Yogi Berra said..

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."

What is Essential?

Paul wrote to Timothy and in 1 Timothy 4 he said:

• 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

• 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

• 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.• 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our

hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

To the Colossians…

• 2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,

• 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

• 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

•

And further…

• 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument.• 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in

spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

• 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

• 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

• 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

How then do I..

• Discipline myself for the sake of godliness?

• Walk in Christ, being firmly rooted and built up in Him?

In other words..

What are the BASICS and what are the TOOLS that I need to accomplish this?

Having these things..

• Will allow me to grow in godliness and be rooted in Christ

• Will enable me to pass things on to others - to disciple others in practical ways.

The Framework

Identifying the Basics

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Identifying the Basics

• Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Identifying the Basics

• Hebrews 10:24-25

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Identifying the Basics

• Romans 10:14-15

14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"

Adding two last things.

Colossians 1:16-18

16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.

17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

And, the last part..

Colossians 2:6-7

6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

One last thought..

The Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians in chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians:

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.