Day 5: An Expanding Ministry (3:7-19)
Discussion Questions
(1) “Jesus’ philosophy of ministry focused heavily on discipleship (pg. 20).” What are some ways we can utilize discipleship in our own lives?
(2) How are you encouraged to know that the disciples were ordinary men?
(3) How does the Holy Spirit empower you in your sphere of influence?
(4) Who is pouring into you right now? Is there someone you can walk alongside in discipleship?
(4) The only people whom I feel are pouring into me are the individuals in my BFG and a couple managers at work. For the past year or so I have been thinking more and more about discipleship, but because of our previous church environment, I feel like the opportunity to be discipled was missed. By the grace of God, I have grown much in marriage and even in this new chapter in my life of me being a parent. However, I feel like discipleship relationship is necessary for me to grow even more in my faith.
In today’s reading Jesus calls the 12. While Jesus ministry focused on many he was very intentional with the 12. Discipleship is important for all of us. We all need one another to help us grow and challenge us to a deeper faith.
I am blessed by those who have poured into me and it is a blessing to pour into other people. Thankful for this online discussion!
Happy Sunday, church family.
Brandon, we are thankful for you and your ministry at NAOBC!
The most important thing I take away from these passages is how discipleship isn’t a mystical thing but it’s simply one pouring into another. We are commanded to make disciples as we go (Matt 28) so the duty is not limited to those of a certain intellect or office.
As iron sharpens iron so every man sharpens another.
I am thankful for how much I have learned from you in our study of Mark. Thankful for your heart for ministry.
Amen, brother! We’re thankful for your passion for discipleship and help here at Ninth & O.
Every time that I think of the apostles, I’m always struck by the fact that Jesus called such a wide variety of individuals. I’m especially think of the relationship between Matthew (a tax collector) and Simon the zealot. Simon would have had such a strong hate for Matthew BUT Jesus bridged that gap to build a relation for these men.
The intentionality of Jesus and the power of gospel on full display!
I was struck by the reminder that the disciples were ordinary people who ended up, with the help of the Holy Spirit, turning the world upside down. We don’t have to have a PhD in theology to pour into someone else’s life and make a difference.
So true Pauline! I overlooked the statement that Jesus wanted them “with Him” Thats really what discipleship is …doing life with someone.
Nailed it, Pauline! Thankful for this truth.
We loved how the disciples were described as passionate..not educated…not rich…not those with the most influence in their community..He chose those who had a heart for God and a passion to tell others about it. In a similar fashion, people today are drawn by churches that have a true and passionate heart for Christ. Dr. Cook’s statement on p.22 is so true. It doesn’t matter if you have the biggest, most elaborate building-the loudest, most polished worship team- the most expensive and elaborate technology set up. People are searching for a place with a genuine passion for God. So many churches lose sight of that basic, foundational need. Even more thankful for Ninth & O!
Preach it! That’s a good word. I pray that will be our focus for years to come.
AMEN!!