THE INSTITUTE FOR TRAINING IN MINISTRY

LEARNING TO SERVE:

JESUS AS ROLE-MODEL

Terry Powell

This 12 lesson course teaches the servant life-style of Jesus

in many ministry related contexts, and helps learners put this into practice in their ministry.

© 2016 by Discipleship Overseas, Inc.

To purchase copies of this book, or its Leader’s Guide, log on to:

TRAININGINMINISTRY.COM

Locate the title, then click on:

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INTRODUCING iTIM

The Institute for Training In Ministry (iTIM) is a church-based program to help pastors “equip the saints for the work of ministry”. The iTIM curriculum begins with, a basic discipleship course, Christianity 101, and builds from there, including the training of pastors.

Each iTIM course has a related practicum. These ministry assignments help assure that learning results in ministry—“for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12)

That you have this iTIM book in your hands may be an indicator that God is calling you to prepare to serve our Lord.

Jesus’ commission to his followers was to “make disciples”. Disciples are learners—who learn from him, do his bidding, and make more disciples.

iTIM makes these resources for equipping available to all churches in every country of the world. Our motto: Every church needs iTIM.

Denominations can adapt the course content, design their own covers, and print their own iTIM courses. Email admin@traininginministrycom for details.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Terry Powell is a professor of Bible and Christian education at Columbia International University and has written courses for such well-known Christian publishers as David C. Cook, and Scripture Press. He’s also the author of Stand Tough!, Nobody’s Perfect, and Making Youth

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Programs Go, as well as Christianity 101 and Welcome To Your Ministry in the iTIM series of equipping courses.

BIBLE TRANSLATION: Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

For Study Leaders ..........................................4The iTIM Curriculum ......................................5

1 The Servant’s Call ..........................................82 The Servant’s Heart .................................... 163 The Servant Is An Example (Part 1) ............ 224 The Servant Is An Example (Part 2) ............ 285 The Servant’s Prayer ................................... 346 The Servant’s Love ...................................... 407 The Servant Learns To Trust ...................... 468 The Servant Is Accountable .........................539 The Servant Responds To Criticism ............ 5910 The Servant Faces Temptation .................... 6711 The Servant Influences Others ..................... 7612 The Servant Disciples Others ....................... 85

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FOR STUDY LEADERS

Jesus’ last Great Commission was: “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). Every iTIM course will help you do this.

First, log on to TrainingInMinistry.com to obtain a copy of the iTIM OPERATIONS MANUAL. This Manual contains sections on:

Discovering iTIM The iTIM Ministry Tracks Preparing Your Church for iTIM How to Implement Your iTIM

Next, purchase copies of the iTIM course you plan to start with from the website: traininginministry.com. We recommend beginning with the Discipleship Track course, Christianity 101 and its Leader’s Guide.

Educational PhilosophyEvery iTIM course incorporates a head, heart, and hands approach to learning. Head represents content to be learned, heart the application of this truth to one’s own life, and hands, involvement in ministry through using the course content.

Time CommitmentAs the Group Study Leader, you need to carefully: 1) Prepare the workbook lesson—as thoroughly as you want your learners to prepare theirs. 2) Read the Leader’s Guide and mark questions you want to ask during the group sessions.The Weekly Group MeetingThis 60-90 minute weekly meeting should feature a discussion of the lesson. The Leader’s Guide focuses on integrative and application type questions. It should consist of an hour of interaction with the lesson, as well as time for prayer and group fellowship.

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Ministry InvolvementEach iTIM course has a ministry opportunity that is related to it. These opportunities reinforce the course content, result in the learner’s personal growth—as well as build up the Body of Christ.

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The iTIMCurriculum

The Institute for Training In Ministry will enable you to “equip the saints for the work of ministry and so build up the body of Christ.” iTIM courses are organized under 5 ministry tracks.

To purchase these courses and their Leader’s Guides, log on to TrainingInMinistry.com; select the track, then the course. We recommend that you start with Track 1 courses.

Discipleship Track

CHRISTIANITY 101 is designed to disciple new Christians, either in small groups, or one-to-one. Outcome: Learners will lead another person through this course.

A PANORAMA OF THE BIBLE features easy-to-remember visuals for each of the 12 Bible periods. Learners will thrill to find that they can remember the major themes of Bible content and message. Outcome: With the aid of the Leader’s Guide, learners will lead another person, or a small group through this course.

LEARNING TO SERVE: JESUS AS ROLE MODEL teaches the servant life-style of Jesus in many ministry related contexts, and helps learners put this into practice in their ministry. Outcome: Learners will be given a ministry role wherein they demonstrate the servant-leader style of Jesus.

Church Ministry Track

The Church Ministry track consists of the Discipleship Track courses, plus any three of the following courses:

WELCOME TO YOUR MINISTRY teaches the important truth that God has called and gifted all believers for ministry and challenges them to get involved in some basic ministries in the church. Outcome: Learners will commit

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to getting additional training for ministry, and getting involved in it.

HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS will provide believers with a better understanding of which spiritual gifts they may have, and how to use their gifts in service for Christ. Outcome: A short-term assignment will be given, wherein learners use one of their gifts in an approved ministry.

YOUR MINISTRY OF PRAYER studies prayer in Scripture, and will help learners become involved in a significant ministry of prayer. Outcome: Participants will commit to a ministry of prayer as suggested in the course content.

OUTREACH AS A LIFE-STYLE will train lay people to develop friendships with people, leading to sharing Christ with them. Outcome: Learners will practice this personal evangelism approach in their lives of sharing their faith.

YOUR MINISTRY AT HOME provides practical principles in how to establish and maintain a truly Christian home. Outcome: Applying the principles week by week within the learner’s family, including being consistent in reading the weekly schedule of verses and journaling based on these verses.

TOUCHING TOMORROW BY TEACHING CHILDREN is a superb tool to train more workers to serve in the exciting ministry of teaching children. Outcome: Teaming up with an experienced teacher as an assistant for one quarter or more.

CHRISTIANITY IN THE WORKPLACE relates faith to practical and ethical issues on the job. Its focus is how to be like Christ in the work world. Outcome: Learners will apply these biblical principles to their areas of work.

Church Leadership Track

The Church Leadership track consists of the three Discipleship Track courses, plus the following courses.

TRUTH THAT TRANSFORMS will provide learners with a

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solid foundation in the major doctrines of Scripture, with an emphasis on practical applications. Outcome: Learners will, with the aid of the Leader’s Guide, lead another individual, or group of people through this course.

EQUIPPING FOR LEADERSHIP will encourage, equip, and train Christian men and women for increased effectiveness in leadership. Outcome: Learners will demonstrate the skills taught in this course in an assigned ministry position.

Bible Teaching Track

The Bible Teaching track consists of the three Discipleship Track courses, the Church Leadership Track courses, plus the following courses.

A SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT is a 24-lesson N.T. survey. It includes outlines of each book, background information, and questions for individual study. Outcome: Learners will be able to lead Bible studies in any New Testament book.

A SURVEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT (24 lessons) includes background information, the main idea of each book, an outline of each book, and questions of practical and spiritual value. Outcome: Learners will learn how Old Testament books relate to the New Testament, and will be enabled to lead Bible studies in Old Testament books.

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE (24 lessons) will give students an in-depth exposure to the inductive method of Bible study and help them develop their own outlines for leading Bible studies. Outcome: Based on their study, learners will lead 10 Bible studies in the book of Ephesians.

Pastoral Track

The Pastoral Track consists of the three Discipleship 9

Track courses, all courses in the Bible Teaching Track, plus the following courses:

PREPARING TO PREACH teaches and illustrates the basic elements of the sermon, and helps learners develop, and preach, their own sermon from each of these three types. Outcome: Learners will complete three sermon outlines, and preach one sermon from each: topical, textual, and expository.

A PANORAMA OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY provides a “big picture” view of the Church from the 1st through the 20th century. It also emphasizes practical lessons that can be applied to ministry. Outcome: Learners will teach this course in another context.

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH is a course on Christian apologetics, which will equip learners to defend and share their faith, especially among intellectual unbelievers. Outcome: Learners will engage in a ministry of defending and sharing their faith.

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Chapter 1

THESERVANT’S CALL

I hoisted the following anecdote out of the pages of Chuck Swindoll’s Growing Strong In The Seasons Of Life (Multnomah Press). It’s dedicated to kitchen-lovers everywhere who enjoy the challenge of preparing an “original” dish.A friend of mine ate dog food one evening. No, he wasn’t actually at a fraternity initiation or a hobo party. He was actually at an elegant student reception in a physician’s home near Miami. The dog food was served on delicate little crackers with a wedge of imported cheese, bacon chips, olive, and a sliver of pimento on top. That’s right, friends and neighbors, it was hors d'oeuvres a la Alpo.The hostess is a first-class nut! You gotta know her to appreciate the story. She had just graduated from a gourmet cooking course, and so she decided it was time to put her skill to the ultimate test. Did she ever! After doctoring up those miserable morsels and putting them on a couple of silver trays, with a sly grin, she watched them disappear. One guy (my friend) couldn’t get enough. He kept coming back for more. I don’t recall how they broke the news to him, but when he found out the truth, he probably barked and bit her leg! He certainly must have gagged a little.Ever since hearing that story—and it actually happened— I've thought about how it illustrates something that transpires daily in another realm. I'm referring to people who pass themselves off as something they aren’t. They are religious fakes—masters of deceit, who appear and sound spiritual, but whose values are rooted in the temporal world.

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On the surface they're attractive, but their inner nature hasn’t changed. (After all, no matter how well you camouflage or decorate it, Alpo is still dog food!)

I also link that story to the theme of this Learning To Serve course. If there’s anything that cannot be faked, it is servant-hood. Developing the lifestyle of a servant goes against the grain of anyone whose faith is superficial. Without the heart for it, actions just don’t follow—at least not over the long haul. The fact that you're reading this shows that God has given you the heart for it. If you apply the Bible studies in this course robustly, there’s one label that no one will ever be able to pin on you: counterfeit. When you introduce yourself as a Christian, no one will call you an imposter.A Firm Foundation

The first lesson offers a foundational perspective. Unless the truth you'll digest in today’s lesson settles in your mind like concrete, your walk through the next eleven studies will lack gusto and direction. This lesson is designed to provide firm biblical footing for the rest of the trip.

To launch this initial study, let’s snatch a regularly used word from the Dictionary of Religious Terminology and get better acquainted with it. That term is “minister.” In the space below jot down the first thing that pops into you mind when you see or hear that word. Don’t get analytical. Whether your association is positive, negative, or neutral, put it down._____________________________________________________

Before the next meeting of your Bible study group, ask five individuals to provide brief, off-the-top-of-their-head responses to this question: When you see or hear the word “minister,” what is the first thing that comes to your mind? (Ask neighbors,

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acquaintances at work, or persons from your church who aren’t in this iTIM course. It’s okay to inform them that this is part of an assignment. Just don’t preface your question with any remarks that could influence their word association.) Record their reactions in the spaces below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Typically, folks who respond to this word association game mention their pastor, or some other vocational staff member from their church. Even un-churched people associate the work with a clergyman’s collar, or a television evangelist, a seminary degree, or church facility. If you're a Christian though, the first mental image you should have in response to the word “minister” is a snapshot of yourself. That’s right—you are a “minister” of Jesus Christ. When that fact seeps into your daily consciousness, it ignites your passion and provides an impetus for a servant lifestyle.

