Divine Discipleship - Colossians 1:25

God wants every believer to be a disciple. The word "disciple" is used far more often than the word "Christian". Unfortunately, it seems the bar has been been raised so low in Christian churches that the Devil might be considered a Christian! The Christian is judged on the fruit in their life. A steward or disciple is a person who administers. The word "minister" comes from the word "administer". Stewardship is an entrustment. There is a responsibility. It is the power to prescribe. A doctor will prescribe medicine if you need it. We are to prescribe to people the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is less work for leaders in the Church with those whom are stewards as they are able to prescribe. See 1 Corinthians 4:1-4. We are to be guides rather than protectors of God's truth. A bad guide makes it up as they go along. It is not enough to be sincere. Doctrine is very important. See 1 Peter 4:10. Good trustees help others. The purpose of gifts are to help others and not yourself. There are five main areas for divine discipleship:-

1 - The Gospel

We are stewards to the Gospel. We are to go into the world and make disciples of all men. The gospel is the teaching of Jesus and revelation of the Christian message. We need to apply to ourselves first before we can prescribe to others. See 1 Corinthians 9:16. We should be taking every opportunity. If we don't tell them then how are they going to know? We can use humour to get through to others we know. Those that hold to evolution could be told "I could believe you came from a monkey!" We can prescribe. If you believe in Jesus Christ you can be saved from your sin.

2 - Our life call and purpose

See Romans 8:28. God has given me a calling. Why would I try to commit suicide or be deeply depressed? See 1 Peter 4:10. These gifts and talents are planted in us for our success. The enemy brings baggage to try and spoil things and ruin God's recipe for success. God wants us to put the best into life. We need training and discipline. Good ingredients for the recipe. It affects how we live.

3 - Time

Time is created for our benefit as God lives in eternity. God is the alpha and omega. God is the start and the end. We need to make the highest and best use of the gift of time that God has given to us. Time should not be wasted. We are to be stewards of time. There is "khronos" time which is sequential. E.g. Monday, Tuesday, etc. This can be known. There is "kharis" time. This is an opportune or supreme moment of time. It is to do with quality. Amazing stories in the Bible and our lives come from seizing those "kharis" moments. If we look after "khronos" then we will see more "kharis" moments. See Ephesians 5:11-16. Don't waste time on wasteful moments. Stay in the light and avoid the darkness. Redeem the "kharis" moments.

4 - Relationships

See Titus 1:7-9. We are stewards with all people be they family, friends or strangers. They may be in our lives for a short time, long time or for life. They may be in our life for a season or reason. There are only so many spaces in our life for friends. You don't let people of the opposite sex to close as that is how affairs can happen! Jesus kept the crowds at a distance. He had an inner circle of disciples. We can only have so many people in our lives.

5 - Finances and stuff

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.