The Bible is full of stories about men who began well but failed miserably in the second half of their lives. Among these are Saul, David, and Solomon, the three men who ruled Israel in the 120 years of the united kingdom.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Speaking the Truth in Love
Sermons on Men of God (Page 2)
Abraham is the father of all believers (Gal. 3:29). But his influence as a spiritual leader mustn’t make us overlook his exceptional example as a parent.
Imagine that you are God. Your eternal Son is about to assume human flesh – to become a helpless baby. Whom would you trust to father your Son? God’s choice was Joseph (Matt. 1:18).
The elders in the congregations of Crete faced a serious problem. Cretans were morally corrupt and religiously misled. Paul challenged these new church leaders to act boldly (Tit. 1:10-16).
A church without elders is functioning in an immature or defective condition. So Paul leaves his coworker Titus on the island of Crete to help each congregation there appoint qualified elders, men commended by their character (Tit. 1:5-9).
In the introduction of his letter to Titus (Tit. 1:1-4), Paul reveals the purposes of his work as an apostle. His leadership in the church isn’t about holding a position. He is “a servant of God,” a servant leader.
American men seem to think that Christian faith is for women and sissies. Where does this misconception come from? It doesn’t come from the Bible. A true Christian man is a warrior (Eph. 6:10-17).
Roman society permitted men to treat their sons and daughters abominably. A father’s power over his children was legally absolute. But the apostle Paul urged Christian fathers to treat their children kindly and considerately (Eph. 6:4).
The Bible describes church leaders as shepherds (Acts 20:28). The shepherding metaphor implies some interesting things. People are messy and needy. But working to meet their needs is often painful.