Leading with Purpose: Men in Community Stewardship
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, friends, to week four of our series on biblical manhood titled "God Made Men to Lead." This week, we focus on the community, applying the Genesis 2:15 principle of working and keeping to our homes, churches, and communities. We explore how men are called to lead within their communities to create productive institutions. Despite the negative connotations surrounding the word "institutions" today, we aim to reclaim its positive aspects.
Reflecting on our formative years, we recognize the importance of community institutions like schools and sports teams. These institutions teach us discipline, teamwork, and the value of pushing through challenges. They shape us into individuals who can contribute positively to society.
We delve into Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing that God provides the resources for our work and places us where we are meant to be. In Genesis 1, God gives humanity dominion over the earth, providing everything needed to sustain life and produce goodness. This dominion is a responsibility to steward God's creation and continue His work of producing goodness and godliness.
In Genesis 2, we see that God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it. This placement signifies that where God has us is where our work lies. We are called to be productive and lead in the context we find ourselves, whether in our homes, churches, or broader communities.
Moving to Jeremiah 29, we learn that even in exile, God's people are called to seek the welfare of their city. This passage teaches us that our work and leadership extend beyond our immediate surroundings to impact the broader community. We are to plant gardens, build homes, and multiply, contributing to the welfare of the places where God has placed us.
In conclusion, our leadership as men involves producing good work and proclaiming a gospel witness that sustains life, maintains moral strength, and points to Christ. We are to be faithful in our roles, whether in times of prosperity or exile, trusting that God is with us and will use our efforts for His purposes.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Provides the Resources for Our Work: In Genesis 1, God gives humanity dominion over the earth, providing everything needed to sustain life and produce goodness. This dominion is a responsibility to steward God's creation and continue His work of producing goodness and godliness. We are equipped with all we need to fulfill our roles. [13:10]
2. Where God Has Us is Where the Work Is: Genesis 2 shows that God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it. This signifies that our work lies where God has placed us. We are called to be productive and lead in our current context, whether in our homes, churches, or broader communities. [17:49]
3. Leadership Extends Beyond Immediate Surroundings: Jeremiah 29 teaches us that even in exile, God's people are called to seek the welfare of their city. Our leadership and work should impact the broader community, contributing to its welfare and flourishing. We are to plant gardens, build homes, and multiply, reflecting God's goodness in our surroundings. [25:44]
4. Faithfulness in Times of Exile: Even when we feel like we are in exile or facing challenges, we are called to be faithful in our roles. Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God is with us, and our efforts, even in difficult times, contribute to His purposes. We are to trust in God's faithfulness and continue to lead and work diligently. [27:15]
5. Community Institutions Shape Us: Reflecting on our formative years, we recognize the importance of community institutions like schools and sports teams. These institutions teach us discipline, teamwork, and the value of pushing through challenges. They shape us into individuals who can contribute positively to society and lead effectively in our communities. [04:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Importance of Community Institutions
[02:57] - Lessons from Sports and Teamwork
[04:04] - Trust and Responsibility in Team Settings
[05:15] - Biblical Complementarianism
[06:28] - Genesis 1: Dominion and Resources
[08:51] - Image and Likeness of God
[11:51] - Stewarding Creation
[13:10] - Resources for Goodness and Godliness
[14:31] - Genesis 2: Placement and Purpose
[17:49] - Where God Has Us is Where the Work Is
[20:35] - Taking God to the World
[22:16] - Rivers of Eden and God's Provision
[23:13] - Jeremiah 29: Exile and Welfare
[25:44] - Garden of Eden Imagery in Exile
[27:15] - Faithfulness in Exile
[28:50] - Bloom Where You Are Planted
[29:55] - Being God's Witness in the World
[30:58] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-31
2. Genesis 2:5-25
3. Jeremiah 29:4-9
#### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1:26-31, what specific responsibilities does God give to humanity regarding creation?
