Fully Devoted: An Introduction预览

How Do We Share About the Bible?

On this journey of becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus, we’re in the process of becoming like Jesus so we can love God and others just like He does.

The way of life Jesus modeled for us is one that’s always directed toward serving others. As His followers, we’ve been tasked to do the same. This is why it’s so important for us not just to know and live the words of Jesus, but also to share them with others.

How do we do that well?

A passage of Scripture that many have found helpful to answer that question comes from Paul’s letter to his apprentice Timothy. Timothy was a young leader who was in charge of the Christian community in Ephesus. As a Christ follower, Timothy knew that he had been called by God to share the wisdom of Scripture with the people around him.

To help him do that, Paul encouraged him to set an example in the way he talked, acted, loved, and lived. One effective way to share the good news of Jesus with others is by modeling it in our lives. When we actively practice the way of Jesus in our daily lives, people will see something different in us, and they will want what we have—a hope and a peace that this world cannot take away.

Next, Paul tells Timothy to commit himself to reading the Bible with others, reminding them who Jesus is, and what He’s done. Along the way, he should help them learn how to live as students of Jesus.

How do we share about the Bible and its transforming power in our lives?

We commit to living it and reading it together, faithfully.

Sometimes that starts with inviting someone to church or to read the Bible with you. Other times, it’s telling people about how Jesus, the One this whole story is pointing toward, has changed your life.

Because of Jesus, we’ve been invited into God’s kingdom. And now, as kingdom people, we’ve been called by God to share the good news with others.

Finally, Paul tells Timothy:

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16 NIV

When we commit ourselves to living out the way of Jesus and sharing His words with others, people will see our lives and realize something is different. When we invite other people into this beautiful adventure, they too can experience the forgiveness of sins and be reunited with God.

Journaling Questions:

• Write down the Scripture that stuck out most to you from today’s reading. What stands out to you about that Scripture? Why do you think that’s important?
• Have you ever shared the good news about Jesus with someone else? What was that like?
• How confident would you feel if you were asked to disciple someone in the way of Jesus? What hesitations and questions would you have? What is one step you could take today to find answers for those questions?

Memory Verse

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV