Leading with Courage: A Legacy of Sacrificial Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Hickory Ridge family, and Happy Father's Day! Today, I want to share my journey and the lessons I've learned from the godly men in my life. Growing up, I was blessed with fathers and father figures who taught me invaluable lessons about security, kindness, sacrifice, love, respect, and wisdom. These lessons have shaped my understanding of what it means to live a life of purpose and to stand firm in my identity in Christ.
One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of leading courageously. When men fail to lead, brokenness often follows. But when they choose to lead with God's guidance, they create lasting impressions and secure the hearts and souls of their families. This leadership is not just about big moments but also about the small, everyday decisions that shape our lives.
Another crucial aspect is investing eternally. The world often tempts us to focus on short-term gains and consumption, but true fulfillment comes from investing in the dreams and futures of those around us. This eternal mindset helps us recognize and embrace the unique attributes God has placed in our children and others, fostering growth and deeper relationships.
Lastly, loving sacrificially is a hallmark of a godly man. My grandfather exemplified this through his hard work and selflessness, always thinking of the next generation. Sacrificial love means denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, focusing on the needs of others rather than personal gain. This kind of love brings immense value to relationships and helps others see themselves as God sees them.
In conclusion, I encourage all men to lead courageously, invest eternally, and love sacrificially. These Christ-like characteristics not only transform our lives but also have a profound impact on those around us, especially the next generation. Let's strive to be men who reflect Jesus in all we do, creating a legacy of faith, love, and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Leading Courageously: When men fail to lead, brokenness often results. However, when they choose to lead with God's guidance, they create lasting impressions and secure the hearts and souls of their families. This leadership is not just about big moments but also about the small, everyday decisions that shape our lives. [11:10]
2. Investing Eternally: The world tempts us to focus on short-term gains and consumption, but true fulfillment comes from investing in the dreams and futures of those around us. This eternal mindset helps us recognize and embrace the unique attributes God has placed in our children and others, fostering growth and deeper relationships. [19:09]
3. Loving Sacrificially: Sacrificial love means denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, focusing on the needs of others rather than personal gain. This kind of love brings immense value to relationships and helps others see themselves as God sees them. [24:25]
4. The Power of Example: The godly men in my life taught me invaluable lessons about security, kindness, sacrifice, love, respect, and wisdom. These lessons have shaped my understanding of what it means to live a life of purpose and to stand firm in my identity in Christ. [05:29]
5. Resisting the Enemy: The enemy seeks to steal our peace, confidence, and trust, but a foundation built on Christ-like characteristics can prevent trauma from poisoning our hearts. Men who lead with courage, invest with heaven in mind, and show love by putting others first create a strong, unbreakable foundation in Jesus. [30:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Introduction to My Family
[02:58] - God's Plan for Us
[04:09] - Lessons from Father Figures
[05:29] - The Value of Respect and Wisdom
[06:51] - Struggles in Finding Biblical Examples
[08:18] - The Perfect Example: Jesus
[09:42] - Encouragement for Men
[11:10] - Leading Courageously
[12:30] - The Importance of Intentionality
[13:38] - Short-term vs. Long-term Approaches
[14:47] - The Impact of Consistent Leadership
[16:11] - Fighting for What Matters
[17:52] - Obedience and Integrity
[19:09] - Investing Eternally
[20:26] - Embracing Unique Attributes
[21:46] - Eternal Mindset
[23:06] - Treasures in Heaven
[24:25] - Loving Sacrificially
[25:52] - Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross
[27:27] - Final Encouragement and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
2. Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV) - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
3. Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 22:6, what is the long-term impact of teaching children the right way to live?
