DISCIPLESHIP is a decision and process that leads to Christlikeness.
A disciple is not better than his teacher. But everyone who is fully-trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40 (ISV)
NOTE: God’s greatest purpose for me is not BEING SAVED but BEING CHRIST-LIKE
He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29b (AMPC)
The word of the Eternal came to Jeremiah. Go down to the potter’s shop... So I went ...and found him making something on his wheel. And as I watched, the clay vessel in his hands became flawed and unusable. So the potter started again with the same clay. He crushed and squeezed and shaped it into another vessel that was to his liking. In that moment, I heard again God’s word for His rebellious people. O people of Israel, can I not do the same to you as this potter has done? You are like clay in My hands—I will mold you as I see fit.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 (VOICE)
THREE TOOLS THAT GOD USES TO MOLD LIKE MY MASTER
1. GOD USES PRIORITY TIME TO MOLD ME LIKE MY MASTER
● Priority time is time spent STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
Acts 20:32 (Message)
● Priority time is time spent PRAYING FOR GOD’S HELP
He prayed, “Abba,[a] Father! You can do all things. Let me not have this cup[b] of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want.”
Mark 14:36 (NLT)
2. GOD USES PEOPLE TO MOLD ME LIKE MY MASTER
It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets… evangelists… pastors and teachers. He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. Then we shall no longer be children, Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ…
Ephesians 4:11-15 (GNT)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
“Iron sharpening” and my sharpening requires …
● COMPETENCY – One who knows how to sharpen me.
They want to be teachers of the Law of Moses. But they don't know what
they are talking about, even though they think they do.
1 Timothy 1:7 (CEV)
● CONTACT – One who will take the time to sharpen me.
● CONFLICT – One who is willing to battle me to better me.
● CARE – One who hurts me from a desire to help me.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].
Proverbs 27:6 (AMP)
3. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO MOLD ME LIKE MY MASTER
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
James 1:2-4 (TLB)
MY PART IN THE MOLDING PROCESS? COMMITMENT
Great crowds were following him. He turned around and addressed them as follows: “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple. And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me.
Luke 14:25-27 (TLB)
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