Where We Want to Go is Self-feeding, Self-leading and Self-Multiplying
2 Timothy 2:1-7, 14-15
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Hebrews 5:12-14
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Last week we investigated where new believers begin when they start their journey toward Jesus. This week we are going to look at where we want those new believers to go. We will investigate the qualities we want them to develop in their lives. Those qualities include these three things: self-feeding, self-leading and self-multiplying. New believers should be directed and encouraged to grow in maturity so that they take responsibility for their spiritual growth instead of always looking for other people to do for them what they should be doing for themselves.
This week our devotions will be focused on how new Christians, as well as all Christians, should attempt to become mature in the faith.
