This will be our final week of considering how God's Word facilitates the process of transformation that every Christian experiences. Having come to Christ, we are to prepare ourselves for eternity by remaining firm in our faith. The study of Scripture is integral to that preparation, for as we study God's Word we prepare ourselves to reflect the glory of God.
"Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us." (Philippians 3:17, NASB). As I look back on my Christian walk, those who have had the greatest influence on me are those who have been men and women with a deep knowledge of the Word of God. Gennie and Loyal Pederson knew their Bible. My pastors, Dave Taylor Herb Saunders, Mel Stephan, and George Calhoun all knew their Bible. My mentor, the Rev. Dr. Ernest K. Bee, Jr., knew his Bible. By observing how they walk (or, for the Pedersons and Dr. Bee, how they walked) according to the pattern they found in the letters of men like the Apostle Paul, I learned how to walk. That is one of the reasons why you and I must be diligent in studying God's Word; so that we those who observe us can walk according to the pattern they have in us. For whom will you provide a patter today, and what will that pattern be founded upon?
I think this passage in Philippians is very humbling. It should be something we consider quite often, actually, because we never know who's watching. This is also something that spans across age groups, a concept many don't consider. I've had the amazing pleasure of seeing the young adults in our church have a profound effect on our younger children. Sometimes I wonder if our teenagers know just how much our 3rd-5th grade YF kids are watching them. I've seen children mimic them, glow with pride when they are acknowledged by them, and watch the way they treat each other, the adults, and the Word of God. I'm sure this holds true of the youngest children looking up to the 3-4-5 kids, as well. It is important to have an understanding of God's Word no matter how old or young you are because you never know who's watching.
Yes, just this. It is the responsibility of each person in our church to nurture and encourage the faith of others, especially those who are younger (in years or faith) than we are. Titus 2 has a lot to say about that (and as you read it, remember that you are a bond slave of Christ, so the advice in that section applies quite nicely to you).
"For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)
We will get to the "enemies" part in due time, reflecting on the contrast between those who are enemies and those who are eagerly waiting. But first things first. Paul writes about these people while weeping. Their relationship to the cross is not a source of pleasure derived from another's misfortune or smugness/superiority because Paul "gets" it. The fact that there are enemies of the cross breaks Paul's heart, and when he thinks of their fate, he weeps. It is that attitude, if we share it, which will help motivate us to share the good news with those who do not yet know Christ. In that way we honor God as we encourage others, as Paul wrote in Romans 5:6-11, to be reconciled with God so that they can exult in God through their Lord Jesus Christ.
"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation"
"So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him." (Numbers 27:18-20)
Here we see another example of how important it is for us to set an example for those who follow. Joshua served alongside of Moses throughout the journey through the wilderness. He stood by his side and no doubt learned a great deal about godliness and leadership. So when the time came, there was someone ready to take Moses' place as the leader of God's people. And all along the way it was not only Moses helping to prepare Joshua, but the Lord as well. As you consider the responsibilities you carry in our covenant community, have you also considered who you might mentor to take up those responsibilities? You don't have to be preparing to die to do this, either! Perhaps God is calling you to a new work or to share the work you presently have so that it can be expanded and strengthened. In any case, make sure your eyes are open to providing others an opportunity to serve alongside you and, one day, lead.
I feel silly posting again, especially since I'm not sure this is the appropriate place to ask these questions, but I'm here so why not? The topic of mentorship--especially in the church--is an interesting one to me, but not one I have ever understood clearly. Does God forge mentorship relationships sometimes (often) without our knowing it? Or do we subconsciously create and build these relationships on our own? Or can it be both? I'm confused by this because I think we often shy away from the idea of mentoring others because we don't feel we have anything to offer...at least I always have, but maybe that's just my issue with insecurity and isn't typical. I mean, I know I have been mentored by others in the church, many others, were thay actively mentoring me or was God using them to put me where he wanted me at the time? Or is it the same thing? Should we be actively seeking out others to mentor or does it just happen? I know I probably sound silly with these questions and I know we should live knowing others are watching us, but...well, I'm just confused about this topic. Please point me in the right direction because the idea of mentoring is an intimidating one, at least it is to me.
First of all, there are no silly questions, so all is well there. Second, the answer to your first question regarding mentoring is "Yes, God does forge mentoring relationships sometimes without our knowing it." The answer to your second question is "Yes, we consciously create and build these relationships on our own." The answer to your third question is "Yes, it can be both at the same time." Sometimes the mentoring we do is informal. Many of the people who have helped me develop my faith did it when they weren't even aware they were being watched. God used them to "mentor" me through their faithful, godly living. But the most fruitful relationships, I believe, occur when a Christian who has mastered some aspect of faith consciously decides to mentor a Christian who is still learning some aspect faith. I am speaking here of mentoring relationships, not accountability relationships. An accountability relationship is often between peers (see Proverbs 27:17), but when mentoring takes place there is a certain "unequal" aspect to the relationship. Specifically, the one mentoring is farther along in one or more areas of faith and is helping another person "catch up." Here are some passages about mentoring: Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 145:4; 1 Peter 5:1-7; Titus 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 1:1-14, 2:2 and so on. In Matthew 4:18-22 we see Jesus initiate this sort of relationship with His disciples, whom He spent three years mentoring as He prepared them to spread the gospel after His departure. I know that you have mentored people, as well, although you might not have done so formally, and that those people who came under your influence grew in their faith. That is what is essential here...that what we have heard and seen in other Christians which ultimately finds its source in Christ, we should teach, that others will come to know the Lord and grow to become mature Christians.
