Embracing Life and Death Through Spiritual Mentorship
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are continuing our series on living and dying with a biblical perspective. This series aims to help us, as children of God, understand that death is not something to fear. It's a certainty for all of us, barring the rapture, but if we know Jesus, we have something wonderful to look forward to. This series has been about valuing life and living it to the fullest with eternity in mind. We should live free of fear when it comes to death because the grave is not the end.
To recap, here are the take-home principles we've discussed so far:
1. You're going to die.
2. They're going to die too.
3. You ain't dead yet, so do something awesome with your life.
4. The hope of heaven destroys the fear of death.
5. Godly parenting presents eternal benefits.
Today, we are focusing on the concept of spiritual parents. In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth, he talks about spiritual parents, saying, "For even if you had 10,000 others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father." Paul became a spiritual father to the Corinthians when he preached the good news to them. He urged them to imitate him as he imitated Christ. This lineage of spiritual mentorship is crucial for our growth in faith.
We all need spiritual mothers and fathers—people who have not just our ear but also our respect. These are not perfect people, but they are individuals who can guide us closer to the Lord. As believers, we should look for opportunities to influence others positively and be influenced by godly mentors.
Now, let's take a moment to recognize the amazing Savior we serve. Jesus, in His power and presence, is always with us. He lived and died for us, and every need we have can be met because of His name. Before we proceed, let's take a moment to pray for any needs you might have. Whether your need is big or small, Jesus cares about it. Let's surrender our needs to Him and trust Him to do amazing things.
As we continue, I want to address our graduating seniors. You are about to enter a new chapter in your lives, and it's essential to find spiritual mentors who can guide you. You can't take your current mentors with you, but wherever you go, there will be someone there to help you grow in your faith. Be purposeful in finding these spiritual leaders.
We have a legacy of faith here at Harvest Fellowship. Many of you have been mentored by various leaders in our church, from preschool to youth ministry. This spiritual lineage has prepared you for the journey ahead. As you move forward, remember to seek out new spiritual mentors who can continue to guide you.
Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for both life and eternity. It helps us grow, make right decisions, and become the men and women of God we are meant to be. It also ensures that we are prepared for eternity, taking others with us on this journey of faith.
In conclusion, be humble enough to recognize your need for a spiritual leader and be purposeful in finding one. Growth can be challenging, but it's essential for your spiritual development. Let's pray for our seniors and ask God to guide them in this new chapter of their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Certainty of Death and the Hope of Heaven: Understanding that death is inevitable for all of us can be liberating when we know Jesus. The hope of heaven destroys the fear of death, allowing us to live life to the fullest with eternity in mind. This perspective helps us focus on what truly matters and live without fear. [52:25]
2. The Importance of Spiritual Mentors: Just as Paul became a spiritual father to the Corinthians, we all need spiritual mothers and fathers in our lives. These mentors guide us closer to the Lord and help us grow in our faith. They are not perfect, but their influence is invaluable. [56:05]
3. The Power of Jesus' Name: Jesus' name holds immense power and presence. He lived and died for us, and every need we have can be met through Him. Whether our needs are big or small, Jesus cares about them all. Surrendering our needs to Him allows us to experience His miraculous power in our lives. [37:40]
4. The Role of Spiritual Legacy: Our church has a rich spiritual legacy, with various leaders mentoring our youth from preschool to high school. This lineage of faith prepares us for the journey ahead. As we move forward, it's essential to find new spiritual mentors who can continue to guide us in our faith. [01:21:07]
5. The Benefits of Having a Spiritual Leader: Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for both life and eternity. It helps us grow, make right decisions, and become the men and women of God we are meant to be. It also ensures that we are prepared for eternity, taking others with us on this journey of faith. [01:07:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:40] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[52:25] - The Certainty of Death and the Hope of Heaven
[56:05] - The Importance of Spiritual Mentors
[01:07:23] - The Benefits of Having a Spiritual Leader
[01:21:07] - The Role of Spiritual Legacy
[01:34:04] - Prayer for Graduating Seniors
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 (NIV)
> "I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church."
2. 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
> "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
3. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
> "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, what role did Paul see himself playing in the lives of the Corinthians? How did he describe his relationship with Timothy?
2. In 2 Timothy 1:5, what does Paul highlight about Timothy's faith journey? Who were the key influences in Timothy's spiritual development?
3. Ephesians 6:4 gives specific instructions to fathers. What are these instructions, and how do they relate to the concept of spiritual mentorship discussed in the sermon?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of spiritual mentors. What are some examples given of modern spiritual mentors and their influences? [58:16]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for spiritual fathers in 1 Corinthians 4:14-17? How does this concept of spiritual parenthood contribute to the growth of a believer? [56:05]
2. Reflecting on 2 Timothy 1:5, how does the legacy of faith from Timothy's grandmother and mother illustrate the importance of spiritual lineage? What impact can this have on future generations?
