1. The document discusses whether Jesus' disciples should be seen as mercenaries or missionaries, focusing on their mission to spread Jesus' message rather than their own identity or interests. 2. It provides examples from military training and values to draw parallels with how disciples should conduct themselves, prioritizing honor, courage, and commitment on their mission. 3. Disciples face temptations to become like mercenaries who serve themselves rather than faithfully carrying out God's mission as missionaries who serve and represent Jesus.

1. DISCIPLES: MERCENARIES OR MISSIONARIES? SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 10:11-15

6. DO’S & DON’TS “ NEVER, EVER, MAKE EXCUSES.” “ DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE TOLD, WHEN YOU’RE TOLD TO DO IT, AND HOW YOU’RE TOLD TO DO IT.”

9. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BOOT CAMP? “ A LIMBER AT ITS ADVERSITY, WILL TEST YOUR TRUE QUALITY.”

28. 1. Humility Versus Pride The gospel teaches us to be humble and place the needs and interests of others above our own. Phil 2:4. A competitive spirit seeks to place its needs above others and to glorify self. You cannot be competitive and serve others. 2. Value in Christ Versus Value in Our Own Performance . This is the key to the gospel. Looking to and trusting in the performance of Jesus and believing that it is given to us. Competition is exactly the opposite. It trains us to look to and develop our performance within ourselves. 3. Peace Versus Aggression When we are justified by faith, trusting in the righteousness (performance of Jesus) we have peace. Rom 5:1. Competition is the source of violence and aggression because we must prove ourselves at the expense of others. James 4:1-4. 4. Serving Others Versus Serving Self Jesus constantly lived to serve others. Mark 10:44,45. When we are performing against others we are forced to serve and focus on ourselves. Instead of helping family with daily duties we are “working on our game”. 5. Internal Eternal Focus Versus Temporal External Focus The gospel focus is on the eternal world. The competitive focus is on the temporal world. The Christian works on character through Christ, the competitor on image through self. 6. All Winners Versus One Winner and Many Losers All who accept Christ are winners. There are no losers. All receive the prize. Sadly with competition there is only one winner. 1 Cor 9:24. The losers face the shame and fear of worthlessness or the fire of getting even. 7. True Worship Versus Idolatry The gospel teaches us to abide in Christ and keep our thoughts always on Him. 2 Cor 10:5. Anything that takes a higher priority in our thinking than worshipping God, is idolatry. The spirit of competition makes self the centre of thought and action rather than God. The Spirit of Christ Versus the Spirit of the World © Adrian Ebens 2000 135

35. DISCIPLES: PRESENT TRUTH NOT PLEASANT TRUTH EW p . 63.... “There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is " present truth " that the flock needs now.”

49. BETTER THAT JOHN IS LATE, THAN TO MORN OVER THE LATE JOHN.