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The Apostle Paul was on his second missionary journey and he visited Lystra. While there he decided to take on Timothy as a member of the Missionary Team. The Team “travelled from town to town to deliver the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey” (Acts 16:4). The disciple Timothy was strongly recommended by the Christians in Lystra and Iconium. Paul chose Timothy because of his personal commitment as a disciple of Jesus Christ and his potential to train others to be disciples.
The discipleship process for Timothy started in his family. His mother, Eunice and grandmother, Lois had become believers and had faithfully influenced him for Christ. Timothy was obviously well-mentored by them as he was much respected by the believers in Lystra and Iconium.Paul was happy to take him along as a member of the Missionary Team.
Timothy’s early training by his mother and grandmother underscores the importance of discipleship training in the family. It is, therefore, vital that parents should not neglect the responsibility of discipling their children. Strong spiritual roots and wings can be developed in the children over time. Parents will be looked on as Christian role models by their children and hence must prepare themselves for the disciple-making responsibility.
The equipping of disciples for life must be focused on the development of life skills around life issues. Life skills are the core disciplines that disciples need for their lifetime walk with God. Learning to search the Bible for answers to life’s questions is a mark of disciples of Jesus. In the same way discipleship training must also instruct how life issues can be handled. In the equipping of disciples for life, it must be remembered that it is not the same as teaching. Equipping means preparation by practical training or instruction which includes teaching. While teaching is important,equipping is essential. It provides skills and not just information. When people are properly equipped, they have the right principles and skills to walk with a real God in a real world. They are trained to know Jesus deeply, reflect Him authentically, and reproduce Him intentionally.
Have you been equipped to live faithfully as disciples of Jesus? This year our Church leaders will carry out an “Intentional Discipleship Programme” in equipping you to be disciples of Jesus. BE PREPARED!
