Although the scriptures do not give us any other order as to the order that he was taught basic doctrines or how Paul was taught what Christianity means, we can look through his writings, as well as the rest of the New Testament and find some fundamental truths about what we believe. Paul believed that discipling Christians was not only something that needed to be done for the young-in-the-faith, but for those who were older but were not spiritually growing. As Paul was mentoring Timothy, he told him to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As Christians, we need to study God’s word, we need to become as familiar with it as we are with the tools we use in our vocation. We need to know it well enough that we are able to use it as a go-to manual when faced with tough decisions or just need encouragement for the moment. Paul had heard about the teachings of Jesus, and was probably familiar with His words, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45). As a former Pharisee and as a man formally trained in the Old Testament canon, Paul also knew that Jesus’ teachings echoed what David had wrote, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14). If we are going to have a heart that is acceptable to the Lord, then we must fill it with the things of the Lord.
Paul also understood the importance of Christians meeting together for the sake of true fellowship, and for worshipping and praising of the Lord. In his letter to the Christians living in Jerusalem, the apostle Paul wrote, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). There are a couple of things that we can learn from this verse. If we take the converse of the first half (converse theory, if 1+2=3, then 3-2 must equal 1), the opposite of forsaking is to embrace, so we are to EMBRACE the assembling of ourselves together. It should be the highlight of the Christian day/week to join other Christians in prayer, worship, and fellowship. We are to encourage one another in that special time of togetherness. Many in the world today are forsaking the traditional worship services and teaching services of the church in favor of “social gatherings” such as pot luck nights and teen rallies. No wonder Christians today do not know what true discipleship is!
To the Christians living in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Prayer. One of the essential parts of Christian discipleship is prayer (Philippians 4:6). Unfortunately, it is the one that is taught the least in discipling converts. As Christians, we should never take anything for granted. That’s why we read in this verse “be careful for nothing…” Everything we have is a gift from God. This includes our children, things, another day of life. We are not to go to the Lord in prayer with the spirit of unthankfulness in our hearts. If we read in many of the Psalms, David fills them with longing for God to destroy his enemies, seek revenge on those who have wronged him, and any other human emotion we can think of, but we will never find him unthankful towards God. He continually praises and thanks God regardless of the circumstances he finds himself in.
Paul also understood the need for spiritual accountability among believers. I’ve been trying to lose weight through diet and exercise. One of the hardest things to do is to be honest about the progress (or lack of progress) that I’ve made in my efforts. A few years ago I found a web-based program (www.myfitnesspal.com) that is designed to help those trying to lose weight with tracking their progress. For a whole I used the program faithfully, but as I began cheating on the diet I began using the program less and less. I did not want the accountability and in the end, instead of losing weight, I began to put it on. Although written by James, it does fit into what we see in the writings of the apostle Paul: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). As Christians, we need the accountability that comes with Christian fellowship and friendship. It is only then we can truly to lift one another up in prayer. We should not be afraid to share our failings and weaknesses with our fellow brothers and sisters. This is a lost art in the church today. Our churches are filled with “spiritual vultures” that wait and pounce upon those who appear weak, causing many not to share burdens that are too heavy to bear. Think about the real spiritual growth churches could have if they would put away the competition of the world outside the doors and truly exercise this part of the Christian life.
