FCA Wrestling - Wisdom Walks (A 5-Session Bible Study)Sample

The Workman

Bertoldo is a name that most people don’t recognize. However, most people know Michelangelo who became one of the greatest sculptors of all time. At age 14, Michelangelo became Bertoldo’s student, because Bertoldo saw greatness in him. Bertoldo was wise enough to realize that people with enormous talent are often tempted to coast rather than be disciplined and put the work in to become great.

One day in the studio, Michelangelo was toying with a piece of sculpture far beneath his abilities, and Bertoldo realized he was not doing his best. So Bertoldo grabbed a hammer and smashed the work into hundreds of pieces and shouted, “Michelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!”

Greatness is always recognized, but often we don’t know the story behind the greatness. There is always someone who sees greatness in others before they become great. They understand the concept of passing the torch. Bertoldo saw greatness in Michelangelo before he saw it himself. Michelangelo became Bertoldo’s Workman, and he dedicated himself and submitted himself under Bertoldo’s guidance. Because we have all been made in the image of God, we all have seeds of greatness within us.

The Workman is a disciple — someone who has a desire to grow in spiritual maturity and live out the faith. The focus is on discipleship: spiritual training and growth, using the study and application of God’s Word in every circumstance and life area. More than a teacher-student relationship, it follows the model of what Jesus did: He lived out the truth and taught it at the same time.

The characteristics of the Workman:

• Follows the training plan
• Asks questions, takes notes, listens, comes prepared
• Puts wisdom into practice
• Shows honor and appreciation

A Workman studies and trains because of an internal passion to grow spiritually. They are willing to see their weaknesses, make corrections, and cultivate strengths. The Workman is the rookie on your Dream Team who has a ton of potential, and your investment will pay big dividends. When you have a Workman, you become their Watchman. Do you have a Workman?

Remember, life is all about relationships. When we live intentionally, maximize relationships, and pass the torch to others, we become difference-makers.

Here are 4 key questions all WisdomWalkers must ask:

1. Are you a Walker?
2. Do you have a Warrior?
3. Do you have a Watchman?
4. Do you have a Workman?

In the diagram below, put your name in the middle as the Walker. Also, each circle should have a name in it as you begin to define the four key relationships in your life.

Each one of us needs a Walker, a Watchman, a Warrior, and a Workman. And we need to be those things as well for others. Start the journey today and become a WisdomWalker. Live intentionally, maximize relationships, and pass the torch!

Dig In:

1. Who have you invested in spiritually? How?
2. Is there one person whom you could “tap on the shoulder” and ask them if you could mentor them?
3. Reach out to them and ask if you could meet with them regularly.

“Father, I want to give of myself and invest in the next generation. Show me who I need to reach out to and ask them to start the journey. Reveal to me one Workman so I can become their Watchman. In Jesus’ name, amen."