Month: November 2008

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
(Matthew 7:3-5)
Jesus commands those who correct others to look within themselves and deal with their failings first. Then they will be able to correct more effectively.

I have heard many people use Jesus’ words “do not judge” as a parry to any exhortation or rebuke to their lifestyle. But that is not what Jesus said nor was that His intent (Luk 17:3). Again, I think Jesus is going after motive and purpose. If the accuser has the intent of condemning or retaliation, they are clearly in the wrong. But if their purpose is for correction and restoration then they are following the “love your brother as yourself” principle (Luk 6:31). Introspection is the key to correcting sin in another’s life (Gal 6:1). As we see the log in our own eye, we are far less likely to attack a person for their short comings. When we consider our own failings we come with a sense of humility and compassion. This does not mean we cannot be direct but it does mean we should tell the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

But what about matters of restitution and discipline? These are matters for the assembly, not the individual. Jesus clearly outlines in Matthew chapter 18 how an unrepentant member of the Family of God should be addressed. We first appeal to them as an individual (Mt 18:15). If that does not work, we are to go to the brother with two or three (Mt 18:16). If they are still unrepentant, we are to take them before the assembly (Mt 18:17). The assembly, not the individual, determines matters of restitution or discipline (1 Cor 6.1-8, Mt 18:17, denial of fellowship).

As Disciplemakers, we will be involved in correction, exhortation, and rebuke (2Ti 4:2). How we go about delivering the message is just as important as the message itself. Two ingredients help us tell the truth in love: humility (Phil 2.5-8) and restoration (Mt 18:15). Looking in the mirror and reviewing our own areas of sin should help us with our attitude and approach as we correct. The goal is always restoration, never retaliation or revenge (Rom 12.17-21). The process is meant to be helpful, not condemning.

Tips for correcting a disciple

· Pray (and pray some more)
· Know the circumstances
· Go to the source (third party triangles will always get you in trouble)
· Ask questions
· Don’t accuse
· Help them understand and own their failure
· Give examples of the infractions
· Share your own struggles in that particular area
· Use Scripture when appropriate
· Be gentle (Chuck Wood’s definition of gentleness: using only the amount of pressure to get the object to move)
· Pick your battles wisely
· Earn the right to be heard
· Use encouragement more often than correction

If you have other tips or passages on correction or rebuking, I’d love to hear them.
FJ86

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“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)

Jesus establishes the top priorities for every disciple.

The life of a disciple is simple: seek the Father’s ways first. His ways are wrapped up in two elements: His Kingdom and His righteousness. Pretty basic, right? Well in concept at least. But it is clear that God’s interests come before any other. Whether they be family, career, recreation, school or even personal desires, they all become subservient to the Father’s lordship and character.

Again this goes back to changing a person’s values. Discipleship is putting God at the center of every decision I make. It is teaching disciples how to consider the Kingdom before they buy that next car or house. God’s righteousness should be integrated into every relationship in which they are engaged. Jesus Christ should be at the center of everything they are and do. If we want to know how much work it will take to infuse these priorities into a young disciple’s life, we don’t have to look any further than the mirror. This is why modeling and patience is so important. We have to set the example for Kingdom living. We have to recognize that spiritual transformation in light of God’s righteousness takes time. Keep plugging and praying.

Some Thermometers of Kingdom Living

· How do I spend my time
· How do I spend my money
· How do I recreate
· Whom do I hang out with
· Whom am I serving
· How often do I say “No” to myself
· Do I do all of the above in light of God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
FJ84

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Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: Jesus is Watching You
Chapter 3: Paratrooper Religion
Chapter 4: Afraid of being Left Behind

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Read Mt 6.19-34

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:21)

Jesus is drawing a contrast between worldly thinking and the eternal. He concludes if the things we value are in heaven, we will quickly align our hearts with those values.

Discipleship is a process of exchanging values. We come into the faith recognizing our values and God’s values are completely opposite. God’s values are eternal and ours are temporal. When we repent, we embrace God’s values for our lives through Jesus. We begin a journey of transformation (Rom 12.2). However, we need an explanation of those values, we needed tutoring. Jesus lived out the Father’s values in a perfect manner to become our perfect model. As we follow Jesus, we are lining up our values with His. We are becoming like Him. Now our treasure, serving and glorifying God, is where our heart is as well.

The disciplemaker is in the business of helping people change their values. The first step is helping the young disciple see the incongruence of their values versus the Father’s. Of course, we can simply tell them; but, I’ve found this realization happens best with self discovery. This is why it is so important to get them into the Word of God. Now, instead of me telling them they need to change, God is telling them.

Changing values is tough, but it is close to impossible if the person has no desire to change. I always say, “You can’t push a rope.” A person who is not willing to participate with you in the change process is better left to the One who generates desire in very creative ways. But even when a person wants to change, it can be tough. That is why prayer is such an important tool in my disciplemaking kitbag. There are certain areas of life that will take spiritual dynamite to dislodge. And we can never underestimate the power of relationship. Our modeling, encouragement, and exhortation are all such important components for shaping a young disciple’s values.

A few questions;
· Is the person you are discipling ready and willing to change?
· Are they reading the Word daily?
· Are they being saturated with Jesus in the Gospels daily?
· Are you praying for this person’s transformation daily?
· Are they seeing the values of Jesus modeled by you?
· Are their values changing?
FJ83

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the tab below to send this post to a friend…