If you participated in a separate iTIM course titled Welcome To Your Ministry, you've already excavated the biblical roots of the concept that “every Christian is a minister.” If not, you're shaking hands with a less familiar teaching. Whether or not you're comfortable yet wearing the “minister” title, investigate the verses that follow. After each reference, list words and phrases from

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the biblical text that show that every believer is expected to serve God, to help accomplish his work in the world.John 15:5, 8, 16 _____________________________________________________________________________________________Matthew 5:13-16

___________________________________________________________________________________________Matthew 28:19, 20 _________________________________________________________________________________________II Corinthians 5:14-20 ______________________________________________________________________________________Ephesians 2:8-10

__________________________________________________________________________________________1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1 Peter 4:7-11 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, think of these eight references as a single unit. Lumped together, what is their message? (Describe it in 20 words or less). _____________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Imagine-whether you're a doctor, lawyer, salesman, accountant, or housewife, God wants to employ you to advance his kingdom! The leaders in your church exist to equip you for both formal and informal ministries in the church program as well as in the world. When “ministry” is perceived as something we pay professionals to do, churches lose their razor-sharp edge.

In your next group session, your leader will further clarify this life-altering notion. For now, perhaps the following statements by well-known authors will improve your grip on it.

The call to salvation and the call to ministry is one and the same call. That is, when one is called by God to be a part of his people, he is also called into the ministry. Young people often struggle with the question as to whether or not they are “called into the ministry.” From one perspective, this is a completely irrelevant question. If a person has been called by God to be a Christian, then he has been called into the ministry.—Findley Edge, The Greening of The Church (Word Books)

When I talk with people, I don’t call them laymen. A layman is a second-class citizen. I am a layman in regard to law because I haven’t passed the bar exam; thus, I am not allowed to practice law. There is no place in the Church of Jesus Christ for those who cannot practice. I say to people, “You are not a layman. You are a Minister of Common Life.”—Elton Truebood, Leadership Journal Winter, 1983

The Scripture declares, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10). From this

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passage it can be seen that every Christian has a ministry for which he is accountable to God. On this point there is no difference between clergy and laity. Thus when the layman is confronted with the opportunity to serve in the church, the question for him is not whether he has a ministry, but whether this particular form of ministry is the one to which God is calling him and for which he will hold him accountable.

This attitude runs directly counter to the practice of voluntarism, a habit deeply ingrained in American Church life and devastating in its effect. By voluntarism I mean the notion that ministry is optional for the layman. If a layman rejected an opportunity to serve in the church, all concerned react with indifference, or, at most, disappointment. On the other hand, if he accepts an invitation for ministry, he is looked upon as having granted the church a favor.—Norman Harper, Making Disciples (Christian Studies Center)

The local church is essentially a training place to equip Christians to carry out their own ministries. Unfortunately, for many Christians the church is a place to go watch professionals perform and to pay the professionals to carry out the church program. In many quarters Christianity has deteriorated into professional “pulpitism” financed by lay spectators. The church hires a staff of ministers to do all the Christian service. This scheme is not only a violation of God’s plan, but an absolute detriment to the growth of the church and the vitality of the members of the Body. Every member needs to find a significant place of service. To limit the work of the ministry to a small, select class of fulltime clergymen hinders the spiritual growth of God’s people, stunts the discipleship process in the Body, and the evangelistic outreach of the church into the community.

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—John MacArthur, Jr., Body Dynamics (Victor Books)

How ridiculous it would be if football coaches yanked their starting lineup off the field, and inserted themselves into the game to run the plays. Yet too often, that’s what church leaders are doing! The leaders are the “star players” who pass, block, and kick-while spectators watch and clap. But our job as leaders is to coach the church members so they can get into the game and succeed—while we clap and offer support from the sidelines. Like coaches, church leaders are successful when they've prepared others to get the job done.—Bruce Wilkinson, President of Walk Thru The Bible Ministries

Before moving to the final phase of the lesson, underline three sentences from those five quotes that, in your opinion, best summarize the foundational perspective that a servant needs.A Noble IdentityHow does this “call to Christian service” emphasis make you feel? Jot down three different words that describe your gut-level reactions. Briefly explain why you feel the way you do.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When you converse with Christians outside your study group, make it a point to increase their consciousness of this “ministry” concept. You can do it without being preachy, or threatening. How?

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By describing a service project or ministry you're involved in, and asking them to pray for the endeavor. By planning how your involvement in some aspect of God’s work spurs your overall growth as a Christian. By mentioning your participation in this Learning To Serve course and sharing things you learn along the way. By asking questions such as, “What ministry are you involved in?” or “What are you doing for the Lord that I can pray with you about?” By meeting with one or more persons after each Learning To Serve session, and informally going over the material with them.

Which one of these suggestions would you choose to implement this week? Circle your response.

Do one other thing to reinforce your identity as a “minister” of Jesus Christ. Pluck a snapshot of yourself from a photo album and paste it in the rectangle below. Please . . . don’t shirk this suggestion or view it as a trivial pursuit. Going through the motions will shove this lesson deeper into your self-consciousness. When the photo is in place, read the “Servant’s Prayer” and make it your own. Then sign your name as a way of affirming your acceptance of your noble identity as a minister.

Father, my significance before you is based upon Christ’s work on the cross. He paid a steep price for my sin. Nothing I do can make me more acceptable in your sight. I'm a Christian because of what Christ has already done. Yet in loving response to his work on my behalf, you have called me to work for you in the various spheres of my influence. You want others to know the Good News, and your plan is to accomplish the task through all your

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people, not an elite group of professionals. I consider it a privilege to participate in your grand program on earth. Thank you for giving me the title of “minister.” I trust you to show me the particular forms my ministry should take, and to strengthen me so my efforts will not be in vain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Signature _____________________________________

MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL

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Chapter 2

THESERVANT’S HEART

In You and Your Network (Word Books), Fred Smith shares a poignant story:

A young Amish girl received a small box of candy for Christmas. Her mother, teaching her unselfishness, suggested she keep the candy unopened until her friends came by. After several weeks her friends came, and she excitedly passed the candy around, with each taking a piece. She closed the box and set it on the table without taking a piece for herself. When her mother asked her if she wanted some of the candy, she blushed and said, “Oh, I forgot that I was here.”

How refreshing! The girl actually forgot herself because she was so wrapped up in the act of giving. She typifies an attitude foreign to most people living in the twenty first century, yet it is required for persons who want to serve others in Jesus’ name. Call it humility, unselfishness, others-centeredness—it boils down to a “servant heart.”

If the girl’s self-forgetfulness seems unrealistic to you, don’t feel you’re the only one who feels that way. Jesus’ original disciples weren’t born with a servant heart, either. The following Bible study shows them grappling with this concept, and acquaints you with what Jesus said about it. As you delve into it, give the Holy Spirit permission to perform whatever surgical procedures are necessary to whip your heart into shape.Key to Greatness

Read Matthew 20:20-28 a couple of times. Keep in mind the context of this episode. Jesus and

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his band of followers were traveling toward Jerusalem. Within a few days, the rapid-fire events culminating in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection would unfold. his hardcore disciples believed he was the royal Messiah on his way to Jerusalem to claim his throne. Though they correctly identified him and assigned authority to him, they didn’t understand the nature of his mission. They envisioned a temporal, earthly rule with Christ. But he knew that suffering on the cross would precede his rule in man’s heart.

Use the following questions to delve into Matthew 20:20-28.1. What can you commend about the woman’s approach to Jesus?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What was wrong with the request? What misconceptions did it reflect? (Examine Jesus’ words in verses 17-19 of Matthew 20 for insights to this question.)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. How did the attitude of the other ten disciples compare with the attitudes of James and John? Why do you think they were indignant?

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It is probably clear to you that Jesus uses the mother’s request to drive home an important point: Inappropriate ambition can mark even the most ardent disciple of Christ. Before we get too critical of James and John, though, let’s put the spotlight on ourselves.4. In what specific ways does inappropriate ambition show up in our lives—particularly in our roles as workers for God? (Mention a couple of real or hypothetical examples.)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Now let’s zero in on Jesus’ response to the disciples’ attitude. Mull over verses 25-28, and put his reaction in your own words.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Based on verses 25-28, write a one-sentence

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definition of “greatness.” Choose your words carefully.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus contrasts two distinct approaches to leadership: a “lord-it-over” approach that pulls rank and influences by force, and a “servant” approach that emphasizes sacrificial living. Vastly different attitudes are presented by the two approaches. Whether or not you occupy a leadership position in the church or in some other organization, Jesus calls for a sacrificial attitude in contrast to the self-centeredness that often characterizes unsaved persons.7. Think for a minute about how radically different our society’s concept of greatness is, compared to Jesus’ words in verses 26-28. In what ways do we Christians tend to embrace the world’s concept of greatness? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. What example did Jesus give of the attitude he wanted among his disciples? (v. 28)_____________________________________________________9. Turn to Philippians 2:3-8 and John 13:12-17. How do these passages contribute to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 20:25-28?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Easier Said Than Done

Cultivating a servant-heart is a difficult, ongoing process. Yet it is not an optional endeavor. In Jesus’ eyes, serving others is the noblest way to lead and to influence them. Spend some time reflecting on your motives and attitudes when it comes to areas of service as you answer the questions below. Right now, choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as he speaks to you about applying this truth.1. What are some realistic obstacles to the formation of a servant-heart within me?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Think of one area of responsibility, or one influential relationship, that the Lord has given to you (church board member? Sunday school teacher? Youth sponsor? Parent? Employees you manage? etc.) For now, zero in on just one area, not several.My sphere of responsibility is: _____________________________________________________3. Prayerfully consider responses to the questions that follow:

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a. Specifically how might a “lord-it-over,” self-centered mindset creep into this relationship or responsibility?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. If I were more of a servant in this particular relationship or sphere of responsibility, how would it show?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. One thing I can do differently during the coming week in order to apply Matthew 20:20-28 is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Remember the opening anecdote in Lesson 1, about the man who ate dog food? I used the story to emphasize that we can’t fake servant-hood. Unless we have the heart of a servant, we can’t successfully pass ourselves off as caring persons. With that perspective in mind, ask the Lord to root out any remnants of the world’s attitude, and to cultivate a sacrificial spirit within you. Apart from supernatural resources, changing our attitude is “mission impossible.” Prayer, however, is a form of rebellion against the status quo in our lives. Don’t pray alone, though. Call the person who agreed to pray with you throughout this course. Summarize what you gleaned from the Scripture references in this

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lesson. Then share with him/her your responses to the questions in the “Easier Said Than Done” section. Ask that person to pray for more servant-hood to show in the relationship or area of responsibility that you selected, and to hold you accountable for your action plan recorded in 3 (c).

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Chapter 3

THE SERVANT IS ANEXAMPLE (PART 1)

Once in a while, you meet a person whose life cuts a swath through mediocrity. You feel you're a better person spiritually just by observing or associating with that individual. Right now, search your memory bank and think of a time when you learned a lot from another Christian merely by observing him or her. Try to recall a specific incident or anecdote. Do not include what you picked up from that person’s formal verbal instruction or counsel. Describe the experience below and spell out what that person’s attitude or behavior taught you._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What conclusion about ministry, or influencing others for Christ, can you glean from the experience you described? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________State your answer in the form of a timeless principle, that is, a general principle that may apply at any time.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Anyone who wants to make an impact for Christ must get a mega-grip on this maxim: We exert more influence by example than we do by indoctrination. Put another way, modeling our faith is the best way to share it. So far in this iTIM course you've discovered your biblical identity as a minister, and you've acknowledged the importance of a servant heart as a foundation for service. Now let the Holy Spirit stamp an indelible impression on your inner world through a Scripture study on “modeling.”Practiced What He Preached

Though Jesus constantly offered verbal instruction that bored into the spirit of people within earshot, his primary leadership method was his life. No “mud” ever stuck that foes slung at him! No credibility gap separated his behavior from his teaching. To locate evidence for this claim, open your Bible to the Gospels.

