Who Is Watching You?

I have had this sermon saved from a church in Texas for YEARS (it was Aug. 12, 2007!). It just really spoke to me. I wanted to share this during the series on relationships b/c mentoring is biblical and something we do whether we are meaning to or not. Its a great way to serve the Body of Christ and it builds some incredible relationships in the meantime! :)

"Who's Watching You?"

We are daily leading the people around us, regardless of whether we want to or not. We CANNOT escape the reality that our lives have meaning. Eternal issues are shaped by the way we live.

Huge lie: "I don't have significance. I am too small."

Who I am and the way I live is impacting people forever. Who and what I impact them for is the responsibility the Scripture calls me to. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Be intentional!!! Who is watching YOU?

Right now, you are discipling people in a set of values, a lifestyle, and personal convictions, Some of those are by what you say. Much of it is by how you live! What do the college students in your life see? How are you living?

How do I impact and disciple people for Jesus?
The call from Scripture is two-fold: 1. BE disciples and 2. To MAKE disciples

Three misconceptions about discipleship:
1st misconception: "Discipleship is what you do after you go to seminary. Disciples are those who graduate."
-Jesus' example: It begins with RELATIONSHIP! John 5:19.
-First, Jesus only does what the Father is doing. John 14:12. Your relationship with the Father should always come first!
- Then, Jesus asks us to believe Him and follow his example. Do what I do - Mark 3:14
Jump head-first into relationships!!! Who are you in a relationship with? Who could you be discipling?

2nd misconception: Discipleship is a curriculum you find at the local Christian Book Store. Finishing the book completes the training.
-1 Corinthians 4:16; Acts 20:18-21
-Disciples live among you, serve you with humility, walk through hard times with you, declare things that were beneficial to you (encourge), teach you in public and private, speak TRUTH to you!

3rd misconception: Discipleship is for the uber-Christians, like pastors and elders. (ha! don't use my laughing...that was for you and me only!)
-The Church's example (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)
-The FULL cycle of discipleship described. Become imitators and become an example to others. (Acts 6:1)
-The Bible refers to believers as "disciples". (Acts 11:25-26)
Not only should you be discipling, there are also people discipling you! Find leaders who you can look up! Let them be your example. Choose people who speak life and truth into you! Who are you listening to?

How do I become one who influences and disciples others for God's glory?
Become a disciple
-First, you must become a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 16:24. This takes time and effort and dying to yourself. You can be a believer without being a disciple. BE IN THE WORD! Have a relationship with Christ!
-Second, follow others who are full of faith and wisdom. Hebrews 13:7, 17. Who is discipling you?
-Live intentionally!!!
-Say "YES" to serving and discipling!

Mentoring is an incredible blessing! I hope you take the time to think about this and be intentional with the people God places in your life.

***click here to see all 31 days of relationship posts***