EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
November 2022
The Gift of
Discipleship
Vol. 22
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
I recently had a conversation with a young woman who had been extremely influenced by new-age notions. She shared about being encouraged and guided in her decisions by various signs she perceived from life experiences. She professed a personal relationship with Jesus and explained that she had been raised in a family of believers. However, she explained that it wasn’t until she was instructed by a group of loving and welcoming friends (as she described them) that she finally understood spiritual things.
I saw the excitement in her eyes about things she had learned from these friends. It was not an appropriate time to debate her unbiblical beliefs, but I encouraged her about the authority and blessings of God’s Word as the only trustworthy source of Truth. While she spoke of being a Christian, she seemed to know very little about the biblical Christ. She obviously had a teachable heart, but it was void of discipleship that followed the teachings of Jesus.
I have often taught that if the church does not embrace its role to teach and train the next generation of women, then Satan will certainly feel the void with his counterfeit versions of spirituality. Never has this truth been so evident to me than during this brief conversation. I was even more motivated to persevere in the work of You and Titus 2 Ministries. God has called us to this work for the sake of young women hungry for meaningful lives with an eternal purpose. The gift of discipleship that we can give them, in obedience to Titus 2:3-5, cannot be overestimated.
During this season of thankfulness and gift-giving, let us not forget our privilege of being disciple-makers. This privilege requires us to prepare by being in God’s Word daily. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains that the Word of God is profitable “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness,” so His people are equipped for every good work. When we study and memorize the Bible, we are being equipped to serve as tools of the Holy Spirit.
Learning About the Importance of
Biblical Truth
There is no gift we can put under our Christmas trees that could ever compare to the value of this effort. This gift does not cost a dime, and yet long after our lives have ended, the ripple effect of our diligence will continue to be a blessing to those we love. The Holy Spirit’s work through a godly woman, saturated in the Word of God, lovingly and prayerfully training the next generation of Christian women, will be celebrated throughout the ages.
Please consider making a financial gift to help us accomplish the work of You and Titus 2 Ministries as we seek to equip and encourage the Titus 2 directive within biblical church families.
Consider the following passages and how they help us to understand the impact of God’s Word in our walk with Him.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Deuteronomy 32:45–47
And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
-
Read Hebrews 4:12. Why do you think it uses the illustration of a piercing sword? How does it bring conviction in helping Christians discern their thoughts and the intentions of their hearts?
-
The Word of God is more accessible than ever and yet most Christians are biblically illiterate. Why do you think this is the case? What are ways churches could help inspire a love for the Bible?
-
In Deuteronomy 32:45-47, Moses warned the people about their generational responsibility to teach the commands of the Lord. Read Judges 2:10-12 to learn what happened when the Israelites did not follow through with this instruction. Discuss reasons they may have failed.
-
Just as Moses ended his ministry by giving directions for multiplying the knowledge of God, Jesus gave a final command to His followers to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). What hinders Christians from the task of making disciples today?
-
Psalm 19:7 reveals some of the precious benefits of studying God’s Word. What can you learn from this verse about how you are better equipped to be a blessing to others because of the Bible?