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Parents And LeadersWhat an awesome day. Today is father’s day a day we recognize dads for their role in our society. A father can and should have great influence upon not only their children, but the future of our culture. Hall of fame baseball player Harmon Killebrew tells the story of when he was a boy. He said: “My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ Dad would reply, ‘We’re not raising grass, we’re raising boys.’” What we are raising is children but so many in our fast paced America life, are raising their careers, or raising their portfolios, or raising their egos, by climbing the latter of success and materialism. But if you have children, if you have grandchildren, you need to be raising children. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are raising - whoever you have influence on. Christians, followers of Jesus, are those who are born of the Spirit, and are all called to influence an entire generation for good. Is it your prayer that this next generation would be one that is not influenced by what the culture says is important, but influenced by God? In our ongoing studies of 2 Corinthians we have come to chapter 6, where Paul seems to be defending his ministry to the Corinthians. But in reality he is reminding them of the devotion he has for them and the desire he has that he might influence them for God. Paul wants to influence them, so that they might then influence the world around them. That is how our faith grows, not by the birth rate, not by joining an organization, but by sharing the good news, that Jesus Christ is Lord, and he bridged the gap between fallen mankind and God. Then as men and women trust in him – they too are born again and can know God -- and influence others for Jesus. So lets read our text and consider Parents and leaders. READ THE TEXT 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-11 -- PARENTS AND LEADERS Paul viewed his responsibility in ministry as that of a parent. 1 Cor 4:15-16 Even though you have 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. Paul saw himself as the father of the Corinthian church, not that he used “father” as a title, but he took responsibility for their spiritual growth. So here in our text he speaks to them, and us, as a spiritual father. So from this text, I would like to consider - three directives for all parents and leaders.
Paul was always concerned that men and women, boys and girls, would give their lives to Jesus. So Paul took every opportunity to be an agent for salvation. What a great example for us. If you are a parent, it does not matter how old your children are, you should have that type of heart within you. If you have no biological children, it is still the call of all believers everywhere to have this heart attitude - that we would always be ready to speak about the Lord – and be his agents for salvation. Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. We know it is God who saves, it is God who draws men and women to himself. But it is people that God uses, and the Psalmist says the one who is burdened for winning souls is wise. Wise in the things of God. So just how do we become agents of salvation? 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. I like Peter's approach, first, set apart Jesus Christ as your Lord - in your own heart. Then be ready to speak. Its the best priority, its the right sequence. Let you children see Jesus working in your life. Let your friends see what God has done in you. Walk in the ways of the Lord and your life will be an example to others. Children will not want to follow after a half hearted commitment to Christ. Children will not be attracted to a lukewarm example from their Fathers, or Mothers. First set Jesus Christ as your Lord in your heart, then secondly. Speak, be prepared to give an answer to those who will ask. Mom, why do we go to church? Dad, why can't I watch the same show that everyone else's parents are letting them watch. Friend, why do you have peace in your life when there are all these troubles? “Let me tell you about the hope I have.” We become agents of salvation - as we give an answer to everyone, about this hope we have. And we do it with gentleness and respect. Paul always had the heart of an evangelist. 1. EVANGELIST The last words recorded in Matthew's gospel are what have become known as the great commission, I'm afraid it is often the great omission. Matt 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Go. Where we go is first to our homes, our children. Go to those that God has entrusted to us. Be an evangelist first in your home, to you spouse, with your children. Then you will be a more effective evangelist to your neighbors, to the world around you, and to those who are far from God. . Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." I like to view that priority list. Be a witness for Jesus first at home, your Jerusalem, then in the surrounding area, your Judea, to your neighbors, co-workers, or friends. Then go to your Samaritans, those who others consider undesirable, those in Jail, in the drug rehab program, even those from Reno. From there God will send you to be an evangelist to the ends of the earth. When you are a agent of salvation in your home, to those closest to you, then you will be a more effective agent of salvation to everyone else. Paul starts this section with quoting from Isaiah about the salvation of the Lord. He implores even those in the church that - today is the day of salvation.” “Come to Jesus today”, for there may not be a tomorrow. Maybe your here with us today and have never really given your life to Jesus. Today is the day, its the day of God's favor - do not harden your heart but submit to the Lord. After the service we will have an opportunity for your to commit your life to Jesus Christ. Being a parent and leader, a Christian, first we are agents of salvation.
Mark 9:35 (Jesus said) "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Over and over again Jesus would speak about servanthood, for servanthood is how true faith plays itself out - as we serve one another in love. True believers take the example of Jesus and put it into daily application. Jesus example. 2 Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. For your sake he took the poverty of this world over the riches of heaven. He came not as one to be served during his earthly ministry, but he came serving others, giving an example of how we serve God, by serving others. The best practical example Jesus gave was on the night he was arrested and we read about that in John 13. You might recall that story. How after the last Passover meal, Jesus took a towel and wrapped it around his waist and began to perform the job of a household slave - as he washed the feet of his Apostles. When he came to Peter, Peter tells him; “You shall never wash my feet.” And Jesus said to Peter, “Unless I wash you you have no part with me.” Of course Peter in his zeal speaks from the heart and says. “Lord, then not just my feet but my hands and head as well.” Then Jesus summarizes what that practical lesson was all about.
