Disciple: Phileoship
Brian Sump
(1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)
Disciple: A disciple of Jesus is someone who has trusted in Him as Savior and is following Him as Lord. A disciple is deeply connected with other believers and they love the same way Jesus loved them.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you …. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15: 9-17 NIV
A disciple will exhibit these characteristics of brotherly love and fellowship:
- Interaction: look to connect with other believers
“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17 NIV
- Who are you seeking out to connect with?
- Instruction: pour yourself into growing Christians
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV
“… that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV
- Who are you teaching?
- Intercession: pray earnestly for others
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 NIV
“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again” 1 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV
- Who are you praying for?
- Influence: leave a lasting impression
“But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV
- Who are you influencing?