Disciple-making is the Lord's design. Let us see how the New Testament assemblies were engaged in this vital work. And why we should not do too?

1. Because it is the express will of God.
'Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations', Matt. 28, 19. You say you have no younger believers to disciple in the assembly? Start with the unbelievers around you of which there is no shortage. Disciple-making begins with the gospel, not merely arranging a gospel meeting but going out to the lost with this wonderful news, as our verse commands.

2. Because it is the only way to accomplish the Great Commis-sion. It cannot be accomplished through the work of a few preachers. The Lord designed the project so everyone could be involved. If you feel there are many things you cannot teach young Christians, surely there are some things you can teach. Can you show them how to pray for the lost, how to be hospitable, how to use a concordance? Can you introduce them to a good book, or to a divine principle which has transformed your life? Then by God's grace, do that.

3. Because it is the way to lay a sure foundation for the next generation. Of course we should live in the daily hope of the Lord's return. However, He may wait a little longer, 2 Pet. 3. 9. How will you personally have prepared your young believers for such an eventuality? Is your generation passing on the sacred treasures which previous generations entrusted to you? As Paul enjoined Timothy, 'The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also', 2 Tim. 2. 2.

Making the Arrows Ready

One illustration used of young people and the influence we have on them is the arrow. 'As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate', Ps. 127. 4-5. How apt this is! Every arrow, like every life, has a point. But the arrow must be prepared, then put for a time in the quiver. At the appropriate moment it is selected, aimed, and released, speeding its way toward the target. To be without arrows is to be ashamed, and at the mercy of the enemy. As the psalmist implies, our most effective message for our enemy is delivered by the next generation when we have prepared them for the day of conflict.

1. The responsibility of the older generation. The older generation, spiritual fathers and mothers both, are the archers. Our first task is the preparing of the arrow. This will determine the quality of its flight later on. Polishing is the 'effect', just repeated contact, so in disciple- making there is the need for regular close contact. We will not rub them up the wrong way if they fully know we are interested only in their good. It is often difficult for older Christians to make themselves available, to be both transparently honest and caring towards younger people. We need to be forgiving if they fail. Not handled properly, this may be the last we see of them.

2. What are the practicalities? Notice the two reasons for the Lord gathering disciples: 'And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach', Mark 3.14. Here is the secret, we need to convince young believers that whatever their faults and immaturity, we want to spend time with them. If they know we see potential in them for God, we will have won their loyalty. Just spending time; happy times, hard times, times in the word, in prayer, in visiting, at the table,
in the work of God, this is the investment that pays rich dividends.
You say you are too busy. More busy than the Lord Jesus? Then you are indeed too busy! But the beauty of the plan is that you carry on with your life and ministry but take young believers with you. It may be awkward at first, but you will find that not only the young people will benefit; you will benefit too. You will catch some of their enthusiasm, the freshness of their enjoyment of truths new to them and you will find encouragement in their progress, and gain new strength to accomplish this ministry.

Part 2 >> contd