Discipleship Adapts
The process of discipleship is about guiding those you disciple to adapt and make decisions based on the season of life they are in. Notice the words I did not choose: environment, culture, or even location. God’s Word, His truth, and biblical wisdom do not change based on our environment, culture, or location. These remain constant, and we must figure out how to adapt truth and biblical principles to the season of life we are in.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
God never stops working in any culture, even though at times it may be hard to see Him working. He is constantly at work, fulfilling all the promises He has made. Part of discipleship means teaching those you disciple how to adapt to what God is doing—not adapting to what we are doing or want to do. Many people fail because they cannot adapt. They would rather be moved by the storm because they see that as easier than being firmly grounded and unmovable. Discipleship is teaching others how to biblically adapt to the seasons of life and learning not to quit when things become challenging.
Part of adapting is understanding who God created you to be, learning how to overcome trials, and becoming centrally focused on Kingdom advancement. Paul was a great example of this. He adapted to the various seasons of life, no matter how they came toward him. As he adapted, he showed Timothy how God can use you when you adapt rather than quit or leave. Over and over in Scripture, we see individuals who adapted to what God was calling them to do and were successful, while those who ran faced greater challenges. Training leaders is about teaching them that they are not called to waver on biblical truth, but to adapt to the season of life they are in.
After all the time Paul spent discipling Timothy, the time had come for everyone to adapt to a new season.
“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1-3
When Paul first began to disciple Timothy, he was in the process of starting churches. One of the first churches Paul started with Timothy by his side was the church at Philippi. Years later, as Paul was writing to the church at Philippi from prison, he was not only directing Timothy to adapt to his season of life, but also instructing the church at Philippi on how to adapt to the seasons of life. This moment in discipleship is key. From the time Paul helped start the church at Philippi to the time he sent Timothy to minister there, discipleship had taken place. Though Paul did not know the future, he had raised Timothy to lead and adapt to the seasons of life. While Paul didn’t want to lose Timothy’s fellowship, he knew that releasing him to Philippi was best for all.
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.” Philippians 2:19-24
Raising up leaders through an intentional and direct discipleship plan involves three key ingredients:
- Leadership is about succession—who can carry on the legacy (notice I did not say "your" legacy).
- Leadership is about adapting to the season of life.
- Leadership is recognizing who can accomplish the desired outcome.
When you disciple, you are raising up future generations—not to carry out your legacy, but to advance the Kingdom. Discipleship cannot be about the one discipling or being discipled; it is about a higher purpose and calling. Paul understood that he needed to raise up a Timothy to ensure the message of Jesus went forth. As challenging as it was for Paul to send Timothy to Philippi while he could not go himself, Paul did it for the sake of the Gospel. It was not about competition or advancing Paul’s name; it was about advancing Jesus. Paul had to adapt to his season. Timothy had to adapt to his season. The church at Philippi had to adapt to their season. If any of them had refused to adapt, Jesus would not have been advanced. They could have quit, said they needed to wait, or changed direction, but instead, they all adapted. Discipleship is about teaching those closest to you that adapting to how God is using and teaching you brings the greatest reward to your life.
Mr. Euler has over 20 years of experience working in Christian Schools, 13 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
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