WEDNESDAY August 9, 2023

Making Disciples

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.
Acts 16:1-2

When Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, he came with such an urgency to preach the Gospel to the lost. At the same time, he wanted to find somebody he could disciple, train, and mentor, so that when he died, they could take over and continue the work of God. Paul began his work in this area by looking for faithful disciples.

Timothy’s parents had a mixed marriage, he had a Jewish mother and a Gentile father, who was Greek. His father was a nonbeliever, but his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois were believers. They both had an incredible influence on his childhood. They diligently trained him in the ways of the Lord and instructed him in God’s Word (2 Timothy 1:5).

Interestingly, Paul had been to this area about five years previously. By the time he returned, Timothy was a young man and was well known and well spoken of by the brethren. God spoke to Paul’s heart, “This is your next disciple.” Paul knew his background and was excited to train him. He was a man of the Word who could be trained to teach others.

Like Paul, I am always looking for young men who really have a heart for God. Those who desire to be in total submission to Jesus Christ, have a heart for the lost, and, at the same time, have a heart to work for the Lord, are the ones I want to pour myself into. I know these young men are completely sold out to the Lord, and they are very serious about their commitment to Christ.

Young men will have struggles and temptations. The devil will try to discourage them from serving the Lord. He would like to see them fall and be disqualified. Pray fervently for young men in the ministry. They need it.

I always say to young fellows who consult me about the ministry, “Don’t be a minister if you can help it,” because if the man can help it, God never called him. But if he cannot help it, and he must preach or die, then he is the man.
~Charles Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!