If I were to play a word association game with you, what would be the first thing that came to mind when I said the name, "Jesus"? . . . Savior? . . . Lord? Or what about the name "Peter"? Perhaps "disciple", or "rock"? Now how about when I say the name "Paul"?
Typically when I think of Paul, the first thing that comes to mind is "the apostle", "the evangelist", or "the missionary". But for several days now in my quiet time I have been noticing a different theme in Paul's writings: Paul, "the discipler". Though the concept itself is nothing new, I have been giving this aspect of Paul's ministry more thought recently and have freshly considered its application in and bearing on my own day to day life.
Paul's letter to the Colossians broadcasts this theme when Paul writes that he proclaims Christ so "that we may present everyone mature in Christ." He then adds, "For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." Paul did not concern himself merely with proclaiming the gospel and seeing the lost found and the dead made alive. He wanted to see those found and living souls continue thriving in Christ, and growing to maturity in Him.
I have seen this desire showing up throughout his epistles. Paul writes frequently about the believer's continuing transformation, of the need to walk in obedience and to persevere in the faith, departing from false gospel. He sought not only conversions in mind and thought, but in heart and deed. For Paul, it wasn't enough to simply proclaim the gospel where it had not been heard (although that was clearly important to him), he also longed to see believers walking in truth and in holiness, not just with Christian character and principles, but strength of Christian character, persevering in holiness. The very fact that the evangelist wrote letters back to the churches he had already established demonstrates the depth of this desire.
As I have considered Paul's ministry of discipling toward Christian maturity, I have realized two things:
First, this same desire is clearly manifested in the elders at Immanuel Baptist Church. When I moved to Louisville and began visiting churches, it was this quality - unnamed at the time - that continued drawing me back to Immanuel. Each visit I was made privy to an unmistakable yearning to know the Lord more, and to walk in obedience to His Word. But it wasn't until I met the elders themselves that I was finally convinced that no better place existed for my soul to be nourished, cared for, and held accountable. Hearing so clearly from their own mouths their passion for the holiness of the believers entrusted to them gave me absolute confidence in submitting myself to their leadership and authority.
Second, I have the opportunity, responsibility, and the privilege of discipling other believers toward maturity as well. It is an admirable aspiration, to see believers walking in holiness and truth, turning away from sin and worldly thinking and toward the living God. Often I become so focused on evangelism that I forget about the great need for ongoing discipleship. Both are important, and I am convinced that both must be given priority in the Christian life.
Actually, the truth is that the real difference between the ministries of evangelism and discipleship is one of audience. Believers and unbelievers alike need the gospel in our lives. When the believer interacts with unbelievers, the gospel message is preached with the motive of evangelism. We preach Christ crucified, as an atoning sacrifice for our sin, and we speak of the power of the resurrection, which is able to raise the spiritually dead and impart spiritual life to those who believe. When interacting with fellow believers, the gospel message is preached with an emphasis on discipleship, encouraging that brother or sister and building them up toward maturity in Christ. We speak of the victory we already have in Christ, the old man that has passed away, and the new life we have already obtained in Him. We point to the resurrection and reign of Christ as the hope of every believer and our inheritance with Him in glory. We speak of the Spirit of God, and the power and security that is ours through Him. The message is always the gospel, but its application varies depending on the audience addressed.
This has proved insightful and pressing as I think about my own relationships. As I go to work and interact with unbelievers, my ministry toward them is consciously one of evangelism. I think about how I can share the gospel with them and speak truth in their lives. Yet when I come home to my housemates, go to church, or meet with my small group, that does not mean I am no longer on the mission field or that I am off the hook for a while. Instead, my ministry ought to metamorphose into one of discipleship. Fellowship with other believers should not merely be enjoyed as a casual or comfortable encounter with people just like me, but rather seized as an opportunity to minister toward them, discipling them toward a greater maturity in Christ through preaching the Word and exhorting them toward greater conformity to Christ.
The more I read the apostle Paul, the more I see these two principles at work, and the more I desire to emulate them. The truth is, there are two kinds of relationships in my life, and I have responsibilities in both of them.Labels: Bible/theology, journal/quiet time