It was
May of 1981. I was to quote a memory verse before hundreds of
people who had come to honor those of us who were graduating from Bible
college. Some students as they received their degree tried to be cute and
quoted- “Jesus wept”- the shortest verse in the NT. (I imagine their parents
were groaning, wondering if it was worth all the time and money for their biblical
education.) I knew I was heading to work with inner-city teens in Humboldt Park. I knew I was young and inexperienced. (I grew up in the
country in Michigan.) So I chose an encouraging yet challenging verse- “Don't let anyone look down on you because you
are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,
in faith and in purity.”
1Tim.4:12. That’s almost comical because in my high school years my life was
far from an example for anyone to follow. For starters, my speech was filthy. I
have a feeling some of you can relate. Thank God for God rescuing and
transforming us!
We’ve
begun a series on “Being a Godly MENTOR” and yesterday we started looking at
the importance of our lives being a Model. (M of MENTOR stands for Model. Modeling is so huge in Scripture that this alone is an 8 part series.) Paul
was such a model or example for others to follow. He said, “Follow me as I
follow Christ.” 1 Cor.11:1.
Some might seek to excuse themselves from this high
calling of being a model for others to follow by saying, “Don’t follow me,
follow Christ.” It may sound spiritual, but it’s a cop out. Others might say,
“Paul calls people to follow him, so I don’t need to be the good example for
others to follow.” But that doesn’t square with Scripture either. Note what
Paul adds in the following directive- “Dear brothers and
sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our
example.” Phil.3:17 NLT. We as coaches are to pattern our lives after Paul (and
Christ of course). And our protégés are to learn from our example as well.
Paul also told
Timothy to set an example for others to follow. Let’s look closely at that
memory verse I picked upon graduating, so that we can graduate with honors as
mentors/coaches. “Don't let anyone look down on you because you
are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,
in faith and in purity.”
1Tim.4:12. Whether you are young or old, we need to set good examples for
others to follow.
1.-Write
out 1 Tim.4:12 on your MP3 card. I know
this may be quite challenging to honestly admit, but also write down on your
MP3 card what areas a protégé might rightly look down upon you. This will be
for your eyes only, so be gut honest with yourself. (If
you can’t think of anything, ask your wife to help you:)
Pray for God's help to transform you on this one and perhaps seek out a brother to aid you as well. We are here to strengthen, not shame. Then do the Did it.
2.-Read 1 Tim.4:1-16 and share something that you got out of it or anything else in the blog today.
I want
to commend you for setting a GREAT example for protégés to follow- You
are daily reading God’s word (G) and you are sharing in an iron sharpening iron
way on the blog. I also think that as you Right any wrongs (R), that this is a
tremendous example that other men need to follow. Your daily prayers, (A) attacking the forces of darkness to free and activate men to join us in advancing
the kingdom of God is another great example you are setting. Well done!
3.-R? (I got a big R as I big time misunderstood a dear friend and put him in a difficult position. I asked for his forgiveness and he graciously forgave me!)
4.-A?
Announcements
Sunday Pastor Mark envisioned seeing 500 people getting baptized this year. If we are anywhere close to that number, then what? Let's conservatively say that out of those baptized, 100 are men. How could we as M3 help to enfold a portion of those from Midway? Please pray. I've been praying and pondering a solution for this for the past week and think we may have a solution. It's just going to take a whale of a lot of work. Pray! (By the way, did you hear about the fisherman of great faith? He decided to go after Moby Dick and brought along tarter sauce:)
Announcements
Sunday Pastor Mark envisioned seeing 500 people getting baptized this year. If we are anywhere close to that number, then what? Let's conservatively say that out of those baptized, 100 are men. How could we as M3 help to enfold a portion of those from Midway? Please pray. I've been praying and pondering a solution for this for the past week and think we may have a solution. It's just going to take a whale of a lot of work. Pray! (By the way, did you hear about the fisherman of great faith? He decided to go after Moby Dick and brought along tarter sauce:)
| 1 Tim.4:15 | G=God's Word | Right Wrongs | E | A= Attack Prayers | T | (Men Recruited) | |
| For Fri.1.16.15 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| 1 | Jack Rogers U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | A | Daniel & Roger | ||
| 2 | Daniel Contreras U.1 | Y | A | Vince & Antonio | |||
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | R (Our Respect) | A | |||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 1 | Israel Fuentes U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 2 | Sam Vargas U.1 | Y | A | Robert | |||
| 3 | Robert Roman | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Antonio Palomar | Welcome! | |||||
| Delta Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 3 | |||||||
| 1 | Alvin James U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | A | |||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 3 | Mike Pagan U.1 | Y | A | George | |||
| 4 | George Rabiela | Welcome! | |||||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 1 | Eddie Morales U.1 | Y | A | Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle | |||
| 2 | Gary Remson U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | A | |||
| 3 | Ismael Andrade U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Kentrayle Adams | Y | R (Our Respect) | A |
1 Tim, 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in Love, in faith and purity." Did it
ReplyDeleteDid it for areas needing improvement.
