Introduction

• The Bible shows us the importance of good fathers.

Paul

• Paul was not a father, but he was a tremendous servant to God.
• I Corinthians 7:32-34, 18-21
• I Corinthians 12:4-31
• Romans 12:3-5, 1

Serving God vs. using my gifts

• Philippians 3:14-17 – What should you do if your gifts are not fully developed for serving God? Find a mentor to help and grow it!
• Serving God is not so much about what we want as it is about what He has given us.
• Romans 12:9-21
• Matthew 25:15 – There was a five-talent man before he had five talents.
• I Corinthians 7:7, 18
• I Corinthians 14:12 – Whatever abilities you have, use them to serve God!

Action items!

• Evaluate yourself
  • Identify your strengths
    • Clifton Strengthsfinder
    • Isaiah 40:29-31
  • Look for and make opportunities to use and build on your strengths.
  • Shore up your weaknesses, do your best.
• Evaluate your actions
  • How are you using your gifts? Are you investing them or burying them?
  • Go ALL IN.

Conclusion

• Paul was not a biological father, but he was a father figure to many people in a spiritual sense.
• Ephesians 4:11

• Hebrews 4:1-16
• Hebrews 4:1-2 – We must be careful to live faithfully so we can take advantage of this rest.
• Hebrews 4:3 – The writer compares lack of faith now to the lack of faith of the Israelites (Hebrews 3:7-14) that caused God to make them wander in the wilderness for forty years, rather than entering God’s rest.
• Hebrews 4:6-7 – There remains a rest for those who will serve God faithfully.
• Hebrews 4:8 – Joshua has a rest to give the people, but it was far inferior to the rest Jesus would offer.
• Hebrews 4:11-13 – The word of God can see through us like no one on earth can. God can see our disobedience even if it is hidden from men. “Division of soul and spirit” means dividing soul and dividing spirit – not separating them from each other.
• Hebrews 4:14-16 – The incredible (Romans 7:25; 8:26-34) nature of our high priest, Jesus, is all the more reason to hold fast to our faith.

Introduction

• Why have churches departed from the pattern we see in scripture?

Drifting from God’s word

• I Samuel 8:1-4 – The people recognized a need for improvement. They looked around and saw nations with kings that appeared to be thriving.
• Why did Alexander Campbell push for the American Christian Missionary Society? He thought he perceived a need that was not being addressed.
• But why was Israel week and oppressed? Not because they didn’t have a king, but because they were not obeying God. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Boyfriend and girlfriend, continued:

Look for someone who loves God and others

• Matthew 22:36-40

Respects God’s word enough to actually obey it

• I John 5:2-3
• Luke 6:46-49
• Mark 10:11-12

Grows and works on weaknesses

• I John 1:8
• How do you handle weaknesses and sin?
• Acts 5:29 – Peter showed tremendous growth.
• Acts 9:20 – Paul was a great example of positive change and spiritual growth.
• II Timothy 4:7

Treats people well

• Luke 10:33-35 – The example of the good Samaritan.
• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Galatian 5:22

Demonstrates humility

• Psalms 51:16-17
• Ephesians 5:22-27 – A husband should be prepared to sacrifice himself for the spiritual betterment of his wife.
• Colossians 3:12-14

Communicates well

• James 1:19
• Proverbs 15:1-2, 28
• Proverbs 12:18 – Good can come from talking!
• Proverbs 17:27 – Restraining your words can also be good!

Introduction

• James 5:19-20

Notice!

• Philippians 2:4-7
• We need to get out of our own busy schedules and notice others who may need help.
• II Corinthians 11:28-29 – Do I have intense concern for those led into sin?
• Luke 15 – The end goal is to help sinners repent!
• Attendance: Hebrews 10:25
• Observation: Acts 15:36
• Do this: Scroll through the directory this week.

Encourage!

• Acts 14:1-3
• I Thessalonians 5:14
• Do this: Contact a member and encourage them.
• Three ways to encourage:
  • God’s people: Romans 1:12; I Corinthians 16:5-7; III John 1:14
  • God’s worship: Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19
  • God’s word: Mark 6:34; Romans 10:17