Apr 21, 2010
In our third session we discussed the “dangers of discipleship.” Counseling people is discipleship of people, and in our relationships we don’t want to be forming people into proselytes. Unregenerate people making disciples or believers trying to make unregenerate people into disciples are recipes for disaster!
We are to work towards people having the aroma of Christ, both ourselves and those we counsel. They are image bearers and reflections of God and will grow in this image. The learner is to become like his teacher.
The Christian life is meant to be more than “coping” or “getting by” – we are to obey and be holy!
Apr 20, 2010
In our second session, we reviewed the vigorous and vigilant effort it takes to train and discipline our bodies and minds for the glory of God. Training to think and act rightly takes continuous work and effort! Thankfully, God has given us a spirit of self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) and it is one of the fruits of the Spirit working within us.
It’s interesting how many times Paul refers to running a race and the image of an athlete as he describes our growth in Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to “throw off what entangles us” and “persevere and run the race.” It is our passion for Christ that fuels this determination. We are not meander aimlessly with no direction or purpose – we are to be moving forward and getting farther along every day. We press on (Philippians 3:13-14), not slide or drift!
A disciple must be disciplined, through the work of God, the church, and himself. We are to be killing sin and buffet our bodies daily. Your body and mind will do what you tell them to – practice self-control!
Praise God for His correction and rebuke and guidance that come from His Spirit and Word and church.
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