U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris, Jr.
Greater Victory Temple
Church of God in Christ
”Men Program”
Seaside, CA
30 March 2008
Big Idea: Men that are spiritually young can become sharper and more accountable by bonding with Iron Men.
Scriptural References: EAI (Expository; Application; Illustration)
Deut. 34:9 (NIV) Moses had laid his hands upon Joshua and Joshua was filled with the spirit of Wisdom; Deut. 31:7-8 (Moses appoints Joshua as his successor – advising him not to afraid and not to be discouraged); Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV) Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Psalm 18:2 (NIV) The LORD is my rock, my fortress ….; (NIV) ( Romans 12:1 (KJV)“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another; Amos 3:3 (NIV) Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?;1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV (Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners); 2 Kings 6:1-7 (Elisha and The floating axhead); 1 Kings 19:19-21 (Elisha ministered unto Elijah) “… Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him; 2 Kings 2 (Elijah’s mantle falls on Elisha); Ephesians 6:10-17 (KJV) – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might …; 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have trusted that the Lord is Good;
Special Note: Carry an eraser with you to demonstrate erasing the assumptions; The metaphorical hymn, “a mighty fortress is our God” was written between 1527 and 1529 by Martin Luther; Assumption: something taken for granted; a supposition: a correct assumption.
I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
II. READ THE PERICOPE: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
III. READ THE TEXT: Proverbs 27:17 NIV (As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another).
IV. PURPOSE: To motivate men which are spiritually young to become sharper and more accountable by bonding with Iron Men.
V. SERMONIC THEME: “Iron Men”
VI. Introduction:
Now, before we begin, allow me to momentarily address a matter of the heart.
We live in a time (and age) where MANY things have changed - and are changing – some for the better; and others for the worst. As a result, we can no longer afford to make false assumptions as we have done in the past.
For example, because someone is mature in age, and is a member of a Pentecostal Church, we assume he is SAVED. To do so COULD BE … a “false assumption.”
Because someone sings in a Pentecostal Choir, we assume he is SAVED. To do so COULD BE … a “false assumption”.
Because someone is an African American Preacher, we assume that he likes Fried Chicken and Collar Greens; to do so COULD BE … a “false assumption.”
Because someone is under medical treatment for diabetes, we assume he doesn’t eat lots of sweets (and starches) when his wife isn’t around. To do so COULD BE … another example of a “False Assumption.”
___________
This is an eraser, if you assumed that it was an eraser; then of course, you are correct; To ASSUMED IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE – is a False Assumption.
Today, this eraser will be used to symbolically represent erasing two False Assumptions from OUR mind.
The first false assumption that I would like for us TO ERASE (from our minds) is the ASSUMPTION OF AGE.
- Typically speaking, when we hear the phrase “young man”; we assume that the person in question is young chronologically. But, we are all aware of the fact … that there are many men, whom at first glance, look like they maybe young but in actuality they are not.
Today, when we refer to young men,” we are speaking of their spiritual status and NOT their chronological age. For one can be young in age; but mature spiritually. In contrast, one can be mature in age, but spiritually immature. So, please erase “the assumption of age” from your mind.
Now, the second false assumption that I’m requesting your assistance in ERASING FROM your mind is the ASSUMPTION OF MALENESS.
Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV) says in essence, …in the beginning God said let us make man in our image …in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Typically speaking, when we use the “word” – man, we are speaking of someone that has male body parts and was born with X and Y Chromosomes; and is therefore assumed to be a man. Today, when we refer to men – we are speaking of GOD FEARING MEN who embrace their God created role and function as men – spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
I’m SURE THE Men (in this congregation) can attest to the fact that … because someone looks like a man; and walks like a man; and talks like a man – one CAN NOT ASSUME - HE IS A MAN … AS GOD CREATED MAN TO BE.
So, today, let us NOT assume that everyone that looks like a MAN is a GOD FEARING MAN. Therefore, please erase the ASSUMPTION OF MALENESS FROM YOUR MIND.
******* TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 1: Now, my brothers and my sisters, according to Dictionary.Com – the word met-a-phor is a noun which is defined as a figure of speech …where a WORD or PHRASE is applied to something …
a. … to suggest a resemblance.
b. The Bible is full of METAPHORS in both New Testament and the Old Testament.
c. For example, in the N.T., we find a “met-a-phor” in 1 Peter 2:2-3, where it says: … like new born babies crave pure spiritual milk …
d. In other words, there is a resemblance in “natural new borns” & “spiritual new borns: They both crave milk.
e. In the O.T., WHO CAN EVER FORGET … the now famous … metaphorical hymn, … “A mighty fortress is our God” which was created by the German Theologian - Martin Luther …as a paraphrase of Ps. 46.
f. The metaphor (“a mighty fortress is our God”) says in essence:
g. … Being in the presence of God is as military safe as it gets.
