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