The Man Behind the
Man
(The Behind-the-scenes people)
Gen. 14:14-16 Who helped Abraham defeat
the armies of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him?
Though
Abraham received the credit for the victory, could Abraham have defeated the
armies by himself?
Are
you willing to work behind the scenes under the leadership of another and let
him/her receive the credit for your contributions or hard work, and why?
[Life
is full of these types of relationships, so get used to it. Generals and
soldiers is just one of many. Other relationships that require “behind the
scenes” workers are, but not limited to: quarterbacks and wide receivers need
blockers; husbands need their wives; political leaders need grass root workers;
business owners need employees; actors need writers, make-up artists, good
sound and stage lighting; police and firemen need backup; newspapers need
writers, reporters, and photographers; children need good parents and teachers;
church leaders need church members; writers need publishers; doctors need
nurses; missionaries need supporters; etc.].
Why
do you think some people don’t like to work behind the scenes or think their
work is unimportant or insignificant if it isn’t recognized?
Do
you feel this way, and why?
What
would you tell a Christian who felt his/her work was unimportant/insignificant?
Acts 6:1-3 What service did these seven men provide?
What did this allow the apostles to do (vs. 4)?
Do you see the value/importance in the seven men’s
service? Is this how you feel when you serve others, and why?
If
not, what will you do to change your attitude?
Acts
Would you consider what they did
important, and why?
[“his disciples” – Saul’s/Paul’s
disciples/converts to Christianity as a result of his preaching; Acts
How long had they been Christians (vss. 20, 23)?
Does
it seem like you have to be a Christian for many years before you can be an
important part of the body of Christ?
What are some things that hold people back from
working wholeheartedly together in the body of Christ/church?
Whether you’re a new Christian or older, have you
been doing your part as a member of the church, and why?
Have
you even taken the time to think about what contributions you could/should make
to the Christians you fellowship with?
If
so, what ideas have you come up with?
If not, when will you start to think about this?
Acts 16:1-3 What did Paul require Timothy to do in order for him to
follow Paul?
Did
Paul require Timothy to be tall, dark, and handsome, athletic, well-educated in
the finest schools, a great speaker, rich, popular, or endowed with musical
talent?
[“circumcised
him because of the Jews” – the Jews to whom Paul would be preaching the gospel
would be offended if a man with a Jewish mother was uncircumcised, and the
reception of the gospel could be unnecessarily hindered.].
Would
you endure personal discomfort (e.g., using your lunch break, skipping a
meal, at work or school to share the gospel; interrupting your dinner to share
the gospel with the cult member that comes to your door; going without certain
luxuries in order to use more of your finances to share the gospel and build up
believers into Christlikeness; being out in the heat and/or humidity in order
to reach people for Christ; wearing or not wearing certain clothing when around
others who might be offended by it; etc.) for the sake of your spiritual
leader’s ministry, and why?
Acts
[“ministered”
(Gk. “diakoneō”) – to be a servant, attendant,
to serve, wait upon, minister – Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old
and New Testament Words, p. 410].
Does
this seem like a wasting of Timothy’s and Erastus’ talents, youthfulness,
and/or energy to have them doing this instead of something else?
What
are some things that many Christians consider as being important in making them
worthy/deserving of being a spiritual leader?
Yet,
in describing Timothy’s “proven worth”, how did Paul say Timothy did it (Phil.
[Timothy
was Paul’s assistant. He was also Paul’s
spiritual child. He (Paul) could have
said, ‘as a son to a father, he has served me in the gospel.’ … The word ‘in’
is in the Greek text a preposition of motion.
It was in the progress of the gospel that Timothy served with Paul – Wuest’s
Word Studies in the Greek NT, vol. 2, “Philippians”, p.
80.].
Do
you feel or have you ever felt that you must do something great, speak eloquently,
be real smart, have a college degree, have hundreds of verses memorized, be
able to debate every cult/world religion, etc. in order to prove your worth to
your spiritual leader (or to the Christians with whom you fellowship)? Why?
Are
you serving your spiritual leader (i.e., in the every day tasks of life)
for the furtherance of the gospel?
In
what ways are you helping/serving or could you be helping/serving your
spiritual leader?
