The Path of Wisdom: Spiritual Reproduction Prov. 4:1-4; Mt. 28:18-20

The Path of Wisdom: Spiritual Reproduction Prov. 4:1-4; Mt. 28:18-20

The Big Idea: Discipleship isn’t optional—it’s God’s blueprint for our lives.

Prov. 4:1-4 Maturity is an ongoing multi-generational effort. V.4 gives a hint at …

V.10, 13, 20-22: That you may live! He designed every command, promise, and principle to unleash generational life—Scripture is clear, I gain:

1. Maturity. As I mentor, my own faith is tested, refined and reinforced.
2. Joy: Obedience brings fullness of life. John 15:11 Jesus says: These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.
3. Reward and lasting legacy: A treasure in heaven and a lasting impact on earth.
4. Mandate: the God who died and saved me commanded it. Mt. 28:18-20 The word Authority means the authority to carry out a commission. Jesus has the authority and delegates it. Ignoring a command is disobedience.

Well, I just don’t know what to do…

1. Mission: V.19 The Great Commission is to make disciples (apprenticeship).

Okay, I just don’t know how to do it…

1. Method: V.20 It is regular life on life. Inviting another into the rhythms of daily living.
2. Motive: V.20 The one who gave himself for me promises his presence.

Call to action:

1. Be Discipled/Mentored: “Who is pouring into your life?”
2. Be a Discipler/Mentor: “Who are you pouring into? Who’s your one?”

1. Do you have someone pouring into your life? If not, why not. Identify someone today.
2. 2 Tim. 2:2 says to entrust these things to faithful people. Who in your life has poured into you, and how did their investment shape your faith?
3. Judges 2:10 warns that ignoring mentoring leaves a generation lost. What’s at stake for your family or community if discipleship stops with you? Is it reasonable to say: I’ll let my kids figure out their own faith?
4. What are the obstacles to me mentoring someone? How can they be removed?
5. Who’s your one? Take a moment to prayerfully identify 1 person in your sphere of influence you could approach. What practical, simple step can you take today to mentor someone younger in one of these areas?

Family Corner (Summary for parents with their kids)

God’s plan isn’t just for us to know truth but to pass it on—like fathers and mothers teaching their children to read or ride a bike. When older believers share what they’ve learned about following Jesus, younger ones grow strong in faith and joy.

1. Who is someone older you admire for how they follow Jesus, and what have you learned from them?
2. Who is someone younger you could encourage or help learn more about God this week?

Further notes:

1. Dangers of Not Participating in the Great Commission

• Faith dies in one generation (Judges 2:10). Barna: 80% of youth leave if not discipled.
• We disobey a direct command of Jesus (Matt. 28:18–20).
• We forfeit joy and fruitfulness (John 15:11–16).
• The church stagnates — programs grow, but people don’t.
• We miss eternal reward (1 Cor. 3:12–15).
• The world suffers — the gospel doesn’t spread, and people remain in darkness.

2. A Simple Pathway to Start Mentoring

Many people are willing but don’t know .

Step 1 – Pray. Ask God: “Who should I invest in? Who can invest in me?”
Step 2 – Invite. “Would you like to meet and grow in Christ together?”
Step 3 – Meet. Share life over coffee, meals, or daily rhythms.
Step 4 – Read. Scripture, a devotional, or a book of the Bible.
Step 5 – Model. Let them see how you follow Jesus in everyday life.
Step 6 – Multiply. Encourage them to pour into someone else.

3. Practical “How To” Mentoring Tips

• Be relational, not programmatic.
• Focus on life application, not just knowledge.
• Share both strengths and struggles.
• Ask questions and listen more than lecture.
• Keep it consistent but simple (don’t overcommit).
• Aim for multiplication: encourage them to mentor someone else.

4. A Simple Strategy for Discipling:

Our Middle East partners use this to start meeting with “open” unbelievers. It walks people through questions to help them understand the 28 major themes of the Bible leading up to the resurrection. It is simple as asking someone: “would you like to study an overview of the Bible with me”? https://discoverapp.org/discovery-bible-study