What a Difference!

 

When you compare the two glasses of water to the left side of this blog, it is easy to see the difference.   The water in one glass is murky and dirty while the water in the other glass is very clean and pure.    As a disciple of Christ I face the same dilemma.   My life can be polluted due to sin or pure as a result of following Christ.   This ongoing transformation is a process of pouring Christ into my life and letting Him change me from a sinner to a disciple of His. 

When responding to the Spirit of God, we have a choice to change, to be  transformed, and to become like Christ.   It is our choice to move from sin to righteousness.  When we are transformed we are no longer unusable and contaminated by sin, but we are pure and holy due to the righteousness of Christ.

How do we help our church members with this transformational process?   Most likely, the groups assigned at church to train and teach disciples are our Bible study classes.   The weekly Bible study class certainly has a wonderful opportunity to make disciples.   However, will your Bible study teachers fall into this trap?  Four pitfalls are mentioned in the book Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction which can reduce the occurrence of transformation in the lives of people.

“1. The Messiah Complex – I believe I am to rescue you or deliver you from the struggles and pain of your life.
2. The Problem-Solver Mentality – I believe my role is to tell you what the right answers are or to offer a way out for you.
3. The Assembly-Line Syndrome – I believe my role is to shape you into a predetermined form or product.
4. The Wisdom Dispenser Approach – I believe I must dispense wisdom-on-demand every time I meet with my disciple, because I am a fountain of wisdom and truth."¹

Let’s make disciples and rejoice as their lives are being changed and transformed into the image of Christ!!  In my next blog, we'll look at ways an effective Bible study can encourage transformed lives.

 

posted by  Dr. R. W. Bobby Martin

 

1  http://virgilgrant.com/2012/06/four-pitfalls-to-avoid-as-a-disciple-maker/

 

Dallas Baptist Association exists to assist our churches individually and cooperatively in fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.