“Making disciples is not an easy process. It is trying. It is messy. It is slow, tedious, even painful at times. It is all these things because it is relational” (Platt, 2010, pg. 93).
In Chapter 5 we see David Platt set out the plan that God has for each of our lives. He talks about how Jesus spent most of his ministry years surrounded by the same 12 men. He selected a small few to teach and to reveal how we should live our lives in accordance with God. Are we, then, to do the same? Jesus said we are to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, Today’s New International Version).
“Making disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching people the Word of Christ and then enabling them to do the same thing in other people’s lives – this is the plan God has for each of us to impact nations for the glory of Christ” (Platt, 2010, pg.103).
Reflections for Chapter 5:
If you allowed people to get close to you would they be able to see the life of Christ in action?
What does Platt mean when he discussed the difference between discipling Christians and disinfecting Christians?
How can you become a reproducer or disciple in the context of your life?
This chapter was another challenging one for me. I've never felt like I had the gift of evangelism, and have always had a hard time sharing with unbelievers. I'd had discussions with friends who aren't believers, and I hope that they're able to see Christ in action in my life, but none of them have come to Christ (yet... at least of my current friends). I feel like it's easier to be open about faith in Christ to people I don't know as well. So that part - leading people to Christ - has always been difficult, and I don't feel like I'm a 'good Christian' in that way.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I feel like I'm much more comfortable with discipling believers who may be new or are not as mature (granted, I still have a lot of room to grow!). I feel like Platt is suggesting that Biblically we should do both, not just what we're more comfortable doing. Or maybe, it's just that "we" as a Church should make sure that we're doing both. I don't know.
I do think his point too about discipling vs. disinfecting was a good one. I think sometimes churches may not be strong in true discipleship, so they just keep enough programs going so that you can be a part of the church, be "disinfected" so that you don't have to interact with non-Christians. I've seen that in some churches and church groups, and I think especially with kids in youth group, if they've only been "disinfected" and not discipled, when they finally do get out in the world, they don't know how to defend their faith, or answer the questions for themselves.
This chapter was a challenging one for me too Katherine! I also have never felt I had the gift of evangelism. I have gone on mission trips before and handed out tracts but don’t even think about asking me to answer any questions (I like to be the one doing the asking). I know that God is continually moving within my life and has spoken to me several times through my other half (Jeff). I feel more secure in my faith now and in response feel more secure in sharing my faith. I identify with it being easier to share Christ with someone you don’t know. At the same time, we should not let our own selfish fears get in the way of sharing the gospel with close friends. In proverbs it talks about a foolish woman, whom does not know that “her guests are in the deepest parts of the grave” (Proverbs 9:18). We should all realize that those friends of ours who do not believe in Christ are in the ‘deepest parts of the grave’.
ReplyDeleteI agree with David Platt’s statement that we are ALL called to share the gospel. I also believe that we are to share it by the way we live our lives (not by handing out tracts), so that those who are close to us can see God’s work. After all, isn’t that how God strengthens our own faith (through being faithful through trialing times)? If you ever meet someone God has healed or performed a miracle in their life, they are not afraid to talk about it. In fact, they tell EVERYONE they come in contact with. In the same way God strengthens our faith, I believe he will also bring faith to those who are close to us and have seen God work in our lives. I hope that the people I have allowed to get close to me are able to see God working in my life. There are times when I screw up and miss a good opportunity to share Christ…I know that! It is just hard for me because I don’t want to be known as the person who brings up God in every conversation and end up pushing people away from me. I just need to pray that God will give me discernment and lead me with His Spirit to know when the time is right (or not!). AND we must remember that it is God who is doing the drawing in anyways…not us! Good Chapter!
Y'all aren't the only ones who were challenged! I have struggled with sharing my faith for a long time. I don't have the gift of evangelism either, but I think Biblically we ARE all called to share our faith. I do have the gift of teaching, I have a desire to disciple others in that way, but I think what Platt is getting at is more like mentoring. Teaching in a relationship that is ongoing can help both people grow. I think the reason that it is easier to share your faith with someone you don't know, is because you can tell them all the right things and then disappear! It is so much harder when people see you live in the real world day in and day out. We all mess up and I think we are afraid that we aren't good enough or strong enough. We don't want to be held accountable.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Sarah, it is God who is doing the drawing of people to Himself, not us. He is the one who gives spiritual discernment, to us and others. We do need to be ready to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." 2 Tim. 4:2
That means we need to be saturated with God's Word.
I'm back!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll post some in ch. 6 about this as well but to me there is something very simple in this.
you don't have to "evangelize"!
i'd wager the 2 biggest complaints about christians are
1)hypocrits
2)they won't shut up and leave me alone
if we live our lives as devoted and Christ centered...we will exude LOVE.
it's all about love. if we are a loving people we are evangelizing.
Not that we should stop there but as I'm reading George Bush's recent autobiography, he recounts a walk with billy graham where billy asked about his life and encouraged Bush...but he didn't stop there. He reminded him that it's all about Christ.
We don't have to evangelize people, but if people understand our motivations for Christ we are evangelizing.
Another thing....not to water down the idea of pure evangelism is the ideal of mentoring.
Jesus mentored his disciples. He didn't evangelize them. He showed them how to live a holy life by doing it. He shared God with them. He revealed the power of God to them. It only takes one person to change the world.
As I was reminded in 3rd tuesday's msg last night, jeff perry was hitch hiking in CA and spent a short time with a stranger. This stranger shared Jesus with this drug adicted hippie and forever changed his life. Not in a day, week, year, or years....but in 15 mins.
His church is now a mega church in st. luis and he shares the gospel world wide...including LA's artistic community :)
much love!