June 4, 2025

The Question Nobody’s Asking Anymore

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:2

"Who are you discipling?" This question feels weird today. But in Paul's day, everyone expected it. Like asking "How's your family?" Now the question makes us squirm. We've turned discipleship into something we get, not something we give. We take in teaching but don't pass it on. The UNLEARN journey asks: When did we stop sharing what we learn?

Paul wrote this from prison. It was about 67 AD. He knew he would die soon. His biggest worry? Making sure faith kept spreading. Not through programs. Not through buildings. Through people. Paul taught Timothy. Timothy would teach others. Those others would teach more people. Like a family tree growing new branches. Simple. Natural. It multiplies. Today we have bigger churches but fewer people making disciples. Sad.

Look at Paul's simple plan. Paul to Timothy: one generation. Timothy to faithful people: two generations. Those people to others: three generations. Four generations in one verse! The Greek word "entrust" means to hand over something valuable. Like grandma's recipe. You don't just read it. You make it. You eat it. You share it. You pass it on. That's discipleship.

Here's what we need to unlearn: only experts can disciple. Wrong! Every Christian can help someone else grow. We think we need to know everything first. But Paul didn't say, "Timothy, wait until you're perfect." He said, "Take what you have and share it." You don't need to be ten steps ahead of someone. Just one step. Share what Jesus has done for you. That's how the church grew. Regular people sharing real faith.

This question shows what's in our hearts. When we stop asking it, we show what we believe. We think discipleship is a class, not a life. We think it's for pastors, not us. We think we're supposed to receive, not give. But Jesus said, "Go make disciples." Not "Go be discipled forever." Yes, we need to learn. But if we only take in and never pour out, we're like a pond with no outlet. Water comes in but can't flow out. Everything gets stale.

Godseekers, we need to unlearn our consumer mindset. We've made church about what we get, not what we give. We've turned discipleship into something we consume, not share. But you have something to offer. Someone needs what you've learned. That new believer? They could learn from your story. That struggling friend? Your faith journey could help them. Will you share what God has given you?

Prayer

Father, forgive us for only taking and never giving. We've become consumers instead of disciples who make disciples. Help us unlearn the lie that only experts can help others. Open our eyes to see who needs what we have. Give us courage to share our imperfect faith. Show us we don't need to be perfect to help someone else grow. In Jesus' name, Amen.