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This Will Sabotage Your Discipleship

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding the Spiritual Battle in Leadership
  2. Reevaluating the Ministry-Family Balance
  3. The Heart of Discipleship: Identifying Your Treasure
  4. Pursuing Eternal Impact Over Earthly Success
  5. Surrendering to God’s Kingdom in Leadership
  6. Embracing Grace in Discipleship and Leadership
  7. Final Thoughts
  8. Reflection Questions

As a Christian leader or someone passionate about discipleship, you understand the complexities and challenges that come with guiding others in faith. Yet, have you ever considered that your ministry is more than a series of tasks or responsibilities? It’s an ongoing spiritual battle—a war between the kingdom of self and the kingdom of God within your own heart.

Paul Tripp, a respected pastor and author, brings this profound reality to light. He asserts that ministry isn’t just about external service but involves an internal war that significantly impacts how we lead and disciple others.

Understanding the Spiritual Battle in Discipleship

“Ministry is war,” Tripp boldly states. This war isn’t about external conflicts or opposition from the world; it’s a deeper battle fought within us. As leaders and disciplers, we must recognize that the most significant challenges often stem from our own hearts.

We might blame difficult team members, lack of resources, or cultural resistance. However, Tripp urges us to look inward. The real struggle is between our personal desires and ambitions (the kingdom of self) and God’s will and purposes (the kingdom of God).

Key Scripture: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Understanding this internal battle is crucial for effective discipleship and leadership. Recognizing it allows us to lead others from a place of authenticity and spiritual health.

Reevaluating the Ministry-Family Balance

A common concern among Christian leaders is balancing ministry responsibilities with family life. Many believe there’s an inherent tension between being faithful in ministry and faithful to family, thinking it’s nearly impossible to excel in both.

Tripp challenges this misconception. He argues that this perceived tension isn’t part of God’s design but arises when we misplace our priorities. Are we seeking personal fulfillment and identity in ministry roles that should be found in our relationship with God and our families?

God’s Design for Leaders:

  • Holistic Faithfulness: God doesn’t call us to sacrifice family for ministry or vice versa. He equips us to be faithful in all areas.
  • Integrated Discipleship: Our leadership should model a balanced life that values both ministry and family, demonstrating to others how to live out their faith holistically.

The Heart of Discipleship: Identifying Your Treasure

At the core of effective discipleship and leadership is the concept of treasure. Tripp introduces three critical principles that directly impact how we lead:

    1. Everyone Lives for Some Kind of Treasure

As leaders, what we value most will shape our ministry and influence on others. Whether it’s success, recognition, control, or genuine spiritual growth, these treasures direct our actions.

    1. The Treasure You Value Controls Your Heart

Our treasures are not passive; they actively influence our emotions, thoughts, and decisions. If our treasure is aligned with God’s kingdom, our leadership will reflect His purposes.

    1. What Controls Your Heart Controls Your Behavior

Ultimately, our treasures manifest in how we interact with others, make decisions, and guide those we disciple.

Application in Leadership:

  • Self-Reflection: Regularly assess what treasures are influencing your leadership.
  • Alignment with God’s Will: Ensure that your desires align with God’s purposes to lead effectively.

Pursuing Eternal Impact Over Earthly Success

In today’s culture, success is often measured by visible metrics—attendance numbers, program growth, or public recognition. While these can be indicators of impact, they shouldn’t be the primary goal of Christian leadership.

Tripp reminds us that earthly successes are temporary and can never fully satisfy the deep longings of our hearts or the true needs of those we lead. As discipleship-focused leaders, our aim should be to make an eternal impact by investing in the spiritual growth and transformation of individuals.

Key Insight for Leaders:

  • Focus on Eternal Treasures: Prioritize what has lasting value—spiritual maturity, character development, and a deeper relationship with God.
  • Avoid the Pitfall of Personal Ambition: Be wary of allowing personal goals to overshadow God’s mission.

Surrendering to God’s Kingdom in Leadership

Navigating this internal war requires intentional action:

    1. Honest Self-Examination

Questions to Ponder:

      • Whose kingdom am I truly serving in my leadership?
      • What treasures am I seeking through my ministry?
      • Have I placed personal ambitions above God’s purposes?
    1. Embracing “Kingdom Confusion”

Acknowledge areas where personal desires conflict with God’s will. Seek God’s guidance to realign your heart and leadership practices.

    1. Surrendering Personal Agendas

Trust in God’s Plan: Believe that His purposes are greater than any personal ambition. Lead with humility, recognizing that effective leadership comes from submitting to God’s authority.

Scriptural Assurance for Leaders: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” — Luke 12:32 (NIV)

Embracing Grace in Discipleship and Leadership

Grace is foundational in Christian leadership and discipleship. Recognizing our own need for grace allows us to lead others with compassion and authenticity.

Practical Steps:

  • Daily Dependence on God: Start each day by surrendering to His will and seeking His guidance.
  • Modeling Grace to Others: Let your leadership be characterized by patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
  • Encouraging Growth: Create environments where those you lead feel safe to grow, fail, and learn.

Final Thoughts

Ministry and leadership are indeed a spiritual battle—a fight for our hearts and loyalties. But it’s a battle that has been won through Christ’s victory. Our role as leaders and disciples is to choose daily to serve God’s kingdom over our own.

Let’s commit to:

    • Prioritizing God’s Kingdom in Leadership

Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide all we need for effective ministry (Matthew 6:33).

    • Investing in Eternal Treasures

Focus on discipleship and spiritual growth that have lasting impact beyond our earthly life.

    • Leading from a Place of Grace

Allow God’s grace to transform your leadership, making it a reflection of His love.

By doing so, we not only find fulfillment in our leadership but also empower others to grow in their faith, multiplying the impact for God’s kingdom.

Reflection Questions

    1. What treasures are influencing your leadership?

Identify any personal desires or ambitions that may be affecting how you lead and disciple others.

    1. How can you align your leadership with God’s kingdom purposes?

Consider practical steps to refocus your leadership on God’s priorities.

    1. In what ways can you model grace in your leadership?

Explore how embracing grace can enhance your effectiveness as a leader and discipler.

Watch the message from Paul Tripp here: