Friday Follow-up Versus
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Pondering Point
It is time for further reflection after yesterday’s time of prayer and reflection. (If you missed that devotion, go back now and do it). Ask God what, if anything, needs to change in order for you to be live fully committed to following Jesus. Actually stop and review – write down answers.
- Ways that I need to deny myself (my sinful flesh):
- Ways that I need to die to self (take up my cross):
- Ways that I need to follow Jesus (in action or lifestyle)
Prayer
Ask God to help you implement changes that can be made to enhance your life of discipleship under Jesus. Tell someone else about your insights, hopes, and goals that arose during that time of reflection.
Micro-Group Moment:
Considering the life of Paul as a case for participating in Micro-Groups
1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our
Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy my true son
in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father
and Christ Jesus our Lord.
~ Paul
Titus 1:4
To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace
from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
~ Paul
Though not having a wife or children of His own, the Apostle Paul nonetheless discovers a family of sorts through his church life. We see him speak of such with Timothy and Titus, both of whom he mentors as sons of the faith. His dynamic brings a Jesus-like wrinkle to small group (SG) and Micro-group (MG) environments. Jesus was more than a peer to the disciples; He was their teacher and Lord. Paul is clearly operating as more than a peer also, looking to mentor these young men who are leading other people in the Christian faith in Ephesus (Timothy) and Crete (Titus).
This could be considered a classic example of one disciple (Paul) making disciples of others (Timothy, Titus) who are in turn making disciples of yet others (Ephesians, Cretans). This is one of the keys of life as a disciple who participates in SG and MGs.
We can see two different blessings with such a MG or SG approach:
- People who lack a God-centered family life can find it in the life of the church;
- People benefit from having others further down the path to help with mentoring in life and faith skills.
Prayer
As appropriate to your situation, either thank God for your church family connections or ask Him to build you into a church family through being mentored spiritually and/or mentoring others spiritually at SG and MG levels.