series artseries art

3 Essentials for Multiplication

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-16 NIV

To multiply my life…

I practice being faithful

“He considered me trustworthy”

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? PROVERBS 20:6 NIV

And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. MATTHEW 5:36-37 NIV

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:2 ESV

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 NIV

What area of your life do you need to grow in faithfulness?

I practice being available

“Appointing me to his service”

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NIV

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. COLOSSIANS 4:5 NIV

I practice being teachable

“of whom I am the worst”

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 PETER 5:5 ESV

“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 TIMOTHY 1:5 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Get alone in a quiet place and allow yourself to become still. When you sense you are ready, ask God to guide your time. Consider your discipleship to Jesus. How would a close friend or spouse describe the kind of person you are becoming? Who or what is influencing you the most in who you are becoming? Ask God to show you a “rabbi” you are following that is not a good influence on you. What steps do you need to take to remove that influence? As you reflect on the qualities of character that enable you to be an effective discipler and multiplier–faithfulness, availability, and teachability–ask God which one should be your current focus. What is one action you can take this week to grow in this area? Close your time by asking God to use you in a great way to multiply your life in the lives of others.

Discussion Questions

  1. At the end of your life, what do you hope is multiplied from your life? (What are you hoping will outlast you from your life?)
  2. Every one of us is following someone (or something), and we are all multiplying (through our influence). When you look at what is being multiplied through your life, which influences are holding the most sway over you? (Who would you say who your rabbi is?)
  3. Reflect on how Jesus has been faithful to you. How does faithfulness help us to endure failure or setbacks?
  4. Part of being faithful to Jesus and living as His disciple is making ourselves available and present to God and others. How have you experienced people who are intentional about being “with” you rather than just “around” you?
  5. To what degree have you confused “agreeing with Jesus” with “obeying Jesus?” Which command of Jesus’ do you find yourself challenged by the most?
  6. Next steps: This week, pray for God to reveal who your rabbis and influences are in your life. Ask Him to show you whom you have influenced as well. How is God encouraging you to multiply disciples in this season of life?