MAKE - not find!

Making Disciples! It has captivated my interest lately that Jesus tells his chosen apostles to go "make" disciples, not "find" disciples. Now, for the forensic among us, let's get into some basic language to make sure our understanding is correct, after all, most "versions" of the bible do not translate it like this.   Most versions say "teach all nations."  So - which is it?  

The term used in  the original Greek language is "μαθητευσατε (mathateusate)."  This term corresponds to the original Hebrew word "talmid" which means "to become a pupil" or if it is talking about you enacting upon someone it means "to enroll as a pupil or apprentice."  "Teach" is not an incorrect representation of the word, but it does not convey the essence of what Jesus is telling them.  To "teach" is used in Mt.28:20 and is the term " διδασκοντες (didaskontes)."  His instruction is to go to enroll and make pupils - not "find." We hope to find someone with maturity and gifts already - to be honest, so that we don't have to teach or train them. We forget that Jesus told us to go make them. Not find them. Making disciples is long, hard work.

2 Timothy 2:2- "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 

Discipleship is about shared truth, the passing on what God has taught us to another. This is the environment of face to face discipleship, that in turn creates fellowship within the church. 

1 Thessalonians 2:8- "We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives, too." 

Discipleship is also about doing life together. It's about shared experiences and inviting people into the opportunities and activities that you do and letting them be a part of them and learn with you and from you. 

We often wonder why we no longer have "dinners" and "get togethers" things like we used to, and wonder why people have lost interest. Perhaps it is because we have chosen the "easy way out" of what God told us to do.  We are no longer sharing lives, experiences, frailties, etc, to generate relationships, friendships, bonds and fellowship.  We are sequestering ourselves in isolation, keeping people at arms length and "telling" people what to do instead of showing them what to do.

There is quite a difference in what Jesus said, and what we in our modern times "do."

Jim

Difficult Decisions and God's Will

Decisions are tricky. There are good ones and bad ones and making the wrong decision creates stress, anxieties, feelings of inferiority and other issues in our lives. This is why reliance upon God is something that one must learn. The main problem is that we like to be the captain of our own ships and think we know what is best, when sometimes we don't. 

How can I know that my decisions are right? How can I know that what I am choosing is what God wants?  

1. Make sure that what you are seeking is in alignment with what God has said in His word. (2 Tim.2:15; Heb.5:14)
2.  Seek what God wants, not what YOU want (Mt.6:33)
3. Base your decisions upon spiritual principle and knowledge (Jn.8:32; Jas.3:17)
4. Ask God to guide your wisdom (Jas.1:5)

Psalm 23:3 states, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”  To many, this sounds "corny" and yet others will say, ‘But I’ve tried this!’  There are times when we ask God to guide us but then come away more confused. We still couldn’t figure it out, and perhaps have heard the Tempter beckoning to us, ‘Why is knowing God’s will so difficult?’ Is God playing games with me? 

Anyone who takes the time to know God at all, will know that God is not out to confuse, make things difficult for us, or play games with us. 1 Cor.14:33 reminds us that God is not the author of confusion or unruliness, nor does he play games with or tempt anyone (Jas.1:13). This is a lie that the Evil One has spread since creation began.  God wants to guide us and He has given us the truth that we may know it (Jn.5:39; Heb.2:1-4). The problem is we often look for the wrong thing when we’re trying to find God’s will. 

• Some of us look for a feeling to tell us God’s will.  Yet, feelings can deceive. This is why feelings must be coupled with the wisdom of the truth, so that I may know the path I walk (Jas.1:25; Prov.8:20)
• Some of us want a formula to tell us God’s will. We want everything in black and white, we want the easy way and the easy answer. Yet, not everything is learned by formula, some things must be learned by use and experience (Heb.5:12-14)
• Some of us look for a fantastic sign that will show us God’s will. Yet, to constantly look for a sign to prove what God has already said is wrong (Mt.12:39). Satan himself can deceive and does deceive with such things (2 Th.2:9; Gal.1:8).  

God's will is not hard to know. It just involves looking for it (Acts 17:11) and asking God for help (Jas.1:5). Then doing, what I know to be truth (Jas.1;25).  The rest? -- you have to learn by experience and putting to practice the truth (Heb.5:14).

Jim