I. A Christ-following disciple must have their life governed by His objectives; otherwise they’re just taking a walk

A. Bad: To get my needs for ___________ (stimulation, fun, security, fulfillment, companionship, etc.) met through/by others.

1Cor 6:19…you are not your own 20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

B. BETTER: To develop intimate, transparent, and accountable relationships which stimulate Christlikeness (love)

1 Jn 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1Th 2:8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.  [nothing to hide, nothing to prove, no one to impress]

II. Christlikeness is developed by purposeful interaction sometimes stretching us beyond our comfort zone in conforming us to Christ

2Tim 2:1 You therefore…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus 2 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. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ

                                                      Ez 7:10 seek/learn, DO, teach

A. Fish for Curious/Convinced/Committed people (see next week: In the World, but not Of the World  -  All things to All Men)

Mr 1:17  Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Save out of judgment)

                Chum (cultivate) the fishing grounds with salt, light, and love

                Drop bits of bait (Truth) and see if there’s a bite or a nibble  (cf Mk 4:19)

B. Invest in FIT or FAT people Eph 5:15 walk exactly, not as fools, but as wise, 16  Redeeming the time, understanding the will of the Lord

1Jn 1:7  if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Lu 12:48  "But he who did not know, yet did things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Faithful – follows through on commitment to the Lord and His Body, believing God is Who He’s said, and will do as promised (Heb 11:6)

1Tim 1:18…charge I commit to you…wage the good warfare 19 having faith & a good conscience, which some having rejected…suffered shipwreck

Lk 16:10-11 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.(mammon)

Involved/Available – involved with the Body (common base & cross-pollination) and the Great Commission, evidenced by sacrifice

Mt 7:6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Teachable – humility and hunger for Truth and growth in Christlikeness (seeks reproof, not defensive, persevering action)

1Pt 5:5…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble

Jn 5:44  "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that come from the only God? (cf Self-Worth)

III. Disciples who Follow Christ Practice Biblical Accountability for mutual growth

Acceptance and Affirmation Rm 15:5-7…like-minded toward one another…with one mind and one mouth  glorify…accept

    1) Accept one another as "people in process" 1Jn 3: 2-3 Cor 3:18  are being transformed into the same image (expects the best)

     2) Affirm and Honor one another as disciples Rm 12:10-11 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference

Commitment to Communicate in Confidence Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for     

   necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God

    Levels: 1) Cliché; 2) Facts; 3) Ideas & Judgments; 4) Feelings & Emotions; 5) Open Knowing     Barriers: 1) Rejection; 2) Passivity; 3) Pride; 4) Criticism

Counsel Choices Rm 15:14 Col 3:16  I Thess 5:14 Pr 12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

Objective Orientation Heb 10:24-27Col 1:28-2:2 love, good works,  warn & teach with wisdom complete in Christ, full understanding

Understanding Motives & Motivations Gal 6:1-.2  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Note Needs and PRAY Js 5:16  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed…

Track Targets Pr 27: 1Cor 9:24 Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize Ecc 4:9  2 Cor 5:9  Phil 3:13-15

Allow Asking of Tough Questions Heb 3:12-14 hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Rm 14:12 each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Build Up One Another in Biblical Benchmarks  I Thess 5:11 Mt 28:20  "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded

Interdependence overcomes the Essence of Sin Isaiah 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way

Love One Another as Christ has loved you Jn 13:34-35 1Jn 4: 7-12 if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. perfected

Inspire & Encourage Rm 15:4-5 hope. 1Thess 4:18  comfort one another with these words.   2 Cor 7: refreshed by you all.

Transform One Another by Truthing it in Love Rm 12:1-3 Eph 415 speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him

Yuck it up while Yearning for Godliness 2 Tim 2:22

To get started:

1. Prayerfully determine God's Purpose, Objectives and Goals for your life. (See TOYL)

2. Observe and prayerfully determine who can best help you reach those goals. (Consult with elders)

3. Discuss & agree upon characteristics and ground rules of your relationship. (Paul Barnabas Timothy)

4. Commit to regularly scheduled meeting and intermittent phone/email contact.