Acts 21:8, 10, 15 What service did
Philip, who was one of the seven (who served food to the believing widows in
Do
you view this and other acts of service (e.g., washing dishes; taking out
the trash; running errands; entertaining new people; being hospitable; making,
printing, and/or editing Christian materials; providing supplies or food for
Bible study; financially sponsoring obedient, Christian missionaries;
translating Christian materials; listening to others when they’re going through
trials; writing thoughtful letters of encouragement, reproof, or correction;
doing the physical arrangements for meetings; helping others clean; preparing
or buying food for others who are sick, busy, or financially unable to; buying,
making, or stapling gospel tracts for others; providing Bibles for those who
don’t have one; cutting someone’s hair; faithfully handling delegated tasks;
fixing or repairing something that others can’t; etc.) as important to God
and important to the healthy functioning of your fellowship of Christians, and
why?
What
work/service are you doing to honor God and build up the Christians with whom
you fellowship?
Acts
[As
far as we can tell, there is no record of them being asked or told to join
Paul’s travels or help him.].
Are
you willing to serve your spiritual leader or other Christians by going out of
your way to make sure their needs are met without being asked to do so, and
why?
[e.g.,
volunteering to buy groceries for someone else and using the stack of coupons
he/she gave you; volunteering to pick up someone for church/Bible study, even
though you didn’t invite them personally or you have other things to do; taking
out the trash for someone else because he/she was very busy; volunteering to do
some chore/task that needs to be done while others are playing games;
volunteering to wash someone’s vehicle and specifically doing it how they like
it, change someone’s oil, etc. on your day off; voluntarily leaving the room
while your roommate/friend/spouse is having a private conversation with someone
when you were already using the room before he/she showed up; voluntarily
cutting out coupons for others, though you could’ve given them uncut;
voluntarily getting stamps and dropping letters in the mail for others;
voluntarily typing out letters or Bible studies; etc.].
What
can you do to become a better helper in your Christian fellowship group or to
your spiritual leaders (Eph.
What
are some of the benefits of being this kind of helper?
Do
you see now how important/vital the work of the “man behind the man” (i.e.,
the behind-the-scenes person) is to a healthy functioning and productive
fellowship group?
Acts
What
would’ve happened had Paul been killed (from a human standpoint – hint:
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1st and 2nd
Timothy, Titus, and possibly Hebrews)?
Did
Paul’s nephew wait for someone else to go and tell the commander because he
thought he was too young, weak, inferior, uneducated, or too poor of a
communicator to do it?
Did
Paul’s nephew realize that he needed to save Paul’s life because the New
Testament hadn’t been finished yet?
Do
you sometimes hold back from (or even wait in) doing good
(e.g., evangelizing, being an encouragement to others, being involved in
building up other believers spiritually, etc.) because you’re too young,
inexperienced, or not well-educated or because you don’t see the long-term
results, value, or importance in doing so?
If
so, why do you think that what you’re lacking is so important to have/acquire
before you actually obey God in doing good to others?
What
did the commander tell Paul’s nephew after Paul’s nephew reported what he heard
(vs. 22)?
What
is the first thing most people want to do after they take part in something
important or have the opportunity to take part in something important?
Could
you be content/satisfied knowing that your good deeds
may never be noticed, talked about, praised, or rewarded in this life?
Why?
How might Matthew 6:1, 4, Prov. 16:2, and Hebrews 6:10 help in
gaining one answer to the above question?
Rom.
[“encouraged
together with you” (Gk. “sumparakaleō”) – “to
strengthen with others.” It is a mutual strengthening, brought about by Paul’s
ministry among them and their association with him, that the apostle is
speaking of – Wuest’s Word Studies in the Greek New Testament, vol. 1,
“Romans”, p. 22.].
What
did Paul say would encourage him?
If your spiritual leader/teacher-trainer spent time with you, would
he be encouraged by your faith (in God, as expressed by your obedience to God’s
Word and will), or would he be discouraged by your lack of faith?
What are some ways you could encourage your
spiritual leader/teacher-trainer?
1.
By sharing with
him how you’ve been benefited by his teaching, training, or counseling, with
specifics, not vague generalities.
2.
By thanking him
for all the time and effort that he’s put into studying, researching,
preparing, and carrying out the various Bible studies and articles that you
get, and how you benefited from them.
3.
Little practical
gifts or snacks shared with him (Gal. 6:5).
4.
By telling him
that you are committed to and loyal to him, especially during the hard times he
goes through, and showing it by your actions as well as by your
words.
5.
By sharing what
you like about his character or leadership, if done in sincerity and
genuineness rather than in flattery.
6.
By sharing how
you are changing in your character (specifically) and becoming
more Christ-like.
7.
By talking
about and showing your love for God as seen by your prayer life, Quiet
Time, evangelism, etc.
