We’ve
begun to look at how being a godly MENTOR begins by being a godly Model or example for others to follow or
imitate. Paul wrote to Titus, one of the men he had mentored, “In everything
set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7. Titus had a huge, challenging
task. Read Titus 1:10-16 and discover why. (Please don’t move ahead until ya’
do dis’:)
In light
of a lot of crude dudes on the island of Crete, Titus had his hands full. But his
mission wasn’t to reach this entire island in the Mediterranean on his own. Would
you like to discover the strategy Paul gave him for conquering this corrupt
island? Read Titus 1:5 now.
But what
kind of men (elders, not necessarily elderly) could possibly make such a transforming impact
on these corrupt Cretans?
Read Titus
1:6-9. This is a list of qualifications to be an elder. (Acts 20 uses the words
elder, overseer, and shepherd [pastor] interchangeably). Notice that this “job
description” focuses on the man’s character, not his credentials. Why? We know!
It’s because people need to have a man that is a good model or example for them
to follow. These same character traits are expected of all believers. Throughout
the New Testament, we all are told to exhibit these and other godly traits.
1.-So what’s
one character trait that grabs your attention? It might be one that you think
is especially important for coaches to model that protégés need to see. Share that
trait and some of your thoughts about it.
2.- Copy down this powerful MP3- “In everything set them an example by doing what is
good.” Titus 2:7. Did it?
3.-R?
4.-A?
(Keep praying that God would give us spiritually hungry men, not like the
Cretans who were lying, lazy gluttons. Instead, I commend you for being
Unstoppable!)
| 1 Tim.4:15 | G=God's Word | Right Wrongs | E | A= Attack Prayers | T | (Men Recruited) | |
| For Mon.1.19.15 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| 1 | Jack Rogers U.1 | Y | A | Daniel & Roger | |||
| 2 | Daniel Contreras U.1 | Y | A | Vince & Antonio | |||
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 1 | Israel Fuentes U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 2 | Sam Vargas U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | Robert | |||
| 3 | Robert Roman | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Antonio Palomar | Y | |||||
| Delta Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 3 | |||||||
| 1 | Alvin James U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | A | |||
| 3 | Mike Pagan U.1 | Y | A | George | |||
| 4 | George Rabiela | Y | |||||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 1 | Eddie Morales U.1 | Y | A | Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle | |||
| 2 | Gary Remson U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 3 | Ismael Andrade U.1 | Y | |||||
| 4 | Kentrayle Adams | Y | A |
1. The biggest trait that grabbed my attention was being self controlled. It's easy to do the right thing when under supervision or when there seems not to be much choice in the matter. But I think it says a lot when the decision to do the right thing comes from within. When there is no external force that prevents me from going astray yet I remain faithful in doing what is right. I pray to be even more self controlled, righteous in private as much as in public.
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Excellent Kentrayle! I pray that you would be strengthened with might by God's Spirit in your innermost being.
Delete1.- One of the most important characteristics is found in Titus 1:9 "He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."
ReplyDeleteAs a mentor we see that we need to hold firmly to the trustworthy Word, in order to be able teach our proteges in the ways of God and also be able to identify false doctrines.
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You are so right Roger! Well said. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Friday's blog. I guess that's a teaser. :)
Delete1. The one thing that stuck out to me the most was "above reproach." I believe living above reproach is extremely important to the influence of those who are in a high position of leadership and oversee the church. Although, it is equally important for all of us as Christians, followers of Jesus to live above reproach each day.
ReplyDeleteReproach means being able to find fault and blame. So living above reproach means being blameless and being without fault. The life of Daniel quickly comes to mind. The Bible says, "at this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." (Daniel 6:4, NIV) They did not find fault, corruption in him. So why is this so important to us? Paul says to Timothy that, "Therefore an overseer must be above reproach." (1 Tim 3:2) Even as Paul writes to Titus, he mentions living above reproach first. With the word "must" included before "above reproach", it seems that it is an important characteristic to first possess before anything else, like a "unconditional prerequisite". Without living as such, one cannot be considered for such a high calling. Elders, bishops, pastors have to guide and oversee the church and live according to the Bible, practicing and living what they teach and preach. If they were to demonstrate any sinful habits and behaviors this could cause the church to stumble, because they wouldn't be setting that high Christian standard for the rest of the Body to emulate.
2. DONE.
Outstanding digging and writing here Eddie!
DeleteEnjoyed and was blessed by your insights, my brother.