2. Reference Tim, 4-8 Paul was not disputing the significant health and body benefits of physical training; but was emphasizing that the benefits of exercise are only temporary. Spiritual training, such as we are completing, produces mature Godly character; which is more important since Spiritual results endure throughout this life time and into eternity with our Lord face-to-face. Spiritual training also will prepare us for properly leading others to the Kingdom.
4.A
Excellent Jack!
Delete1.- Did it
ReplyDeleteDid it - Listed areas that need improvement
2.- 1 Tim 4:8 " for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
What a great challenge is given to us by Paul, that we are to persue godliness above other things. Because godliness not only will affect our current ministry but also has eternal value. May we be able to follow Paul's example and be a clear, decisive, unstoppable and Godly follower of Christ so that in turn our proteges may also see a good example in our lives worthy to be followed.
4.- A
Very good Roger!
Delete1. “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1Tim.4:12.
ReplyDelete"I'm not the man I ought to be, but thank God I'm not the man I used to be!" (Author unknown, to me)
2. Did it
3.
4. A
Yes indeed Robert!
DeleteDid it. Did the areas of my life that need improvement and need to done away with.
ReplyDeleteWe sure are living in the later times. Paul uses some strong language "abandon, deceiving spirits,things taught by demons hypocritical liars seared conscience.
The physical training I think helps us in the spiritual training I need to stay working out. Help us all Lord with both. This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Yes George, these are corrupt days we live in. Glad you're with us!
Delete1) Did it and did it. I might have to add more when my wife gets home :)
ReplyDelete7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
This verse speaks to me, I enjoy going through coach training to prepare me for what matters. Helping followers grow in their walk with Jesus.
4. A
My daughter won four tickets to a White Sox by quoting 1 Tim.4:12 on stage during one of the father-daughter banquets. She had to of been about 8 years old. Proud father moment. Especially when she is so shy. I didn't even have to push her to get up there. Thank God for AWana. That is where she learned it and how fitting of a verse
Respect for the R Dave.
Sam, my oldest daughter, Mariah was very shy as a little girl. Regardless of their bent Lord, we pray that our children would become influencers for Your kingdom in their own way.
DeleteThat is great Sam. You should be proud of her
ReplyDeleteDid both.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me was the endurance that was spoken in 1Tim: 4. I can only imagine what we as a group would look like if we follow the example given in 1 Tim; 4. We would put the unstoppable in the MP3 group as a big unstoppable shining light for God. 1 Tim: 4:16 "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." We have to remember when we think we are in the dark the light always finds us. So men of God stand strong and tall and keep your eyes and minds on God and all things are possible.
A
I like it Mike!
DeleteWhat stands out to me is pauls advise to give constant thought to his guideance, and for his protegue to give his entire being to animate that truth, and by doing so the protegue would present a flawless reputation. this i think is challenging because it demands intentional focus and acts of the will, but what i find deeply inspireing is the promise of success "that your progresss might be evident to all".
ReplyDeletedid it.
Alright Antonio!
Delete1. Did it.
ReplyDelete2. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Tim. 4:16
Watch carefully how we live and what we are living by. What we believe in affects how we live,which will ultimately affect the lives of others. Therefore, Paul says persevere in them and persevere in watching them. To stand firm and continue on even in the midst of challenging times or opposition. Doing this will save us and others, which I believe relates to his first point of the chapter that there will be deception and abandonment of the faith in future times. Aren't we in such a time? Let us persevere!
4. A
E, a self-assessment is very important to accountability
Delete1)did it
ReplyDelete2) 1 Timothy 4:4-5New International Version (NIV)
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
I was sharing my testimony with Ismael on Sunday and I told him what other minsters have told me that was too young to spread the word. "You're too young to be leader". I never let those words from those minsters take root in my heart. I know GOD has a great plan for my life. I love those minsters. I pray that GOD will continue to bless their lives. I don't want to waste the strength GOD has given me on hating the minsters or dwelling on what they said. I feel that time in my life was not a step down for me but a step up to GOD plan. I thank GOD he keeps me in his hands. Hey I am not perfect by no means, I have my faults. I know we have a perfect GOD.
