THE POTTER’S PATHWAY — FROM SURRENDER TO SENDING ================================================ Course: The Potter’s Wheel (Wheel) Lesson: 9 Scripture: Mark 3:13–15; Acts 6:1–7; 2 Corinthians 4:7 Language: English URL: https://kgm-school-preview.netlify.app/lessons/en/wheel/09-the-potters-pathway/ WhatsApp: WHEEL EN 09 LESSON NINE — THE POTTER’S PATHWAY: FROM SURRENDER TO SENDING ============================================================ BIG IDEA The five pillars are what a church stands on. The pathway is how a believer walks through them: a journey from surrender to sending. Formation and service grow side by side from the first day. Jesus set the order: He appointed twelve to be with Him and to be sent out (Mark 3:14). So the believer is formed by the Father, by the Son, and by the Holy Spirit, is loved by the church, and is sent into the world. Belonging comes before sending. You cannot be sent from a place you do not belong. PART 1 — SCRIPTURE READING Mark 3:13–15 • Acts 6:1–7 • 2 Corinthians 4:7 Open your Bible and read slowly: Mark 3:13–15, Acts 6:1–7, and 2 Corinthians 4:7. In Mark 3, Jesus goes up on a mountainside, calls to Him those He wants, and appoints twelve to be with Him and to be sent out. In Acts 6, the disciples choose seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom, and the apostles pray and lay their hands on them. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul says that we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the power is from God and not from us. In Lessons Three to Seven we walked through the five relationships and the five pillars. In Lesson Eight we began the third part of the term, the vision in practice. We saw five challenges and five dimensions of dependence on God. Now we ask how a believer walks through the five pillars. The answer is a pathway, a journey from surrender to sending. This lesson follows Chapter 9 of The Potter’s Wheel. KEY VERSE — MARK 3:14 “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” PART 2 — WALKING THROUGH THE LESSON A. A Journey, Not a Meeting — Two Tracks from the First Day The five pillars are what a church stands on. The pathway is how a believer walks through them. A vision that never becomes a path remains a picture on a wall. So the five pillars become a journey, from surrender to sending. This journey is how the church trains believers as disciples. The pathway has two tracks: formation and service. The two tracks run side by side from the first day. They guard the believer from two ditches, one on each side of the pathway. 1. The first ditch is formation alone. The believer has classes, studies, and sermons, but nothing to do. Such a believer knows much and receives much, but never serves. 2. The second ditch is service alone. The believer has tasks and burdens, but no roots. Such a believer has a shallow faith, grows tired, and stops. 3. The pathway is formation and service together. When the two grow side by side from the first day, they produce disciples who know the Word and who do what the Word says. James wrote, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). B. The Pattern of Acts 6 — Recognize What the Spirit Is Doing The pathway follows a pattern that we find in Acts 6. The number of disciples was increasing, and some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1). So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together (Acts 6:2). They said, “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them” (Acts 6:3). Notice what the Twelve asked for. They asked for men who were already known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. The work of the Spirit in these men came first. The church could already see that work. The whole group chose seven men (Acts 6:5). “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:6). So the seven men began a ministry that the whole church recognized. The pathway follows the same order. First, recognize what the Spirit is already doing in a person. Then give that work a name. Let the church recognize that person openly for a ministry, as the apostles did when they prayed and laid their hands on the seven men (Acts 6:6). C. The Order Jesus Set — With Him First, Then Sent Jesus Himself set the order of the whole journey. Mark tells us, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:13–15). Look at the order in the key verse. Jesus appointed twelve for two reasons. First, that they might be with Him. Second, that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). With Him first. Then sent. Soon we will walk through the stations of the pathway. Every station is one of two things: being with Him, or being sent. And no one is sent who has not first been with Him. With Him first. Then sent. D. The Potter and the Clay — Five Stations on the Pathway The pathway is built on the picture of the Potter and the clay. We began this term with these words: “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8). Paul also speaks of clay: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are jars of clay. The power is from God and not from us. The pathway has five stations: the Clay, the Wheel, the Fire, the Table, and the Harvest. They follow the five relationships: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the church, and the neighbours. The God we worship is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and He is at work at every station. These five stations are the track of formation. The book shows how one church in Canada walks through them in the seasons of her year. We take each station as a picture, and we ask what the picture teaches. E. The Clay — Formed by the Father The first station is the Clay. Here the believer is formed by the Father. The Lord is our Father, and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8). At this station the believer learns the foundations of the faith. The believer learns about the God who speaks and the God who saves. The believer learns about the Bible, the Trinity, the fall of man, the cross, baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s Supper, and the hope of Christ’s return. This station is for the new believer, and also for the believer who was never given these foundations. Here the believer comes as clay into the Potter’s hands. The journey begins with surrender. Clay is not asked to be impressive. Clay is asked to be surrendered. F. The Wheel — Formed by the Son The second station is the Wheel. Here the believer is formed by the Son. The Wheel is a deeper study of the Word. Here the pillar of Truth shapes the believer through doctrine, discernment, and the renewing of the mind. Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). In Lesson Two we saw the man lead Ezekiel through water that was ankle-deep (Ezekiel 47:3). At the Wheel the believer learns to stand in that water and is not swept away. At this station believers are trained to know the Word, and also to serve with the Word. Paul wrote, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11–12). This class is training of the same kind: a school of service. G. The Fire — Formed by the Spirit The third station is the Fire. Here the believer is formed by the Holy Spirit. In a potter’s house, a vessel that has been shaped on the wheel must pass through the fire. The fire makes the vessel able to hold water. The Fire is a school of prayer, where we learn to pray by praying. Here the pillar of Prayer and worship becomes practice, and not only knowledge: we fast, we intercede, and we wait on God. The church gathers as the disciples gathered before Pentecost. “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (Acts 1:14). When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place (Acts 2:1). They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them (Acts 2:3). All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). H. The Table — Loved by the Church The fourth station is the Table. Here the believer is loved by the church. The Table is the shared life of the body. Here believers eat together and share their lives, as a family does. In Lesson Six we saw that the first believers shared their meals. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:46). They enjoyed the favour of all the people (Acts 2:47). Here we live the pillar of Fellowship where our neighbours can see. The Table is the last station before the sending. At the Table we learn a truth, and the whole pathway depends on this truth: you cannot be sent from a place you do not belong. Belonging comes before sending. A believer who has never belonged has no place to be sent from. When we go out with the Gospel, we carry with us the family in which we were formed. You cannot be sent from a place you do not belong. I. The Harvest — Sent into the World The fifth station is the Harvest. Here the believer is sent into the world. The Harvest is outreach near us and mission far from us. Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In Lesson Two we saw the river flow down to the Dead Sea (Ezekiel 47:8). Where the river flows, everything will live (Ezekiel 47:9). This is the fifth pillar, Outreach. The vessel that was formed on the wheel is now poured out. J. The Shape of the Journey — Every Step Is Needed Look at the five stations again: the Clay, the Wheel, the Fire, the Table, and the Harvest. Together they show how a potter works. The clay is placed in the centre of the wheel. The vessel passes through the fire. The vessel is gathered with others at the table. Then the finished vessel is sent out. In the potter’s house nothing is done only for beauty. Each step is needed, because without that step the vessel cannot hold water. The same is true of the pathway. Without the Wheel, the vessel leans to one side. Without the Fire, the vessel falls apart in the field. Without the Table, the vessel is sent out alone. Without the Harvest, the vessel is never poured out. So find your place on the pathway, and take the next step. Do not try to take every step at once. The Potter shapes the clay one turn of the wheel at a time. And keep the order that Jesus set: with Him first, and then sent (Mark 3:14). Keep both parts. The Five Stations at a Glance - The station: The Clay: formed by the Father · Scripture: Isaiah 64:8 · What happens here: The believer learns the foundations of the faith and surrenders - The station: The Wheel: formed by the Son · Scripture: Ephesians 4:11–12 · What happens here: The believer studies the Word more deeply and is trained to serve - The station: The Fire: formed by the Spirit · Scripture: Acts 1:14 · What happens here: The believer learns to pray by praying - The station: The Table: loved by the church · Scripture: Acts 2:46–47 · What happens here: The believer shares the life of the body and belongs - The station: The Harvest: sent into the world · Scripture: Acts 1:8 · What happens here: The believer is sent out, near us and far from us K. The Lesson in One Sentence The pathway leads the believer from surrender to sending: formed by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, loved by the church, and sent into the world (Isaiah 64:8; Mark 3:14; Acts 1:8). In Lesson Ten we come to the vessel and to four depths of service. The five stations are the track of formation. The track of service runs beside all five stations, from the first day. So in Lesson Ten we will ask how a believer grows in serving. PART 3 — KNOW THE WORD: TEACHING FOCUS #### 1. With Him First, Then Sent Read the key verse again. Jesus appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). Teach both parts, and teach them in this order: with Him first, and then sent. Every station of the pathway is one of these two: being with Him, or being sent. When a church sends out people who have not first belonged to her, she sends them out alone. So keep that order, and keep both parts. #### 2. Formation and Service Belong Together James tells us not merely to listen to the Word, but to do what the Word says (James 1:22). Christ Himself gave leaders to His church to equip His people for works of service (Ephesians 4:11–12). So the Word is taught in order that God’s people may serve. Formation and service grow side by side from the first day. Together they produce disciples who know the Word and who do what the Word says. #### 3. We Are Jars of Clay, and the Power Is from God We are the clay, and the Lord is the Potter. We are all the work of His hand (Isaiah 