One of the most debated commercials in Nike’s history arose from the loss of teenage males in 1993. The shoe apparel giant began to lose grip on the 92 percent of teenage male customers who bought their footwear brand. Nike used a thought-provoking commercial to hold off the competitors. Phoenix Suns star Charles Barkley boldly declared that he was not a role model and that kids should be taught to 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 been convinced that he was not a role model to others, Paul knew he was a role model for Timothy and other leaders in the church. He reminded Timothy that discipleship should be paramount to his ministry as it was in 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, but many are confused about the meaning. Here’s a helpful definition by 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, “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 to others through discipleship. They are committed to equipping believers with sound doctrine through accountable relationships while always pointing others to their ultimate role model—Jesus Christ.