Delete1. All of the character traits.
ReplyDelete"Any dead fish can flow with the current, it takes a live one to swim against it!" (Author unknown, to me)
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Glad you liked all of them Robert, but what's one to comment on, my deep thinker friend?
DeleteTitus 1:7 "Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain."
DeleteWhat's the definition of blameless? Blameless is not perfection (Philippians 3:12 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.") It's not being good (Mark 10:18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.")
Blameless in the context of the verse is defined as "not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain." "We will not achieve perfection on this side of eternity, but we should strive for excellence"(Author unknown, to me)
Wow! Very good! I especially like that last thought- striving for excellence. You are pursuing excellence!
Delete
ReplyDeleteThey claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.Titus 1:16 NIV
This is a powerful verse for me. Knowing God our interactions are very important the demons know God but their actions are contrary to His Word.
Did it.
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Okay George, but point #1 was to list a character trait from Titus 1:6-9 and share your thoughts on such. I'm eager to read your thoughts on that. Thanks!
DeleteOur Respect for having the courage to seek to Restore a relationship!
Glad to have you with us George. I am praying for you brother.
DeleteI guess honesty is a character trait. So being honest in all your dealings with people and not to do dishonest gain.
DeleteThat's it- "not pursuing dishonest gain" is mentioned in 1:7.
DeleteAnd then if you spent some time in A= Attack prayer, you can give yourself an A.
You're gettin' it.
1." He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it is taught, so that it can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Titus 1:9 It all stems from this verse, as all other Godly character traits are made crystal clear in the Word, so therefore we must hold completely firm to the word in our lifestyle in order to lead others and encourage them as they delve into the word and live by it.
ReplyDeleteThe bible tells us what we need to know to fight off the evil 1 and identify false teaching, and how to be like Jesus and follow him, so that is the most powerful way to have an impact on our protégés as we lead them--know the word completely and live by it, and don't try to manipulate it in any way for your benefit.
2." In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you." Titus 2: 7-8
4.A
Did it
Excellent Jack! You're right; we wouldn't even know what Christlike character traits to pursue and model, if it wasn't for the word of God.
DeleteVerse 7 "Since an overseer manages God's household he must be blameless not overbearing not quick tempered not given to drunkenness not violent not pursuing dishonest gain." This verse should be a constant reminder first that everything we own is God's and all our family members are His first and our's second. The second thing that came from this verse for me was slow to anger quick to love. The rest of the verse explains itself. Live as if God was standing in front of you and beside you and we will not stumble. We are not perfect but we could try to be.
ReplyDeleteDid it.
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Yes Mike! It all belongs to God; we are just managers. And O that I would be a greater channel of his love.
Delete1)I am going to go with not self willed in verse 7 it demands my attention because i believe it is most difficult to follow Gods will when it is in direct opposition with my own. in that moment I choose who is god for me, in that moment i am filled with desires, emotions, and rationale that team up together to become the democratic pannel that trumps the will of God. Only by taking the will of myself and setting it aside to take on the will of another "Jesus" can i animate godliness.
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Enjoyed reading your good words Antonio!
DeleteWelcome to the team Antonio. That was really cool what you said about in the moment you choose who God is. I hadn't really thought about it that way although clearly it is a decision one makes when faced with obeying the flesh or obeying God. Thank you.
Delete1) One of the character traits that I think is especially important for coaches to model and that proteges need to see is “holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” As coaches we must know, believe and properly apply the faithful Word of God in our lives and the lives of our proteges. It's through God's Word that we need to encourage our proteges to live according to sound doctrine. And it's through God's Word that we show proteges how to answer those that are opposed to sound doctrine and those who teach with deception and error.
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So excellent Dave! And thanks for your encouraging words to others.
Delete1) encourage others by sound doctrine- I find myself doing this at times. I believe this is part of our calling. In order for us to persevere through trials, we need to encourage each other and what better way than God's word (sound doctrine). God bless you all and keep advancing the Kingdom of God.
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Sam, you are an encouragement and we are going to be exploring such in a couple weeks.