64:8). We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7). So the pathway does not ask anyone to be impressive. The pathway asks for surrender. The Potter does the forming, and the power is His. PART 4 — TRUST THE SPIRIT: TEACHING FOCUS #### 1. The Spirit Fills Before the Church Appoints The seven men of Acts 6 were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom before the apostles laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3, 6). Stephen was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). The Holy Spirit was at work in these men before they were given a responsibility. The church recognized what He was doing in them, and she chose them (Acts 6:5). Then the apostles gave this responsibility to them (Acts 6:3, 6). So before we appoint a worker, let us ask what the Holy Spirit is already doing in that person. #### 2. The Spirit Transforms Us into the Image of the Lord No class can form a believer by human strength. The all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7). Paul wrote, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit is the One who transforms us. He does in us what no class can do. So at every station we depend on Him. #### 3. The Spirit Sends the Workers Out In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, and Barnabas and Saul were among them (Acts 13:1). “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (Acts 13:2). After they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on the two men and sent them off (Acts 13:3). So Barnabas and Saul went out, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). The Holy Spirit sends workers out. In Antioch He sent two men who were worshipping the Lord and fasting, in the church where they served. With the Lord first, and then sent. Word and Spirit in Lesson Nine — Side by Side - Know the Word: The whole group chose seven men, and the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:5–6). · Trust the Spirit: Before that, the seven men were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). Stephen was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). - Know the Word: Jesus appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). · Trust the Spirit: Barnabas and Saul went out, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). - Know the Word: We are the clay, and the Lord is the Potter (Isaiah 64:8). We have this treasure in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). · Trust the Spirit: We are being transformed into the image of the Lord, and this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). - Know the Word: The disciples all joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14). · Trust the Spirit: On the day of Pentecost all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). PART 5 — FORMING CHRIST IN THE BELIEVER This lesson forms Christ in us in three ways: 1. Christ is formed in us when we are with Him before we are sent. Jesus appointed twelve that they might be with Him (Mark 3:14). Begin by being with Him. The sending will come. 2. Christ is formed in us when we belong before we go. Do more than attend the meeting. Take your place at the Table. You cannot be sent from a place you do not belong. 3. Christ is formed in us when we take the next step. Be honest, and find your place on the pathway. Do not try to take every step at once. The Potter shapes the clay one turn of the wheel at a time. PART 6 — DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Come prepared to answer. Come prepared to listen. 1. Find your own place on the pathway: the Clay, the Wheel, the Fire, the Table, the Harvest. Where are you standing today? What is your next step? 2. The book asks three honest questions. Am I clay that has surrendered to the Potter’s hands? Am I learning truth but keeping away from the Fire, the school of prayer? Have I belonged at the Table, or have I only attended the meeting? Which of these questions is for you today? 3. Formation and service grow side by side. In your own life, which is stronger today: learning the Word, or serving with the Word? What would help the two to grow together? 4. Think of the believers you lead. In whom do you already see the Holy Spirit at work, as the church saw in the seven men of Acts 6? How can your church recognize that work and give that work a name? 5. What would the five stations look like in your church? And how can your church keep the order that Jesus set: with Him first, and then sent? PART 7 — WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT Before next class, take time with the following: - Read 2 Timothy 2:1–2, 1 Kings 19:19–21, Acts 9:26–28, and Numbers 27:15–23 in preparation for Lesson Ten. - Memorize Mark 3:14 or 2 Corinthians 4:7. - Draw the pathway on one page: the Clay, the Wheel, the Fire, the Table, the Harvest. Mark the station where you are standing today. Under the drawing, write your next step in one sentence. - Write the names of two believers in whom you already see the Holy Spirit at work. Tell each of them what you see, and pray for them by name. - Eat a meal this week with a believer who is new in your church. Pray together after the meal. CLOSING PRAYER A PRAYER TO PRAY OUT LOUD THIS WEEK Father, we are the clay, and You are the Potter. We are all the work of Your hand. We surrender to You again today. We do not ask to be impressive. We ask to be Yours. Shape us, one turn of the wheel at a time. Thank You that Jesus called His disciples to be with Him before He sent them out. Teach us to be with Him first, before we go out. Form us by Your Word, and train us to serve with what we learn. Form us by Your Holy Spirit as we join together in prayer. Fill us with Your Spirit, as You filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost. Let each of our churches be a family where every believer belongs, so that no one is sent out alone. We are only jars of clay. The power is from You and not from us. Send us into the harvest, in our town and across Tanzania, and to the ends of the earth. In the Name of Jesus, amen. NEXT LESSON — Lesson Ten — The Vessel. Four Depths of Service ---------- KGM School of Service — Knowing God Missions · Tumenyimana https://kgm-school-preview.netlify.app