We Are Handcrafted
5/26/2024
Henry Ford is often credited with the creation of the modern assembly line. This simple concept revolutionized industry around the world. Assembly lines are great for products but terrible for people. Whether it is the automated voice system answering your calls or the self-check line at your favorite big box store, we have all experienced the frustrations of being placed on the automated assembly line. Join us for part 8 of This is Us, where we will learn that disciples can’t be made on the assembly lines of programs but must be handcrafted.
Passage
Acts 9:10-28
Principles
We believe Disciples are ##hand-crafted##, not ##mass-produced##.
- The Discipleship Quartet: ##You##, a ##Barnabas##, a ##Paul##, and a ##Timothy##.
- Four Steps to a Hand-crafted Disciple: ##Modeling##, ##Practice##, ##Evaluation##, ##Accountability##.
Practice
Identify your ##Discipleship## ##Quartet## and press into the discipleship process with them.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is the purpose of a coach? What makes someone a good coach? Who was the best coach you’ve ever had, and what made that person so effective? Why do people hire personal trainers, life coaches, and professional consultants? What do we call coaching as it relates to our walk with Christ?
HEAR
Paul meets and “sdopts” Timothy.
- Read Acts 16:1-5. What about Timothy led Paul to invite him to accompany him on his journey?
- What do you notice about Timothy’s family that might indicate his need for Paul’s guidance?
- Who have been the “Pauls” along your spiritual journey? Have you ever invested in a Timothy?
Paul sets the example for Timothy.
- Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17. In what specific ways did Paul set an example for Timothy to follow?
- Besides Paul’s human example, what other resource does Timothy have for living the Christ Life? Why is it important to have scripture and physical examples of Jesus along our spiritual journey?
- What specific examples have you seen in other people's lives that have helped you understand the scriptures and grow in Christ’s likeness?
Paul calls Timothy his co-worker.
- Read Romans 16:21. What is significant about Paul mentioning Timothy at the end of his letter to the Romans? What does this say about Timothy? What does it say about Paul?
- Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Why do you think Paul wrote these words to Timothy?
- What is your biggest challenge to engaging in a personal discipleship relationship as a Paul? As a Timothy?
HUDDLE
What will you do this month to identify and begin meaningful discipleship relationships? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Acts 8 & 9
- Day 2: Acts 16
- Day 3: 1 Timothy 1 & 2
- Day 4: 1 Timothy 3 & 4
- Day 5: 1 Timothy 5 & 6
- Day 6: 2 Timothy 1 & 2
- Day 7: 2 Timothy 3 & 4
Think Deeper
- Have you ever been mentored? If so, by whom and how?
- Have you ever intentionally discipled someone?
- Do you currently have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy?
Suggested Reading
Future Church, by Will Mancini
The Most Loving Place in Town, by Kenneth Blanchard
I Am a Church Member, by Thom Rainer
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.