From Believers to Disciples
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for the mission of South East Asia Prayer Center. Today, pray specifically for the ministry staff that serves at SEAPC in Oakmont, PA.
Pray for:
- Their commitment to SEAPC;
- Thank God for the gifts and graces He gives to each one;
- Ask God to continue to “grow the staff” and to add to their numbers as needed in order to reach out and serve Jesus through SEAPC.
God’s Word Today
We will be reading from 2 Timothy this week. This is the Apostle Paul’s last will and testament to his spiritual son Timothy. Paul leaves Timothy (and us) with words of wisdom and encouragement as well a picture of what believers and disciples of Jesus are called to be and to do – how we are to “grow up” in the faith.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
A believer in Jesus is an athlete!
Paul tells us that we are to be a certain kind of athlete. List the qualities of athletes of Jesus:
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
Paul used athletic illustrations in many of his writings. Wrestling, boxing, running, exercising are woven throughout his words.
If believers in Jesus want to get the most from their walk – journey – with the Lord, they are to be like athletes.
First, what type of athlete are we? This helps us determine our training regimen since a swimmer will train differently than a football player.
What are our spiritual gifts? (All believers in Jesus have at least one spiritual gift.) These help us know how we will serve Jesus.
List your areas of giftedness here:
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
A disciple of Jesus is an athlete.
What should our training regimen look like? What do we need to do each day to persevere and win the race?
Prepare a daily practice regimen and write it below.
Now, practice each day! And remember to follow the rules.
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
The East Liberty Food Kitchen in Pittsburgh prepares and serves meals to those who need to receive the love of Jesus as well as the nourishment of a hot meal and a friendly face. New Life sends servants to the kitchen on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We will be serving on January 20, 8:30am – 2pm. Contact elder Rich McCarthy at 724-766-9047 for details on how you can serve.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
Jim Thorpe was a great athlete. He won many Olympic medals and was one of the first great professional athletes. But Jim was known to take shortcuts in his training and he wasn’t too concerned about following the rules.
He lost his medals and he lost a lot of his friends. He lost the respect of the athletic community because he though he was above the rules of the game.
Disciples of Jesus need to remember the “life rules” set forward for us in the Bible. There are no shortcuts; the “training” can be brutal and we will make mistakes and have defeats.
But Jesus has good news for those who “stay the course.” The victor’s crown awaits those who train joyfully each day with the Lord.