Sharing Gospel and Life

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 HCSB http://bible.com/72/1th.2.8.HCSB

 Sometimes as pastors we are asked to disciple people and what they actually meant was to create a few more Bible studies, lessons and classes so people can gain more knowledge. Over the years, I have found that this filling of knowledge has not done anyone any good. What is the point of knowing when you have never or don't know how to use that knowledge. It goes back to James and how it talks about needing both faith and works, faith without works is dead and works without faith is fruitless. And as I contemplate about this, I have come to the conclusion that the model Paul presents here is a perfect model for discipleship. In essence, this model is that of both sharing the Gospel and also life with others. That was what Paul did. And when you think about it, that was what Jesus did. Both taught. But more importantly, both lived with the people he was teaching, living through life and showing in a practical way what was being taught lived out in everyday life. The church Paul was discipling and the Apostle that Jesus was leading, they all benefited not only from learning but also having seen it lived out. The church saw Paul live out the Gospel that he was proclaiming and they saw how he followed through in the teaching of Jesus and the radical calling in life. And I have come to embrace that this is what discipleship is about. It is about laying out the Gospel and explaining it but it is balanced with living it out as an example for the ones being discipled.