We must prepare ourselves to equip others for ministry, service, and proclamation of the Gospel. With Christianity merely one generation away from extinction, we MUST disciple a new generation of Christ followers. Together we must:
1. Endure hardship for the sake of discipling future leaders.
2 Tim. 2:2-3 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2. Prepare to defend the word of God before society’s sinful trends.
V15-16 “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.”
3. Lay aside all fear and doubt by departing from all known sin.
V19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
4. Put off sins characterized by spiritual immaturity and pursue righteousness and peace.
V22-23 “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”
5. Defend the faith with a Christlike spirit.
V24-25a “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves”
LESSON - Eph. 4:11-15 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”
~Mike