Friday's Bit of Discipleship
Whether we are up or whether we are down, the enemy has a plan to get us to rely on our own thinking, to blame someone else for our defeat and to take all the credit for the victories. A man is tested by the praise he receives, and he is tested by the losses he experiences. If we keep our eyes focused on God, we can stay humble when we lose and when we win.
page 142, The Prideful Soul’s Guide to Humility, Fontenot/Jones
Discipleship Prayer of Humility
Father God, as I go through ups and downs in life, enable me to keep my eyes focused on You, staying humble in defeat and victory, through every trial and temptation. Amen.
MISSIO DEI Discipleship Point
What is the significance of the Great Sending in John 17:18 and 20:21-23?
John 17:18: As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
John 20:21-23: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Consider getting together with a few other people to answer these questions, based on the verses above from John:
- What is the significance of “as” [καθώς (kathōs)]?
- Who and what is the significance of the “you” [“Father”]?
- Who and what the significance of the “me” and “I also”?
- What is the significance of “send,” and “sent” (ἀποστέλλω or apŏstĕllō; πέμπω or pĕmpō)?
- Who and what the significance of the “them” [“you”] and the meaning and application?
- What is the significance of the “world” (κόσμος, cosmos), the why, the what, the who, and the how?
Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, I recognize that You were sent into the world by God the Father; I also recognize that You are sending disciples like me into the world. I pray that Your Holy Spirit leads all your disciples, myself included – so the world can experience the joy of forgiveness in Your name. Amen.