Wait, what, Matthew 21:33-43? Well, yes. Yes, indeed. Here Jesus reminds us that there is a cost to being an enemy of one's lord (in the case of the parable, the landowner, and in the case of everyone everywhere, Jesus). That cost is destruction, and it comes to those who reject God no matter their lineage. This parable was a pointed reminder to the Israelites that they had been entrusted with the task of leading others to God. They did not do that, and so the time was coming when that task would be given to others. "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit." (Matthew 21:43) We can heed this warning as well, which serves to remind us that if we are not faithful, the tasks we have been given can be assigned to others more willing to use their gifts in order to lead others to God for His glory. Take care, then, to be faithful with the "land" you have been entrusted with today.
Philippians 3:17-21: Paul suggests that a conformity in the Church, arising from these things, will be glorious: 1 -– Adherence to the Gospel as he had presented it; 2 –- Resting in the knowledge that heaven is the location of our real citizenship; 3 – Assurance that our transformed bodies will be conformed to the likeness of His glorious Body.
Numbers 27:12-23: The continued conformity, well-being, and cohesiveness of the Israeli people in the Promised Land depended upon strong, Spirit filled leadership. Moses was sure that his protégé, Joshua, was the one, and the transfer was completed.
Psalm 119:57-64: The Psalmist was convinced that unity and conformity within his community depended completely upon respectful fear of the Lord love for His mercy, and adherence to His law.
Matthew 21:33-43: Glorious conformity in the church, the Body of Christ rests upon the sure cornerstone, Jesus, the foundation of the apostles, and the unity of the living stones.
Good morning and good Sabbath! Are you ready to join, observe and conform this morning as we gather together for worship? May God grant you the peace and comfort of His presence as we are bound together on this day by faith, hope and love.
This will be our final week of considering how God's Word facilitates the process of transformation that every Christian experiences. Having come to Christ, we are to prepare ourselves for eternity by remaining firm in our faith. The study of Scripture is integral to that preparation, for as we study God's Word we prepare ourselves to reflect the glory of God.
ReplyDelete"Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us." (Philippians 3:17, NASB). As I look back on my Christian walk, those who have had the greatest influence on me are those who have been men and women with a deep knowledge of the Word of God. Gennie and Loyal Pederson knew their Bible. My pastors, Dave Taylor Herb Saunders, Mel Stephan, and George Calhoun all knew their Bible. My mentor, the Rev. Dr. Ernest K. Bee, Jr., knew his Bible. By observing how they walk (or, for the Pedersons and Dr. Bee, how they walked) according to the pattern they found in the letters of men like the Apostle Paul, I learned how to walk. That is one of the reasons why you and I must be diligent in studying God's Word; so that we those who observe us can walk according to the pattern they have in us. For whom will you provide a patter today, and what will that pattern be founded upon?
ReplyDeleteAh, corrections! It would probably be best if you provided a "pattern" rather than the "patter" suggested in the last sentence above...
DeleteI think this passage in Philippians is very humbling. It should be something we consider quite often, actually, because we never know who's watching. This is also something that spans across age groups, a concept many don't consider. I've had the amazing pleasure of seeing the young adults in our church have a profound effect on our younger children. Sometimes I wonder if our teenagers know just how much our 3rd-5th grade YF kids are watching them. I've seen children mimic them, glow with pride when they are acknowledged by them, and watch the way they treat each other, the adults, and the Word of God. I'm sure this holds true of the youngest children looking up to the 3-4-5 kids, as well. It is important to have an understanding of God's Word no matter how old or young you are because you never know who's watching.
ReplyDeleteYes, just this. It is the responsibility of each person in our church to nurture and encourage the faith of others, especially those who are younger (in years or faith) than we are. Titus 2 has a lot to say about that (and as you read it, remember that you are a bond slave of Christ, so the advice in that section applies quite nicely to you).
Delete"For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)
ReplyDeleteWe will get to the "enemies" part in due time, reflecting on the contrast between those who are enemies and those who are eagerly waiting. But first things first. Paul writes about these people while weeping. Their relationship to the cross is not a source of pleasure derived from another's misfortune or smugness/superiority because Paul "gets" it. The fact that there are enemies of the cross breaks Paul's heart, and when he thinks of their fate, he weeps. It is that attitude, if we share it, which will help motivate us to share the good news with those who do not yet know Christ. In that way we honor God as we encourage others, as Paul wrote in Romans 5:6-11, to be reconciled with God so that they can exult in God through their Lord Jesus Christ.
