Four Generations
Discipling to the fourth generation, as described in II Timothy 2:2, has been one of the goals of the Navigator ministry since that organization began. Unless discipleship is transferred to others in a way that is continually reproduced it will cease to exist. If the ones we disciple do not disciple others, a whole line of generational impact is lost. No population can survive if there is no reproduction. The Christian faith is always, and only, one generation from extinction. One of the most sobering verses in the Bible is found in the book of Judges. “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10
It is not uncommon for those involved in the ministry of our Lord to have had the opportunity to disciple and also bring to faith others to disciple. What is less common, however, is the fruit that also comes from the lives of those who are discipled. All too frequently the reproduction and disciple making stops with the second generation. It would be profitable, therefore, to examine some the reasons for this occurrence and to consider possible ways to prevent this from happening.
In II Timothy 2:2, we are directed to commit our lives to those who are faithful. To this word we have over the years also added two other words which are “available’ and “teachable.” In his book, “The Fuel and the Flame,” Steve Shadrack has also mentioned two others which are helpful. These are “initiative”, and “heart.” By heart he means a heart for the lost, for the word of God, and a heart for the Lord. These additions then spell out the word “FAITH.” Some of those I have spent time with over the years have not met these criteria. Sadly, over the process of time I have discovered them to be lacking in one or more of these five criteria. This calls for a more careful evaluation of those to whom we commit our lives and our time. Before choosing the twelve, it is recorded that the Lord spent the night in prayer before making the selection in the morning. (Luke 6:12)
One of the most effective tools which we are given in the process of seeing four generations through our lives is prayer. Howard Hendricks once commented that it is more important to talk to God about men than it is to talk to men about God. Prayer must be a regular investment for those we are actively discipling. Prayer should be offered on their behalf for each of the five areas in FAITH. It must also touch other aspects of their lives, including their marriage, occupation, hobbies, and financial situation to mention a few. These all have a bearing as to whether or not their faith will be reproduced in others. In addition to our own prayer, we must enlist the prayers of others in our discipleship teams to pray for them as well. Of primary concern, however, is that we teach them how to pray for themselves in all these areas.
The word of God is central to the process of a disciple who is learning to disciple others. A regular intake of God’s word, including memorization and meditation on verses dealing with evangelism and discipleship is critical to their reproduction. Booklets such as “Born to Reproduce” by Dawson Trotman are helpful. Other tools such as “The Lost Art of Disciple Making,” “Disciples are Made, not Born,” and “Living Proof” are invaluable in assuring that the person you are meeting with will reproduce their life in another person.
One of the most influential factors in this process is the impact of our own lives. What do they see in our lives? Are we continuing to invest in others? Do we continue to pray for them? In any relationship, others learn from what we do, not what we say. Discipleship is caught more than taught. The generational element of discipleship is also caught more than taught. In addition to the impact of our own lives, they will benefit from contact with others who live the lifestyle that communicates the value of generational influence. We need to introduce them to other individuals who are actively producing multigenerational fruit. Not only can this be done person to person but we can take them with us to conferences such as retreats and other meetings in which they can observe this in the lives of additional individuals. I have found it helpful with some individuals to simply introduce them to others which need discipling. I do this by offering the idea as a suggestion for them to pray about and encourage them to begin the relationship. Another good way to get them started is to ask them to assist you with a class at church, or an EMAW group, Memorize the Word, or a TMS study. The goal of such an invitation is to get them acquainted with someone who needs to be discipled. I relate to them that one of the goals of my teaching such a group is to find a FAITH-ful individual in whom to invest my life. I encourage them to pray about the same investment with someone as well.
It is necessary for them to share their faith journey with others. This conversation with others can lead to opportunities with those who are interested in a closer walk with the Lord, or those who are still on a journey to faith. One man who I was spending time with years ago came to faith and immediately shared it with his office staff. They didn’t need to be told a thing about his new birth. His foul mouth was taken immediately away by the Lord and they were amazed at the transformation! His closest friend was so struck with the change that he trusted the Lord the next day. During the next week, his friend’s wife also came to the Lord. Four generations in less than a week! New believers in Christ have a wide range of non-Christian friends and can be great instruments of evangelism and discipleship in the hands of the Lord. Any person who has recently come to the Lord is usually a key person to consider spending time with. They are teachable, have non-christians friends, and their changed lives will make an impact.
In John chapter 21, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Based on Peter’s affirmative response, he then gives him three things to do. “Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, and Feed my sheep.” The basic requirement, then, for our ministry is love of our Lord. Unless the disciple with whom we are meeting is in love with the Lord, his faith is unlikely to be reproductive. I have found benefit from regularly spending time with others by simply looking at the person of Christ. “Crises of the Christ”, by G. Campbell Morgan is very beneficial, as are the works of A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray and Jerry Bridges. They all point to Him as the Source, the Life and the Person that must occupy our continual worship and praise. Only a life centered on Christ in all areas of our life will allow His life to live through us and produce consistent fruit that lasts.
Multiple seemingly non-spiritual aspects of a persons life will alter and determine the spiritual influence of their life. Their use of time, treasure, their thought life and what they trust in at the deepest level of their lives all have an impact on their availability to Christ and to others. A burden of debt and lack of financial freedom hinders some. For many, a lack of margin in their lives prevents their availability to disciple others. Each of us have different challenges that we face. I have found that Lorne Sanny’s priority evaluation of an individual’s life is an important tool in helping developing margin in their lives.This consists of evaluating their life in view of what is Essential, Necessary, Good, Delegate and Eliminate.
Finally, we must not neglect self evaluation during the course of preparing others for their ministry. Are we fully committed to accomplishing the task of preparing others to be disciple makers? Have we counted the cost involved? Are we willing to self sacrifice our lives to see it finished? Is there any issue in our lives that prohibits us from fully following Christ and being available to Him for others? We should consistently ask the Lord to deal with us in our own lives so that we will not be the hindrance to others achieving the Lord’s best for their lives.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
As we work with others, our eyes should continually be on Him, with the intent of adding a diadem to His crown, not attempting to bring glory in any measure to ourselves. “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” (Isaiah 26 :12)
“Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O Lord, have done it.” (Psalms 109:26-27) May the Lord multiply the fruit through your lives as you follow Him. To Him be glory both now and forever.
In Christ, Richard Spann