DeleteYour right on track Antonio, we need to die to ourselves. Matthew 16:24-25 >Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
ReplyDeleteTitus 1:8New International Version (NIV)
ReplyDelete8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
1) I feel self controlled and disciplined caught my attention. I mean when you think of M3 we need self control and discipline. I will be honest when I decided to join this group I was nervous. I felt I would not be able to do it. I realize now that I had to grow in Christ. At first I was like I have to do the blog. Now I can not go through the day without reading the blog. I am learning so much. The mission for this group is to multiply manly men. I needed to discipline my self to do this. When I think of a leader he will go through some storms, but its not how big the storm is its how the leader get through the storm. I can remember leading a group of young people before, some would just want to do their thing and not follow the plan. Although I wanted to get frustrated and just force them to do what I needed them to do. I learned to control myself and find the best solution for this situation. Hey I am still learning. Not every problem is the same.I feel self-control and discipline are great traits and very important to have as a mentor. I like to go through the gospels and see how Jesus lead his disciples. He is the best teacher and the best mentor we will ever have.
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GOD BLESS
Excellent thoughts and writing here Vince!
DeleteAgree with your words Vince!
DeleteKnow them by their "effects"
ReplyDeleteRight at the beginning of the list the highlighted characteristic for me was that an elder is a man that is above reproach. When a person is know them by their fruit or their effects more of Christ's personality is seen. To be without reproach is to be without shame or rebuke. As we grow in model for protégés an important factor is not leading a person astray by hypocrisy
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Oh, good words Gary- "not leading a person astray by hypocrisy!"
Delete1.The trait that grabs my attention the most is "...a man whose children believe," Proteges need to see that there is a continuity to the life of a christian. Someone whose children believes has demonstrated that his walk extends to his home. And it is in the nucleus of the home where the most important battles are waged.
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I agree brother Alvin, children's belief in the gospel truth will always produce fruit, in the keeping with true repentance. Their good life and deeds will always demonstrate that their belief is genuine and true and will prove that they are living in the light :) I love that verse 6 "An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." I do not have any children, but if I do (God willing), I pray that they would see Jesus in me and want Him in their lives soooooo bad, at a super young age. That is my prayer :)
DeleteVery good Alvin! You wonder where Titus could have gotten such seasoned saints with believing children. Crete was so corrupt. Probably from outreaches into the synagogues.
Delete1. I chose verse 9 which states, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." --I know one of our responsibilities is to "Prevent False Teaching" from having a platform at our church, thereby disrupting whole families. The faith of many christians and new believers has been shaken and overturned by these false teachers. They must be silenced and rebuked sharply (vs 11-13). Oh Lord, please give me great understanding, a humble heart, and wisdom with boldness for the truth, use me to refute ALL false teaching head on, sometimes with grace and sometimes very sharply!!
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Excellent thoughts and prayer Israel. Thanks for being "Valiant for Truth" (a character in Pilgrim's Progress part 2.)
Delete1. All characteristic traits grab my attention since I believe it depends on where the protegé is in his/her season of life. If were to pick one that is important to model is to be upright/blameless since they go hand in hand. I'm a person that is more a visual than just a listener. As a young believer more than few years ago I would go to small groups to "know" Christ, after group was over I would over hear other guys speak what there going to do over the weekend (nothing good) and at that moment I knew that's not what I wanted or the type of relationship I wanted to have with Jesus. I didn't want to have a double life, I wanted to be real and real with my God. I wanted and needed to follow Christ, as a coach, mentor a model figure this is what I want to stand by and live according to what is pleasing to the Lord.
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Very good Ismael. How sad to hear of believers that would talk after a Bible study about planning to do evil. Such men will never be in or remain in M3. we must have good examples- not perfect men, but men wanting to make progress. Thanks for walking the talk.
DeleteAmen. Worth mentioning was not leaders, but believers who have not fully counted the costs yet and or just have not matured yet.
DeleteI had a similar experience growing up in a church, but overhearing believers who claimed the love of God and righteousness but belittling or criticizing other believers for petty superficial reasons. It turned me off from church big time, as I certainly didn't see "spiritual people" as upright/blameless. Lord, may my words never lead others away from you.
Delete1) the trait that stands out for me is also self control, as with that trait all the others would follow. But it isn't about kicking ourselves when we don't have it and feeling condemned when we don't exercise it (as was the case with me with not having self control to prevent busyness from keeping me from the blog the last 2 days)... Because "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . . self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). So it is not about just me fighting myself to exercise self control, it is about claiming self control as a gift of the Spirit.
ReplyDeleteLord, I thank you for the gifts of the spirit that You have already started blessing me with and I ask for a double portion to keep me walking in your path and to be a man of God that models righteous behavior and I pray for the gift of self control across all areas of my life, for your glory and for your purpose, oh Lord.
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