Portraits of an Authentic Disciple

Those of us who have spent time working on vehicles remember the trusty Chilton repair manuals. Back before there was NASA level technology in our vehicles, when someone bought a vehicle he or she often also bought the Chilton manual to go with the vehicle. The Chilton manual provided descriptions and pictures for how to maintain and fix different parts of the vehicle.

            The Scriptures that God has given us are like those Chilton manuals. God has provided Scripture to make us competent in the Christian life. Paul writes about this in 2 Timothy 3:17, “so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”[1]

            In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul has described the divine origin of scripture (where it comes from) and the divine purpose of Scripture (what Scripture is for). Now in 2 Timothy 3:17 we learn about the divine result of Scripture. The two words at the beginning of 2 Timothy 3:17, “so that,” reveal what the result should be of Scripture being given to us.

            These words are directed to Timothy yet are for all people. When Paul writes, “the man of God,” it refers to Timothy as the man responsible to shepherd and pastor this church in Ephesus. It also is directed to an official preacher of divine truth. But in a sense it applies to all of us who commit ourselves to God, rely on Scripture for Godly living, and have positions of spiritual oversight.

            These are the words directed to the preparation of all people, “may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” The word “adequate” is translated from the Greek adjective, artios. This word is defined as “being well fitted for some function” and is used “in the sense of able to meet all demands.”[2] It could be translated as “complete” or “capable” or “proficient.” [3] This word comes from an old word meaning “to fit.”[4] In Greek you can move words around in a sentence in order to show emphasis. Often a writer would move a word to the front of the sentence to emphasize it. Here, this word, “adequate,” is placed second in the sentence in Greek to show emphasis on it. The idea is this: the person of God is capable of doing what God calls him or her to do because of God’s word.

            Let’s take a moment to examine the phrase, “equipped for every good work.”[5] Paul tells us here that Scripture makes us able to meet the demands of a godly ministry. In this way Scripture makes us able to live righteously. All who follow God experience the direction Scripture gives us for the life we live as Christians. Paul explained this same idea in his letter to the Ephesians (see Eph 4:11-13).

            What we learn from 2 Timothy 3:17 is that Scripture makes us competent. I like The Message’s rendering of 2 Timothy 3:17, “Through the word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”[6] When chaos comes, Scripture makes us competent to weather the storms in the sea of life.

            Just as we might use the Chilton manual to be competent and adequate for any work on our vehicle, Scripture does that for us as Christians. Tony Evans has declared, “Everything that you need in order to be what God wants you to be is already in Scripture.”[7]

Scripture prepares us for what is ahead. An example of this is when I preached through 1 Peter on suffering in 2023. I had prayed about the needs of our church and sensed I needed to preach about suffering to help our church members who were going through some hard situations. So in the fall of 2023, I preached fourteen sermons from 1 Peter on suffering. Then, two weeks after I completed the sermon series, I found myself in a seven-day unexpected stay in our local hospital. I didn’t know God was preparing me for suffering, but I was ready! God was using his word to prepare me for the suffering that awaited me.

            Scripture gets us ready for what God has planned ahead of us. It might be a new challenging job we never thought we’d have to take, a set of kids that we weren’t sure we’d ever have, health problems we never imagined could be so bad, or aging parents that we never thought we’d have to care for. Whatever it might be, God’s word makes us competent for what God has planned ahead for us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

• What are some things you have done to study God’s word in order to become more competent?
• What are some ways Scripture has made you competent in life?
• Who are people in your life you’ve seen grow and become competent because of God’s word?
• What are some areas of your life you are struggling with and might look to Scripture to help you handle?

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[1] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

[2] William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, Walter Bauer, and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 136.

[3] Ibid.

[4] A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), 2 Timothy 3:17.

[5] The Greek word for “equipped” is the verbal form of the Grek noun used for “adequate” earlier. This verb, exertismenos ἐξηρτισμένος (ἐξαρτίζω) is the verb of that adjective. (Much like “build” is the verb and “building” is the noun.) Thus you might notice the audible play on words: artios and exertismenos as they sound similar.

