Introduction
- We all have struggles and challenges no matter what life stages we are in.
- Wouldn't it be nice to have someone who can offer some words of wisdom or insight? Someone who is honest and not afraid to tell you what you need to hear?
- "We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." Jim Rohn
- Perhaps a mentor should be one of these five people that we should spend some time with.
Timothy and Paul as a model for mentor and apprentice relationship
- Timothy and Paul have spent quite a bit of time together going around on mission trips. They worked closely together planting churches. Over the years, they have established a very close relationship.
- Paul was not just a long time friend but a mentor to Timothy.
- Timothy was facing challenges in his ministry at the Ephesian church. Paul wrote a letter while being imprisoned in Rome to encourage his apprentice.
- Paul cares about Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3-4)
- Paul encourages Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5-7)
- Paul offers practical relevant advice to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:23-25)
- Paul sets an example for Timothy to follow (2 Timothy 3:10-15)
- A mentor is someone who cares and encourages, sets an example, gives sound advice, and acts as a signpost leading to Jesus.
- Having a mentor is not just for your own benefit. Paul’s mentoring of Timothy has long lasting effect of the Christians in Ephesus and the history of man and civilization.
Practical Steps in Finding a Mentor
- Observe and identify
- Pray and ask God for guidance
- Ask God for humility and a desire to grow
- Start with one issue
The Challenge
- For those of you who have been a devoted follower of Christ and who have a few years of life experience under your belt, would you consider being a mentor for someone?
- Be that special someone that points people to Jesus Christ our Saviour?