8.
By being
co-operative rather than stubborn, rebellious, and/or argumentative.
[There
is a habit in the church to elevate spiritual leaders to a “super-human” status
and to think that leaders are exempt from experiencing such “unspiritual”
emotions as discouragement or that they don’t need
those who are under their care. But this is not true. Leaders face many
discouraging situations like the rest of us, and even more so because of the
work they do. Spiritual, godly men like Moses (Ex.
Do all the members have the same function?
[“the
same function” (Gk. “tēn autēn
praxin”) – mode of acting or office – Dr. A.T.
Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol. 4, “Romans”, p.
403.].
What are the seven functions/offices listed here (vss.
6-8)?
“prophecy” (Gk. “prophetia”/“prophetes”)
was the gift of receiving a message directly from God and declaring it to the
people. Since it was a foundational gift of the Church, like apostleship, Eph.
2:20, when the foundation of the Church was laid by the end of the first
century and the Bible was complete, this gift ended, 1 Cor. 13:9, 10; no
further revelation is needed now because the Bible is complete; a prophet,
then, was one who was given direct revelation from God to pass on to people.
“service” (Gk. “diakonia”) is
the gift of ministry; any kind of service, but especially in the temporal
affairs of the church, as in Acts 6:1-3. Almost any work/service, in the
realm/sphere that God has placed him, other than inspired utterance or
miracle-working. This was practical service of all kinds, like that done by
deacons.
“teaching” (Gk. “didaskalos”/“didasko”/“didaskalia”)
is communicating the already revealed truths of God or doctrine;
instruction/communication to others of the already revealed Word of God.
“exhortation” (Gk. “parakaleo”/“paraklesis”)
is the gift of ministering consolation to others, or to summon, ask, encourage (to
strengthen others and call forth renewed commitment), or comfort. It means
to urge one to pursue some course of conduct. The act of presenting such
motives before a person as may excite him/her to the performance of duty; to
rouse to duty by proposing suitable motives.
“giving” (Gk. “metadidomi”)
is the gift of sharing; to give a share of; contributing to believers’ needs
and is done personally; exercising private/personal benevolence; imparting one’s earthly possessions.
“leadership”
(Gk. “proistemi”) is the gift of ruling,
standing before, having charge over; managing, administering, or leading;
overseers, elders, superintendents;
those who exercise government and oversight in the church (as in 1
Cor. 12:28, “administrations”), elders.
“mercy” (Gk.
“eleeo”) is the gift of having pity on; a concern for the afflicted that prompts
giving help; the imparting of genuine Christian sympathy and understanding; direct, personal service/care to those
in need.
Is
it now obvious to you that God intended/planned for us to be different (vs.
6)?
Because we are “one body in Christ”, what does it say
we are (vs. 5)?
What does this mean?
Are you aware of what your spiritual gift is? If not, how could you find
out?
Even
if your spiritual gift never brings you into the limelight or gets you
recognition, are you exercising or willing to exercise your gift in the way God
would want you to (Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor.
Rom.
Could
your spiritual leader count on you to pray for his personal safety and for his
ministry’s effectiveness?
Could
your spiritual leader find refreshing rest in your company?
Which
one do you or would you consider to be more important, and why?
Rom.
If
your spiritual leader/teacher-trainer heard about your faith in God/Christ and
your obedience to the Bible (i.e., in evangelism, building up believers into
Christlikeness, living a Christ-like life, and obeying the Bible in general),
would it cause him to rejoice, and why?
What
might happen to your spiritual leader if he heard a report about your lack of
faith and disobedience?
Do
you see how your decisions/choices can affect your spiritual leader for good or
for bad (see also Heb.
What
good things can happen when we bring joy to our spiritual
leader/teacher-trainer?
[e.g.,
our spiritual teacher-trainer will be more desirous of teaching us; more
responsibilities and assignments will be given to us because we are trusted;
there will be a better training environment all around; relationships between
the spiritual teacher-trainer and the others and between each other will be
harmonious; greater opportunities exist for experiencing and learning more;
etc.]. Do you see how important bringing joy to your
spiritual leader can be to your fellowship group as a whole?
1 Cor. 3:7, 8 Even though Paul planted (i.e., by
first evangelizing the city of
[“are
one” (ellipsis) – in the work/task of building up the body of Christ to
maturity, Eph.
Though
others (including your spiritual leader) may have a well-known or
popular ministry, have more converts, more talents and abilities, or more
successes, what does it say each person will receive (vs. 8)?