[6] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005).

[7] The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 2019), 1297.

I love clean jokes. Here’s one: How many “traditionalists” does it take to change a light bulb? The answer is four. One to change the light bulb and three to tell you how great the old bulb was.

            We all know that change is hard. Second Timothy 3:16 teaches us about the change that occurs in us as we read Scripture. This verse reveals the divine origin of Scripture, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Tim 3:16a),[1] as well as the purpose of Scripture, “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16b). It’s in 2 Timothy 3:16b that we learn that one of the reasons God gave us Scripture is to change us.

            In 2 Timothy 3:16b we learn that Scripture provides education. Paul writes that Scripture is “profitable” and provides “teaching.”Scripture has an educational aspect as the Word gives us teaching in a positive way. This helps us to understand God’s truth. This is divine instruction and foundational doctrinal content of both Old Testament and New Testament. God’s Word also provides practical real life instruction. If we compare this with the process that most of us followed to get a driver’s license, this would have been the classroom time where we were taught the laws of driving by a teacher and instructional book.  

            But that’s not all Scripture does. Scripture is profitable for “teaching” but also for “reproof” and “correction” and “training in righteousness.” Scripture reveals to us both our creed and our conduct, our belief and our behavior, as well as our doctrine and our duty.

            In 2 Timothy 3:16b we learn that Scripture provides exhortation. Paul writes about “reproof” which is negative. This addresses someone in sin and exposes his sin to himself. It means bringing correction of error where there has been deviation from that truth. It implies exposing someone’s sin in order to bring correction.[2] If we compare this with the process that most of us followed to get a driver’s license, this would have been us driving with our learner’s permit and passing a stop sign. The adult observing us would say, “You’re supposed to stop at that sign.”

            In 2 Timothy 3:16b we learn that Scripture provides exhortation with “reproof” but also  “correction.” While “reproof” is negative, “correction” is positive. Correction addresses those in error and brings restoration to the truth when there has been an error. This is the process of restoring that person after reproof. The Greek word here, epanorthosis, is only used one time in the New Testament. However, it is used in extra-biblical literature for “righting a fallen object, or helping back to their feet those who had stumbled.”[3] In this way, Scripture points people back to Godly living in addition to pointing out sin (Pss 119:9-11; Jn 16:1, 2). If we compare this with the process that most of us followed to get a driver’s license, this would be us approaching another stop sign and stopping like we are supposed to stop, at the direction of the adult observing us.

            In 2 Timothy 3:16b we learn that Scripture provides enablement. Paul writes about “training in righteousness.” This too, like “correction” and “teaching,” is positive. That phrase, “training in righteousness” could literally be translated as “child-training.” It’s the sameword used in Ephesians 6:4 for parents to bring up their children “in the instruction of the Lord.” This is positive training in Godly behavior. It’s a system of discipline that leads to Godly behavior and a holy lifestyle. If we compare this with the process that most of us followed to get a driver’s license, it is the continual learning we experience as we drive and get better at it.

            I love this summary of what Paul teaches in 2 Timothy 3:16 from Warren Wiersbe. He writes that the Scriptures “are profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to get right), and for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right).”[4] He then adds, “A Christian who studies the Bible and applies what he learns will grow in holiness and avoid many pitfalls in this world.”[5]

            What we learn from 2 Timothy 3:16b is that Scripture changes us. While change is hard, Scripture is what changes us. You and I can read other books, but the Bible is a book that reads us. If we read the Bible, the Bible will read us and change us.

            As the late J. Vernon McGee has said, “Studying the Bible should bring conviction to us.”[6] Every page should be read and marked in our Bible. Pastor Charles Swindoll says “Scripture trains us to align our behavior so that it matches our new, righteous identity.”[7]

            When we read God’s Word and follow what it says, we are changed. It will mold us. And what we find is that it changes us.

