Studies

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Discipleship: Friendship and Partnership

December 16th, 2006

The most basic study on discipleship must include a study of the friendship and partnership between Elijah and Elisha.  These few scriptures leave a lasting impression of true biblical discipleship. Discipleship is God’s plan for the world to be evangelized in our day.

 

Background: Elijah had just undertaken a great battle and won, but soon was confronted with a threat to his life from Jezebel. Not only did he run in fear, but lost hope and was very discouraged. God knew he needed a disciple that was a friend and partner.

 

1.      1 Kings 19:19-21 Elisha’s Call to Discipleship

·         v. 19 Elisha is called (throwing of cloak) from plowing fields to sowing the word of God, from plowman to prophet

·         v. 20 Elisha initially responds with hesitation and conditions

·         v. 20 Elijah disciples Elisha on his selfish response - - learn to accept input from others

·         v. 21 Elisha catches on and burns his bridges to the past (i.e. old friends, old ways, old sources of security)

·         v. 21 Elisha takes the nature of a servant—the quickest route to maturity

 

2.      2 Kings 3:11 Elisha’s Reputation

·         v. 11 Elisha is remembered simply for pouring water for Elijah – humility

 

3.      2 Kings 2:1-15 Discipleship Fulfilled

·         v.1-8 Elisha repeats 3x to Elijah, “I will not leave you”

·         v. 1-8 Of Elijah’s coming to departure, Elisha speaks 3x, “Do not speak of it” – both speaks of great heart and emotional bond

·         v. 9 Elisha asks for “double portion of spirit” – imitation and self-denial

·          v.12 Elisha cries, “My father, my father” – not a business deal/ rather a family deal

·         v.13-15 Elisha fulfills his call to be a prophet – he parts the water as Elijah did

 

*Discipleship is the transfer of heart of one man into another, not externally. Discipleship is grounded in spiritual friendship and partnership.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

  1. How can we imitate Elisha’s heart?
  2. What is the value of having a discipling partner?
  3. Are you afraid to allow discipling in your life?  Why?
  4. How can you overcome those fears?
  5. What are some things we can do to make sure we are having discipleship times?
  6. Who are people in your life that you want to partner with and call one another higher in Christ?