First, inspect John 13:1-17. In the previous lesson, we employed this episode as an illustration of Jesus’ servant mentality. Now it’s time to examine it more carefully in reference to the “modeling” theme.We should first note that the washing of feet was an everyday task in Jesus' time. People walked on dusty roads with open-toed sandals. Washing the feet of guests was a task for household slaves. Thus Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet was profoundly counter-cultural. 1. How does the chronological/historical information contained in verses 1-3 lend an aura of special importance to Jesus’ actions?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________2. Briefly, how did Jesus himself interpret his washing of the disciples’ feet? (v. 12-14)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What long-range result did Jesus want to accomplish through his actions? (See verses 15-17.)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Now make a left turn in your Bible, and read Luke 11:1. What prompted a disciple to request a verbal lesson on prayer?_____________________________________________________Additional excursions into the Gospels uncover more examples of the credibility of who Jesus was. What follows are three instances in which Jesus’ actions matched his own verbal instructions. In the left-hand column jot down what he commanded, and to the right describe how he obeyed each directive.

What he said in: What he did in:

Matthew 10:5-7 Matthew 11:1Jesus instructed Jesus taught and preached.disciples to teach and preach

(a) Matthew 9:36-38 Luke 6:12-16__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

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__________________________ __________________________

(b) Matthew 18:18-20 John 17:6-8__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

(c) Matthew 18:21-35 John 8:2-11__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

(d) Use your knowledge of Jesus’ teaching to find a different command he gave his followers. Record it below. Whether or not you can locate the specific biblical reference or not, try to record an incident in which you see Jesus himself applying the instruction cited in the left-hand column.__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

Your Modeling CareerLesson 3 merely introduces you to the

concept of serving through your example. The next lesson expands the theme, and pinpoints specific applications and ministry responsibilities. A conceptual seed must be sown deeply into the soil of your consciousness before you can expect fruit in the external field of your life.

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However, application doesn’t “take a week off.” Prayerfully respond to the following suggestions.1. Focus once again on the individual from whom you learned merely by observing his/her life. (See the first two paragraphs in this lesson.) Send a message to that person this week, and inform the individual of the ways God ministered to you through his/her actions. God can use you to return the favor. Your note may encourage the other believer at a timely point in his/her life. (If the person is deceased, write or call the nearest living relative. Hearing how a loved one influenced someone else for Christ can lift the relative’s spirit!)2. Whether or not you're comfortable with the role, this lesson emphasizes that you are a model for others with whom you come in contact. Which individuals or groups with whom you frequently associate are you most burdened for spiritually? (Your own child? Members of a youth group? A spouse? An unsaved neighbor? Sunday school class members? Co-workers at the office?)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Give the Lord unqualified permission to pick up the pace in his cultivation of your character. You want the person or group listed in number 2 to benefit spiritually from their association with you, just as you profited from your association with the individual mentioned in number 1 above.Communicating Likeness

Let’s shift the spotlight from Jesus’ demonstration to his verbal input to the subject of modeling. Mull over the words in Luke 6:40. Put the meaning of Jesus’ statement into your own words.

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This verse aptly summarizes the point of Lesson 3. Whether or not we're in a formal teaching role, Jesus insisted that persons over whom we exert influence tend to become like us! As parents, teachers, administrators, youth sponsors, and witnesses we convey more than content when we interact with others. We also communicate likeness.Look again at Luke 6:40. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” The verb “be” in this verse means “to reach the same level as.” We can’t lead our children, pupils, neighbors, or trainees any farther spiritually than we've traveled ourselves. When it comes to spiritual development, more is “caught” by learners than is received through verbal transmission alone. More is learned by association with and observing of others than is picked up in classroom situations. Joe Aldrich, former President of Multnomah University, put it this way: “Belief systems can be transmitted verbally, but values are socially-anchored. That is, they're transmitted through relationships with significant persons in our lives.” That’s why a person’s character and values are so foundational to effectiveness in Christian service endeavors. The greater the gap between the faith we speak and the faith we live, the lesser the likelihood of influencing others positively.

In a nutshell, here’s a definition of modeling: Modeling is the conscious or unconscious process by which the attitudes, behavior, and/or speech of another is strongly influenced by exposure to your

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life.

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Chapter 4

THE SERVANT IS ANEXAMPLE (PART 2)

A newspaper cartoon showed a Bible-toting kid speaking to his father on a Sunday morning. The father was relaxing in his easy chair, and had obviously been there throughout the morning—rather than with his family in church. The boy is saying: “Want to know what I learned at Sunday School this morning, hypocrite?” Ouch! The young man notices a credibility gap in his dad’s life. The dad’s beliefs and life-style just don’t mesh. In other words, the boy is learning more from who his dad is and what he does than from what his dad professes.

In the previous lesson you surveyed instances in the Gospels where Jesus practiced what he preached. What he did consistently corresponded to what he told others to do. Also, you put Luke 6:40 under the microscope and digested this inescapable principle: people who associate with us, and over whom we exert influence, tend to imitate our values. As parents, teachers, coaches, evangelists, youth leaders, office managers—you name it—we transmit more than content and skills. We also communicate likeness. People tend to adopt the lifestyle practices they see operating in the lives of “significant others.”

This second lesson on the importance of example takes you on a safari through the Scriptures. You'll search for additional insights on serving as a “model” of faith. Then you'll interact with recent social science research on the phenomenon tabbed “observational learning.” Approach the lesson prayerfully, and the combination will provide the grist for a changed life.

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Message on ModelingThe concept of serving through example is

woven through the fabric of the Bible verses that follow. In some instances, the term translated “example” is actually used. Other verses refer to the influence of association without directly referring to the term.

First, look up each passage and fill in the chart. That’s merely an “observation” exercise in which you jot down areas of life or conduct specifically mentioned in which we're expected to serve as positive examples. Then turn the knob of your mind to the “analytical” channel and list timeless conclusions about modeling offered by the references. You may base a conclusion or principle on a single verse, or it may stem from a comparative analysis of the whole set of references.References: Areas of life/conduct in which

we're to model our faith:1 Peter 5:1-4

_______________________________________________________________________________________________1 Timothy 4:12

____________________________________________________________________________________________Titus 2:7, 8

________________________________________________________________________________________________1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 ______________________________________________________________________________________2 Thessalonians 3:6-9

__________________________________

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_____________________________________________________Phil. 4:8-9

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The life area about which the Lord is speaking to me personally is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Timeless Conclusions on Observational Learning:Next, add Proverbs 13:20 and 22:24-25 to the list of passages. Consider the input from these two proverbs, as well as from the above references, to answer the following question. What insights or conclusions of a timeless nature can you glean from these Bible references?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The insight most pertinent to current ministries and relationships I'm involved in is: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________because __________________________________________________________________________________________________Characteristics of a Model

Social scientists have conducted extensive research on one person’s tendency to imitate another. They've identified relationship variables

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that increase the likelihood of others adopting our values and behavior patterns. What follows are characteristics of a relationship that fosters observational learning. When these factors are present, we exert a greater influence over another. These characteristics make others want to “be like” us. The power of the model to induce imitation increases when:1. The model is perceived as a competent person,

and high in status.2. The model is an important source of comfort and

support.3. The model maintains frequent, long-term contact

with the other person.4. The other person identifies with the model, or

sees him/her as similar to himself.5. Several other models show the same behavior

(when the model isn’t alone in what he/she demonstrates . . . when the person being influenced observes similar values in other adults/leaders as well).

6. The behavior demonstrated is typical of a group to which the imitator belongs, or wants to belong.

7. The model is observed in a variety of life situations and circumstances.

8. The model explains or interprets his behavior through instruction and shared experiences.

So What?Right now, do some hard thinking about these

eight factors. Can you think of personal instances where these characteristics were either exhibited or observed by you? Read the list again, and pause after each point to consider the question, “So what?”

Perhaps the most profitable approach to brainstorming for applications is to mentally focus on one individual or group with whom you frequently associate, and for whom you carry a

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spiritual burden. Near the end of Lesson 3 you identified this person or group and began praying for a more positive influence. In the space below, jot down at least three possible applications of the relationship characteristics previously outlined. Be specific!______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As a result of this prayerful reflection, one change I can make in order to exert more influence for Christ in this relationship is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Modeling Misconceptions

The call to model your faith as a parent or Christian worker isn’t new. In one form or another, you've probably been reminded of this responsibility many times. To cover this subject adequately, though, requires coming to grips with your feelings. What reaction does the mandate to serve through exemplary living cause inside of you? Be honest and include some feeling words in your response.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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When they're eyeball-to-eyeball with the responsibility of modeling faith, many folks feel inadequate or guilt-ridden. In some people, a self-condemning voice stifles motivation and causes despair. Changes may be in order, yet a constant harping about one’s shortcoming doesn’t provide the impetus or hope for transformation. Unfortunately, they feel they must model perfection, rather than a process of spiritual growth. Digest the following anecdote, and jot down responses to the questions.

A Christian father walks in on an argument between his two young sons. He jumps to conclusions about the cause of the conflict, and spanks the seven-year-old. Immediately following the spanking, the seven-year-old yells something to his dad, which was perceived as a rebellious attitude on the part of the boy. The dad spanked him a second time.

At this point, the man’s wife interrupts and defends the child. “You've made a mistake,” she insists. “He’s innocent. You misinterpreted the incident.” She went on to explain that the boy yelled in an effort to say he was innocent of the charge, but the father was too angry to listen. The father, cut to the quick by the realization of his mistake, wept openly. He asked his son to forgive him, and promised that he'd never spank him again without listening to his side of the story. Then he knelt beside the seven-year-old’s bed, and with the boy beside him, tearfully asked the Lord’s forgiveness.

A week later, the father shared the painful incident with a friend from his church. Though the boy had readily forgiven him, the father still felt distraught over his impulsiveness, and wondered if he had left an emotional scar on his son. The friend’s reply surprised him. “Cheer up. As it turned out, you were a role model to your son of living out your Christian faith.”

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What is your reaction to the friend’s statement? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In what sense was the father a good role model to his seven-year-old?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What misconception about modeling does this story expose?_____________________________________________________

As a result of evaluating this anecdote, I will change my attitude toward being a role model by:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 5

THE SERVANT’SPRAYER

Decades before the invention of radio, satellite TV, and social media, Charles H. Spurgeon’s reputation as a preacher spanned the globe. Blessed with exceptional mental ability, when most boys his age were content to be enrolled in the second grade, he knew Hebrew, Greek, and Latin! At the tender age of 21, his pulpit oratory held thousands spellbound. Can we explain this British pastor’s success on the basis of his high IQ and natural speaking ability?

No. The key to his effectiveness was discovered by the American evangelist, D. L. Moody. Moody visited London and spent some time with Spurgeon. When Moody returned to Chicago, curious associates of Moody kept asking, “Did you hear Spurgeon preach?”

Yes,” Moody replied. “But better still, I heard Spurgeon pray.” The famous preacher’s praying left a bigger impression on Moody than his eloquent sermons. (from C. H. Spurgeon, by Arnold Dallimore, Moody Press)

Spurgeon’s dependence on prayer reminds me of a fundamental principle of Christian service: God’s work apart from prayer produces clever ineffectiveness. Public performance can never compensate for lack of spiritual fervor. This reminds us that a servant makes time for prayer on his or her daily agenda. In this lesson you'll probe selected prayers of Jesus in the Gospels, and identify their practical implications for your times of prayer. And you'll examine Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:9-

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13. This study won’t make you another Spurgeon, but it can stimulate you to tap into the same spiritual resource that he relied on.Jesus’ Practice of Prayer

Though Jesus was divine, he regularly conversed with God the Father. By analyzing the context and content of selected prayers recorded in the four Gospels, we can learn more about this discipline. Read each set of references. Next, summarize the chronological context and/or content of each incidence. Then formulate a “prayer principle” that holds true for everyone, or a personal application revealed by the Holy Spirit. I've provided a sample.Context and/or content Timeless truth orof Jesus’ prayer personal application1. Luke 11:1Jesus’ practice of prayer preceded his teaching on prayer, which followed,in Luke 11:2-13.Their observation of his praying whetted their appetites for thebenefits of prayer.