            For several years I was a member of a Toastmasters Club where I was taught to give speeches. Being in a Toastmasters Club is a unique experience because you stand up each week and give speeches, but when you sit down other members of the club take turns giving you feedback on what you could do better. One week I would be told that I said the word “um” too much. The next week I would be told that I didn’t use my hands when I spoke like I should. The next week I was told I spoke too fast and needed to slow down. The next week I was told that I talked in a monotone voice and I need to vary my pitch. I think you get the point: each week I would improve but then the group found new things I could still improve upon.

            It’s like that when we study God’s Word. We read it, we grow and change, only to learn later there’s something new we can improve. We work through things. Then we start to get those handled, and we have more things we work through. It’s in that way that Scriptures changes us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

• What’s your process for reading God’s word daily?
• How has reading God’s word changed you?
• How can you find ways to read and discuss what you reading in Scripture with others?
• What are some ways you feel God’s word is changing you right now?
• Are there some areas of your life you need God to change you? How can reading God’s Word help you to make that change?

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[1] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

[2] NET Bible, Full Notes Edition (Biblical Studies Press, 2019), 2279.

[3] MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2020), 1625.

[4] Warren Wiersbe, Be Faithful (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), 174.

[5] Wiersbe, Be Faithful, 174.

[6] J. Vernon McGee, First and Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Thru the Bible vol. 50 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 124.

[7] Charles Swindoll, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary, vol. 11 (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2014), 241.

What we believe influences the decisions we make. For example, if we believe vaccinations are good then we will receive them. But if we believe vaccinations are harmful then we won’t receive them. If we believe it is important to vote as an American citizen, then we will register to vote and we will vote when allowed to do so.

            We could summarize this principle this way: what we believe influences our behavior. And because of this, what we as Christians believe about Scripture affects our behavior regarding what Scripture teaches. Two verses from Paul’s second letter to Timothy often inform our beliefs about Scripture.

            Second Timothy was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome. However, this was different than the “prison letters” known as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon which were written while Paul was under “house-arrest” in Rome. In 2 Timothy we learn from Paul that he is in prison once more (2 Tim 1:16-18), has been subjected to one trial (2 Tim 4:16), and the hour of his death was about to come (2 Tim 4:6).[1] Paul wrote 2 Timothy from the maritime prison, which was a wet, cold, and dark dungeon. While there is no biblical testimony about the death of Paul, the source closest to Paul’s death—Clement of Rome—wrote that Paul (and Peter) was persecuted and killed under Nero.[2]

            It is with this context that Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16–17, NASB).[3]

            In this context Paul was emphasizing the importance of Scripture in Timothy’s past (v. 15) as well as Timothy’s present and future ministries (vv. 16-17).

            Pastor Charles Swindoll wrote about this verse, “It is the single most significant sentence in all the New Testament regarding the Scriptures, because it touches on the watershed issue of faith in our times. What you believe about the Bible influences everything you believe and affects every decision you make.”[4]

            I think we could summarize these two verses like this: Scripture is supernaturally given by God for the sanctification of God’s people and preparation for ministry and life. It is my belief, based on these two verses, that an authentic disciple embraces God’s Word in his or her life.

            In the coming weeks we’re going to study these two verses to see what we should believe about the Bible and how that belief influences every decision we make.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

• What have you heard other people say—whether good or bad—about Scripture?
• What do you believe about Scripture?
• What are some of your earliest memories of seeing or reading the Bible?
• Do you have any significant or important memories of God speaking to you through his Word?
• How has your life changed as a result of reading Scripture?

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[1] Paul Barnett, Jesus and the Rise of Early Christianity (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1999), 342-343.

[2] 1 Clement 5:1-4:5 cited in Barnett, Jesus and Early Christianity, 343.

[3] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

[4] Charles Swindoll, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary, vol. 11 (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2014), 239–240.

In 2008 I was working at a nonprofit doing fundraising. My boss’s name was Steve and he worked in an office adjacent to my cubicle. This was convenient as I could walk about fifteen feet from my desk into his office when I had accumulated a list of questions for him. I had only been working in this new position for a few weeks so I was still learning what my job was and how to do that job.

