Message: “Seeking Guidance” from Joe Summers

Seeking Guidance Lesson Objective:  This lesson is a follow-up to prior lessons on the need to have someone in our lives that can offer guidance. To look at what many may deem minor characters in the Bible who had a major influence on those that chose to listen to them. Scripture: Exodus 18: 19-22Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.   Introduction   Definition of mentor- an experienced and trusted adviser: an experienced person in a company, college, or school who trains and counsels new employees or students: Spiritual Mentor 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Having someone share part of your journey can make it less daunting. Plus, it’s empowering to have someone in your life that cares deeply about your progress and holds you accountable. ROMANS 15:14  I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Examples of mentorship in the Bible Moses and Jethro Exodus 18: 19-22 22 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. Ruth and Naomi – Ruth 3: 1-4 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home[a] for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” Ruth 3: 5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.   Barnabas and Paul Acts 9: 26-27 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 11: 25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 15: 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Barnabas was mentor for Paul and Mark among others Stages of Mentorship Initiation Mentee should show desire to learn and be mentored Mentee should show that they are worthy to be taught Galatians 1: 17-19 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. Barnabas went looking for him. Cultivation – Missionary journey Acts 13: 1,2,7 Separation- Acts 15: 39 Redefinition of their roles- Acts 15:39-40 Is there a time when there is no need for a mentor? Listening to others who may not be a mentor but hearing their wisdom Summary Stop Listen Learn  

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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