What
do all these verses have in common (
In
order to receive a reward in heaven by God for what you did here in this
lifetime, does it require a college degree, a high paying job, an abundance of
talent (e.g., musical, verbal, physical, or being able to speak in multiple
languages), or a high I.Q.?
[God
will not look at what He gave others when He judges your worth to the body of
Christ. He will judge you on the basis of what He gave you. If you are not
using what He gave you to live the Christian life with wholehearted effort
(esp., in evangelism, building up believers into Christlikeness, and living a
Christ-like life), then you will be judged accordingly as someone who
hurt/hindered the body of believers, even though you may be presently giving
superficial, token service/worship to God. Also, you will lose rewards at the
Judgment Seat of Christ, 3:13, 15; 2 Tim. 2:12.].
1 Cor.
What
did Paul say Timothy was doing?
Though
Timothy was timid in disposition (2 Tim. 1:7) and young in age (1
Tim.
Was
Timothy the kind of person (fellow worker, Rom.
Can
your spiritual leader/teacher-trainer count on you to evangelize and build up
believers into Christlikeness in spite of your real or perceived weaknesses (e.g.,
poor speaking ability; too tall or short; overweight or pencil thin; uneducated
or a slow learner; boring personality; clothes too old or out of style; skin,
hair, teeth, or facial problems; racial or ethnic background; financial
problems or poor; inferiority feelings; fear/timidity; past experiences; etc.)?
If
not, what can you do to help insure that you can be trusted in this area in the
future (Eph. 5:18; 1 Jn. 5:14, 15; Phil. 2:12; 2 Tim. 1:7; Rom. 12:2; Phil.
4:8; 1 Pet. 2:9; Jn. 1:12; Acts 17:11)?
Will
you? When?
1 Cor. 16:17, 18 Why
did the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus cause Paul to rejoice?
[“what
was lacking on your part” – their fellowship; see also vs. 18].
What
was the result of their coming (vs. 18)?
[“refreshed my spirit” – encouraged Paul by their fellowship,
or possibly by their bringing a good report about many of the Corinthians]. [“and yours” – by
bringing Paul’s letter to them].
Though
you may lack a college education, great speaking abilities, skills, talents, or
popularity, could you refresh your spiritual leader’s/teacher-trainer’s spirit
by fellowshipping with him and encouraging him? Do
you?
If so, how?
If
not, how could you?
Do
you see now how even the most spiritual and godly leaders (and for that
matter, all members of the church) need the other members of the fellowship
group to do their part in order to help their leaders do their part?
2 Cor. 11:8, 9; Phil. 4:14-16 What important service did the brethren (Christians)
from
What
need of Paul’s was fully/amply supplied and now in abundance (Phil.
Should
the Corinthians have been helping Paul financially for
the spiritual work he did among them (1 Cor. 9:9-15; Gal. 6:6; 2 Thes.
3:7-11)?
Though
others may fail in their responsibility to support their spiritual leader,
could your spiritual leader count on you to fulfill your responsibility of
supporting him (whether that is financially, materially, or by providing him
with some service/skill you have, etc.)? If
so, what could you do?
Or,
have you ever given more than what could be expected of you because others were
not doing their part in supporting their spiritual leader, and why?
[Just
because your spiritual leader/teacher-trainer refrains
from asking for support (and maybe not even expecting it), it doesn’t mean he
isn’t qualified/entitled to receive it. With so many frauds and charlatans in
the churches today, as in Paul’s day, it is, at times, necessary to forego/give
up this right in order to keep one’s ministry from being discredited/labeled as
“another corrupt and hypocritical church that is only interested in a person’s
money”. When you do find a spiritual leader that is doctrinally/biblically
correct and obedient to the Bible, you should help him, whether others do or
not.].
2 Cor. 12:15-18 What problem did Paul have to deal with in
What
issue was being discussed (vss. 16, 17)?
In what way (
How
did Titus and another Christian help Paul in this situation (vs. 18)?
When
you’re with family, friends, or out in public away from your church fellowship,
could your spiritual leader point to your character/conduct as proof of his
love for others, his zeal for evangelism, his dedication to building up
believers into Christlikeness, his biblical priorities and goals, his love for
prayer and the Bible, etc.? Or, would those opposed to your
spiritual leader’s ministry find proof in your character to the opposite, and
why?
Do
you see how being Christ-like in character (and in mission) can be of
great help to others, especially your spiritual leader, even if you’re not
talented, well-educated, beautiful, or full of charisma?