2. In Colossians 3:1-3, what are believers encouraged to focus on, and why?
3. What does Jesus mean when He says to "deny themselves and take up their cross daily" in Luke 9:23-24?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of leading courageously in everyday situations? [11:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle in Proverbs 22:6 apply to the concept of leading courageously as discussed in the sermon? [11:10]
2. What does it mean to set your hearts and minds on things above, as stated in Colossians 3:1-3, and how does this relate to investing eternally? [19:09]
3. How can the daily act of denying oneself and taking up the cross, as described in Luke 9:23-24, be seen as an act of loving sacrificially? [24:25]
4. In what ways did the godly men in the pastor's life exemplify the Christ-like characteristics of security, kindness, sacrifice, love, respect, and wisdom? [05:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to lead courageously. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently next time? [11:10]
2. Think about your current priorities. Are there areas where you are focusing more on short-term gains rather than investing eternally? How can you shift your focus? [19:09]
3. Identify a relationship in your life where you can practice sacrificial love. What specific actions can you take to put the needs of the other person before your own? [24:25]
4. How can you create a lasting impression on your family through small, everyday decisions? Share a specific example of a small decision that had a significant impact. [11:10]
5. What unique attributes has God placed in your children or those around you? How can you invest in these attributes to foster growth and deeper relationships? [20:26]
6. Are there any lies or hurts that are preventing you from loving sacrificially? What steps can you take to relinquish these to Christ and embrace a selfless love? [25:52]
7. How can you support single parents in your church community to help them lead courageously and invest eternally in their children? [11:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Courageous Leadership in Daily Life
Leading courageously is essential for creating lasting impressions and securing the hearts and souls of families. This type of leadership is not confined to grand gestures but is evident in the small, everyday decisions that shape our lives. When men choose to lead with God's guidance, they foster an environment of security and stability, which is crucial for the well-being of their families. Conversely, when men fail to lead, brokenness often follows, leaving a void that can have lasting negative effects.
Courageous leadership involves making intentional choices that reflect God's wisdom and love. It means standing firm in one's faith, even when faced with challenges or opposition. By leading courageously, men can create a legacy of faith and purpose that will impact not only their immediate family but also future generations. [11:10]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you hesitated to take the lead. How can you approach similar situations with courage and God's guidance in the future?
Day 2: Investing in Eternal Values
The world often tempts us to focus on short-term gains and material consumption, but true fulfillment comes from investing in the dreams and futures of those around us. This eternal mindset helps us recognize and embrace the unique attributes God has placed in our children and others, fostering growth and deeper relationships. By focusing on eternal values, we can build a foundation that withstands the test of time and impacts generations to come.
Investing eternally means prioritizing relationships and spiritual growth over temporary pleasures. It involves nurturing the gifts and talents of those around us and encouraging them to pursue their God-given potential. This approach not only enriches our lives but also creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circle. [19:09]
Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Reflection: Identify one way you can invest in the spiritual growth or dreams of someone close to you this week. How can you make this a regular practice?
Day 3: The Power of Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial love is a hallmark of a godly man. It means denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, focusing on the needs of others rather than personal gain. This kind of love brings immense value to relationships and helps others see themselves as God sees them. Sacrificial love is not about grand gestures but about consistent, selfless actions that demonstrate genuine care and concern for others.
By loving sacrificially, we reflect the love of Christ and create a nurturing environment where others can thrive. This type of love requires humility and a willingness to put others' needs above our own. It is through these selfless acts that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us. [24:25]
John 15:13 (ESV): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life today. What small, selfless act can you do to demonstrate God's love to them?
Day 4: The Influence of Godly Examples
The godly men in our lives teach us invaluable lessons about security, kindness, sacrifice, love, respect, and wisdom. These lessons shape our understanding of what it means to live a life of purpose and to stand firm in our identity in Christ. The influence of godly examples cannot be overstated, as they provide a tangible representation of Christ-like characteristics that we can emulate in our own lives.
By observing and learning from godly examples, we gain insights into how to navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity. These role models inspire us to strive for excellence in our spiritual journey and to reflect Jesus in all we do. Their impact extends beyond their immediate actions, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and love. [05:29]
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a godly example in your life. What specific qualities or actions of theirs can you incorporate into your own life to better reflect Christ?