2. According to Genesis 2:15, what two tasks does God assign to Adam in the Garden of Eden?
3. In Jeremiah 29:4-9, what instructions does God give to the Israelites living in exile? How are they to interact with their new environment?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of dominion in Genesis 1:26-31 relate to our responsibility to steward God's creation today? [08:51]
2. What does it mean that "where God has us is where the work is" as seen in Genesis 2:15? How can this principle be applied to our current life situations? [17:49]
3. Jeremiah 29:4-9 speaks about seeking the welfare of the city even in exile. How can this passage inform our approach to community involvement and leadership? [25:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Genesis 1:26-31, what are some practical ways you can steward the resources God has given you in your daily life? [13:10]
2. In what areas of your life (home, church, community) do you feel God is calling you to be more productive and take on a leadership role? How can you start this week? [17:49]
3. Jeremiah 29:4-9 encourages us to seek the welfare of our city. What specific actions can you take to contribute positively to your community, even if you feel out of place or in a challenging situation? [25:44]
4. Think about a time when you felt like you were in "exile" or facing significant challenges. How did you remain faithful in your roles during that time? What did you learn from that experience? [27:15]
5. Community institutions like schools and sports teams shape us in many ways. How have these institutions impacted your life, and how can you contribute to similar institutions in your community today? [04:40]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of proclaiming a gospel witness that sustains life and points to Christ. How can you incorporate this into your daily interactions with others? [06:28]
7. What are some specific ways you can "bloom where you are planted" and be a positive influence in your current environment, even if it feels like a place of exile? [28:50]
Devotional
### Day 1: Stewarding God's Creation
God has provided us with all the resources we need to fulfill our roles on earth. In Genesis 1, we see that God gives humanity dominion over the earth, providing everything needed to sustain life and produce goodness. This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a responsibility to steward God's creation and continue His work of producing goodness and godliness. We are equipped with all we need to fulfill our roles, and it is our duty to use these resources wisely and for the benefit of all creation. [13:10]
Bible Passage: "And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" (Genesis 1:28, ESV)
Reflection: How can you better steward the resources God has given you in your daily life? Think of one specific way you can use your time, talents, or treasures to produce goodness and godliness today.
### Day 2: Purpose in Placement
Where God has placed us is where our work lies. Genesis 2 shows that God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it. This signifies that our work lies where God has placed us. We are called to be productive and lead in our current context, whether in our homes, churches, or broader communities. Understanding that our placement is purposeful can help us embrace our roles and responsibilities with greater intentionality and dedication. [17:49]
Bible Passage: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you be more productive and intentional in the specific context where God has placed you? Identify one area in your home, church, or community where you can take a more active leadership role.
### Day 3: Impacting the Broader Community
Our leadership extends beyond our immediate surroundings. Jeremiah 29 teaches us that even in exile, God's people are called to seek the welfare of their city. Our leadership and work should impact the broader community, contributing to its welfare and flourishing. We are to plant gardens, build homes, and multiply, reflecting God's goodness in our surroundings. This broader perspective helps us see the importance of our contributions to the larger community. [25:44]
Bible Passage: "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the welfare of your broader community? Think of one specific action you can take this week to positively impact your neighborhood or city.
### Day 4: Faithfulness in Challenging Times
Even when we feel like we are in exile or facing challenges, we are called to be faithful in our roles. Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God is with us, and our efforts, even in difficult times, contribute to His purposes. We are to trust in God's faithfulness and continue to lead and work diligently, knowing that our faithfulness in challenging times is a testament to our trust in God's plan. [27:15]
Bible Passage: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to trust in God's faithfulness? How can you remain diligent and faithful in your role despite this challenge?
### Day 5: The Role of Community Institutions
Reflecting on our formative years, we recognize the importance of community institutions like schools and sports teams. These institutions teach us discipline, teamwork, and the value of pushing through challenges. They shape us into individuals who can contribute positively to society and lead effectively in our communities. Understanding the role of these institutions can help us appreciate and support them in our current context. [04:40]
Bible Passage: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)
Reflection: How have community institutions shaped you into the person you are today? Identify one institution you are part of and think of a way you can support or contribute to its mission.
Quotes
1. "So what we're saying here is that God made men to lead by producing good work and proclaiming a gospel witness. That sustains life, maintains moral strength, and points to Christ." [06:28] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So in basic terms, what we're going to say here today as it relates to using the stuff of earth that God's given us, the resources, along with in the image-bearing office purpose, along with the mandate to use that stuff to rule over. To have dominion so that it works to produce goodness, and in this case for everybody, community-wide." [08:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Care of creation and stewarding it in a manner that fits with God's purposes to produce the good, which is why he says, this is good, this is good, this is good, this is good." [12:18] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Where God has you is where the work is. In fact, it says. Took the man and put him two different times. Yeah, twice. Yes. Put him in the garden, meaning he wasn't in the garden. He took him from the dust of the ground. You mentioned that earlier and put him, and he had already been blessed with resources for the purpose of continuing God's mission." [17:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are to take God to the world. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations in Revelation, which is the finishing of that picture. The recreating of the heavens and earth." [20:35] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Everywhere of the place where you are, even if it's exile, you will find your welfare. Taking that as kind of our last idea, does that mean for us as believers who are doing the work in a post-fall exile, thorns and thistles kind of world where it doesn't do as much as you want it to, think it should, as it someday will? What does it mean for us to seek the welfare of the city around us?" [27:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Being 11 in the world where, like, we gather on Sunday. We do worship in small groups and life groups and in other places throughout the week. We're continuing to gather in smaller groups. But our gatherings are about being equipped and strengthened. In this context, to go out for the rest of the time to scatter and to be God's witness, to be faithful, to raise good families and kids, to mow our lawns, to—I mean, it sounds silly, but, like, to take care of our stuff and our people at our workplace, wherever that is, teacher, law enforcement, coach." [29:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Sticking with it in the place where you are is a place where we experience God's faithfulness to us." [31:21] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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