What qualifies me toteach on prayer isn’tbook knowledge, butexperiential knowledge.When I’m a praying person, others can see the difference it makes. My prayers can prompt others to pray.

2. Luke 6:12-16__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________3. Mark 1:35 and Luke 5:15-16. (Look for similarity between these two occurrences.)

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__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________4. John 6:11 and John 11:41-42__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________5. Mark 14:32-42__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________6. John 17:6-19 (Look for specific requests Jesus made on behalf of his disciples.)__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Dotted throughout the Gospels are excerpts of Jesus’ teaching on prayer. To survey the entire

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spectrum of his instruction is impossible in one lesson. Perhaps the most productive approach is to zero in on Matthew 6:9-13, traditionally called “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Matthew 6:1-8 sets the stage for verses 9-13. Jesus warned listeners not to practice their righteousness in order to be noticed by man. When it comes to the disciplines of giving, praying, and fasting, he told them to make God—not other people—their audience. In this setting, he offered a prayer that he intended to serve as a timeless model. In his model prayer, Jesus unloaded a dump truck of insights concerning the attitude and content of our conversation with God. Now let’s put Matthew 6:9-13 under the microscope. Read the passage slowly, and record your responses.1. These verses imply that the following attitudes should characterize my prayer times:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Facts about God that I should keep in mind when I approach Him are:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Specific concerns Jesus mentioned in his prayer include:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. When I compare the content of my prayers over

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the past few weeks to the concerns Jesus addressed, I make the following observations:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. In verse 10, Jesus prayed, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Let’s put this element of Jesus’ prayer into the present tense. What are some examples of praying that mirror Jesus’ concern for the advancement of God’s kingdom?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Based on my analysis of Matthew 6:9-13, the Holy Spirit is nudging me to make the following change in my prayer life:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Your Ministry of PrayerOne type of prayer Jesus demonstrated and encouraged is intercession. To intercede for another means to approach the Lord with petitions on his or her behalf. Thus we can nod in agreement with this maxim: “Prayer doesn’t just prepare me for ministry. Prayer is ministry.” Before your next group meeting, implement the following suggestions. Turn the tables on the individual who agreed to pray for you for the duration of this course. After sharing a nugget or two from this Bible study on prayer, ask your partner for requests he/she has.

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Resolve to approach the Lord with those requests in the weeks ahead. Take time this week to intercede for your local church and its varied ministries. Call a member of the pastoral staff and ask for specific items to bring before God. (You will also use the corporate requests during the next meeting of your study group.) Don’t forget to continue praying for the needs of that special person or group you chose in Lesson 3 and how you might implement plans for effectively ministering to them.Taken for Granted Ministry Tool

Don’t be selfish with what you're learning in this course. God never teaches you solely for your own benefit. He wants your life to serve as a channel through which he can touch others in the orbit of your influence. As you progress through this Learning To Serve course, view the contents of your workbook as a tool for ministry to others.Begin asking God to bring one Christian into your life with whom you could meet on a weekly basis. (Your meetings may not start until you complete this course.) You could obtain a new Learning To Serve workbook for this person, and go over each lesson together when you meet. This informal discipling context wouldn’t require you to serve as a teacher in a formal sense, so the role shouldn’t be too threatening. If you pursue this ministry alternative, obtain a copy of this Learning to Serve Leader’s Guide by logging on to: TrainingInMinistry.com. You can adapt the commentary and group methodologies to a one-to-one situation. Your study leader would be helpful and willing in offering suggestions and providing assistance in this “step of faith”. Also, be sure to spell out the costs for anyone willing to meet. The same hour or so of weekly homework you're engaged in will be required of this

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prospective learner.When you've completed this course, one

measure of its impact on your life will be whether or not your workbook gathers dust on a bookshelf.

The name of a person who initially comes to mind as a prospective study partner is __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 6

THE SERVANT’SLOVE

In 1978, the Associated Press relayed a peculiar event that occurred in the Philippine city of Manila. A twenty-five year old Swiss woman doused gasoline on her saffron-colored religious robe, lit a match, and burned to death behind a public monument. A member of an Indian religious sect, the woman sat cross-legged and chanted ritual prayers as the flames engulfed her.

What prompted her bizarre behavior? Her own explanation raised a few eyebrows. Moments before committing suicide, she circulated leaflets saying she was going to kill herself “purely to express my love for humanity”!

That’s love in action, all right, but in a very warped sense. No matter how unselfish her motives, her deed profited no one. To love may involve dying to our own desires, but not drawing attention to one’s so-called concern through public suicide.

Lesson 6 gives front-page attention to this trait. You'll scan the Gospels for evidence of Jesus’ love, and consider appropriate ways this fundamental quality shows up in the life of a servant. The hour it takes to complete this study won’t earn you Associated Press copy, but it may fire the furnace of your spiritual fervor.Badge of a Christian

In the Upper Room, hours before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you

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have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35). A few minutes later, he reiterated, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.. Abide in my love . . . This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:9, 12).1. The theme of love is woven throughout the fabric of the Old Testament. Jesus wasn’t the first to issue a call for love among men. With that backdrop, in what sense was Jesus’ command in John 13:34 “new”?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Which word from the John chapter 13 demonstrates the earnestness of Jesus’ injunction to love?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. According to Jesus, the effect of love exhibited among Christians will be:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. What is implied by the fact that loving others is a command?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Excluding the “love one another” imperative, what phrase does John 13:34-35 and John 15:12 have in common?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Love is Something to DoJesus repeated the words “as I have loved

you” purposefully. He had invested three years with a band of close followers. They had experienced his deeds of love, and had observed him expressing concern to folks outside his immediate entourage. His life served as an object lesson for the intangible concept of love. Put simply, his behavior defined love for them.

You can define a term like love in one of two ways: the dictionary meaning, or based on behavior. A dictionary explains a word in general terms by comparing it to other concepts. It reveals something about the nature of the word under consideration. “Love is a feeling of deep affection” is a dictionary definition of love. A behavioral, definition goes a step further by delineating what the word does. It provides a concrete illustration of what the concept looks like. Examples of behavioral definitions include “love is apologizing to someone you've hurt,” and “love is babysitting the kids while your wife takes piano lessons.”

What follows are slice-of-life stories hoisted from the pages of the Gospels. Soak up the details of each of them, then summarize in one or two sentences how Jesus manifested love. What forms did his love take?Mark 1:40-42________________________________________ _____________________________________________________Mark 6:30-34

_________________________________________ _____________________________________________________John 8:1-11

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Mark 10:17-22 _____________________________________________________________________________________________Luke 19:1-10

________________________________________ _____________________________________________________John 13:35 _______________________________________________________________________________________________Luke 22:31-32

_____________________________________________________________________________________________John 19:17-30 ______________________________________________________________________________________________John 21:1-13 _______________________________________________________________________________________________1. The demonstration of love that most impresses me is_____________________________________________________because __________________________________________________________________________________________________2. When I classify the various types of individuals/groups who receive Jesus’ love, I come up with the following list:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. When I analyze these events, conclusions I make about the nature of Christian love are (at least three):

a. ________________________________________________b. ________________________________________________c. ________________________________________________

4. Though I cannot replicate every expression of love Jesus rendered—such as dying for others’ sins, Jesus does serve as a model for my interactions with others. One application of these stories for my personal relationships is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Easier Said Than Done

When it comes to God’s instruction on love, this lesson exposes just the tip of the biblical iceberg. If you're like the rest of us though, what is needed isn’t more knowledge, but exercising what we already know. Try the following workout program.1. Select one ministry you're currently involved in. (If you have numerous ones, choose the one you consider most significant. Perhaps you'll select the area of responsibility chosen from Lesson 2. Think of formal positions in the church, as well as behind-the-scenes ministries of a personal nature. Are you a Sunday school worker? Youth sponsor? Board member? Personal evangelism? Etc.)Describe your service outlet here:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Now do some Spirit-guided brainstorming for behavioral ways you can show more love through this particular channel. List the ideas here:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Next, identify one personal relationship in which you yearn to demonstrate more of Christ’s love. (Relationship with a Parent? Spouse? Child? Competitor at the office? Disruptive pupil? The person or group you've named as having a burden for may be very appropriate here.) The relationship I selected is: _____________________________________________________3. Now list behavioral definitions of love that are realistic possibilities for this relationship:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It’s a lot easier to complete a Bible study on love than to become a more loving person. Let’s face it: when certain people come to mind, Jesus’ command to love seems like “mission impossible.” As you work at incorporating those behavioral definitions into your experience, keep the following perspectives in mind. If you are a believer, the Holy Spirit indwells you and can give you supernatural ability to reach out. Rely on his abilities rather than your own inadequacies. He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). When you fully grasp the unconditional nature of

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God’s love for you, it’s easier to love others. When we realize that he keeps loving us despite our shortcomings, it frees us to love others in spite of their weaknesses. Experiencing unconditional love prepares us to give it. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11, NIV). Don’t wait for some kind of “feeling” before reaching out to another. We often conclude it’s hypocritical to show love to a person when we don’t feel a lot of affection for him or her. But Christian love is a commitment, a rock-ribbed choice to behave a certain way, not an emotion. When God gives us positive feelings about someone, it usually follows obedience to behavioral commands. It’s up to us to step out and act lovingly. It’s up to God to honor that obedience by transforming our attitude toward the person.

When it comes to reasons for getting involved in ministry, the Holy Spirit serves as a Geiger counter for our motives. May Paul’s words ring true for us: “For the love of Christ controls us” (2 Corinthians 5:14).

For a more in-depth treatment of relationships among Christians, see the lesson titled “Life in the Family of God in the iTIM course Christianity 101.

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Chapter 7

THE SERVANTLEARNS TO TRUST

WHEN?Jesus,when do I come to You for help?The moment I hear the five-day advanced forecast?When I hear the 10 o'clock report the evening before?When I feel the first uncomfortable breeze, or when I seethe first dark cloud on the horizon?Or do I wait until the sky turns into clouds?Until raindrops crack the windowpane?Until my furniture begins to float?Jesus,You know the answer to that.You know I usually wait until I surface For the third time.Why can’t I just admit that I can’t swim . . .and keep You—the Lifesaver—with me at all times?!—Terry Powell, from Andrea Midgett, Faces: Prayers and Poems for Your Personal Devotion.

This poem reflects a hesitancy to trust Christ in the crucible of daily living. Inspired by the events of Mark 4:35-41, it suggests that deep trust in the Lord isn’t automatic after one accepts Jesus as Savior. Yet the Bible is clear: Faith is a prerequisite for spiritual growth and potency in ministry.

How does the Lord cultivate more faith in his servants? What trust-building resources does God provide? What is our responsibility in the construction process? For answers, open your Bible

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to the action-packed episode referred to above. Mark 4:35-41 overflows with insights on this indispensable trait.Small Craft Advisory

Jesus and his disciples were bone tired. All day long they had mingled with the crowd along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. So many folks had come to hear Jesus that they had forced Him off the beach and into a fishing boat in the water. From there he was able to speak to more people on the shore. Mark 4:35-41 records what happened next. As you read the narrative again, pay close attention to specific words and details.1. What are some “feeling words” that you think described the disciples’ inner state when the storm hit?__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________2. What type of situations cause similar reactions in you? Figuratively speaking, what “storms” most often challenge your faith and erode your stability?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. According to Mark 4:40, what did the disciples lack?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. What distinction can you make between the fear that marked the disciples before the miracle (Mark 4:38-40), and their fear after the miracle (vs. 41)?

