In what ways can we ensure we "draw away disciples" towards Christ, not ourselves? Setting the verse in context “Even from among your own men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:30) Paul is warning the Ephesian elders that the danger is not only outside the church but also within. Good intentions alone will not keep us from subtly gathering followers to ourselves. Recognizing the heart-level danger • Pride delights in applause, retweets, and bigger crowds. • Subtle self-promotion can hide beneath “servant” language. • When we crave validation, Christ’s glory is eclipsed. Anchoring every message in Christ, not charisma • Preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Avoid “lofty words” designed to impress (1 Corinthians 2:1). • Keep the gospel central in lessons, testimonies, and conversations. Elevating Scripture over personality • “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). It carries authority we do not. • Regularly say, “Open your Bible to…” rather than “Listen to my ideas.” • Encourage listeners to verify everything against the Word (Acts 17:11). Cultivating visible humility • “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). • Credit God publicly for every success. • Receive criticism without defensiveness; it reminds us we are servants. Serving rather than leveraging people • Feed the flock, do not exploit it (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Share resources freely; avoid paywalls that turn ministry into merchandising. • Celebrate others’ gifts; invite collaboration instead of monopolizing platforms. Pointing disciples to the cross, not the leader • Boast only in “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). • Use personal stories to spotlight Christ’s power, not personal cleverness. • Redirect praise: “Is Christ not wonderful?” instead of “Thank you, I worked hard.” Building accountability structures • Plural leadership (Acts 14:23) reduces celebrity culture. • Submit to elders and trusted peers who can confront ego drift. • Publish finances and decision processes for transparency. Practical habits that keep Christ at the center • Begin study prep with prayer for Christ’s exaltation. • Quote Scripture more than yourself in teaching notes. • End gatherings with a call to obey Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). • Regularly read passages like 2 Corinthians 4:5—“For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.” Living what we teach • Model repentance quickly; it proves disciples follow a perfect Savior, not a perfect leader. • Engage in ordinary service (stacking chairs, visiting sick) to resist pedestal mentality. • Let family, coworkers, and neighbors see consistency; hypocrisy breeds followers of personalities, not of Jesus. Steady focus for lifelong ministry By keeping Scripture supreme, motives examined, and Christ exalted, we help ensure that any disciple who walks beside us is ultimately walking toward the Savior—not toward us. |
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