Pass It On Down

Pass It On Down

II Timothy 2:1 -2

Most family dynasties don't last beyond the third generation in the business world. But the Ford family's fifth generation -- the great-great grandchildren of Ford Motor founder Henry Ford -- now are among the ranks of the company, according to The Wall Street Journal. This means that there have been five generations of Ford's involved in that business. And it all started with Henry 114 years ago in 1903. (Source) http://www.autonews.com/article/20130701/OEM02/307019967/at-ford-5-from-gen-5-in-the-family-business-of-great-great-granddad

The reason that his family is still involved over a century later is because each generation invested in the next generation.

You may not have inherited a business, but maybe you have received some "family heirloom". Perhaps you inherited a certain possession that holds financial value or sentimental value that has been passed down from generation to generation. Some of you may have intentions of passing down something special to your children or grandchildren. There is nothing wrong with handing down material possessions. But understand this, one day those material possessions will pass away. Jesus warned us not to store up material goods that would rust and rot. He encouraged us to store up treasures in Heaven. And I hope that you are doing just that.

But I want you to understand that we can leave behind something special here on earth. Each of us should leave behind a legacy of faith. In order for us to do this, we must live our lives investing in others. Not only do we have this opportunity, it is our responsibility. How can we leave behind such a legacy? This process involves evangelism and discipleship.

- I would like to look at this passage of scripture and consider the simple thought "Pass It On Down".

In order to pass down a legacy of faith, we must be involved in the process of discipleship. Understand that discipleship is more than just evangelism. Discipleship involves evangelism, but it is not evangelism alone. Discipleship involves evangelism, teaching, fellowship and accountability.

This is modeled in Jesus' relationship with His Disciples. - Jesus called those 12 men to "follow Him" . He revealed Who He was unto them. They recognized Him as the Messiah and followed Him. (This was evangelism.)

For more than 3 years, Jesus never ceased to teach them. They were present for the Sermon on the Mount... the Olivet Discourse and many other sermons. They also were blessed to receive personal instruction from Jesus away from the crowds. (This was teaching.)

As they traveled they broke bread together (often). They spent precious time together. They developed a closer and deeper relationship with Jesus.(This was fellowship)

There were also times when Jesus had to rebuke His disciples. Do you remember the times when He looked at them and said "O ye of little faith". Or that time when He looked at Peter and said "get thee behind me Satan"? (This was accountability)

This discipleship model was also seen in Jesus' relationship with Paul, and that is where I would like to begin to examine this journey of discipleship today.

Notice our selected text again - 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 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.

In these verses we will see that: Jesus Discipled Paul, Paul Discipled Timothy, Timothy Discipled Certain Men, Those Men Discipled Others, Someone Discipled Us and We Must Disciple Others.

- Notice:

I. JESUS DISCIPLED PAUL - "what you have heard from me"

What Paul taught others, he learned directly from Jesus Himself. Listen to what he says in - Galatians 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

It is likely that this teaching or "revelation" took place during the three years, in part of which he sojourned in Arabia. Paul received no instruction from the apostles, he was taught by the Lord Himself. But when he met the Apostles his Gospel exactly agreed with theirs. Jesus had a plan for Paul long before He confronted him on Damascus Road. He told Ananias that "(Saul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15-16)

Do you see that? Jesus said "I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake". Jesus called him to be an Apostle to the Gentiles. And He trained and equipped Paul to do what he had called him to do. Jesus invested time in Paul. There was much for him to learn and he did not learn it all overnight. The Lord spent time teaching him of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. He taught him many other things throughout the remainder of his life and Paul spent his days teaching those things to others.