4) A
Vince, I'm not sure of all the circumstances of why those ministers said you were too young to be a leader. Certainly no one is to young to spread the Word of God. But they may have wanted to protect you. 1 Timothy 3:6 warns about placing someone new in the faith in some leadership positions as an overseer. Those ministers may have had that in mind when they said what they did. Anyway praise God that did not discourage you from continuing to following the Lord and growing in Him.
Delete1) Did it.
ReplyDelete2) 1Tim4:12 … “set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
God's new life in us results in a complete transformation within our character. We will always be a work in progress as we grow in Christ likeness in every area of life. As believers and followers of Christ, our lives should look very different from the lives of people who don't follow or obey Christ. As coaches, we should be good examples to our proteges in these areas as well.
3) None
4) A
1. Did it
ReplyDelete1a. Did it again!
2. "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." The life of a leader is to be both accessible and transparent to those he/she has been give charge of by God. This resonates well with what we studied yesterday (preach the gospel always...when needed use words) and serves as a reminder for me as an educator.
4. A.
1. Did it
ReplyDelete2. 1 Timothy 4:12... but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity... 16 watch your life and doctrine closely... You will save both yourself and your hearers. These verses and today's message has been quite impactful and meaningful to me. As a man who has been taking on more responsibility within ministry and leadership I am that much more motivated to live life in a matter that is congruent with being a follower of Christ. I realize from verse 16 that it's not just essential for my own benefit but for those around me. It therefore has me realize that much more the responsibility that has been entrusted to me. With my life I give up the right to live privately a different life than I do publicly when it comes to honoring God's word.
3. None
4. A
1. Sorry Ivery been busy whole day that didn't even look at blog till now but I will do this one with my wife or myself. It will be a good self check, none the less something I can lift up.
ReplyDelete2. This blog speaks volumes as earlier today started new season for men's ministry. Gare and myself will be co leading a small group. Sure enough we have older men with much wisdom and knowledge there and quiet honestly it can get a little intimidating given their walk with the Lord. BUT I know the Lord has given me a spirit of boldness and strength to speak the truth loudly but clear. Oh and how much ones life can speak loudly instead of just speaking knowledgeable words. O may my soul continue to hunger for your solid meat..
3. I R that Dave.
4.A.
Amen Ish. I am overjoyed to be your brother in arms and appreciate your dedication
DeleteDid it
ReplyDeleteIf I were to excuse myself and say don’t follow me then what am I doing? If there was anything to be said when we are followers we do not directly follow the person Christ that continues to cover that person more and more each day. This does not mean we just sit but Follow as we are commissioned and inspire other men to follow as well.
Whatever age we are there is a great challenge and a great reward in service dedicated to setting an example. The call to salvation carries with it the summons to be active on the mission field. As I heard on the radio today God does not have grand-children and we are directly connected to the one who pours out salvation. However as mentors and coaches in M3 it is a duty to show others the way. Others that may be blinded or in broken relationship with God and are Blocked from hearing the voice God.
R
A Active in warfare prayer asking for HUNGRY Men
Hello Gary, You and Ish are going to do an awesome job at bible study on Tuesday night, as long as it stays God focused. I wish I could take your class :) I too am overjoyed to be your brother in arms in this battle to forcefully and intentionally advance the kingdom of God! If there is any way I can help, please let me Know?
Delete1. did it
ReplyDelete2. I chose 1 Timothy 4:7-8 that states, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." --- These verses speak volumes to me, as that is exactly what I am trying to implement in my life right now, to have nothing to do with silly myths or old wives tales or irrelevant stories, rather, my goal is to be a disciplined man of God, training myself to be godly, even when I do not feel like it. Wow, reading the bible every day and having my daily devotions is absolutely transforming my mind and life. Oh Lord, as my brothers and I humble ourselves at Your feet, let us listen to Your word clearly and continue to give us the courage to obey Your word and follow You!
3.
4. A
Amen Israel!
Delete1. Did it. Captured weaknesses
ReplyDelete2. "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress". Exhortation given... Exhortation not followed this week, as I allowed life to overwhelm me and keep me from blogging.
3. Did R with Dave and Jack to re establish my integrity to the blog and to not allow a spirit of busyness to takeover.
4. A