should spend them freely on others. If we have received the graces of the Spirit, we are to dispense those gladly and freely on all whom we meet. This is real stewardship. Not What We Have But How We Use It Matt. 25:29 Some people have many gifts and tal ents. The Lord only expected each per son to double his investment. Those with five talents were to earn five more. Those with one talent were just to earn one more. In each case the increase would be 100% and that is all the Lord requires. Every Christian has some tal ent or gift that he may use and should use. The Lord does not expect everyone to be a Charles Wesley or a Billy Gra ham. He only expects that each one will invest whatever talents he has and see that they are used for God’s glory. Let us not waste time in wishful thinking but invest what we have for our Lord. Not What We Do But How We Do Matt. 10:19 The Lord expects us to invest with common sense. He is not pleased with an evangelist who shouts at the top of his voice in a little 15x30 room. This is not common sense, yet many do it. He does not expect us to give profound theology by means of difficult words to a group of little children in the first grade. He does not expect us to give a theological discussion to the heathen who have never seen a Bible. We must learn how to use the Scripture wisely and help fully. Our message must be fitted to those with whom we speak. Not What We Are But How We Invest Luke 19:23 One does not need to be a college graduate in order to be used of God. Education is profitable and desirable but it is not essential for Spirit-filled minis try. One may be attired in a fisherman’s suit and equipped with an expensive rod, reel, and bait box, but this does not make him an expert fisherman. He must know what kind of bait to use and where to find the fish. He must take the time to do it and learn the technique of troll ing or of casting or of throwing in the net. How we do God’s work is as essen tial as well as what we do. Not What We Say But the Purpose of It Jer. 23:28 We may teach the Scripture for the purpose of revealing our wonderful knowledge and ability. We may teach the Word of God in order to make schol ars out of those who listen. The better plan is to present God’s truth in order to influence sweetly the hearts of those who listen and cause them to know and love our Lord better. We should desire to impart inspiration to our hearers so that they will understand better the way, the will, the Word, and the work of God. This ministry is effective and permanent.
August 19, 1951 DISCIPLESHIP THAT DARES Mark 8:34; Luke 14:27-35; John 15:8, 12, 19-21 Discipleship entails labor, purpose of heart, and a firm intention. Discipleship indicates not only a love for the Lord Jesus but a determination in the soul to learn His ways as fully as possible and to put them into practice on every pos sible occasion. Discipleship entails time spent over the Word of God, time spent in prayer, and time spent in the service of the King. It is necessary to say, “No,” frequently to one’s own self and one’s own desires. We may like much time for pleasure, for leisure, and for personal gain. These must be largely laid aside or else be under complete control if one is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Discipleship Is Not Salvation 1 John 2:19 One must be saved by grace, be a child of God by faith and have the gift of eternal life in his soul before he can be a disciple. Salvation precedes disciple ship. Only Christians can become dis ciples. Of course, our Lord chose Judas although He knew he was a traitor. We, however, are unable to exercise that sovereignty. We cannot expect an un saved man to love to follow the Lord Jesus and to become His servant. Dis cipleship refers to service whereas sal vation refers to relationship.
Discipleship Is Not Just Consecration . Luke 22:45,46 Consecration is sometimes called sur render. Preachers tell the audience to surrender to God. This word is never used in the Bible for it does not carry the proper thought with it. Surrender merely means that the fight has stopped. General Lee surrendered to General Grant, but he never worked with Grant nor had any desire to be a disciple of Grant. There are those who quit fight ing against the Lord but they do not always begin to study, learn, and serve the Lord. Discipleship is an active busi ness. It is earnest and intensive. Sur render is merely an apathetic letting down of opposition. This is of little value to God. We are to be followers delving into the depths and carrying the message to others. Discipleship Is Becoming a Student Matt. 11:29 The real disciple keeps his eye on his Lord and his whole person ready for any call that his Lord may give. The disciple learns how to do the work of God in the church or in the street and then with all his heart proceeds to do it- First he becomes educated in the things of God, then he becomes efficient in the work of God. First he learns how God deals with men, then he seeks to imitate his Lord in those dealings. The very goal of eternal life is getting to know God.
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