paul’s example for the christian church to disciple believers today
Introduction
The Apostle Paul is a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He is credited with writing thirteen books of the New Testament, which include letters to various churches and individuals. Paul’s example is highly regarded in the Christian faith and has served as a model for Christian believers throughout history. In this essay, we will examine Paul’s example for the Christian church to disciple believers today.
Background
The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word “mathētēs,” which means “learner” or “follower.” Discipleship is the process of following and learning from someone who is more experienced or knowledgeable than oneself. In the context of the Christian faith, discipleship involves following Jesus Christ and learning from Him through the teachings of the Bible.
Paul’s Example for Discipling Believers Today
Paul was a prominent leader in the early Christian church and played a significant role in spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Paul’s example for discipling believers today can be seen in several areas.
Evangelism
Paul was an evangelist, which means that he preached the gospel to those who had not yet heard it. He did this through his preaching, writing, and personal witness. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).
Paul’s example for evangelism teaches us that we should be actively sharing the gospel with those around us who have not yet heard it. This can be done through personal conversations, social media, or other means of communication. As believers, we have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet heard it.
Teaching
Paul was also a teacher, which means that he instructed believers in the Christian faith. He did this through his letters, his preaching, and his personal interactions with other believers. In his letter to Timothy, Paul says, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Paul’s example for teaching teaches us that we should be actively instructing other believers in the Christian faith. This can be done through Bible studies, Sunday school classes, or other means of instruction. As believers, we have a responsibility to teach and disciple other believers in the faith.
Mentoring
Paul was also a mentor, which means that he invested in the lives of other believers. He did this through his personal relationships with other believers, as well as through his letters. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
Paul’s example for mentoring teaches us that we should be actively investing in the lives of other believers. This can be done through personal relationships, discipleship programs, or other means of intentional investment. As believers, we have a responsibility to mentor and disciple other believers in the faith.
Community
Paul also emphasized the importance of community in the Christian faith. He believed that believers should come together regularly for fellowship, encouragement, and accountability. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Paul’s example for community teaches us that we should be actively involved in a community of believers. This can be done through attending church, participating in small groups, or other means of fellowship. As believers, we have a responsibility to encourage and support one another in our faith journey.
Suffering
Paul also experienced significant suffering in his life, including imprisonment, beatings, and persecution for his faith. However, he never lost hope or faith in God. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
Paul’s example for suffering teaches us that as believers, we may experience trials and tribulations in our lives, but we can find hope and strength in God. We can also use our suffering as an opportunity to grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul’s example for the Christian church to disciple believers today is multifaceted. He was an evangelist, teacher, mentor, and emphasized the importance of community and endurance in the face of suffering. As believers, we should follow Paul’s example and actively share the gospel, instruct other believers in the faith, invest in the lives of others, participate in a community of believers, and find hope and strength in God during times of suffering. By doing so, we can grow in our faith and fulfill our responsibility to disciple others in the Christian faith.
Paul’s Example For The Christian Church To Disciple Believers Today
Shalom