Are
there any obvious changes in your character that need to be made in order to be
this kind of person?
If so, what?
Gal. 6:2 What
service is every member of the body of Christ commanded to perform?
[“burdens”
(Gk. “barē”) – heavy, crushing, oppressive
burdens/difficulties/griefs/afflictions, and in context, it refers to trials or
hard times.].
Specifically,
are you aware of the burdens that those in leadership positions within your
fellowship group have?
If
so, are you helping to alleviate the burden(s) he/they face, and why?
If
not, how could you be?
Though
you probably won’t get public recognition for your service, how important is
this to do (1 Cor.
Does
it take a high IQ, good looks, great speaking abilities, or being
multi-talented in order to play an important role in the life of your spiritual
leader, and, therefore, the spiritual well-being/vitality of your fellowship
group?
What
does it take (Eph.
Gal. 6:6 What
is the person who is taught the word (God’s Word, the Bible) to do?
[“all good things” – material goods; every kind of good thing
of this life. For example: finances, food, clothes, furniture, appliances,
tools, transportation, etc.].
Have
you read/heard this biblical command before? If so, are you faithfully
applying it, and why?
Are
you willing to work “behind the scenes” in supporting the work of God (i.e.,
of evangelism and building up Christians into Christlikeness) by supporting
(i.e., financially and/or materially) your spiritual leader, and why?
[Teacher-trainers
who spend their time studying, researching, learning, and gaining a lot of
experience and so forfeit having a regular, secular career/job in order to be
able to better equip other Christians should be benefited (in one way or
another) for their services by those being taught. It is, in fact, a privilege
and to our advantage to support our spiritual teacher-trainers.].
What
advantages can you see from supporting your spiritual teacher-trainer(s) in
these ways?
[Whether
you can see the advantages from supporting/contributing to your spiritual
leader or not, they are there, and we are still commanded to do so.].
Eph. 4:11-16 Why were spiritually-gifted people given to the church/body
of Christ?
[God’s purpose for all Christians (the Church) is
to equip Christians (in knowledge, skills, and godly character) for the work of
service (evangelizing and teaching-training) to the building up of the body of
Christ (both numerically and spiritually) until we all attain to the unity of
the faith (doctrinally/beliefs) and of the knowledge of the Son of God
(complete, correct, experiential knowledge of Christ as Lord), to a mature man,
to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness
of Christ (as Lord and Savior so we should be Christ-like in godly character
and in the mission of seeking and saving the lost/unbelievers).].
Did God intend for everyone to have the same gift (vs.
11; 1 Cor. 12:4, 11, 28-30), and why?
What are we (Christians) to grow up in (vs.
15)?
[“in all aspects” – in
every area of Christlikeness (i.e., in character and mission).].
How was that to be accomplished (vs. 16)?
[Eph.
Though
the exercising of your spiritual gift may put you “behind the scenes” and not
in the public’s view/attention, are you exercising your gift faithfully (or
willing to) for the best welfare of the whole body/church (and not just
a select few), and why?
What
are some reasons why people don’t apply their spiritual gifts?
Eph. 6:21, 22; Col. 4:7, 8 What
service did Tychicus and Onesimus provide for Paul?
Do you normally consider delivering someone else’s
mail an important task, and why?
Why else might a job/task like this be important (Eph.
Did
Paul communicate that it was Tychicus’ and Onesimus’ super intelligence, public
speaking abilities, popularity, or being multi-talented that qualified them to
carry Paul’s mail, or was it their character (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7, 9)?
What
character traits were emphasized (Eph.
What
are the qualities of a bond-servant (2 Tim.
Do
you view growing and becoming more Christ-like in your character as a more
important contribution to the spiritual health of your church fellowship than
learning/gaining new skills and abilities, and why?
[If
the main/chief goal of your church is the unbiblical goal of entertaining the
church, then finding people with great gifts, talents/skills, and abilities
will suffice. If the goal of your church is the biblical goal of evangelizing
the world and building up the saints into Christlikeness, then you will want to
find people who are teachable, faithful, eager to learn, available, and have a
heart for God, whether they have great gifts, talents, abilities, skills or
not. To be conformed to the image/character of Christ is the purpose for which
we were predestined, Rom. 8:29.].
1 Thes. 1:6-9 Because the
Thessalonians had received the gospel and became imitators of the Lord, Paul,
Silvanus, and Timothy, what had they become (vs. 7)?
