Are You Willing to Sacrifice to Disciple a New Believer?

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the region of Galatia, but some people in Iconium determined to stone Paul and Barnabas. The two missionaries escaped to Lystra and Derbe. Jews from Antioch and Iconium stirred up the people of Lystra against Paul, and they stoned Paul, dragged him from the city, supposing that he was dead. Not a pretty picture, is it?

Paul didn’t stop. He stood, went into the city and the next day left for Derbe. Even more remarkable was his courage to return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in order to confirm "the souls of the disciples" (Acts 14:22). If I were him, I’m not sure I’d be able to…and yet, I must ask myself, where is my Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch? Where have I been mocked or scorned for what I believe? Am I willing to return in order to “confirm the souls” of those God reached through my testimony?

Paul put his life on the line for his disciples because he recognized that this wasn't a battle between flesh and blood. It wasn't a 'living' that was at stake. It wasn't home and riches or personal gain that he was concerned with. No, his concern was of far greater importance--the eternal souls of the Gentiles and the life walk of the believers.

He risked his life to ensure these disciples had what they needed to hold onto their faith. What were these things?

• The Holy Spirit;
• The Old Testament (the Scriptures);
• The memory of Paul and Barnabas' teachings;
• Elders appointed by Paul to help guide them;
• Epistles he would write;
• And more visits from him.

When we disciple someone, are we willing to put our life on the line for them? What must we sacrifice? Time? Money? Energy? Ambition? Perhaps even reputation or safety?

God provides the Holy Spirit for our disciples. We can get the Bible into their hands, but God also asks of us to teach those in our churches to observe all things that God commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). We must spend time with them, to guide and teach them. We need to help them develop the habit of attending church, and we need to keep going back to them, holding them accountable, to be sure they continue in the faith.

Those of us who are strong in the Lord, need to wisely counsel, to come along side and encourage, and to draw in those that are walking along the edge.

I know I need to love more those God has brought into my life to disciple. I need to care more, trust Him more, and not be afraid. Please Lord, help me serve You better in this way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Squire loves the Lord, loves her husband, and loves her three children. When she's not serving her church or serving her family, she writes. Her book, Joab's Fire, is now available on Amazon.com. You can read more of her work at www.PresentingBiblicalTruths.com.