Application Guide: The Twelve Disciples (Mt. 10:1-5a)

 

April 17th, 2005: Pastor Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor of College Park Church, gave an insightful message in light of the lives of the Twelve Disciples. He challenged us to think about how God works in the world, what kind of people God works through, and if we too are willing to answer God�s call to make disciples.

 

  1. Kimber noted, �God�s plan is to have people cooperate with him in the building of His church, in the furtherance of His Kingdom, and in the fight against evil.� (Remember the E.M. Bounds quote from a couple weeks before � �The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but on men� He does not anoint plans, but men � men of prayer!�)
    1. How do we find a balance amidst the tension of depending on God to advance His Kingdom and our responsibility to build His church? Who is responsible for what?
    2. Consider Warren Wiersbe�s definition of ministry: Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God. How does this help you better understand what part you play in doing God�s work in the world? What do you need to do to accomplish your part?
    3. What then, is the best proof we can offer that God is at work in the world?

 

  1. Kimber noted that God has a place for all of us to do work in His Kingdom. We all have a responsibility to �do the work of the ministry� (Eph 4:12) � irregardless of what �position� we hold in the church.
    1. How should this principle affect the way we value people and respond to the world�s system of seeing people through a hierarchy of status and prestige?
    2. What are some ways you can answer God�s call to make disciples right where He has placed you in life?
    3. Who are the people in your sphere of influence that God has called you to minister to and point to Christ? How can this be accomplished practically?

 

  1. Pastor�s second main point was to consider who the Twelve Disciples were. They were (a) average and ordinary men, (b) came from very different � even opposing � backgrounds, (c) serve as a link back to the Twelve tribes of Israel, and (d) are an example of how God honors those who serve him (cf. Mk. 8:37-39; Rev. 21:14).
    1. How should the points effect our thinking and lifestyle in regards to:

                                                               i.      The way we value human life, rate one�s potential to glorify God, or view of wealth/status? (see 1 Cor. 1:26-31; 12:14-26; James 2:1-9)

                                                             ii.      The unifying power of Jesus Christ and the command to make that the central component of our relationships? (see Jn. 15:9-17; Eph. 4:1-6)

                                                            iii.      Our view of the Old and New Testaments? (see Mt. 5:17-19; 2 Tim 3:16)

                                                           iv.      Our motivation for serving Christ? (cf. Mt. 7:19-21; 2 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:4)

 

  1. Finally, Kimber noted that Jesus� call is still for us today. He is still looking for people who will wholly devote their lives to follow Him (cf. 2 Chron 16:9; Lk. 9:23-25).
    1. How do phrases like, �Christians aren�t perfect, just forgiven� or �Do you know where you will spend eternity?� minimize God�s call to us to be disciples and actively involved in his work in the world?
    2. What does it mean that, �If you fall on your face before God in private, you will not fall on your face before men in public� (Warren Wiersbe)? How does this apply to the point Kimber made?