk alongside as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple.
Are you involved in developing these three powerful relationships in your life today?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have been given a command by Jesus to go and make disciples. We have also been given a strategy to follow in doing it. Forgive us when we forget to stay focused on following this command. What joy we feel when we do what You have taught us. Strengthen us to be disciples who make disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.