Day 5: Resisting the Enemy with a Strong Foundation
The enemy seeks to steal our peace, confidence, and trust, but a foundation built on Christ-like characteristics can prevent trauma from poisoning our hearts. Men who lead with courage, invest with heaven in mind, and show love by putting others first create a strong, unbreakable foundation in Jesus. This foundation is crucial for resisting the enemy's attacks and maintaining spiritual resilience.
By grounding ourselves in Christ-like characteristics, we can withstand the challenges and temptations that come our way. This strong foundation not only protects us but also empowers us to support and uplift those around us. It is through this unwavering commitment to Christ that we can experience true peace and confidence, regardless of the circumstances. [30:14]
Ephesians 6:11 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel spiritually vulnerable. How can you strengthen this area by incorporating Christ-like characteristics and relying on God's strength?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There are so many people in our lives who have paved our way for understanding a true relationship with Jesus Christ. And two of them are sitting right here in the front row. And you know, I was talking to my husband and just saying, you know, the external things are starting to slow down a little as you get older. My hair is getting wider and I have pulled the muscle getting out of bed in the morning. However, I love the fact that the thing that has not slowed down is my desire to want to grow in Christ." [02:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The characteristics of Jesus and the example of how he treated people, particularly women, is a perfect reflection of what a father should be. And I want to focus our attention this morning the impact that occurs when men take on the characteristics of Christ, especially when life gets hard and messy." [06:51] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When a man begins to identify and invest in the things that are eternal, things that will last beyond himself, that is a man that no longer is just learning about Christ, but is truly trying to live like Jesus. And I love that picture so much." [21:46] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When a man follows his feelings, instead of following Christ, relationships suffer. But a man who loves sacrificially brings value to others. So the picture that was painted for me by the men in my life is one of the reasons I'm standing up here. Because the love and respect taught to me by the men in my life, like my husband, and friends like Justin." [25:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you know the power that comes from saying no to the world and stepping into the path that God has for you? Do you know the power that comes from a good, good father or father figure stepping outside his comfort zone, sacrificing for those around him, gives a child the security they will never lose? I get excited about it. It's a really great picture." [27:27] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When a man fails to lead, brokenness results. And the brokenness is pretty evident, right, when a man walks away from a marriage or abandons a child. But what about the day-to-day stuff? What about after a long day at work, you know, you're tired, you're spent, you come home, you're hoping everybody's running to you, and they're having a meltdown. Or your child's doing something they shouldn't. Imagine that. What happens when your child comes to you and it's not convenient? Or they embarrass you? You know, it's in these smaller moments that sometimes I don't, we know other people don't see, and that perhaps we don't think are a big deal. But truly, they leave lasting impressions, depending on how we handle them." [11:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When a man focuses on consuming, he misses the real treasure of creating. And unfortunately, the statement doesn't just affect you personally, but it affects those all around you, particularly those who are entrusted to you. And you know, it truly makes me angry how this world tries to take things that are meant to break men down, make them feel less. To convince them they don't have it in them to change the next generation, that is not true. Those are lies." [19:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When a man follows his feelings instead, instead of following Christ, relationship suffers. And in Luke 9, it boldly states, and he said to all, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Denying yourself and taking up your cross speaks to control. And I think it's a trap that can affect us all. I think it's particularly tough for men." [24:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth is that when men walk out the characteristics of Christ, men can help change hearts. Men can help others. Men can help others heal, especially women. And I know this firsthand. I was 23 years old. I was working in New York City. And I was working later than normal. And I was on my way to the train. It takes about 20 minutes. What came next, I didn't see coming. This man came up from behind me and I was attacked on the street." [28:57] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The enemy would have loved for me to focus on the sin of that one person. But because of the Christ-like characteristics exhibited by the men in my life, men who led with courage, who invested with heaven in mind, intuition, and faith, I was able to live my life. And I was able to show love by putting others first. That foundation is what allowed me to be so firmly anchored in the only one that matters, and that's Jesus." [30:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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