shouldn’t put off the opportunity. It’s easy for us to limit these conversations about Christ and the Bible to fellow Christians, but God has charged us to minister to those both inside and outside our circle of faith. Often such encouragement may open up the door to share the Gospel. Even Paul prayed for such an opportunity (Colossians 4:2). MENTOR the next generation If you’ve been unable to mature, master, and minister, then you’ll have very little to share with the next generation. But, if you’ve been developing the first three, then doing the fourth will come naturally. The one who has attempted to practice what he teacheswill instruct froma reservoir of personal failures and successes—such humility fosters hope. That’s why I would rather learn from a doer than a theorist (2 Timothy 2:2). God is looking to take the average man and do great things through him. Do you qualify as average? Then it’s best to start preparing. Mature. Master. Minister. Mentor. Humility fosters hope ” “
Word bring about steady growth in your faith. Paul goes on to say that we should “speak the truth to one another in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This is compassionate integrity. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. We need other men telling us the truth, and we need to return the favor (Proverbs 27:17). Speaking the truth in love means that, as men, both what we say and how we say it matters. MASTER key habits Just like a good diet and consistent exercise are essential for your physical well-being, three elements are necessary for your spiritual well-being. Daily Bible Reading and Application. Spending time in the Word is essential. Furthermore, James warns, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Following each reading, be sure to ask God what needs to change in your life. Scripture Memory for Retrieval . In order to stand against temptation, the memorization of Scripture is essential. Think about the lies that come when you’re tempted and memorize the corresponding truths from the Bible (Psalm 119:10). Prayer as a Pattern, not a Panic Button . With the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught the disciples a pattern of prayer. Their prayers should include: praise, repentance, asking and yielding. Those four words form the acrostic PRAY. I have often used them to develop a pattern of prayer. God will hear our prayers when we pray in panic, but it’s better for us to develop a pattern. MINISTER inside and out The New Testament uses the words “minister” and “servant” interchangeably. The origin of these words means “to hasten or pursue.”Ourministry and service towards others should have a sense of urgency—we Prayer as a pattern, not a panic button ”
Phil Moser
Phil Moser is a graduate of
Word of Life Bible Institute and The Master’s Seminary. He is a husband, father, pastor and author of The Biblical Strategies Series.
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4M Training
You can learn more about 4M Training—a unique small group study for men—at biblicalstrategies. com.
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