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. According to verse 35, who initiated the trip across the lake? _____________________________ Why is this detail significant? What timeless conclusion about faith does this suggest?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Look at verse 35 again. What did Jesus say before the storm came that should have increased the trust level of the disciples during the storm?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Inspect Jesus’ words in verse 40. In view of the storm’s severity, his rebuke seems harsh. “Have you still no faith?” Jesus asked. The word “still” could be translated “not yet.” Keep in mind that the disciples had previously observed Jesus perform miracles, including healing a leper and curing a demon-possessed man. What was the basis for his stern rebuke?_____________________________________________________8. Let’s take Jesus’ rebuke in verse 40 a step further. What fear-smashing (or faith-building) principle can you glean from the words? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________9. Other lessons about faith that I see in this passage are:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________10. In light of the anxiety-producing circumstances confronting me right now, the insight on faith from Mark 4:35-41 that means most to me is__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Faith Under Construction

In addition to other observations, this boat-rocking event reveals three ways in which the Lord works to strengthen our faith. THE LORD OFTEN USES ROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES TO TEST AND TO DEEPEN OUR FAITH. Jesus initiated the boat ride. He intentionally planned the situation as a lab experiment in the training of the disciples. They had heard him teach and observed his miracles. The storm was a type of “pop quiz” on what they had been learning. When Jesus wants to examine the quality of our faith, he doesn’t give a true-false quiz on Bible facts. His classroom is life, and his exams may take the form of hard to handle situations. He isn’t as interested in our comfort as he is our maturity.

The fact that the disciples failed this particular faith test is encouraging. Those same men later became dynamic, faith-filled leaders. Yet despite their failure, the storm’s educational purpose was accomplished. They learned to trust themselves less and to trust Jesus more. In their weakness, his strength rescued them. James echoes the point: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully

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developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character” (James 1:2-4, Phillips).

We can’t always explain why God allows a particular adversity. Yet this overarching perspective can sustain us and increase our reliance on him. Right now, what poses the greatest threat to your security? Describe the situation here:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the box, write out a brief prayer that reflects the faith building perspective explained in the preceding paragraphs. Use the prayer as a means of yielding to the Lord’s carpentry work in your life.

WHEN WE'RE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, THE LORD STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH THROUGH ENCOURAGING PROMISES. Right before the cloudburst, Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side” (v. 35). Most scholars I've consulted agree that Jesus was indirectly promising that they would arrive safely on the opposite shore. He implied that he and his entourage would reach their destination.

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But when the waves started dashing against the boat, they forgot his words.

The broader principle illustrated in this specific incident is this: learning and recalling timeless promises in God’s Word increases trust during tough times. Even when you subtract the promises that have already been fulfilled, and those that have conditions attached, hundreds of potential faith boosters remain on the pages of Scripture.

Here are five promises that often snatch me from the terrible grip of anxiety: Isaiah 41:10 John 16:24 1 Corinthians 15:58 1 Corinthians 10:13 Philippians 4:19

Take a couple of minutes to read these verses. Which promise is most pertinent to the threatening situation you previously described?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I recommend a long-term application of this second truth. Are you game?

Why not keep a notebook of Bible promises? Or memorize one promise a week? Think of it. A year from now when you're neck-deep in problems you'll have instant recall of 52 promises from God. That internal filing system we call “memory” gives the Holy Spirit lots of fuel to work with. Keeping God’s promises on permanent file helps you view even the toughest situations from his perspective.REMEMBERING THE LORD’S PAST PERFORMANCE ENCOURAGES TRUST. Jesus’ rebuke in Mark 4:40 was prompted by the disciples’ poor memory. He insisted that previous experiences of his power and provision should have fathered enough faith to face

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the storm. That’s why he asked, “Have you still no faith?”

When we recall past instances of God’s faithfulness, it gets a little easier to trust Him during current trials. Glance over your shoulder for a moment. In what specific ways has the Lord demonstrated his adequacy and trustworthiness in the past? Describe a couple of those times. (Think of answers to prayer, emotional or material provision, reconciled relationships, guidance offered by a Bible verse, etc.)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank the Lord for proving Himself in these ways, then look squarely at the faith-threatening situation you're now facing. Tell the Lord that you're unsure how this thing will turn out, but you're aware that he can be trusted!Use It or Lose It

Before you draw the curtain on this lesson, remember that the Lord never blesses or teaches you solely for your benefit. He wants your life to serve as a channel of his grace to others. If you benefited from the fear-fighting insights of Mark 4:35-41, choose one or both of the following ways to pass it on: During dinner or a family devotional time, take three or four minutes to explain how truth from the passage relates to some crisis or threatening situation the family is facing. It isn’t realistic or necessary for a parent to deposit detailed theology in the vaults of their kids’ minds. But it is feasible

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and desirable to show children how God’s centuries-old truths relate to contemporary life experiences. How else will they learn that God’s Word isn’t out of date? Think of a hurting person in your church or community—someone who is facing the “storm” of a job loss, marital discord, illness, etc. Write this individual a letter. Let him or her know you're praying, and share a faith-strengthening insight from Mark 4:35-41 that you feel is pertinent to his/her situation. Don’t glibly quote a verse or pose a simplistic solution to the dilemma. Yet pass along a perspective or promise that has sustained you through storms of your own. Right now, take a minute and decide which strategy you will employ this week and write it below._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 8

THE SERVANTIS ACCOUNTABLE

In his book, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, Chuck Swindoll discusses a characteristic that is on the endangered species list among God’s servants. He mentions this characteristic in concert with three others:

There is a fourth essential characteristic when it comes to living differently, and I warn you; it is the least popular of the four. After vision and determination and priorities, I should also mention accountability. People who really make an impact model this rare quality.

What do I mean by accountability? In the simplest terms, it is answering the hard questions. Accountability includes opening one’s life to a few carefully-selected, trusted, loyal confidants who speak the truth—who have the right to examine, to question, to appraise, and to give counsel.

Not much has been said or written about accountability. Practically every time I've spoken on the subject, I've had people say afterwards, “I never hear this addressed. I don’t read much about it. In fact, I have seldom even used the word!”I'm not suggesting for a moment that accountability gives the general public [unrestricted] access to any and all areas of one’s private life. I do not have in mind some legalistic tribunal where victims are ripped apart with little concern for their feelings. The purpose of the relationship . . . is to be a helpful sounding board, to guard someone from potential peril, to identify the possibility of a “blind spot,” to serve in an advisory capacity, bringing perspective

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and wisdom where such may be lacking. Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, (Word).

Bull’s eye! Swindoll is again on target. Accountability must mark the servant of Jesus Christ. That’s why Lessons 8 and 9 wrestle with this concept. In this lesson, you'll see that learning accountability was integral to the disciples’ ministry training. Then you'll move outside the scope of the Gospels and identify three relationships in which accountability is required.Jesus Expects Accountability

John 6:1-6 tells what happened immediately preceding Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. Read this passage, and focus especially on verses 5 and 6.1. In what sense was Jesus’ question in verse 5 a test for Philip?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “to give an account” means to provide an explanation; to be held responsible for something; or to furnish a justifying analysis of one’s conduct or belief. Given this meaning, how does Jesus’ question relate to the concept of accountability?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. In a nutshell, John 6:1-6 suggests that I am responsible (or accountable) for:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Now turn to Mark 6:7-13, 30-32. What form did accountability take in this situation?

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Put simply, the Mark 6 episode informs me that I must give an account for:_____________________________________________________6. Next, turn to Matthew 25:14-30, which contains Jesus’ teaching on a related subject. In this parable, what is Jesus holding the men accountable for?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Jesus himself expanded the realm of accountability referred to in Matthew 25:14-30. For in Luke 12:48, Jesus made a rather all-inclusive statement: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

Now apply Jesus’ comment to yourself. He used the term “much” four times in one verse. If you were talking face-to-face with Jesus, what things in your life and background could he be referring to by the word “much”? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________List the advantages, resources, provisions and experiences below. (These are things for which he holds you accountable as a steward. Be specific.) __________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

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In his highly regarded book on Jesus’ ministry strategy, Robert Coleman provides an apt summary on Jesus’ concern for accountability:

Jesus checked up on the actions and reactions of his disciples as they faced various difficult situations. He kept after them constantly, giving them increasingly more attention as his ministry on earth came to a close. He would not let them rest in success or in failure. No matter what they did, there was always more to do and to learn. He rejoiced in their success, but nothing less than world conquest was his goal, and to that end he always superintended their efforts . . . No less patient yet determined supervision is needed today among those who are seeking to train others . . . One dare not assume that the work will be done merely because he has shown a willing worker how to do it, and then sent him out with a glowing expectation of results. Innumerable things could happen to frustrate and sidetrack the work, and unless these matters are dealt with realistically by competent and understanding people, the worker may easily become discouraged and defeated.—Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism (Revell,)

If the original disciples needed close supervision in order to reach their full potential, so do we! The next phase of this lesson pinpoints three basic relationships in which we must practice accountability.To Whom Am I Accountable?1. Study Matthew 12:35-37 and Romans 14:10-12. When it comes to my life and ministry, I am first and foremost accountable to:_____________________________________________________A future, individualized accountability to God is inescapable and inevitable. No one really knows

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how that “accounting” will transpire. God didn’t reveal the details of the process. But the fact alone should serve as an impetus to holiness and careful ministry management.2. Next, focus your mind’s eye on 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 and Hebrews 13:7, 17. Who has a God-delegated right to hold me accountable for my life and ministry?_____________________________________________________

One form that accountability to church leaders takes is openness to their questions about our personal lives. When we know they share our imperfections, it’s easier to share. Chuck Swindoll encourages such accountability.

Why be accountable? Because spiritual leaders have been given, among other responsibilities, the difficult assignment of keeping “watch over your souls.” And not only that, we are told it is profitable for us to be accountable to them.

There are times when the minister of a church or perhaps an elected official may find it necessary to pull up alongside and ask questions regarding your life. When this happens, it isn’t idle or needless probing. And it certainly isn’t for the purpose of gossip. This individual has your good at heart because he or she is accountable to God for your life. According to what we read in Hebrews 13, you are to answer the questions graciously, and listen to the counsel gratefully. That is precisely what accountability means: answering the hard questions.—Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, (Word)

Another form of accountability to leaders involves evaluation and feedback of church-sponsored ministries (teaching Sunday school, youth work, evangelistic visitation, etc.). If you're

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filling a slot in your church program, to which staff member or committee do you report?_____________________________________________________

Does the church have any system for review and evaluation of your efforts? If so, describe it here.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________If not, take some initiative! Ask a staff member or a more experienced worker to observe and to evaluate your performance. Ask this person to meet with you later, and to point out what you did right, as well as areas for improvement.

The person who is capable of reviewing my performance and offering helpful feedback is:_____________________________________________________

I don’t know many church volunteers who ask for that kind of a checkup. But when it comes to the Lord’s tasks, do whatever it takes to excel. Never let mediocrity set your standard! On this point, Harold Westing says:

Some Christians are satisfied simply to be involved in God’s greatest task without ever stopping to consider if they are making the greatest possible impact. God expects faithfulness, we say, suggesting that God asks us only to do our best and to leave the results to Him. But if we do not check on results, how can we know if we are genuinely giving our best? “God only requires faithfulness” may be a cover-up, I'm afraid, for laziness or for unwillingness to face the need for something more than good intentions.—Harold Westing, Evaluate and Grow, by (Victor Books).3. There’s one other relational sphere in which God

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calls for accountability. Look up Romans 15:1-2, and Galatians 6:1-2. Accountability isn’t limited to spiritual leaders. We're also accountable to:

_____________________________________________________In the context of informal, loving relationships, Christians are responsible for one another’s spiritual welfare! Mutual accountability can happen in one-on-one friendships, or in small group meetings.

