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Bible Study -
Bible Study
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
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Page 3 of 7 Bible Substance
From the Bible: Selected Examples
Matthew 20:25-26 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."
What about discipling in the bible? Although the bible uses a verb form (in Greek) of “disciple”, it is limited in its scope to instructional and teaching (a part of discipling, but not the whole). A more relational phrase in the New Testament is, “One Another”. Another way to look for clues is to find patterns of relationships throughout the word.
The Old Testament (Holman)
God /Adam – One another from the beginning
● Genesis 1:26-31, 2:1-20
● “In Our image...likeness” Genesis 1:26
● “Be fruitful, multiply...” Genesis 1:28
● “God commanded [Adam]...” Genesis 1:15
First and foremost in discipling is our relationship with God. We are created in His image and strive to be in His image spiritually as well. (Eph 4:13) Our relationship is purposeful; God commands man to be “fruitful [and] multiply”. God has authority in His relationship with us. He commanded Adam concerning
certain things.
Adam /Eve – Lack of accountability
● Genesis 2:22-24
● “[Eve] also gave [some fruit] to [Adam]...” Genesis 3:6
There is a breakdown in accountability and holding to God's command, with disastrous results. Where was Adam? Why did he not stand up to or challenge Eve?
Cain / Abel – Justifying Bitterness
● Genesis 4:9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's guardian?"
Cain the eldest was called to account for his younger brother and failed. What should have been a protective, mentoring relationship became bitter and hateful (Hebrews 12:15). Cain's question is asked centuries later as, “Who is my neighbor” in Luke 10:29. Not taking responsibility for spiritual kin is the work of
the bitter seeking justification.
Moses /Joshua – Preparing the future
● “So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and went up the mountain of God.” Exodus 24:13
● “These were the names of the men Moses sent to scout out the land, and Moses renamed Hoshea son of Nun, Joshua.” Numbers 13:16
● “The LORD replied to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who hasthe Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.” Numbers 27:18
Joshua was able to experience Moses' closeness with God as he went up to themountain. Moses renamed Joshua demonstrating Moses' vision for Joshua (from “salvation” to “Jehovah is salvation”). Moses, by the command of God, had raised up his replacement in Numbers 27:18.
Samuel /Saul – People pleasing faithlessness
● 1 Samuel 9-16,28
Although this was a relationship ordered by God, Saul had faith issues and bowed to the pressure of men. Because Saul was moody, faithless and a people pleaser, the kingdom was eventual torn from him. The times Saul relied on Samuel (not God) were out of desperation. The dynamic between Samuel and Saul is a great example of an unhealthy reliance on “discipling”. The unhealthy aspect blossomed because Saul would not turn to God or obey Him completely, but would turn to men (even Samuel) and bend to prevailing opinions.
David /Jonathan - Friendship
● 1 Samuel 18:3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
● 1 Samuel 20
Although the bible does not speak of spiritual mentoring in the relationship between David and Jonathan, it does paint a picture of man to man friendship. In the Lord and in the church, the “best friend” element of discipling is important.
Nathan /David – An occasional “One Another”
● 2 Samuel 7:17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.
● 2 Samuel 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.
● 2 Samuel 12:13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.
Nathan occasionally appears in the bible in realtion to David. He brought good news to David (2 Samuel 7:17), he rebuked David when David sinned and reported the heart of forgiveness from the LORD (2 Samuel 12:13). Sometimes the person we need is not the consistant friend or the formal discipling partner (covenant partner) but someone from outside our everyday mentoring relationships. This is not to say that David did not see or interact with Nathan regularly, he probably did, but this level of intense interaction was not common between them.
Elijah /Elisha – Ministry Protégé
● 1 Kings 19 – 2 Kings 2
● 2 Kings 2:15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, "The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. If ever there was an account of ministry mentoring, this is it. Elisha inherits the spirit of Elijah. They share the same mission. Respect, love and devotion define their relationship. Certainly a great example to any follower of God, but especially to those who have made ministry their career.
Elisha / Gehazi – Greed trumps “One Another”
● 2 Kings 5:20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
Was Gahazi to be the next great prophet in the line Elijah and Elisha? We will not know in this lifetime. However, whatever the destiny of Gahazi could have been, it was shattered by his greed.
The New Testament
Jesus /the Twelve – Discipling for a targeted purpose
● Mark 3:14 He appointed twelve—designating them apostles —that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach
● Acts 1:21,22 “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
A distinction is necessary between a designated one another relationship for a general purpose of helping each person become more like Christ and a shepherding interaction for a targeted goal. The twelve were selected as to be first hand witnesses and to preach about what they had seen. There are times when it is prudent to initiate training for a specific activity or goal.
Jesus / the Three – Pillars to be
● Galatians 2:9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.
● Mark 9:2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.
● Mark14:33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
The Three (Peter, James and John) were given access and insight beyond the twelve. They were allowed to see and experience the greater truths. Although anyone can have a relationship with God and some can become designated messengers (the twelve), still fewer can become pillars and grasp deeper spiritual truths. (Note: The “James” in Galatians 2:9 is not the apostle James, as he was executed in Acts 12:2, before the church in Galatia was established [Acts 16].)
Jesus /Peter – Using momentum
● Matthew 16:16,17 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
● Matthew 14:30 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
● John 21:18, 19 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Jesus saw in Peter the potential to lead. Peter's rash and impetuous character meant he always had momentum and Jesus sought to channel his energy not to eradicate it. Many would have given up on Peter because of his shortcomings, but God stayed the course with him. Humility goes a long way when overcoming character flaws. We would have perhaps judged Peter more critically and not seen the potential in this sometimes oafish brute, but Jesus chose someone with humility and momentum to develop rather than natural (worldly) leadership qualities.
Barnabas /Paul(Saul)
● Acts 9:27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
● Acts 11:30 This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
● Acts 13:2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to."
● Acts 15:39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.
If ever one thinks a discipling relationship is stagnant, they need only look at Barnabas and Saul to that is not true. Barnabas stood up for Saul when no one else would. They served the poor together and transported donations. The were partners on the mission field. They parted company due to a disagreement on what was the best route to love others.
Paul /Timothy – Pauline Protégé
● 1 Corinthians 4:17 This is why I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Paul assumes a paternal relationship with Timothy. Timothy becomes an imitator of Paul's heart. Where Paul could not go, Timothy went in his stead.
Paul /Titus – Pauline Proxy
● Titus 1:5 [ Titus' Ministry in Crete ] The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town...
Titus carries out the strengthening and structuring of churches when Paul could not. Paul gives very specific instructions concerning who should be an elder and what qualities are needed for those in Crete. Paul demonstrates a great deal of trust in Titus by asking him to discern characteristics in people which are largely subjective.
Paul /Silas – Co-workers
● Acts 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Although there are few scriptures about Silas, we do know he was a prophet (Acts 15:32 ) and leader (Acts 15:22) within the church. Paul saw a companion and fellow worker in Silas as they set out on the “mission field”.
From the Bible: Selected N.T. Scriptures (from Biblegateway.com)
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 July 2007 )
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