Discipleship: January 11, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11, 2012.

DISCIPLESHIP

DEFINITION:

To teach, train and convert into a true follower, a disciple.

SCRIPTURE:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.

KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE:

Jesus gave all believers the command to go and disciple new believers in the Word of God. The verse above is the commission of Jesus to His disciples and all believers after His resurrection and before He returned to heaven.

For the last two days we have looked at the “words” “conviction” and “conversion,” specifically in the life of Saul who later became the Apostle Paul. Today we have chosen to discuss the word “discipleship” and review what the scripture tells us about how God chose to disciple Paul after he became a believer.

First, God knew that Paul being a new believer needed help from a very special believer. The believer that God chose to disciple Paul was a simple unknown believer named Ananias. The traits that Ananias possessed were exactly what were needed by Paul. We need to understand that God is looking for people like each one of us, to disciple new believers and He wants us to study and know God’s Word well enough so we are prepared to help new believers.

Ananias was obviously a Godly man and devoted to the Lord. Ananias was also very sensitive to the call of God because he communicated daily with God through prayer. When God called him, he knew the voice of God and was prepared to follow what God wanted him to do. God chose Ananias to disciple Paul because Ananias was spiritually prepared and submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

God told Ananias what Paul needed to be taught and encouraged Paul to know, without any doubt in his mind, that he was a chosen vessel, a chosen instrument of God. This is also true for everyone that is reading this devotional today. God has the same message for us that He had for Ananias to give to Paul.

“You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” John 15:16.

Look at the many principles in this short study today from the life of Paul. God wants us to apply them to our lives today so we can be vessels to be used by Him.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in James 1:5.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

PRAYER:

Help me to spend the time needed in communication with You to be the chosen vessel You need to disciple new believers. Give me the wisdom and dedication to accomplish what You want from me. Bless my family and make us all disciples that can be used to be a blessing to others.