By now, you probably feel that I've dumped a truckload of material on you in this lesson. Before you put down your pencil, though, think of your iTIM study group. Jot down a couple ways that the principle of accountability shows up in this group from week to week.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some other practical, realistic ways that group members can apply the accountability principle (potential forms of accountability so far untapped)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In what ways can you challenge another Christian you know to be more accountable, either to God, the church or other Christians?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 9

THE SERVANTRESPONDS TO CRITICISM

A great book doesn’t just inform you. It forms you. That’s the effect Gordon MacDonald’s Ordering Your Private World had on me. One of the well-worn pages in my copy offered this challenging story:

Growth always comes when we listen to our critics. And that is not an easy thing for any of us to do. Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigators, had a good method for handling all criticisms directed at himself. No matter how unfair the criticism might seem to be, he would always take it into his prayer closet and in effect spread it before the Lord. Then he would say, “Lord, please show me the kernel of truth hidden in this criticism.”

One reason Dawson Trotman made inroads for God’s kingdom was his yieldedness to this aspect of accountability. He realized that God often speaks through the feedback, counsel, and even the criticism of others.

This lesson beams the spotlight on handling critics. Whether or not we ask for a review of our lives and ministries, we'll eventually receive threatening feedback that calls for change or improvement. For a person preoccupied with God’s work in the church, criticism comes with the turf. What does God’s Word say about our response to criticism? How can we ferret out the unfair criticism from the constructive feedback that we desperately need? Lesson 9 doesn’t exhaust the subject, yet it wrestles with these questions.

Every concept treated in this iTIM course stems from Jesus’ practice and/or teaching. In the

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last lesson you uncovered the broader principle of accountability in several Gospel excerpts. This particular study gleans truth from other concepts found in the New Testament in order to probe a certain component of the evaluation process.Portrait of Accountability

Apollos was the Ph.D. of first-century vocational Christian workers. He grew up in Alexandria, the cultural and educational capital of ancient Egypt. He received a topnotch education in Greek classical literature and the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament).

Acts 18:24-28 describes the time Apollos entered the city of Ephesus. There he assisted in the church work already started by Paul, and a lay married couple named Aquila and Priscilla. Before I ask you to scrutinize this portrait of accountability, keep this point fixed into your mind: Apollos was not guilty of inaccurate or erroneous teaching. The passage clearly states that what he knew, he taught accurately. But despite his scholar’s grasp of the Old Testament, there were gaps in his knowledge about Jesus. No doubt he was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, yet he wasn’t familiar with all the details concerning Christ’s earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. He probably hadn’t spent much time in and around Jerusalem during Christ’s three-year ministry. With that backdrop, familiarize yourself with Acts 18:24-28 and answer the following questions.1. As a minister, what did Apollos have going for him? List words/phrases directly from the text that show his assets or advantages._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. Based on verses 27-28, what is implied about Apollos’ reaction to Priscilla and Aquila’s input?_____________________________________________________3. What qualities best describe Apollos?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. In what sense could Apollos’ strengths, naturally speaking, have hindered his responsiveness to their constructive criticism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ironically, the ministry gifts and successful past experiences which God graciously gives are potential stumbling blocks to teachability. Apollos, though, never allowed the bite of pride to spread its deadly venom into his bloodstream. Though his overall knowledge and public abilities probably were much greater than those of Aquila and Priscilla, he still submitted to their input. He realized that all service is, in some form, a team effort. He knew that no individual servant ever has all abilities.

Right now, pause to thank the Lord for the abilities He has given you, and for any recent ministry efforts that you would label “successful.” (Did you plan a life-changing church retreat? Have you received positive feedback on the last course you taught? Have you led one or more individuals to the Lord in recent weeks?) Being accountable requires humility in our reaction to others’ review of our behavior or ministry performance.Value of a Critic

A recurring theme in the book of Proverbs is our responsiveness to counselors and critics. I've

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selected some of the most penetrating references for you to read. Use these passages to answer the questions below.

Proverbs 1:5; 9:8-9; 10:17; 12:1; 13:1; 15:5, 31-33;

17:10 ; 27:17.

1. Words or phrases directly from these verses describe a person who accepts criticism, or the positive results of listening to others. These include:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Words or phrases directly from the verses that describe a person who resists criticism, or the negative results of not listening to others’ input. These include:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. The specific Proverb on accountability that leaves the biggest impression on me is:_____________________________________________________Not all criticism or counsel takes the form of rebuke. A rebuke is a sharper reprimand that implies we're wrong or off track, and need to change course immediately. Proverbs clearly shows the link between rebuke and spiritual growth. In Restoring Your Spiritual Passion (Oliver Nelson), Gordon MacDonald shares his agreement:

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We all need truth-tellers, even if we don’t really want them . . . no one grows where truth is absent. No one is pushed to be and to do the best . . . One solid rebuke is worth a hundred affirmations. Rebukes are the purifiers which keep spiritual passion clear and forceful . . . Rebukes were and still are among my greatest learning moments. They set me free from things that otherwise would have destroyed my spiritual passion. They spotlighted things that were hurting me badly but that I did not understand. So I am thankful to my wife and other special friends who play the position of rebuke on my team of friends. I understand the proverb that says, “In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery” (Proverbs 28:23, TLB). Responsible Responses

Psalm 141:5 reads, “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.” Based on Psalm 141:5, here are some challenging questions:1. How can we cultivate that kind of attitude toward

criticism? 2. What are some useful techniques for accepting

criticism in an Apollos-like manner? And, 3. How can we distinguish fair from unfair criticism?

To answer them, first, ponder the following ideas on how to accept negative feedback. I adapted these ideas from a Campus Life article by Lew Allen, titled “Nobody Loves a Critic.” Listen to the criticism. Don’t interrupt. Let your critic know you're listening by looking directly at him or her. Never launch a counter attack. There’s no point in criticizing your critic in response to his complaints—

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even if you feel his criticism is unjust. That shifts attention away from the point the other person is trying to make. Don’t joke. If you react flippantly to what is already a serious and unpleasant atmosphere, you'll project an attitude of contempt. Don’t exaggerate the complaint. If a friend says he thought you were thoughtless one time, don’t read into it that he means you're an insensitive clod and then defend yourself against a charge he never made. Whether you agree with it or not, let the other person know that you understand his complaint. Restating or paraphrasing the criticism is a good way to do this. Don’t accuse your critic of some hostile motive for his complaint. Try to set your critic at ease. Thank him or her for caring enough to approach you. If you need to apologize, do it first thing. The longer you wait, the harder it is. Later, mull over what is said. Ask the Lord to show you whether the other person has a valid point.Marshall Shelley goes a step farther. From Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church (Christianity Today, Inc. and Word Books), I've gleaned the following tips on responding to criticism: Consider the source. The first test is the critic’s motivation. Is he or she truly well intentioned? Is he or she committed to ministry? Is he or she a person of integrity? The number of sources making the same criticism is telling. The more the individuals who offer the same painful feedback, the more likely their comments are on target and should be heeded.

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Consider the spirit in which the criticism is given. Gauge the emotional climate. Does the other person’s remark stem from rational reflection and observation, or is it an impulsive reaction characterized by emotional fervor? Shelley says, “Fair criticism, like fertilizer, should be gentle enough to nourish a person’s growth without destroying the roots.” Extreme anger on a critic’s part is a sign that something more is involved. If the emotion is out of proportion to the issue raised, chances are the real issue hasn’t surfaced. Try to uncover the hidden agenda or original cause of the feelings. Don’t overreact or respond impulsively to unexpected criticism. Any layman could employ the standard reply a Toronto pastor gives to every criticism: “You may be right.” “By saying that, I haven’t conceded a thing,” he explains. “It gives me time to mull it over, it tells the critic I'm taking the observation seriously, but it doesn’t commit me to a particular response.” This pastor also avoids dealing with criticism on the day it is received. He says, “Let’s talk about that this week. Will you give me a call?” His response leaves the initiative with the critic and tests how strongly the complaint is felt.So What

When it comes to the biblical teaching on accountability, we need to recognize that knowledge without application results in the abortion of truth. Here’s a way to apply what you learned about handling criticism from Apollos, from the book of Proverbs, and from the contemporary sources previously cited. This journey into your past can prepare you for your next encounter with a critic or helpful evaluator:

Think of a time within the past year when you were on the receiving end of what you'd call a rebuke, or some other form of critical feedback. The subject under concern could have been some sort of

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Christian service endeavor (teaching, witnessing, etc.), or your personal priorities/values/ behavior. Summarize the criticism here.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When you first heard the other person’s remarks, how did you feel? Did you agree or disagree with his/her viewpoint?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________At the time, how did you respond to the criticism? What did you say to him/her?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Did you practice Dawson Trotman’s habit of taking the criticism before the Lord, as described in the Ordering Your Private World anecdote quoted in the introduction to this lesson? Yes _____ No _____

Now that you've examined Scripture and contemporary resources on the subject, what (if anything) would you change about your original reaction to the critic and the criticism? Use the cumulative insights from this lesson to write a detailed analysis of your response.

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Action PlanNo one receives more criticism than members of a pastoral staff. They need some of it. Yet a lot of it is unfair, stemming from church members’ preferences rather than biblical issues. No matter how strong and capable a leader is, negative criticism that isn’t balanced by well-deserved praise, discourages the spirit.

Think of one thing your pastor (or some other staff member) has said or done in recent months that ministered to you, or that you feel buttressed the church’s outreach. Drop him a personal note, and express your gratitude. (When folks feel satisfied with a leader, they tend to take him or her for granted. Yet when they're dissatisfied, they're more vocal).

Better yet, buy a copy of Marshall Shelley’s Well-Intentioned Dragons for the staff member whom you write. Shelley gears his book to pastors. That’s a tangible way of saying thanks, and of showing your leader that you're sensitive to the pressures of church management.

Or, as a class provide a copy of Well-Intentioned Dragons to the church library. Have a group member volunteer to write a note to the pastor and staff, letting them know it is there and that the group is praying for them.

Or, write a letter or note of encouragement to 78

a friend, colleague, your child’s teacher or any other person you may know who is usually “under fire” from critics.

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Chapter 10

THE SERVANTFACES TEMPTATION

In Roads A Christian Must Travel (Tyndale), a devotional book worth twice its price, Merrill C. Tenney made the following comments concerning Jesus’ earthly skirmishes with Satan:

A prominent automobile manufacturer once advertised his product by a picture of a new model, fresh from the factory, standing in a driveway, with this inscription beneath it: “You will never see this car again.” The advertisement explained further that the car would never be sold because it was to be sent to the proving grounds. There, taken fresh from the assembly line, it would be driven at top speed over the hardest, roughest, and most crooked roads that could be devised. It would be subject to extreme heat and cold and to mechanical abuse of every imaginable kind until it was reduced to a helpless wreck. The purpose was to ascertain the weaknesses of that particular model in order to correct them before it was released for public sale. That car would become a test case.

Jesus was made a test case. He was to be presented as the perfect example of what humanity should be. Through him God intended to reveal his righteousness and effect the redemption of man from sin. In his person the method of God’s salvation would be unfolded. In order to discharge this commission, Jesus must be immune to the threats and suggestions of his Satanic enemy.

From the way in which Jesus countered the attack of the devil may be learned the proper tactics for waging spiritual warfare. Everyone is exposed to it, for the tempter never forgets us, and often

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assails us at the most inopportune moments and in the most unexpected ways.

The reality of this enemy is indisputable. Satan is not an imaginary scarecrow nor a medieval myth, but an active foe of God who constantly endeavors to divert men from their Creator. Nevertheless, he serves the purpose of testing the integrity and loyalty of God’s people.

