1 Faithful to the Lord
We work hard and sometimes long hours because we find our identity and self-worth in our jobs, we are faithful to our families, workplace, bosses and fellow workers. So, we know how to be faithful because we do it as a lifestyle. We need to be faithful in everything that we do, be it in our relationships with God/Jesus/HS, family, marriage, work, church etc…
Hebrews 3:1-2 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.
Jesus was faithful unto death and even now that He is risen, so should we be faithful, unto the Lord.
1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
We need to be men that Jesus can trust and depend on.
Once God changes us, that’s when God can change our families/ work places/ social circles even Churches.
2 Faithful to the Word of God
2 Timothy 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Because we have received Gods grace, mercy and love, we can now live the way that Jesus says, (by being faithful the W.O.G) by His grace we are saved, by His grace we are changed and by His grace we are living a life of obedience it Him.
2 Timothy 3:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.
There is a saying that may mum use to say a lot, it goes like this. If you hear someone say something but they act a different way, mum use to say to them “practice what you preach.”
3 Faithful to the Church
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
Just like Epaphras, men need to be:
1. faithful in their local church,
2. trustworthy
3. dependable in words and deeds.
In other words, Christian men need to have:
1. received the grace of God,
2. believe that Jesus The Christ is their Lord and Saviour
3. men who are righteous and have integrity.
4. Men who know and believe the Word of God and are not scared to act and speak it out
5. Declare the whole council of God without changing it.
That’s how God wants the men in Church to be, by doing all this, it shows God that as a man, you can and will be Faithful to His Church.
4 Faithful in being Teachable
Men need to be willing to be taught by God and others.
Unless men are willing to be taught, God cannot use them.
Timothy himself provides a good example for us because he was willing to sit under teaching, first from his mother and grandmother.
2 Timothy 1:5 New International Version (NIV)
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Timothy 3:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.
And then sitting under the teaching of Paul in:
1 Timothy 1:18-19 18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith
The only reason that Paul could give Timothy this command is because timothy was willing and happy to be taught, he was teachable.
Men need to be willing to be students, to sit under authority, under a teacher, that is when we as men will be able to teach others and be able to serve in Gods church.
Conclusion
For the gospel to spread and the church to grow, God needs the right kind of man.
A man who is:
Faithful to the Lord, Faithful to the Word of God
Faithful to the Church, Faithful to be teachable
The Lord needs older men who are willing to teach younger men and younger men who are willing to be taught.
Men who are willing to serve the Lord in what ever way God wants them to, using their abilities and God given gifts.
Every man should be both student and teacher. (teach the next generation)
Psalm 22:30-31 Living Bible (TLB)
30 Our children too shall serve him, for they shall hear from us about the wonders of the Lord; 31 generations yet unborn shall hear of all the miracles he did for us.
Psalm 71:18 Living Bible (TLB)
18 And now that I am old and grey, don’t forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles.
Psalm 78:3-4 The Passion Translation (TPT)
3–4 We’ve heard true stories from our fathers about our rich heritage. We will continue to tell our children and not hide from the rising generation the great marvels of our God his miracles and power that have brought us all this far.
Psalm 145:4 The Passion Translation (TPT)
4 Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness and declare more of your glory.
