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
| Serving God less | Serving God more | |
|---|---|---|
| Using my gifts more | Distraction Galatians 1:14 Philippians 3:4-6 Saul before his conversion. | Desire I Corinthians 3:6, 10 Galatians 2:7-9 Paul planted, Apollos watered. Peter, the common man, was apostle for the Jews. Paul, the Jew of the Jews, was apostle for the Gentiles. |
| Using my gifts less | Drudgery Romans 7:21-24 Titus 3:3 Sin, selfish desires. | Disinterest, discipline II Corinthians 12:8 Thorn in the flesh. |
- 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
- 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