Warfare. That’s the nuts and bolts of trying to live for the Lord in a world saturated with Satan’s influence. Peter put it bluntly: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

In this Learning To Serve lesson, you'll examine two instances of Jesus under pressure. One occurred at the launch of his public ministry, and the other near its demise. What you learn won’t exhaust the Bible’s teaching on spiritual warfare, but it will better equip you to win the inevitable battles.Satanic Skirmish

Sink your teeth into the meat of Matthew 4:1-11. The following study exercises will help you digest all the spiritual protein offered by this episode.1. What was the Holy Spirit’s role in this confrontation between Jesus and Satan?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. In what sense could it ever be the will of God for his children to experience temptation? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. When Satan launched his assault, what was Jesus’ physical state (vs. 1-3)?_____________________________________________________Satan confronts each person at his point of greatest weakness or vulnerability. He custom designs each lure for the individual he’s after. I am most vulnerable to temptation when:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Is this statement true, or false: The things with which Satan tempts us aren’t necessarily evil or wrong, in and of themselves. Circle one: T, or F. Use content from Matthew 4:1-11 to explain your answer._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

One amoral thing (an object or situation that isn’t inherently evil or immoral in itself) that sometimes obstructs God’s will for my life is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Skim Matthew 3:13-17. Satan’s attack occurred immediately following:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now glance at Matthew 4:17-25. The temptations were flung at him shortly before:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Think about the timing of Satan’s temptations in relation to the earthly ministry of Jesus. What is significant about the chronological context you previously uncovered? What timeless principle of spiritual warfare can you derive from these facts?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Satan approached Jesus not once or twice, but three separate times. And Luke’s version of this event implied that this wasn’t the last bout Jesus had with Satan (Luke 4:13). Whenever Jesus successfully refuted him, Satan merely prepared a different lure. This tells me that Satan is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________What application does this truth have for me whenever I have successfully resisted the devil for a period of time?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Look at the three specific temptations again: verse 3, verses 5-6, and verses 8-9. To what basic human appetite, or drive, does each temptation appeal?Verse 3

_______________________________________________Verses 5-6

_____________________________________________Verses 9-10 _____________________________________________

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8. What rationale or motivation for resisting temptation does 1 John 2:16-17 provide?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Note how Jesus answered each temptation. Describe how He defeated Satan in a timeless way so it will represent a means of combat available to all believers in all eras._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Each time Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, he used a verse related directly to the nature of the temptation he faced. That’s a clue for how we can use Scripture as a weapon of warfare. When Satan harasses us in a particular area, we can quote (or read) sections of Scripture that speak to that area.

What follows is a list of Bible references that relate to a few areas of Satan’s attack. Which area of temptation plagues you most often? Consult the appropriate Scripture passages and let their truths add to your stockpile of ammunition to use against the devil. Areas of temptation

Related Scripture:Impure thoughts Philippians 4:8;

Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Sexual lust, immorality Proverbs 5; 6:23-35;Proverbs Ch. 7

Anger/bitterness Ephesians 4:26-27Matthew 5:23, 24;Hebrew 12:14-15

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Misuse of the tongue James 3:1-12; Ephesians 4:29

Discouragement Psalms Chs. 27, 37, 40, 42, 139; Rom. 8:28

Worry 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:25-34

Relationship Conflicts 1 Cor. Ch. 13 Rom. Ch. 12; 1

John 2:7-11False guilt, (self- Psalm 32condemnation when Romans 5:1-11you’ve already confes- 1 John 1:8-10sed your sin) Other temptations: Related Scriptures:_________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ __________________________Pressure Cooker

The Gospels describe another encounter that Jesus had with Satan. Though the devil isn’t mentioned in this particular episode, the pressure Jesus felt stemmed from Satan’s desire to keep Jesus off the cross.

Jesus knew that death would be his fate. The anguish described in the following passage wasn’t primarily a shrinking from the prospect of pain and death. Rather, it was the prospect of temporary separation from God the Father that caused his anxiety (Mark 15:34, 2 Corinthians 5:21). With that backdrop, ponder the details recorded in Mark

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14:32-42. Search for insights that can help you in your brushes with temptation. Then respond to the following questions:1. The God-intended release valve for handling pressure and opposition seen in this passage is:_____________________________________________________2. Scrutinize everything Mark says about Jesus’ praying in verses 32-42, especially verse 36. List words that describe Jesus’ use of prayer in this passage._________________________ ___________________________________________________ __________________________3. Words that should describe my praying when in the midst of spiritual battles, based on this section include:_________________________ ___________________________________________________ __________________________4. On this occasion, prayer didn’t rescue Jesus from the threatening circumstance. He was arrested and crucified. What difference then, did his prayers make? _____________________________________________________What contrast do you see between verses 33-34 and verses 41-42?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Some have used this episode to suggest that even the Son of God needed the support and companionship of other people for sustenance during adversity. That we need one another’s

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encouragement to handle life’s problems is a valid biblical principle—but it isn’t taught in Mark 14:32-42. Jesus did not take the three disciples aside for his sake. What evidence from the passage clearly indicates that Jesus received no moral support from the three disciples? (See Mark 14:37-41)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________In a nutshell, during times of testing and spiritual warfare, what is even more important than the companionship and support of the Body of Christ?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. What specific characteristics of God are directly or indirectly taught in verse 36? How do these traits help a person who feels the pressure of spiritual warfare?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Under Construction

Now it’s time to construct a bridge linking this lesson to your daily life experiences. The gap between head knowledge and application can be wide, and requires concentrated, grace-motivated effort to bring it together. Try your hand at the following exercises. This follow-through will make you a stronger Christian.1. As a servant of Jesus Christ, primary evidences of spiritual warfare in my life are:_____________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. The insight from Lesson 10 that has the most bearing on the type of temptation I'm facing is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Before the next group meeting, contact the person serving as your prayer partner for this course. Share with him or her, the sentence completions you just wrote, and ask this individual to pray specifically about the spiritual battles occurring in your life. Also implement one of the following suggestions as a means of engaging in spiritual combat: Launch a Scripture memory program. By stockpiling biblical ammunition in your mind, you're providing fuel for the Holy Spirit to use whenever temptation strikes. Why not begin with Psalm 119:11: “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”? Employ the accountability principle discussed earlier in this course and invite another believer to join you in this endeavor. (Your spouse? A close friend? Your prayer partner? Another member of this iTIM study group?) Pick out a person for your ongoing prayer support. Pledge to pray for this person’s moral purity and victory over the devil’s lures. Due to the highly publicized moral decay among vocational Christian leaders, consider interceding for your pastor. Satan allocates a large percentage of his underworld resources in an effort to destroy public leaders in whom multitudes put their trust. Or pray more fervently for your children’s victory over temptation. When they're neck-deep in a compromising situation, your prayers may keep them from going under. No matter whom you choose to pray for,

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select a brief period of time—five or ten minutes a day—and scribble it on a page of a notebook. You'll be imitating Jesus’ own intercession for his disciples: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15).

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Chapter 11

THE SERVANTINFLUENCES OTHERS

Centuries ago a small band of Roman invaders landed on the shores of what is now England. Defenders of the island had successfully repelled attempts by other groups to wrest away control of the area. When the defenders first spotted the new invaders, they strutted around confidently, figuring they could defeat them. Then they witnessed an eye-popping spectacle that changed their attitude. What they saw melted their hearts and siphoned off their confidence. Before marching inland, the Roman soldiers burned every one of their boats! Retreat was no longer an alternative. It was forward or die!

If that brand of determination marked twentieth century saints, we'd claim more victories for our divine emperor. We would establish more beachheads in enemy-held territory, and usurp the control Satan has over lives in our communities.

The broad purpose of this Learning To Serve course is to help you go on the offensive for God in your church and spheres of daily influence. This lesson introduces you to five ways you can exert a positive influence for Christ, It also employs those five avenues of influence as a grid through which you can review Lessons 1—10. Resolve to “burn your boats behind you” and make advances for the Lord in the months ahead. Turning back now to a life of passivity is not a viable alternative.Marking Lives

Awareness of so-called “avenues of influence” can increase your effectiveness as a servant of Jesus Christ. Whether your ministry role is that of

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teaching, youth sponsoring, counseling, parenting, or friendship evangelism, these means of exercising influence provide a framework for investing in others. No “philosophy of ministry” is complete unless it includes each of these components.Bible Content

“Spiritual experience begins in the mind.” That comment by Stuart Briscoe sums up the importance of God’s Word to personal conversion and spiritual growth. God has chosen to change people through the dynamic truths in the Bible, in cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit. Open your Bible to the following references and complete the assignments.Hebrews 4:12. Words that describe God’s Word include:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Words/phrases describing the potential effects of God’s Word are:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2 Timothy 3:14-17. List all words/phrases directly from this passage which describe potential results of exposure to God’s Word.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Matthew 5:17-19, John 17:17. What was Jesus’ attitude toward the Scripture that was available in his day?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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John 17:8, 14. What role did impartation of God’s truth have in Jesus’ ministry to his disciples?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________John 8:31-32; Matthew 28:19-20. What was Jesus’ expectations concerning his disciples’ ongoing relationship with his teaching? (These references expose two foundational responsibilities of a servant in relation to Scripture.)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When I reflect on Lessons 1—10 of this course, the Bible passage we've covered which has left the greatest impact on me—and which illustrates in my experience of the influence God’s Word can make is _______________________ because:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We're pretty familiar with what the Bible says about itself. But what is the practical implication of the verses you studied? Simply this: the more saturated you are with Scripture, the greater likelihood you'll influence others for Christ. That’s true even if you never teach God’s Word in a formal, stand-up-in-front-of-the-classroom sense. A mastery of Bible content comes in handy when you're listening to a hurting friend over the phone, writing a letter to a university student who is being tempted to abandon his moral standards, when your family discusses suggestive moral practices on TV, or when you're tackling the sincere questions of an unsaved

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colleague at the office.Use the following 10-point continuum (1 is

lowest, 10 is highest) to evaluate your relationship with God’s Word. Circle the number that most accurately reflects your grasp of the Word. Little MuchKnowledge Knowledge

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10To tighten my grip on the truths and principles in Scripture, I need to take the following steps (list one or more specific strategies):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Personal Example

Though an ever-expanding grasp of Scripture multiplies our potential, our impact is made void if our lives do not conform with its teaching. Persons over whom we exert influence learn more by associating with us and observing us than they do merely by listening to our words. We “teach” others by how we respond to irritations and crisis, by how we handle our money, through our choice of what we watch on TV and movies, by how we treat our spouse, and so forth. That’s why Paul warned Timothy, “Keep a __________ _____________ on yourself and on the teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:16).Lessons 3 and 4 focused on the modeling role of a servant. Take several minutes to review the content of lessons 3 and 4, then complete these sentences.1 The most illuminating thing I discovered on the subject of modeling was:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2 The most convicting point from those two lessons was:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3 The most encouraging concept from those studies was:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Instilling Disciples

When you instill in another person a habit or skill, you are permanently influencing his or her life. This necessarily involves you in practical “how-to” forms of teaching. Though systematic instruction in God’s Word is a must, the element of training others in ministry skills or disciplines is often missing among Christians. Obeying Paul’s mandate to equip the saints for works of ministry (Eph. 4:12) requires an emphasis on training to go with instruction. Every Christian has some sort of down-to-earth expertise to pass along.1. Use your knowledge acquired from Lessons 1—10 to answer the following question. How did Jesus impart spiritual disciplines and ministry skills to his disciples? (Need help? Consult Matthew 4:17-23; Mark 3:13-14; Mark 6:7-13; and Luke 11:1-4. These verses can serve to help your thinking.)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. The following checklist contains areas in which disciplines and skills need to be reproduced

