Discipleship Develops
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:15-16
Discipleship is about developing those you interact with. You can either disciple in truth through the Word, or you can mentor. There is no in-between. When you take up the opportunity of discipleship, you commit to advancing the Word, not any personal agenda. The Word tells us that the student will become like their teacher. Let’s look at an example.
In 1 Kings 17–22 and throughout 2 Kings, we see two prophets: Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was the successor to Elijah, carrying on his ministry. While Elijah was known as the prophet of fire, Elisha was known as the prophet of water. Elijah’s ministry was marked by large miracles, while Elisha was known for smaller, but almost double the number of miracles. Elijah served under two kings, while Elisha served under four. Despite these differences, you’ll find that the “student,” Elisha, resembled the “teacher,” Elijah, in many ways.
Both Were Men of Faith
In 1 Kings 17, Elijah demonstrates great faith by pouring water on the altar during a time of great famine, when water was scarce. God responded to Elijah’s faith. When Elijah was on his final journey to heaven, Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit (2 Kings 2:9). This request alone demonstrated great faith—not only in Elijah, but in the God whom Elijah had taught Elisha to worship.
Both Were Men of Prayer
In 1 Kings 17:17-18, we see Elijah respond to the death of the widow's son with prayer. In verses 19-20, Elijah cries out to God for the child’s life, and God hears his cry and revives the child. Similarly, Elisha used prayer in 2 Kings 4 when he encountered the Shunammite woman whose son had died. Elisha remembered how Elijah had responded to a similar situation and followed his teacher’s example. The same miracle occurred, and the boy was brought back to life due to Elisha’s intense prayer.
Both Were Men of Courage
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah faced King Ahab on Mount Carmel in a contest between the God of Israel and the prophets of Baal. Elijah demonstrated great courage in this confrontation. That same courage lived on in Elisha when he saw the armies of Syria approaching. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha spoke these words: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Courage lived deep within Elisha because it had been passed from Elijah.
This is just one example of how the teacher developed the disciple. It is a powerful example because it shows how the disciple can continue the teacher's ministry for generations. Discipleship is not just about the present moment; it is about future generations. So, how are disciples developed?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” Proverbs 1:7-9
Disciples must be developed in truth—truth that is rooted in God’s Word. To pass on a lasting legacy to the next generation, it must begin and end where truth is developed. This truth comes only from God’s Word, not from any other source. True discipleship is grounded in biblical truth and advanced through Kingdom-building work. This truth is then activated as you send the disciple out, trusting that the only answer to any issue they may face is Jesus. Trust that, when they encounter challenges, they will draw from their experience of pressing into Jesus, not from human abilities. Elijah trained Elisha to seek God’s direction first, not relying on his own power. Lastly, the disciple is encouraged over time. They are encouraged to know that, when facing the enemy’s challenges, they can overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit, not by the flesh. This encouragement may come in the memories of how the teacher led the disciple.
“The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Luke 6:40
When you create Timothys, you make the work of advancing the Kingdom of God easier. Many hands make light work. Our objective as parents, teachers, pastors, and leaders should be to create the next generation of Timothys—those who do not bow to society but worship only at the feet of Jesus. This is the process of creating Timothys.
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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