Hello, men, and welcome to episode 3 of our 4 pillars of a man’s heart series, based on the book by Stu Weber.  Today, focusing on the mentor pillar which is a pillar that's central to why we even host this podcast. 

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The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday.

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The word mentor is used in all sorts of settings in today’s culture; the business world, personal training and athletics, men’s groups and churches.  It may mean slightly different things depending upon the setting.  The origins of the word mentor come out of ancient Greece. 

• Our heart has always been to help men go full circle in their pursuit of God. That means they start a relationship with God by trusting in Jesus for salvation - trusting that his finished work on the cross is the only thing that can make them right with a holy God.  Once we’ve done that, we seek to live lives that honor God. We find out what pleases God, primarily through his Word, and then through the power of the Holy Spirit we endeavor to do those things that please him and eliminate those things in our lives that displease him. Lastly, we help someone else pursue God.  It is ultimately by helping someone else that we will mature in our faith. 
• The purpose of this podcast, and all of the resources at pursue God, is not only to help you grow in your faith, but to equip you to have spiritual conversations with someone else so that you can help them pursue God as well.  

Mentors have helped shape you

Think about the men who had an impact on you growing up.  What did they have in common?  How were they different?  God uses all sorts of men to pour into us and help us grow. 

• My Dad, Coach Doyle, Steve Timmons, Don Emerson, Jonathan Koehler, Chad Hewitt, Bryan Dwyer 

Mentoring should start in the home

One of our primary roles as a parent is to mentor.  We’re supposed to teach our kids how life works. We should be modeling what it looks like to pursue God full circle, but we also need to be talking about it with our kids.  

Proverbs 1:8-9 My child,[a] listen when your father corrects you.  Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

Proverbs 4:1-4 My children,[a] listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment,2 for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions.3 For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. 4 My father taught me,“Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.

• Look at the intentionality here.  
• A good mentor doesn’t make it all about themselves.  They’re not insecure or seeking to build themselves up.  
• Think of all of the things you’ve taught your children. Some of it by specifically teaching them, but much of it, just by your example.  Your children have learned a lot about life, just by watching and observing.  My wife told me recently that she and my daughter Hannah were on a walk by our house and Hannah kept spitting.  Finally, Rhonda asked her if she was getting stuffy and why she was spitting so much.  Hannah said, “I’m just being like dad.” Evidently, I spit a lot when I go on hikes.  

Ecclesiastes 7:12 Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. 

• Are you passing along wisdom? 

=God wants to use mentors to build his kingdom and his church

God’s plan for building his kingdom and his church is to work through his people.  There are people in your circle of influence that need you to pour into them.  Mentoring sometimes requires us to speak hard truth. 

Titus 2:6-7  In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

• We see again the importance of verbal coaching and coaching by example.  Encourage the young men to live wisely AND be an example to them.  He doesn’t say by being an example to them. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching - your lifestyle should reinforce what you’re speaking to these young men.  

2 Timothy 2:2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

• Look at how many generations are represented in this verse - 5 levels

1 Timothy 1:2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

• The whole letter to Timothy is a form of mentoring. 
• Discipleship is relationship.  Paul considered Timothy his “Son” in the faith.  

Close

Mentoring isn’t just for an hour on Tuesdays.  It’s moment by moment.  It’s a lifetime of pouring into others.