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in others. Put a check mark beside each area that you feel qualified to implement. Checking an item doesn’t imply you've perfected that skill or discipline. Rather, it means you've received training or had enough experience to improve a novice’s grip on that area. (This is just a representative list, though. Think of a couple other taken-for-granted ways to instill disciplines or skills in others.)______ budgeting/money management______ how to involve children in family devotions______ how to chair a church committee or task force______ how to plan a retreat______ teacher training__________________________________________________________________________________________________________The age-level class I can help prepare teachers for is:_____________________________________________________I feel capable of training others in the following teaching skills /classroom methods:______ how to have personal devotions______ Bible study methods______ leading recreational activities______ how to give a personal testimony______ training adolescents in social skills______ training others to write for publication______ how to lead a person to Christ______ how to teach a class or congregation new songs______ how to lead an adult Bible studyOther ministry skills/disciplines needed for life manage-ment include:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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MotivationMotivating others toward spiritual growth or

ministry involvement is a significant avenue of influence. The ability to motivate is almost an indefinable trait. Yet in its simplest form, it is providing others with a motive for action, or instilling within them a desire to change or to get involved. The American President Dwight Eisenhower called motivation “the ability to get others to do what you want them to do because they want to do it!”1. Look over your shoulder for a minute. Think of two Christians who have motivated you to grow closer to the Lord, and/or to involve yourself in ministries of the church. List their names here._____________________________________________________2. Now jot down how they stimulated you. What was it about them that elevated their capacity to motivate you? Precisely what did they do or say that stirred you?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Based on the preceding studies in this Learning to Serve course, in what ways did Jesus motivate others to follow and to serve Him? Cite one or more examples.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. In the particular service outlets God has given

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me, ways I can increase my capacity to motivate are:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Personal Touch

No matter how many times we hear the following, we nod in agreement with it: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Neither Bible knowledge or exceptional giftedness can take the place of genuine concern for people. A listening ear, an encouraging letter, a financial gift, a phone call or text, or other investments of time, serve to materialize the intangible concept of love and enhance the potential of any service rendered in the name of Christ. What we remember most about people who have contributed to our spiritual development isn’t their knowledge, skills, or magnetic personality. Instead, we recall specific ways they expressed concern for us.1. Which chapter in this Learning To Serve course most specifically focuses on this theme?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Other than his sacrificial death on the cross, what example of “personal touch” or love from the life of Jesus impresses you most? Why?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Think of a group or individual over whom you exert leadership, or whom you want to influence for Christ. (An unsaved family member, neighbor, or business colleague? A Sunday school class? Youth group? Church volunteers? Etc.) If you enhanced the relational dimension of this sphere of influence, in what concrete ways would more of a “personal touch” show?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Multi-dimensional Service

Let’s backtrack for a minute. You've examined five basic means of influencing lives. Whether or not you serve in a formal ministry position, these represent five ways to make an impact on the people you know:

Improving your grip on Bible content Influencing through personal example Instilling disciplines/skills for life management

and ministry Motivating others toward holiness and ministry

involvement Incorporating a caring dimension

By now you're aware that these five factors are not mutually exclusive. For instance, you can motivate someone by sharing a Scripture verse, or through a sacrificial act of caring. Yet it’s helpful to isolate each variable in order to gain an overall perspective.1. Which means of influence have you most consistently implemented in past ministries and relationships?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. Which means of impact has been most lacking in your ministries and relationships?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

No matter what particular forms your service for the Lord takes in future years, fix these keys to influence in your mind. Effective ministry is not one-dimensional. It requires sensitivity to the various ways in which God’s Spirit can use you to change a life. Over a period of time, strive for a balance of these factors in your ministry endeavors. Jesus traveled each of these avenues of influence. Dare we follow in his footsteps?

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Chapter 12

THE SERVANTDISCIPLES OTHERS

The Associated Press photo is stamped indelibly on my memory. It depicts a muscular 32 year-old British man, pulling a Concorde jet at London’s Heathrow Airport. The strongman is David Gauder, who pulled the Concorde a total of 40 feet from a stationery position. Gauder has also pulled a 40-ton tractor-trailer, halted powerboats, lifted a car, and prevented two small aircraft from taking off—one strapped to each arm!

How does the 5'7” 240-pound Hercules do it? One secret is his diet. That kind of energy output requires lots of protein. Gauder’s daily diet includes 25 eggs, five pounds of bananas, a whole chicken, six pints of milk, baked potatoes, and two 32 ounce steaks. Just digesting that much food takes lots of effort!

The newspaper account of Gauder’s exploits reminded me of the relationship between input and output. Despite his calorie-laden intake, Gauder is a model physical specimen. Yet imagine what he would look like if he swallowed all the food without a grueling workout regimen. Flab would soon replace his rock hard muscle.

The input/output relationship carries over into other realms, too. Consider service for the Lord as a case in point. Feverish output without spiritual input depletes our mental and emotional energy. But the converse is equally problematic. Lots of biblical input without personal application and ministry involvement gradually leaves us in a spiritually weak, flabby condition. The inescapable principle is: in both the physical and spiritual

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realms, health requires a balance between input and output.

Through Bible study assignments in your Learning to Serve workbook, as well as group meetings, you've received an abundance of meaty concepts and ideas. Now, as the curtain falls on this iTIM course, it’s time to consider ways to exercise what you've learned. Hopefully, you've implemented application ideas from week to week. But in this final lesson, you can concentrate in more detail on ways to use what you've received.Jesus’ Strategy

Though he taught large multitudes and met desperate needs of strangers who sought him, it is well documented that Jesus’ primary ministry was to his twelve disciples. Even when he dealt with people outside his inner circle, Jesus’ disciples were observing him, and often queried him about what he said or did. Jesus demonstrated a ministry strategy for all eras: an in-depth investment in a few people pays rich dividends.1. Read Matthew 28:18-20. This is Jesus’ “Great Commission.” Speakers and authors often employ this passage to stir people’s interest in missions or evangelism. There’s no doubt about it—making disciples begins with others’ conversion. But what words/phrases from these verses show the educational slant of Jesus’ mandate?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Jesus commanded his followers to invest in their converts and to guide them toward maturity. Put simply, every Christian should be in the business of:_____________________________________________________

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The question arises, exactly how can we make disciples? Three key words are used in this passage in connection with making disciples. These words are:_____________________________________________________There is only one imperative in Matthew 28:18-20. The three participles (go[ing], baptizing, and teaching) tell us how the commandment is fulfilled. A Matthew 28:19 note in the ESV Study Bible (Crossway Bibles) says, “The imperative (make disciples, that is, call individuals to commit to Jesus as Master and Lord) explains the central focus of the Great Commission, while the Greek participles (translated go, baptizing, and teaching, describe aspects of the process.”3. Considering a disciple-making ministry and counting the costs of investing in others may be a frightening prospect. What did Jesus say in Matthew 28:18-20 that offers encouragement?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Disciples Are Made—Not Born, Walter Henrichsen also discusses the practical implications of Jesus’ mandate. Underline the two or three sentences from the following excerpt that speak most clearly to you.Historically, the Church has believed that the Great Commission was not given to a select few people, but to all believers. If this is true, then all believers can be disciple-makers. Or, to put it another way, being involved in disciple making transcends gifts and calling. Irrespective of our gifts or our calling, all men and women should be disciple-makers.

Everyone has the gifts necessary to be a disciple-maker. You may be a teacher, or a housewife, or an engineer, but irrespective of your

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vocation, you are also to be a disciple-maker. If you are not a disciple-maker, then I would suggest that you do the same thing that Timothy did with Paul, or that Peter, James, and John did with the Lord Jesus. Make yourself available to a disciple-maker who can help you to become a disciple-maker. Latch on to them. Learn from them the “how to” involved in developing those qualities needed to spiritually reproduce yourself in the lives of others.

Every Christian should ask himself two questions: “Who is my Paul? Who is the person I am learning from, who is helping me to become a multiplying disciple-maker?” And secondly, “Where is my Timothy? Where is the person I am in turn helping to become a multiplying disciple-maker?”4. Next, take a look at Mark 3:13-15. From verse 14, list two distinct reasons for Jesus’ appointment of the twelve.

a) ________________________________________________b) ________________________________________________

5. What is significant about the order or sequence in which Mark presents these reasons?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. In a nutshell, what timeless principles of disciple making can you glean from Mark 3:14?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Put simply, disciple-making necessarily 103

involves regular association with one or more persons. And Jesus’ ultimate goal of sending his men out to preach reminds us to train our disciples so they can carry out ministries of their own.Applying Jesus’ Strategy

Trying to reproduce in others what the Lord is doing in you is a life-long way to balance input with output. Scores of disciple-making manuals dot the shelves of Christian bookstores. Rather than offering a detailed treatment of the subject, this lesson merely introduces you to the concept. Let Jesus’ example and mandate motivate you to share what you've learned in this Learning To Serve study. For now, consider your completed workbook as a discipling tool. Better yet, use your completed Christianity 101 to disciple another person. And view as prospective disciples other believers you know who could profit from the course content. Guiding others through twelve lessons will keep you spiritually fit. What follows are “output” alternatives for the input you've received over the past few weeks. Discipling one other person by taking him or her through Christianity 101, or the Learning To Serve workbook. The setting could be an office, a restaurant, or the living room of your home. This approach doesn’t require you to serve as a teacher in the public, formal sense. The main qualification is a thoroughly completed workbook and the zeal to see another Christian grow in the Lord. Of course, the other party would need a new, empty Christianity 101, or Learning To Serve workbook.If this approach entices you, ask the Lord for the name of someone at work, in your neighborhood, or church. Jot down his or her name here _____________________________Broach the possibility with the person whose name you wrote down. If he or she is willing to commit to

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this, put your first meeting on your planning calendar. Inviting two or three other married couples into your home for 12 once-a-week study sessions. (If you aren’t married, invite four to six other singles.) This setting may require a bit more group leadership than the one-on-one approach, but your role will primarily be to facilitate discussion of the completed assignments. Your discussion-leading task still won’t require the formal teaching expertise of a more structured classroom setting. If the Lord nudges you to adopt this approach, obtain a copy of the Leader’s Guide for Christianity 101, or Learning To Serve: Jesus As Role-Model from our website, TrainingInMinistry.com. Skim each lesson plan for questions or learning activities that you can adapt to the more informal learning atmosphere. (Alternative ideas: ladies, mull over the possibility of a daytime study group with several other women who don’t work. Men, one-on-one aren’t the only context for discipling. Could you meet with two or three guys at breakfast or lunch, instead of just one?)Think of contacts outside your church as well as within it. You may know neighbors or co-workers who love the Lord, but who attend a church irregularly. Names of couples or individuals you can take through the workbook include: _________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________________ Teaching a Church-sponsored classroom version of Learning To Serve: Jesus As Role-Model. As the Lord brings new people into your church, and members lead people to faith in Jesus Christ, this

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course will be offered again. The church needs a host of persons whom God has tabbed for group leadership roles. If God has implanted in you a desire to lead a group, and you're sold on the benefits of the course, pursue the matter. Talk to your current group leader about the possibility. Ask for feedback on your potential as a teacher. Also, investigate the formal approval process or procedures required by your church for those in teaching positions.

Put a check mark () by the discipling alternative above, with which you feel most comfortable. Go over the options with the prayer partner you've had throughout this course. Ask for this person’s opinion about your potential in the three possibilities for disciple making. Pray together for the Lord to lead you to the individual or group in whom you can invest.

The more wrinkled and dog-eared your Learning To Serve or Christianity 101 workbook becomes from use, the more impact you'll have for the Kingdom of God. Your accomplishment will far exceed that of British strongman David Gauder. How can pulling a Concorde jetliner compare to hauling others along the road to spiritual maturity?

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