3. How does Ephesians 6:4's instruction to fathers align with the sermon’s message about the benefits of having a spiritual leader? What might be the long-term effects of following this instruction?
4. The sermon discussed the power of Jesus' name and its significance in our lives. How does recognizing this power influence our approach to spiritual mentorship and leadership? [37:40]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the certainty of death and the hope of heaven. How does this perspective change the way you live your daily life? Are there specific fears or anxieties about death that you need to surrender to Jesus? [52:25]
2. Think about the spiritual mentors in your life. How have they influenced your faith journey? Are there ways you can show appreciation or seek further guidance from them?
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of finding new spiritual mentors, especially for graduating seniors. If you are entering a new phase of life, how can you be purposeful in seeking out spiritual leaders? What steps will you take to find them? [01:31:14]
4. Reflect on the power of Jesus' name as discussed in the sermon. Is there a specific need or situation in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can you actively trust Him to handle it? [38:52]
5. The sermon mentioned the role of spiritual legacy within the church. How can you contribute to this legacy? Are there younger believers you can mentor or influence positively?
6. Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for both life and eternity. How can you be more intentional in seeking guidance and wisdom from your spiritual mentors? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are growing in your faith?
7. The sermon encouraged humility in recognizing the need for a spiritual leader. Are there areas in your life where pride might be preventing you from seeking help or guidance? How can you cultivate a humble heart to accept spiritual mentorship? [01:12:57]
Devotional
Day 1: The Certainty of Death and the Hope of Heaven
Understanding that death is inevitable for all of us can be liberating when we know Jesus. The hope of heaven destroys the fear of death, allowing us to live life to the fullest with eternity in mind. This perspective helps us focus on what truly matters and live without fear. Death is not the end but a transition to a glorious eternity with God. This assurance should motivate us to live purposefully, valuing each moment and making decisions that reflect our eternal hope.
As believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our time on earth is temporary. This understanding should influence our priorities, relationships, and how we spend our time. By focusing on the hope of heaven, we can overcome the fear of death and live a life that honors God and impacts others for His kingdom. [52:25]
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'"
Reflection: How does the certainty of heaven change the way you view your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take today to live more purposefully with eternity in mind?
Day 2: The Importance of Spiritual Mentors
Just as Paul became a spiritual father to the Corinthians, we all need spiritual mothers and fathers in our lives. These mentors guide us closer to the Lord and help us grow in our faith. They are not perfect, but their influence is invaluable. Spiritual mentors provide wisdom, encouragement, and accountability, helping us navigate the challenges of life and faith. They model Christ-like behavior and inspire us to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Having a spiritual mentor means having someone who can speak truth into our lives, challenge us to grow, and support us in our spiritual journey. It's essential to seek out and build relationships with those who can guide us in our faith. Likewise, we should also look for opportunities to mentor others, passing on the wisdom and guidance we have received. [56:05]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who are the spiritual mentors in your life? How can you intentionally seek their guidance and wisdom? Are there individuals you can mentor and support in their faith journey?
Day 3: The Power of Jesus' Name
Jesus' name holds immense power and presence. He lived and died for us, and every need we have can be met through Him. Whether our needs are big or small, Jesus cares about them all. Surrendering our needs to Him allows us to experience His miraculous power in our lives. Jesus' name is a source of comfort, strength, and hope, reminding us of His love and sacrifice for us.
When we call on the name of Jesus, we invite His presence and power into our situations. He is our advocate, healer, and provider, capable of meeting every need we have. Trusting in the power of Jesus' name means relying on Him in every aspect of our lives, knowing that He is always with us and ready to help. [37:40]
John 14:13-14 (ESV): "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."
Reflection: What needs or challenges are you currently facing? How can you surrender them to Jesus and trust in the power of His name to bring about change and provision?
Day 4: The Role of Spiritual Legacy
Our church has a rich spiritual legacy, with various leaders mentoring our youth from preschool to high school. This lineage of faith prepares us for the journey ahead. As we move forward, it's essential to find new spiritual mentors who can continue to guide us in our faith. A spiritual legacy is built through intentional relationships, discipleship, and a commitment to passing on the faith to the next generation.
Recognizing the importance of spiritual legacy means valuing the investment others have made in our lives and being intentional about investing in others. It's about creating a culture of mentorship and discipleship that ensures the faith is passed on and strengthened in each generation. [01:21:07]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: How has the spiritual legacy of your church or family impacted your faith journey? What steps can you take to continue this legacy by mentoring and discipling others?