"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation"
"So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him." (Numbers 27:18-20)
ReplyDeleteHere we see another example of how important it is for us to set an example for those who follow. Joshua served alongside of Moses throughout the journey through the wilderness. He stood by his side and no doubt learned a great deal about godliness and leadership. So when the time came, there was someone ready to take Moses' place as the leader of God's people. And all along the way it was not only Moses helping to prepare Joshua, but the Lord as well. As you consider the responsibilities you carry in our covenant community, have you also considered who you might mentor to take up those responsibilities? You don't have to be preparing to die to do this, either! Perhaps God is calling you to a new work or to share the work you presently have so that it can be expanded and strengthened. In any case, make sure your eyes are open to providing others an opportunity to serve alongside you and, one day, lead.
I feel silly posting again, especially since I'm not sure this is the appropriate place to ask these questions, but I'm here so why not? The topic of mentorship--especially in the church--is an interesting one to me, but not one I have ever understood clearly. Does God forge mentorship relationships sometimes (often) without our knowing it? Or do we subconsciously create and build these relationships on our own? Or can it be both? I'm confused by this because I think we often shy away from the idea of mentoring others because we don't feel we have anything to offer...at least I always have, but maybe that's just my issue with insecurity and isn't typical. I mean, I know I have been mentored by others in the church, many others, were thay actively mentoring me or was God using them to put me where he wanted me at the time? Or is it the same thing? Should we be actively seeking out others to mentor or does it just happen? I know I probably sound silly with these questions and I know we should live knowing others are watching us, but...well, I'm just confused about this topic. Please point me in the right direction because the idea of mentoring is an intimidating one, at least it is to me.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, there are no silly questions, so all is well there. Second, the answer to your first question regarding mentoring is "Yes, God does forge mentoring relationships sometimes without our knowing it." The answer to your second question is "Yes, we consciously create and build these relationships on our own." The answer to your third question is "Yes, it can be both at the same time." Sometimes the mentoring we do is informal. Many of the people who have helped me develop my faith did it when they weren't even aware they were being watched. God used them to "mentor" me through their faithful, godly living. But the most fruitful relationships, I believe, occur when a Christian who has mastered some aspect of faith consciously decides to mentor a Christian who is still learning some aspect faith. I am speaking here of mentoring relationships, not accountability relationships. An accountability relationship is often between peers (see Proverbs 27:17), but when mentoring takes place there is a certain "unequal" aspect to the relationship. Specifically, the one mentoring is farther along in one or more areas of faith and is helping another person "catch up." Here are some passages about mentoring: Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 145:4; 1 Peter 5:1-7; Titus 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 1:1-14, 2:2 and so on. In Matthew 4:18-22 we see Jesus initiate this sort of relationship with His disciples, whom He spent three years mentoring as He prepared them to spread the gospel after His departure. I know that you have mentored people, as well, although you might not have done so formally, and that those people who came under your influence grew in their faith. That is what is essential here...that what we have heard and seen in other Christians which ultimately finds its source in Christ, we should teach, that others will come to know the Lord and grow to become mature Christians.
DeleteWait, what, Matthew 21:33-43? Well, yes. Yes, indeed. Here Jesus reminds us that there is a cost to being an enemy of one's lord (in the case of the parable, the landowner, and in the case of everyone everywhere, Jesus). That cost is destruction, and it comes to those who reject God no matter their lineage. This parable was a pointed reminder to the Israelites that they had been entrusted with the task of leading others to God. They did not do that, and so the time was coming when that task would be given to others. "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit." (Matthew 21:43) We can heed this warning as well, which serves to remind us that if we are not faithful, the tasks we have been given can be assigned to others more willing to use their gifts in order to lead others to God for His glory. Take care, then, to be faithful with the "land" you have been entrusted with today.
ReplyDeletePhilippians 3:17-21: Paul suggests that a conformity in the Church, arising from these things, will be glorious:
ReplyDelete1 -– Adherence to the Gospel as he had presented it;
2 –- Resting in the knowledge that heaven is the location of our real citizenship;
3 – Assurance that our transformed bodies will be conformed to the likeness of His glorious Body.
Numbers 27:12-23: The continued conformity, well-being, and cohesiveness of the Israeli people in the Promised Land depended upon strong, Spirit filled leadership. Moses was sure that his protégé, Joshua, was the one, and the transfer was completed.
Psalm 119:57-64: The Psalmist was convinced that unity and conformity within his community depended completely upon respectful fear of the Lord love for His mercy, and adherence to His law.
Matthew 21:33-43: Glorious conformity in the church, the Body of Christ rests upon the sure cornerstone, Jesus, the foundation of the apostles, and the unity of the living stones.
Good morning and good Sabbath! Are you ready to join, observe and conform this morning as we gather together for worship? May God grant you the peace and comfort of His presence as we are bound together on this day by faith, hope and love.
ReplyDelete