And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 2:2 NKJV)
Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17 NKJV)
Phase 1: Follow
Phase 2: Share
An awesome Every Nation devotional on youversion.com lists the scripture above for the first day of the devotional on discipleship. I see the following order coming from Mark 1:17: Jesus says to follow Him and He will then make us able to share the Gospel. This requires action on our side first – following with all it’s requirements and implications. That is more than lip service, and usually more than we “sign up for”. This is important to know when we later, trained by the almighty God, go out and share the Gospel. We were told to count the costs, then, making an informed decision, follow Him by picking up our cross daily. I have not heard anyone sharing the Gospel yet saying “god loves you, forgave your sins and offers you eternal life” in one sentence with “but it means no promise for an easy life; Christianity isn’t easy and you will face trials of many kinds to rejoice in because those will perfect you so you will be complete, lacking nothing”.
In summary, this is what it should look like then:
1. Get and consider the implications , then respond / make a decision (freedom of choice)
2. After choosing life over death, follow
3. Go out and share the gospel
4. Help make disciples (emphasis on help, because God makes disciples, we only serve in the process)