[“example” (Gk. “tupon”) –
referring to the church as a whole. It is a great compliment for the church in Thessalonica to be already
a model for believers in
Is
your life an example (pattern) to follow for others Christians in the
area of evangelism, and why?
As a
result of the Thessalonians sharing the gospel with everyone they came into
contact with, what did Paul and company not need to do (vs. 8)?
Are
you doing your part in sharing the gospel with everyone you come into contact
with (e.g., at school, at work, in your family, at the store, gas station,
etc.), or are you leaving your responsibility to evangelize on the
shoulders of your spiritual leader, and why?
Did you
realize that by doing your part in evangelizing the people you come into
contact with you may not only bring people to salvation/forgiveness in Christ,
but each person who becomes a Christian is then able to learn and then use
his/her spiritual gift to help build up the body of believers?
Does
it take a college degree, being multi-talented, or great speaking abilities to
share the gospel with someone?
If
not, why do you think most Christians don’t share the gospel?
[In
order to evangelize, all you need to know is the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1, 3, 4). If
you’re a Christian, then you should know it. If you’re not sure what to say,
then ask someone who is actively sharing the gospel as a way of life to help
you.].
Are
you helping your fellowship group to grow quantitatively and qualitatively by
sharing the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1, 3, 4; Rom.
1 Thes. 3:1, 2, 6, 7 What was Timothy sent to
Thessalonica to do (vss. 2, 3 )?
Even
though Paul told the Thessalonians in advance that he was going to suffer
afflictions, why did Paul think it was necessary/important
to send Timothy to them (vs. 5)?
Do
you consider strengthening and encouraging others as an important ministry to
your spiritual leader and others, and why (Rom. 12:8; 1 Thes.
What brought Paul comfort in spite of his present
distresses and afflictions (vss. 6, 7)?
Do
you see how Timothy’s bringing of good news (about the Thessalonians’ faith
and love, consistent kind thoughts, and longing to see Paul) was really
important to his spiritual leader?
Does
helping your spiritual leader or other Christians by encouraging and strengthening
and/or bringing or delivering news about the welfare of others require us to be
multi-talented, well-educated, have a high IQ, have great speaking abilities,
or have an exciting personality?
2 Tim. 1:16-18 What three things did Onesiphorus do for Paul?
How often do you refresh your spiritual leader, and
how?
Would
you eagerly and painstakingly (and possibly at the risk of your own life)
search for your spiritual leader if he was in jail/prison for being an obedient
Christian, and why?
[Keep
in mind, this was not similar to a jail/prison in the
If
your spiritual leader went to another place to live
and share the gospel, would you willingly go with him, so you could serve him
there, and why?
What
inferred character qualities of Onesiphorus did Paul emphasize in order to
encourage and strengthen Timothy?
Did
you realize that even if you’re not a ministry leader, you’re godly character
could be used as an example to encourage and strengthen ministry leaders to do
the same?
Does
it take a high social status, a high IQ, great speaking abilities, or being
multi-talented to encourage and strengthen ministry leaders?
Do
you think your present level of godliness would strengthen and encourage other
ministry leaders if it was mentioned to them by your spiritual teacher-trainer,
and why?
If
not, what are you planning on doing about it?
2 Tim. 4:11, 12 Who
was with Paul while he was in prison?
Who did Paul want Timothy to bring with him when he
came, and why?
What did Paul formerly think of Mark (Acts
Was Paul’s problem with Mark based upon Mark’s lack
of education, great speaking abilities, or talents?
What was it?
Do
you let past problems/mistakes or sins (e.g., a bad witnessing experience;
choking up when sharing your testimony or giving a speech; being corrected or
rebuked for sin or making a bad decision; failing to get your point across and,
therefore, being misunderstood, quitting your training program, deserting
someone when they counted on you being there, etc.) keep you from learning
and becoming useful to your spiritual leader or fellowship group now, and why?
[Someone
once said, “Failure in itself is not a villain.
It becomes one only when we choose to ignore it, excuse
it, or refuse to learn from it.”].
Are
you learning from and using your past failures to become a more
productive/useful for service to your spiritual leader and fellowship group, or
are you ignoring, excusing, and refusing to learn from your failures, and as a
result, you are still dealing with the same unresolved problems you had a year (or
more) ago, and why?
Philemon 1:10-13 What two things did Paul consider Onesimus to be?
What was Onesimus’ former status (vs. 16)?
Did he let that keep him from helping and serving
Paul?
Do
you let your background or circumstances (e.g., your financial, educational,
marital, or social status) keep you from helping and/or serving your
spiritual leader, and why?