“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2).
Spiritual Grandfather – Paul – Disciple-maker
Son in ministry – Timothy – Learner
Third Generation – Faithful men – Passed lessons on
Fourth Generation – Others – The proof of Christianity
A. WHAT GRANDPARENTS DO THAT PARENTS DON’T DO
1. Grandparents make you feel grown up, while parents treat you as a child.
2. Grandparents can deal with positive gentleness, while parents must deal with negative consequences.
3. Grandparents point out your future greatness, while parents must deal with your present shortcomings.
4. Grandparents can build individual initiative, while parents must deal with your personal responsibility and accountability.
5. Grandparents have learned what is eternally important, and can overlook immediate issues.
B. WHAT IS A DISCIPLE-MAKING GRANDPARENT?
1. You are a reproducer of reproducers.
a. Because children are mimickers they live out your examples.
b. How you influence them is how they will be grandparents for future generations.
Paul
Timothy
Faithful men
Others
2. Your life will outlive your lessons.
3. You pour your soul into them. “As apostles of Christ . . . we were gentle among you as a parent cherishing a baby . . . giving you not only the gospel, but we poured our own lives into you” (I Thess. 2:7-8, ELT).
4. You become necessary to them.
5. You have not finished until they pour into others, what you poured into them.
C. WHAT DOES A DISCIPLE LOOK LIKE?
1. Makes a radical decision for salvation. “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (Luke 9:23).
2. Has a dedication to be like Jesus. “Christ . . . leaving us an example that we should follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21).
3. Learns to abide in Christ. “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
4. Learns to live by the Scriptures. “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32).
5. Knows how to pray. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
6. Makes love the distinguishing mark of life. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34).
7. Testifies to and serves others. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).
D. HOW DISCIPLE-MAKERS DO IT
1. By example. Paul told Timothy, “You have carefully followed My doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecution . . .” (II Tim. 3:10-11).
“Example is not the main thing, it is the only thing” -Albert Schweitzer
2. By association. Paul called Timothy, “My beloved son” (II Tim. 1:2).
3. By assignment. Paul sent Timothy to minister in Corinth, Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, etc.
4. By instruction. Timothy heard Paul preach publicly and privately, i.e., “heard of me.”
5. By private counsel. The two personal letters are reflections of their private conversations.
6. By promotion. Paul listed Timothy’s name with his six times. Paul publicly expressed appreciation for Timothy (I Cor. 4:17), and told the Philippians, “For I have no one like-minded (like Timothy) who will care for your state” (Phil. 2:20).
7. By prodding. Timothy needed a “jump start.” “Stir up the gift of God which is in you” (II Tim. 1:6). “Be strong” (II Tim. 2:1).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com.