John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Jesus shows those closest to him his love. How does he do that? By serving them and giving them an example of how love plays out. Love is demonstrated to your children when you serve them. Not cater to their every want, not buying them more toys, not allow them too many privileges, but serving them in love. Wash their feet, and behind their ears. Wash them with the water of the word of God. Wash them with the example that they are important, wash them as you place them above even yourself. First, parents and leaders, are to be -- Agents of salvation, secondly -- Examples of servanthood.
Paul's appeal to the Corinthians is to “open wide your hearts.” Open your hearts to receive this love that God has given. “Open wide your hearts to receive the love that I have shown you.” “Open wide your hearts and do not withhold love from your life.” Jesus told us that as his ambassadors, we represent him by love. John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Its not only a command from our Lord, but it is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in your life. You see there is nothing you can do to be more loving. You can't drum it up from within, at least not for very long. You can't simply set your mind on being more loving, if love was that type of command, then it would become bondage. Like keeping the law it would be a burden, “Oh I have to love more.” But love is truly the evidence of the Spirit filled life. If you are not loving to those closest to you, you certainly will not be that loving to those who are at the ends of the earth. The only thing you can do in being a representative of love -- is to place your entire life in the hands of him who is defined as love. Give your whole heart to God. Seek him, seek his righteousness, be filled with his Holy Spirit, and the evidence will be - Agape love flowing from you. Paul's love is that of a father. A godly father is one who loves -- no matter what is happening. A godly father is not afraid to punish when appropriate. A godly father is there whenever they are needed. A godly father is one who gives an example to his children, an example of someone who loves the Lord God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength.
Four guys in a pickup truck drove into a
lumberyard. One of the men walked in the office and said, ’We need some
four-by-twos.” The clerk said, ’You mean two-by-fours, don’t you?’ The man
said, ’I’ll go check,’ and went back to the truck. He returned in a minute and
said, ’Yeah, I meant two-by-fours.’ ’All right. How long do you need them?’
The customer paused for a minute and said, ’I’d better go check.’ After awhile,
he returned to the counter and said, “We're going to need them a long time
---We’re building a house.” Man, I'd hate hate to see the house they built?
1. HE WANT TO BUILD US TO BE -- PATIENT I read about a dad who was upset about how long it took his six-year-old son to get home from school. He decided he would make the trip to discover for himself how long it should take a small boy to cover the distance. The father settled on 20 minutes - but his son was still taking an hour. Finally the father decided to make the trip with his son. After the trip, the father said this. "The 20 minutes I thought reasonable was right, but I failed to consider such important things as a side trip to track down a trail of ants... or an educational stop to watch a man fix a flat tire... or the time it took to swing around a half dozen telephone poles... or how much time it took for a boy just to get acquainted with two stray dogs and a brown cat. "In short," said the father, "I had forgotten what it is really like to be six years old." It takes patience to be a godly influence in Children's lives. It takes patience to be a good father/ grandfather, a good mother, or grandmother/ it takes patience to be a good Christian. In today's text we read. 2 Cor 6:4-6 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; .... in understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; God desires as parents and leaders we will bear with one another, we will bear with our children - as servants of God - in endurance, understanding, patience, and kindness. First God would build us to be patient, and remember patience is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 2. GOD WANTS TO BUILD US TO BE -- GODLY All parents/ all fathers set an example for their children to follow, be it good or bad. Like it or not, kids often do walk in our steps. Just like your work ethic is often passed on to your children, so it is in everything else. The way you communicate with your kids is most likely how they will speak to theirs children. The way you treat your spouse, the way you interact toward others, these are all traits we tend to pass on. Paul spoke to these same Corinthians about his godly lifestyle and in one of the boldest statements in all the bible he says.
3. GOD WANTS TO BUILD US TO BE -- LOVING 1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. God is always building us to be more loving. He is building us to be more like the example he gave when in Grace he sent Jesus to die for our sins. He didn't have to, but he did and in doing so he demonstrated his great love for us. That is the love we show for one another, for our children and that our children desire from us.
There’s a true story that came from Spain a few
years ago, of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and
the father set off to find him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally,
in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid
newspaper. The ad read: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office
at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.” On the next
Saturday about 800 young men named Paco showed up, looking for forgiveness and
love from their fathers. Dr. James Dobson said, “Loves isn’t something you buy. Your kids spell love: T-I-M-E and it costs much more than M-O-N-E-Y.” So Paul reminds us of the devotion he has for those he considered his children in the faith. As Parents, as leaders, as believers in Jesus, we can learn from this chapter to be better leaders, better parents, better fathers, better disciples of Jesus Christ. We will be better as we follow the example of Paul, and the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Parents and leaders are built when we are: 1st Agents of Salvation. 2nd Examples of Servanthood. 3rd Representatives of love. PRAY, INVITE, BENEDICTION, SING. Series: 2 Corinthians -Through the Bible |
(C) High Sierra Fellowship 2008 |
