In Discipleship we are to "ASK"

Chapter 7 Prior Chapter

 

Jesus teaches discipleship in John 15 1-11. Verse 5 explains that it is essential for our “direction is to be aligned with that of Jesus in looking to the father.” Verse 7 then instructs for us to Ask for the things needed to serve Him.

 

What might this “asking” within our prayer life include?

1 . Gaining spiritual growth to prepare ourselves for the special opportunity of service that He may offer.

 

2.  Respecting the Father’s timing, the path being offered, and further defining the role we are to fulfill within His service.

 

3.  Asking for the talent needed to fulfill that role He places before us and asking the same for the others who are involved.

 

4.  Asking for “Thy Will be done” every step along the way, including for the recipients of the outreach.

When our prayer life is yielding little, it may require us to re-visit “step 1,” our spiritual growth. Grace requires us to grow.

 

The growth needed to fulfill the opportunities of yesterday may be inadequate for opportunities Christ has in our future. A life-long trait such as ego, self-justification, lack of love or compassion for others may be a luxury we can no longer afford. John 15:7 may include asking God to bring us the righteousness required to meet the needs in discipleship.

 

At the point Peter’s discipleship went from self-reliance to a relationship that “abides in Christ,” His life grew to honor God:

 

•  Peter's role in the Great Commission helped believers come to know salvation.
•  The humility Peter displayed in his own death glorified God. (John 21:18-19 /Petrine Cross)
•  Peter's writings in the Bible touch each upcoming generation to this day.

 

Chapter 8:  Accepting Discipleship