What does it mean to be a disciple?

​Scripture: 2 Timothy 1 vs 6-9, 13-14
 
In this month of September, the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago has focused on stewardship. Today, we meditate on the theme of Discipleship. A term we have hard in so many ways, and yet it shall take a lifetime to develop it. What does it mean to be a disciple? 
 
The scripture selected for this morning comes from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Timothy was a faithful follower and learnt from Paul in his ministry. By the time Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, the young pastor had been ministering to the church at Ephesus for four years, and it had been almost that long since he had received his first letter from Paul. Paul nurtured Timothy into maintaining the right attitude of being a disciple of Christ.  
 
Use your gift
 
Paul tells Timothy to use the gift that God has given him in his work. Our Church is filled with people with many talents.- song, dance, compassion. A disciple is called to follow His maker, and His teachings, using his gift for  for His glory. What gift do you have? Whatever gift you have or yet to receive, in this part of your journey, God calls you to use it with joy. Serve him with gladness. When we do this, we begin to change our mindset of what we are called to do. 
 
Adopt the right attitude.
 
The scripture reminds that a true disciple is filled with the Spirit. The Spirit does not make us timid, but in fact gives us power, love and self-discipline. If we adopt an attitude of discipleship, where we follow the teachings of Jesus, where we build ourselves up in our faith through prayer, scriptural meditation, we live a live that is pleasing to Him. 
 
Remember that you are important in God’s eyes and in the eyes of all of us here today. Be bold and courageous in knowing that God has a task for you! 
 
Be committed
 
And Paul reminds us in his letter to Timothy that “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” We are made holy. We are chosen. We are part of His family through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ died for our sins and purchased us with His blood. This commitment shall mould and shape us to live a life of service to the Church, to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This is the essence of being a disciple; responding to God’s grace.  
 
Seek the Holy Spirit
 
But the comfort we have is the Holy Spirit is there with us, every step of the way. “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” The Holy Spirit equips us to move, to grow, to mature in our faith. When you seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit through prayer, through your Bible study, through your active membership in this church, you remain strong, bold, courageous and steadfast in your faith. The power of God through His spirit strengthens you in your daily life such that you become closer to Him. You hear His voice, You feel His touch and you see His favour in your life. 

​—Stefan Wilson

Stefan Wilson was born in the United Kingdom and migrated to Trinidad in 2003, where he joined the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a BA Literatures in English with Spanish and Linguistics from the University of the West Indies, Dip. in Interreligious Studies from Bossey Ecumenical Institute (Geneva) and a Masters Degree (MA) in International Education from the University of Leicester. He currently teachers Spanish and English at one of the Presbyterian High Schools, St. Augustine Girls' High School and is also a Student Minister of the Presbyterian Church.