One of the most debated commercials in Nike’s history stemmed from the loss of teenage male customers in 1993. The shoe and apparel giant began to lose grip on 92 percent of teenage male customers who bought its footwear. Nike used a thought-provoking commercial to hold off competitors. Phoenix Suns star Charles Barkley boldly declared that he was not a role model and that kids should emulate their parents, not athletes or celebrities. “Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids,” Barkley concluded.

2 Timothy 1 – Discipleship

While Charles Barkley might have believed he was not a role model, Paul knew he was one for Timothy and other leaders in the church. He reminded Timothy that discipleship should be paramount to his ministry, as it was to Paul’s. At the core is sharing “sound teaching” (2 Tim. 1:13). This was the ministry Paul asked Timothy to follow.

Discipleship is a term most believers use, yet many are unsure of its meaning. Here’s a helpful definition from Pastor Robby Gallaty. “Many diligent believers simply read this word and merely teach people about salvation—share the gospel and lead them to a decision for Christ. This is good and admirable, but it is not enough: more is required to make a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is only one aspect of Jesus’ command. Making disciples requires equipping, training, and investing in believers.” 

So, what is discipleship? It is ‘intentionally equipping believers with the Word of God through accountable relationships, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to replicate faithful followers of Christ.’ In other words, a disciple learns what Jesus said and lives out what Jesus did (Matthew 28:19).

Both Paul and Timothy would agree with NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, who said, “Like most kids, I idolized one sports figure or another. However, Jesus was the ultimate role model for me.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete model their faith for others through discipleship. They are committed to equipping believers with sound doctrine through accountable relationships and always pointing others to their ultimate role model—Jesus Christ.

Bible Memory Verse – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (LSB)

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Our featured book this week is 2 Timothy (The Faith Contending Coach) by Shannon Caughey. This is an 11-week Bible study for coaches who want to contend faithfully for Jesus and the gospel.

Click HERE to review. 

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