            One day I walked into his office with a few questions I had compiled to ask him. “Do you have a few minutes to talk about some questions I have, Steve?” He said, “Sure go ahead.” As I began to ask him questions I noticed he was packing items from his desk into boxes.

            My questions transitioned from my work to, “What are you doing, Steve?” He replied, “I’ve been let go. It’s not being handled well so I’m packing up and leaving.” He then admitted, “Hattie is going to be your new boss. Maybe you should ask her your questions. I’m glad to answer your questions and try to be helpful, but I think it would be best if you begin talking to her about these things since she will be your new boss.”

            I went to Hattie’s office and told her I heard she would be my new boss. She bluntly told me, “I don’t want to be your boss, I don’t want to do performance evaluations, and I don’t want to manage anyone.  So, let me tell you the basics of your job.” She then laid out the basic things she wanted me to do, and told me about things I could do that she didn’t want me to waste my time on. For the next five years I worked for Hattie always “sticking to the list” of things she told me she wanted me to do while ignoring all the other things that I “could do” but was told “not to do.”

            I want this series of articles on discipleship to be like that direction that Hattie gave to me. Whether you have just become a Christian or have been a Christian for sixty years, I want us to explore what the New Testament says we should be doing as Christians. This will then lead us to logical conclusions about what we should not be doing as Christians.

            Every Christian and every local church wonders about what things they should stay focused on as disciples of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we are overwhelmed as Christians. Do we sell all our things and give everything to the church like the believers did in the book of Acts? Do we go to Africa as missionaries or stay here and evangelize our families and friends? Do we still go and enjoy the same activities or watch the same movies we used to watch before we were Christians? As a local church, what is our purpose and what things do we do and not do?

            In our articles in the coming weeks we’ll look at four passages of Scripture from three different writers. Here’s a basic summary of what we’ll examine together.

            Paul teaches us that as disciples of Jesus Christ we embrace God’s Word: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16–17, NASB).[1]

            Paul also teaches us that as disciples of Jesus Christ we embody God’s kingdom: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil 3:17–21).

            The author of Hebrews teaches us that as disciples of Jesus Christ we encourage one another: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:23–25).

            The apostle Peter teaches us that as disciples of Jesus Christ we evangelize others: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame” (1 Pet 3:15-16).

            While this is one of many ways that we could define discipleship, I pray it is helpful for us to orient us to what we should and should not be doing as Christians. In the coming weeks we’ll explore each of these passages in detail. I look forward to the journey with you!

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[1] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Several years ago the editor of a magazine contacted me and asked for an article on discipleship. I had not written much on discipleship at that time, but I thought his request would be a good opportunity for me to clarify what I believed the New Testament taught on discipleship.

            I began my work on the article by reading from Matthew 1 to Revelation 22. Anytime I saw a description or action of a disciple I wrote it down on a piece of scratch paper. After reading through Matthew 1 to Revelation 22, I had compiled a list of more than sixty identifications of what a disciple looks like based on the New Testament.

            While I compiled a list of sixty descriptions of a disciple from the New Testament, you probably are familiar with Jesus’s teaching about discipleship. We are told about discipleship from Matthew when he records Jesus saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:19–20, NASB).[1] I’m guessing this is a verse you’ve read and heard discussed before.

            Steve Elliott was one of the first people to disciple me and walk with me as a new Christian. He often said Matthew 28:19–20 was the most quoted yet least obeyed passage in the entire Bible. He originally taught that to me almost twenty years ago. I believe his words are truer now than ever.

            Because of that, I’m going to dedicate the coming months to us examining what the New Testament says about discipleship. I am excited to go on this journey with you this year as we explore different passages of scripture that teach us what being a disciple looks like.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION:

• Have you been discipled by someone? If so, who was that person and what was the experience like for you?
• Have you ever discipled someone? If so, who was that person (or persons) and what was that experience like for you?
• What have you heard people teach related to Matthew 28:19–20?
• How has your church fulfilled or failed to fulfill the command of these verses?
• In what ways do believe you and/or your church can better follow Jesus’s command to make disciples?

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[1] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.