h. The Psalmist (himself) USED MULTIPLE METAPHORS (in Psalm 18:2) to describe God by saying: The LORD is my rock, my fortress … and … my deliverer …;
******* TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 2: So, again my brothers and sisters … a metaphor is a figure of speech … where a WORD or PHRASE is applied …
a. … to suggest a resemblance.
b. Likewise, … In our text today, we find a Metaphor which says:
c. “ As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
d. In other words, a HANGING OUT WITH THE RIGHT person is imperative.
e. It is good to choose companions wisely.
e. Proverbs 22:24 (KJV) says “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go …”
*******TAKE 5 BEATS*******
MOVE 3: It has been said that association brings on assimilation.
a. In other words, you are (or you become) like those you link with.
b. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
c. Little boys that are constantly around little girls, and BIG GIRLS ONLY …
d. … usually grow-up to become big boys … with lots of feminine characteristics.
e. Confused Male Teenagers that hang out with OTHERS - like them - are most likely to become teenagers … that are also confused … about their sexual identity.
f. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
g. Couples with struggling marriages whom have a penchant to fellowship with other couples that have awful marriages … will most likely … have terrible marriages too.
h. Men that have come from homes that were led by strong and strapping women … have a tendency to grow up and become passive husbands married … to women who are the HEAD OF THEIR HOMES.
i. In other words, my brothers and sisters, whomever we hang around the most …
j. … Will most likely be responsible … for influencing our personal adjustments … or integrations in life.
****** TAKE ******
MOVE 4: So, I’ve stopped by here, this afternoon, to ENCOURAGE the SPIRITUALLY …YOUNG men ... to become sharper and more accountable …by BONDING with IRON MEN.
a. The Apostle Paul … says it best - in 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV) - Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
b. In other words, “don’t fool yourselves, bad company ruins good manners. (MSG)”
c. In contrast, GOOD AND SAVED COMPANY … builds character and leaders.
d. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
****** TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 5: For who can ever forget the story of Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2.
a. It has been said that the story of Elijah and Elisha demonstrates “bonding and mentoring” at its best.
b. For the story of Elijah and Elisha illustrates for us all how an IRON MAN - or a spiritually strong brother - can positively influence another to become SPIRITUALLY SHARPER AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE.
c. Therefore, I submit to you this afternoon that there are THREE THINGS Elisha did … that the YOUNG MEN OF VICTORY NEED TO ALSO DO … in order to become spiritually sharper and more accountable:
d. Can you say along with me BDM?
e. Befriend, Demonstrate Loyalty, and Minister - BDM.
****** TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 6: Now, the first thing that Elisha did that SPIRITURALLY young men NEED TO ALSO DO … IN ORDER TO BECOME SHARPER AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE… IS TO BEFRIEND an Iron Man.
a. For the Bible says, in Proverbs 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
b. In other words, if one want to have a friend; one has to become a friend.
c. For it has been said that “he who has a friend is the possessor of one of the best gifts that life can bring to an individual.
- d. Because “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity - Proverbs 17:17 (RSV).”
e. Yet, one of the most difficult things for “straight” men of all ages to do is to make friends with other “straight” men.
f. This is primarily because (as men) instead of accepting one another strengths and weaknesses; we have a propensity to compete with one another.
g. As a result, we don’t often take the necessary time to honestly let our guard down (so to speak) … in order to … allow others to BEFRIEND US … AND TO LEARN FROM US...
****** TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 7: In 2 Kings 2, the Bible tells us .. That Elisha was aware that there were some things that he could learn from Elijah – the Iron Man.
a. In fact, if the truth were to be examined, Elisha desired a double portion of Elijah’s Anointing.
b. Yet … he realized that time was of essence.
c. IRON MAN would not always be around.
d. One day Elisha would have to carry on the ministry of Reconciliation without his Iron-Man.
e. Life is short.
f. For don’t you remember, The Bible says, in Job 14:1, a “Man born of woman is of … a few days and full of trouble.”
g. It’s not promised that we will BE HERE TOMORROW … SO WE HAVE TO …WORK WHILE IT’S DAY …
h. Jesus – The Ultimate IRON MAN & SERVANT LEADER said in John 9:4: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
****** TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 8: Therefore, while its day, and we still have breath in our bodies; we need to grow spiritually.
a. If pride is an issue THAT PREVENTS SPIRITUAL GROWTH… The Young Men of Victory Temple … need to swallow their pride … and LEARN FROM AN IRON MAN … WHILE THEY CAN.
b. If you don’t know how to be a father; Ask an IRON MAN – to counsel and teach you.
c. If you’re easily moved or SHAKEN FROM YOUR CONVICTIONS OR DECISIONS; Ask an IRON MAN – to counsel and teach you.
d. If you don’t have any COURAGE – “that quality or mind that enables one to MEET DANGER & DIFFICULTIES WITH FIRMNESS and strength of spirit; Ask an IRON MAN – to counsel and teach you.
