Passing It On: The Power of Mentorship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the biblical principle of "passing it on," emphasizing the importance of mentorship and discipleship within the Christian faith. We began by engaging the children, asking them who they aspire to be like when they grow up, which led us into a discussion about the significance of having role models and mentors. This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture, as seen in the relationships between Abraham and Isaac, Moses and Joshua, Eli and Samuel, and Paul and Timothy. Each of these biblical figures had someone they were pouring into, ensuring the continuation of faith and leadership.
We reflected on the contrast between biblical leaders who mentored others and modern Christian celebrities who often lack personal mentorship, leading to their downfall. The essence of mentorship is not just for the mentee but also for the mentor, as it keeps them grounded and focused on their spiritual journey. We delved into Ephesians 3:20-21, celebrating God's ability to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, and how this promise fuels our hope and vision for the future.
We also shared personal testimonies, recounting how the congregation's support and encouragement helped us through difficult times, reinforcing the power of community and mentorship. The sermon highlighted the need for every Christian to mentor someone else, as it strengthens both the mentor and the mentee, fostering spiritual growth and accountability.
In 2 Timothy, Paul’s advice to Timothy serves as a blueprint for mentorship. Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, to be strengthened by grace, and to raise up other teachers. This mentorship model is crucial for the health and growth of the church. We concluded with a powerful ordination ceremony for Delana, symbolizing the passing of the mantle of leadership, and prayed for her and the congregation to continue this legacy of mentorship and discipleship.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Mentorship: Biblical leaders like Abraham, Moses, and Paul all had proteges they mentored, ensuring the continuation of faith and leadership. This principle is vital for spiritual growth and accountability, both for the mentor and the mentee. [03:43]
2. God's Abundant Promises: Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us that God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. This promise should fuel our hope and vision for the future, encouraging us to invest in the next generation with confidence. [04:46]
3. Community Support: Personal testimonies highlight the power of community support in overcoming difficult times. The encouragement and prayers of fellow believers can nurture and restore us, demonstrating the importance of being there for one another. [07:10]
4. Mentorship as a Christian Principle: Every Christian should mentor someone else, as it strengthens both parties and fosters spiritual growth. This principle is not just for pastors but for all believers, emphasizing the need for mutual support and accountability. [12:33]
5. Paul's Blueprint for Mentorship: In 2 Timothy, Paul provides a model for mentorship, encouraging Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, be strengthened by grace, and raise up other teachers. This blueprint is essential for the health and growth of the church. [15:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Engaging the Children
[03:43] - Biblical Principle of Passing It On
[04:46] - God's Abundant Promises
[07:10] - Power of Community Support
[12:33] - Mentorship as a Christian Principle
[15:36] - Paul's Blueprint for Mentorship
[39:09] - Ordination Ceremony for Delana
[42:53] - Prayer for Delana and Congregation
[46:10] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
2. 2 Timothy 1:3-7: "I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
3. 2 Timothy 2:1-2: "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 3:20-21 say about God's ability and our expectations? How does this passage encourage us to think about the future? [04:46]
2. In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, what qualities does Paul remind Timothy to fan into flame? How does Paul describe the spirit God has given us? [15:36]
3. According to 2 Timothy 2:1-2, what is Timothy instructed to do with the teachings he has received from Paul? [22:06]
4. What examples of mentorship from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon? How did these relationships contribute to the continuation of faith and leadership? [08:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Ephesians 3:20-21 shape our vision and hope for the future? In what ways can this promise influence our approach to mentorship and discipleship? [04:46]
2. Paul encourages Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" in 2 Timothy 1:6. What might this look like in practical terms for a modern Christian? How can we identify and nurture our own spiritual gifts? [15:36]
3. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul emphasizes the importance of entrusting teachings to faithful people who can teach others. How does this model of mentorship ensure the health and growth of the church? [22:06]
4. Reflecting on the personal testimonies shared in the sermon, how does community support play a role in overcoming difficult times? What are some ways we can actively support and encourage one another in our faith journeys? [07:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about someone who has mentored you in your faith. How did their guidance impact your spiritual growth? How can you begin to mentor someone else in your life? [12:33]
2. Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks of God's ability to do more than we can ask or imagine. What are some specific hopes or visions you have for your spiritual journey or your church community? How can you actively work towards these goals with confidence in God's promises? [04:46]
3. Paul advises Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). What specific steps can you take this week to nurture and use your spiritual gifts? How can you seek support from your community in this process? [15:36]
4. Reflect on a time when community support helped you through a difficult period. How can you be a source of encouragement and support for someone else in your church or small group? [07:10]
5. Considering the mentorship examples from the sermon, who in your life could benefit from your guidance and support? What practical steps can you take to begin mentoring this person? [08:22]
6. How can you apply Paul's model of mentorship from 2 Timothy 2:1-2 in your own life? What are some ways you can entrust your knowledge and experiences to others to help them grow in their faith? [22:06]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of mutual support and accountability in mentorship. How can you create a supportive and accountable relationship with someone you are mentoring or being mentored by? [12:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship is a vital principle for spiritual growth and accountability. Biblical leaders like Abraham, Moses, and Paul all had proteges they mentored, ensuring the continuation of faith and leadership. This principle is not just for the mentee but also for the mentor, as it keeps them grounded and focused on their spiritual journey. Mentorship fosters a deep connection between individuals, allowing for the transfer of wisdom, experience, and faith. It is a reciprocal relationship that benefits both parties, strengthening their walk with God and their commitment to His teachings. [03:43]
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: Who in your life can you begin to mentor or seek mentorship from? How can you take the first step in establishing this relationship today?
