MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
(Ephesians 2:20)
Discipleship shapes hearts, ignites souls and empowers future leaders to carry godly leadership forward.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 10: Abraham’s Call To Establish A Great Nation (Gen. 12:1-19)
Tue. 11: Moses’ Call At The Unconsumed Bush (Exod. 3:1-10)
Wed. 12: Joshua’s Call To Leadership After Moses (Jos. 1:1-10)
Thur. 13: Deborah’s Call As Judge Over Israel (Jdg. 4:1-10)
Fri. 14: Esther’s Call To Deliverance For The Jews (Est. 4:12-17)
Sat. 15: The Prophet’s Call To Be Watchmen (Ezk. 3:1-21)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Leadership equals discipleship: No Christian leadership exists without discipleship, and vice versa.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Matthew 19:27-30; 28:18-20; Mark 3:14,15; 1 Timothy 1:3;2 Timothy 1:1-7; 2:2; 4:5,7
All glory to God for another opportunity to gather before Him A hallelujah. Last week, we delved into The Dearth Leadership Part (IlI), where we explained the troubling dynamics within Samuel and Saul’s household, prompting reflection on our own lives and families. May our legacies endure beyond our time on earth. Amen.
Today, our subject matter is: Roles of Discipleship in Preparing Godl Leaders.” Drawing from John 20:19-23 and Acts 1:4-8, we understand that every follower of Christ possesses leadership potential when entrusted with authority and platform for influence. This mandate stems from Christ’s commission to us all. While it’s true that every believer is called to disciple others within their sphere and spread the gospel globally, the specifics of this calling vary, based on individual circumstances and divine appointments (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
We must recognise that nurturing discipleship is a challenging, long-term endeavour that tests our patience, endurance and definitions of success However, as we shoulder the yoke of Jesus, we discover that the rewards far outweigh the trials.
LESSON OUTLINE
- JESUS SETS THE PACE FOR HIS DISCIPLES
- APOSTLE PAUL HELPS TIMOTHY EMBRACE HIS PLACE
LESSON EXPOSITION
JESUS SETS THE PACE FOR HIS DISCIPLES (Matt. 19:27-30; 28:18-20; Mk. 3:14, 15)
Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.
(Mk. 3:14)
a) Mk. 3:14: Jesus, though equal with God (Lk. 5:1-11), humbled Himself and carefully chose His disciples (Jn. 5:19,30; 6:38-39; Php. 2:7) to set an example of servant-leadership.
b) vv. 14,15: He chose and trained His disciples, showing the import of mentorship in leadership. He taught, mentored and tested them, preparing them for leadership (Matt. 8:26; 16:13-20;|n. 6:5,6).
c) In spite of their flaws (cf. Mk. 10:35ff; Jn. 18:25ff), Jesus led His disciples, showing grace and providing practical experience (Lk.9& 10).
d) Matt. 19:27-30: He instilled courage and continued to guide them, even after challenges (16:19; Mk. 14:50; Jn. 14:12-14; 21:Ïff; Acts 1:3- 7.
e) 28:18-20: Jesus emphasised the importance of discipleship in preparing godly leaders through the Great Commission. His model of Intentional discipleship shapes future leaders in Christianity.
f) Believers today follow Jesus’ lead, understanding that discipleship is crucial for preparing leaders for His mission.
APOSTLE PAUL HELPS TIMOTHY EMBRACE HIS PLACE (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:1-7; 2:2; 4:5,7)
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
(2 Tim 2:2)
a) 2Tim. 1:1-7: Paul saw Timothy as a promising brother and guided him, treating him like a son and encouraging him to stand firm in the grace of Christ (cf.2:1; Acts 16:1-3;1 Tim. 4:12).
b) v. 6-7: Paul urged Timothy to embrace his God-given gifts and overcome fear. This shows the power of mentorship in empowering others.
c) v. 8: Paul inspired Timothy not to be ashamed but to endure pain for the Gospel. True mentors support mentees in tough times.
d) 2:2: Paul instructed Timothy to pass on his teachings to others, to emphasise the importance of mentorship and discipleship.
e) 4:5: Paul adviced Timothy to stay strong amidst challenges and fulfil his ministry. Mentors guide their mentees aright. Paul supported Timothy in enduring hardship and fulfilling his ministry (cf. 1:6-7).
f) 1 Tim. 1:3: Timothy’s leadership in Ephesus, guided by Paul, showed their teamwork in ministry and the passing of leadership responsibilities (f,4:12-16; 2 Tim. 2:2; Phil. 2:19-24).
g) 2 Tim. 4:7: Paul’s successful finish motivated Timothy to stay faithful. His example of perseverance inspired Timothy to remain faithful – the lasting impact of mentorship. True mentorship influences mentees, the long run.
LESSON DERIVED
- As we grow in our faith and service to God’s kingdom, we shou remember that we can inspire others by showing them what we d each day.
- Unexpected encounters can bring significant opportunities as God opens doors through people and circumstances we encounter.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss how Jesus discipled His followers to make them a leader.
- How easy was it with Timothy to be prepared for leadership unde Paul?