e. If you don’t know how to KEEP A JOB, WORK, AND BE A HUSBAND; Ask an IRON MAN – to counsel and teach you.
f. For the Bibles says … before God ever gave ADAM – EVE; God gave the MAN a J-O-B to work the garden (Genesis 2:15); If a MAN doesn’t WORK, … HE SHOULDN’T EAT!
g. God never intended for a WOMAN TO PERMANENTLY TAKE CARE OF A MAN – Ask an IRON MAN to council and teach you.
h. Proverbs 11:14 says “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
i. If you don’t know how to be A MAN; and you WANT TO BE SAFE - Ask an IRON MAN – to counsel and teach you.
j. So, the first thing that Elisha did that the YOUNG MEN OF VICTORY need to also do is to BEFRIEND an Iron Man.
*******TAKE 5 BEATS*******
MOVE 9: Now, the SECOND THING that Elisha did that the young men of Victory NEED TO ALSO DO … IS TO DEMONSTRATE LOYALTY AND CONCERN for their IRON MENTOR.
a. Romans 12:1 (KJV) says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
b. As men, we have to learn to make personal sacrifices of our time, and talents in order to show our IRON MENTOR that we are loyal and concerned.
c. Leaders need to know that the time they are spending with us isn’t being wasted. The thoughts that they shared with us – aren’t going into one ear and out of the other ear.
d. Sometimes showing loyalty and demonstrating concern … means traveling with the MENTOR when you don’t feel like it.
e. OR spending a day at the golf range (or basketball court) with the mentor … when you would rather spend time with your family.
f. For we have to pull away from the clutter and confusion of our day … to be taught HOW TO SPIRITUALLY - LEAD OTHERS.
g. For you see, my brothers and my sisters, it’s imperative that we show our mentors (through our actions) that we are loyal and concerned about them.
h. When they’re sick – AND we are unable to visit; we should at least call and check on them.
i. So, the SECOND THING that Elisha did … that the young men of Victory NEED TO ALSO DO is to show … that THEY ARE LOYAL .. AND CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR IRON MENTOR.
*******TAKE 5 BEATS*******
MOVE 10: Now, the THIRD and FINAL THING that Elisha did that the young men of VICTORY NEED TO ALSO DO … IS TO MINISTER TO THEIR IRON MENTORS.
a. That’s right. The young should be prepared to minister to the old.
b. The young men should BE reducing and decreasing the SPIRITUAL LOAD of their MENTORS.
c. For don’t you remember, … the Bible tells us (in 1 Kings 19:19-21 MSG) that after Elisha kissed his father and mother goodbye, he followed his Iron Mentor and became his right hand man.
d. In other words, Elisha followed and ministered unto Elijah.
e. It was JESUS/OUR SAVIOR (Himself) … in Matthew 20:25-28 … who said to his disciples …
f. “Whoever wants to be great among you, MUST BE YOUR SERVANT … just as the Son of Man did not come to be served …
g. … BUT TO SERVE.
******TAKE 5 BEATS ******
MOVE 11: Some of the greatest prophets, preachers and pastors, of all time, have BEEN SERVANT LEADERS under great IRON MEN.
a. For don’t you remember: Joshua served under Moses
b. For the Bible says that Joshua was Moses minister (in Joshua 1:1 NIV)
c. Elisha served under Elijah
d. … and Timothy served under Paul (1 Timothy 1:2)
e. So, THE THIRD AND FINAL THING that Elisha did … that the young men of VICTORY NEED TO ALSO DO …in order to become sharper and more accountable … is to minister to their IRON MENTORS.
f. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
*******TAKE 5 BEATS*******
CELEBRATION: Now, … my brothers and my sisters, We HAVE ERASED THE 2 FALSE ASSUMPTIONS from our minds.
But, BEFORE I TAKE MY SEAT, … I need SOME …IRON MEN … HELP!
Can You Help Me Say: IRON MEN …
_______
There’s a NEW MOVIE … COMING SOON … NEAR YOU …
ABOUT... A SUPER HERO … WHO WEARS A SUIT OF AMOR …
_________
HIS … SUIT OF ARMOR … enables him to fight … against the enemies of this world.
THIS SUPER HERO … IS CALLED … IRON MAN …
(somebody/anybody help me say … IRON MEN)
WHEN WE RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST … AS OUR LORD & SAVIOR
(help me say … IRON MEN)
WHEN WE RECEIVE … HOLY GHOST POWER
(help me say … IRON MEN)
WHEN WE PUT ON … THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
(somebody/anybody help me say … IRON MEN)
*BECAUSE THE BIBLE SAYS …
Put on … the whole armour of God, …
…that ye may be able to stand ….
against the wiles … of the devil …
YES …
As iron sharpens iron, … so one man sharpens another ...