Day 2: Embracing God's Abundant Promises
Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us that God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. This promise should fuel our hope and vision for the future, encouraging us to invest in the next generation with confidence. When we trust in God's promises, we are emboldened to take steps of faith, knowing that He is capable of far more than we can comprehend. This assurance allows us to mentor others with the confidence that God will work through us to achieve His purposes. [04:46]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's abundant promises? How can you step out in faith today, believing that God will do more than you can imagine?
Day 3: The Strength of Community Support
Personal testimonies highlight the power of community support in overcoming difficult times. The encouragement and prayers of fellow believers can nurture and restore us, demonstrating the importance of being there for one another. In times of struggle, the support of a loving community can be a lifeline, providing strength, comfort, and hope. This communal support is a reflection of God's love and care, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey. [07:10]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is going through a difficult time. How can you offer them support and encouragement today?
Day 4: Mentorship as a Christian Principle
Every Christian should mentor someone else, as it strengthens both parties and fosters spiritual growth. This principle is not just for pastors but for all believers, emphasizing the need for mutual support and accountability. By engaging in mentorship, we create a network of support that helps each member grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life. This practice ensures that the wisdom and teachings of the faith are passed on, creating a strong and resilient community of believers. [12:33]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who in your life can you begin to mentor or seek mentorship from? How can you take the first step in establishing this relationship today?
Day 5: Paul's Blueprint for Mentorship
In 2 Timothy, Paul provides a model for mentorship, encouraging Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, be strengthened by grace, and raise up other teachers. This blueprint is essential for the health and growth of the church. By following Paul's example, we can ensure that the teachings of the faith are preserved and passed on to future generations. This model of mentorship emphasizes the importance of nurturing and developing the gifts of others, creating a legacy of strong and capable leaders within the church. [15:36]
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV): "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What gifts has God given you that you can fan into flame? How can you use these gifts to mentor and encourage others in their faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Today we celebrate what God is going to do. Today we're going to celebrate and pass the torch, if you will, to the future. We're going to look for and invest in what God is going to do in the future. Because we're people that believe that the Bible is the Word of God. And the Word of God says God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can even think or imagine. God has greater things. God has greater things in store for us than you and I have ever even dreamed up yet." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you want to grow in the Lord, start pouring into somebody else. And guess what? When you get done, there'll be twice as many of you. Told you I was smart. Some of y'all will catch that after a while. But if every one of you does it, there'll be twice as many of you soon, right? No? Yes? Okay." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to just look good and know stuff. You have to love God. And you can pass that love on to somebody else. And it'll be good for you because it'll cause you to exercise your faith. It'll cause you to go into a relationship where you will learn things about yourself. God will show you things in your life that need dealing with as you mentor somebody else." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Remind them of the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For on the worst day of their life that they can ever imagine, God is still good. God still put on flesh and came and gave up His life for you. And God still rose up from that grave three days later and ascended to be with the Father in heaven and paved the way for you. Always remind them of that for that is what they need. Amen?" (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You may very well have urges and desires and thoughts in your head that are contrary to the word of God. But we know that the power of God can set things the way they ought to be. We know that the power of God can heal and deliver. We know that the power of God can transform life." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Every successful biblical leader had someone that they were passing on the faith to, someone that they were training up, someone that they were working with. And I thought about that in contrast to how today we have Christian celebrities who aren't really passing the faith on. They're not personally mentoring someone else. They're being escorted from here to there by security teams and limousines and flying in private jets and unfortunately falling from grace. Because when you stop pouring your life into somebody else, when you stop investing in somebody else's life, when you stop investing in the next generation, without knowing it, sometimes it starts to become about you. And that's how sin takes place." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I was in a very dark place, let's just say it that way. And I walked around looking at the floor, wishing life would be over so I wouldn't be so sad and miserable anymore. And some of the dear saints that have now gone on to be with the Lord were here. And they began to wrap their arms around me and they began to encourage us. And they began to say, we're praying for you. And one dear saint in particular, you remember Stella Musser. She would say, stop looking at the ground, preacher. You hold your head up. You have no reason to be ashamed. And they literally believed in us when I didn't believe in us. And they nurtured us back to health." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your pastor, whether it's the present one or the next one, needs you to believe that God is who God says He is. And that God will do what God says He will do. Together, we have amazing faith. Because when your part is being tried and tested or my part is being tried and tested, somebody else is being encouraged and raised up. So fan into flame the gift that God has given you." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can disagree and still love one another. You can learn and still love one another. You can be corrected and still learn and love one another. Do your best to rightly handle the Word of truth. I've got to move on. So flee from youthful passions. That shouldn't be a problem for you. She missed that completely. I said flee from youthful passions. That shouldn't be a problem for you. And pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You serve a God who is powerful. Remind your pastor that things can change. Pastor, remind your people that things can change. That God can deliver you and God can set you free. And God can change anything and everything. Don't deny it. I charge you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead by his appearing and his kingdom, preach the word." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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