Day 5: The Benefits of Having a Spiritual Leader
Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for both life and eternity. It helps us grow, make right decisions, and become the men and women of God we are meant to be. It also ensures that we are prepared for eternity, taking others with us on this journey of faith. Spiritual leaders provide guidance, support, and accountability, helping us stay on the path of righteousness and grow in our relationship with God.
A spiritual leader can help us navigate the complexities of life, offering wisdom and insight that comes from a deep relationship with God. They challenge us to grow, encourage us in our faith, and help us stay focused on our eternal purpose. Having a spiritual leader is a blessing that can profoundly impact our spiritual growth and readiness for eternity. [01:07:23]
Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Reflection: Who are the spiritual leaders in your life, and how have they impacted your faith journey? How can you show appreciation for their guidance and support, and what steps can you take to seek out or become a spiritual leader for others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You ain't dead yet. So do something awesome with your life. Amen? Take-home principle number four was the hope of heaven destroys the fear of death. We know where we're going. And if you know where you're going and you know what you have to look forward to, you don't have to worry about the trip, right? I hate driving to Albuquerque. Can I get an amen? But sometimes it helps knowing where I'm going, you know, knowing what I'm going for. And we're going somewhere. We're going to a city. Amen? And it's going to be phenomenal when we get there." [52:25]
2. "We all need spiritual mothers and fathers, people who have not just our ear, but also our respect. People that we can look to as an example in our walks with the Lord. Not perfect people because there are no perfect people. I know a lot of you very well. Some of you I have looked up to many times, but I can tell you with the utmost respect and love, you aren't perfect. Amen. And I'm not offended at all as you're looking right back at me and saying, pastor, you're not either. I know. And I'll never stand up here and try to claim that I am because none of us are, and we won't be until we're with the Lord." [57:16]
3. "Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for life and for eternity. It helps us grow, make right decisions, and become the men and women of God we are meant to be. It also ensures that we are prepared for eternity, taking others with us on this journey of faith." [01:07:23]
4. "You have to be humble enough to recognize your need for a spiritual leader, humble enough to submit, humble enough to grow. And here's the other part, you have to be purposeful to make sure you have one because rarely will it happen on accident. Rarely will you just wake up and find yourself in a place." [01:17:13]
5. "If you want to live well both now and in eternity, you need to one, be humble enough to recognize you need a spiritual leader and two, purposeful to make sure you have one. Both of these and this first one listen if I make you mad the Bible says you have to forgive me all right but you have to be humble enough to recognize you need a spiritual leader." [01:12:57]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The phrase that we've used in this every sermon has been that we are to value life and live it to the fullest. Live it to the fullest with eternity in mind. We are to live free of fear when it comes to death because we know that the grave is not the end. Amen?" [52:25]
2. "Paul made the statement of that. He said, follow me as I follow Christ. And in his illustration here, he said, and he's saying, follow Timothy as Timothy follows me as I follow Christ. See how that's working? It's passed down. There's a lineage there that takes place spiritually." [56:05]
3. "We all need spiritual mothers and fathers, people who have not just our ear, but also our respect. People that we can look to as an example in our walks with the Lord. Not perfect people because there are no perfect people. I know a lot of you very well. Some of you I have looked up to many times, but I can tell you with the utmost respect and love, you aren't perfect. Amen. And I'm not offended at all as you're looking right back at me and saying, pastor, you're not either. I know. And I'll never stand up here and try to claim that I am because none of us are, and we won't be until we're with the Lord." [57:16]
4. "Having a spiritual leader offers great benefits for life and for eternity. It helps us grow, make right decisions, and become the men and women of God we are meant to be. It also ensures that we are prepared for eternity, taking others with us on this journey of faith." [01:07:23]
5. "You have to be humble enough to recognize your need for a spiritual leader, humble enough to submit, humble enough to grow. And here's the other part, you have to be purposeful to make sure you have one because rarely will it happen on accident. Rarely will you just wake up and find yourself in a place." [01:17:13]
6. "If you want to live well both now and in eternity, you need to one, be humble enough to recognize you need a spiritual leader and two, purposeful to make sure you have one. Both of these and this first one listen if I make you mad the Bible says you have to forgive me all right but you have to be humble enough to recognize you need a spiritual leader." [01:12:57]
7. "We have to recognize sometimes that growth hurts. We have to recognize sometimes that having a father in our life means there may come correction, but changing churches when growth gets difficult is never the answer and you'll never grow if that's what you do right." [01:15:41]
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