In my cirlces we tend to speak of 'discipling' (someone) quite often. As my previous WBS recognized, I believe language to be significant. And since 'discipling' is not a recognized congugation in the English languge (yet, but perhaps that will change with our pervasive usage) I thought I would share about a N.T. greek word; 'noutheteô', that can help to shape our thinking biblically as we go out 'disicpling' everyone.
NoutheteôVerb : to admonish, warn, instruct, counsel, exhortNous (mind) + Tithçmi (to set, put, place) = Lit. “Put in mind”*Nouthesia (feminine noun form) = admonition, exhortation
Occurrences in the N.T.:
Acts 20:31 – “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”
Rom 15:14 – “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”
1 Cor 4:14 – “I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children.”
*1 Cor 10:11 – “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”
*Eph 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Col 1:28 – “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
Col 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heartsto God.”
1 Thess 5:12 - “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”
1 Thess 5:14 - “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
2 Thess 3:15 - “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
*Titus 3:10 – “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.”
Noutheteô: typically translated in the English as admonish, instruct, and warnAdmonish:1. Warn or reprimand someone firmly.2. Advise or urge (someone) earnestly.
Day 1. First, we must make sure we are humble toward God and willing to be corrected, warned, admonished, and instructed by Him! Pray, along with David, that God would show any offensive way in you. (Psalm 139:24)
Day 2. How do we recieve God’s correction?
From His word: Heb 4:12-13; 2 Tim 3:16-17
From His Spirit: Jn 14-16; 1 Cr 2:6-16
From others in His kingdom: Col 1:28, 3:16; 1 Thes 5:12
Day 3. How we should feel when God corrects us?
Loved: Heb 12:5-11, Prov 3:11-12, 1 Cr 11:32, Rev 3:19
Thankful: Prov 6:23, Heb 12:28, 1 Th 5:18
Day 4. Why we want God to correct us:
We are secure in God's love for us and our love for Him: 1 Jn 4:19
We want to mature: Eph 4:13, Jam 1:4, Col 4:12
Day 5. From/With others:
Who is warning, instructing, and admonishing you? Someone older, a peer? If this is not a pattern in your life, consider seeking after it with great vigor.
Who are you warning, instructing, and admonishing (teaching to obey)? – Mat 28:18-20
What are some possible reasons we shrink back from this with one another?
Discomfort in speaking the truth – Eph 4:15-16, 25, 1 Jn 3:18
We don’t love the truth – Jn 18:37, 2 Th 2:10
We are not humble – Eph 4:2, Jam 4:6-10, 1 Pet 5:6
If you have not, or are not consistently embracing this concept of "noutheteô" in your life, what steps are needed for you to start implenting these passages in your life soon?