EVERYONE NEEDS A STEVE

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Well, he was born in 1952, the 5th of 7 seven children to his parents Mabel and Russell. He would son go on to give his life to the Lord. This took place at the age of 5 after playing out in the snow by himself. He remembered stopping what he was doing and asking Jesus into his heart.

Of this event, his mother would record he occasion for his baby book. And though he was very young, he knew what he was doing. That day would begin a legacy for this pastor to be. As in time, the Lord would go on to call him to pastor for 37 years. First in Illinois, then in Iowa and Finally in Kenton.

And if you haven’t guessed it by now, of course I’m talking about Pastor Steve Hess. (picture) You see, what’s interesting about Steve, is in reaching out to him earlier this week, he would go on to indicate that ultimately, his acceptance of Christ as his savior didn’t happen by accident. Instead, this would be the results of godly parents and good Sunday school teachers who week after week poured into Steve’s life.

And funny enough, although we don’t know everyone by name that influenced and poured into Pastor Steve’s life, we can know with certainty that those who were pouring into his life… had been poured into by someone else’s life, and so on.

You see, this morning our topic of conversation stems around the very concept of those that impart truth… within us… Make no mistake about it, you are not here by accident. You are ultimately the result of those who invested in your spiritual growth and helped to raise you I the way of the Lord. So, the question becomes “who are those who have helped shape you?”

Now next week, our focus will be on parents and ultimately, with it being Mother’s Day, we’ll focus on living a legacy that are children will follow. Of course, last week, our conversation stemmed around friendship, you’ll recall my friend nick who was so influential and helpful in my life, and we recalled that everyone needs a nick. But this morning, our focus is on those that pour into our lives.

You see, many of you call him pastor, all of us would certainly call him a friend, but to me, in my time in Kenton Alliance Church, I would call Steve a mentor. For the sake of this morning’s conversation, I want to draw our attention to the definition of what a mentor is. You see according to the Oxford Languages dictionary a mentor is an “experienced and trusted adviser.” You see not only are they trustworthy, not only do they advise, but they’ve also been there before, they’re experience. This is the type of person who has been there before and can tell you how to get from A…. to B….

Now I want to point out a couple of things, First. In my 7 years of ministry, I have had a number of different mentors. Right now, in fact, I really have 2 or 3 guys that are pouring into my life on a semi regular basis, one of them being Tim Young who you’ve had the privilege of hearing preach. So, it doesn’t necessarily need to be limited to one person who’s pouring into your life, although oftentimes it plays out that way.

The other thing I want to point out is that Pastor Steve told me that he wouldn’t be with us this morning as he was filling in the pulpit this morning at another church in town. But when we go back to the definition of a mentor and consider that it’s someone with experience, what better person to have influencing and pouring into my life, then someone who is practicing the same thing themselves to this day.

Friends, we need people in our lives that are willing to help shape up and mold us into the image of Christ. In your current occupation, whether a farmer, a banker or a stay-at-home mom, you’ve likely had people that have helped you become who you are today. In the same way, we need people to advise us, to walk beside us and to help give direction in all seasons of life.

If you have your bibles, turn with me to the book of 1 Timothy 1. And as your turning to 1 timothy, I want us to see 4 points this morning. 1. A Godly mentor models behavior. 2. A Godly mentor is a teacher. 3. A Godly mentor Recognizes ability. 4. A godly mentor encourages.

So, beginning with Point 1. A Godly mentor is real (authentic)

In 1 Timothy 1:2, Paul writes to Timothy. And we’re told:

2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now before Going to much further, I want us to see the type of greeting which Paul initiates to Timothy. You see Paul for 15 years has been mentoring Timothy, he’s been helping to form and shape Timothy’s walk… and so when he writes to Timothy it’s from a standpoint of adoration, appreciation as Timothy is a co-worker in proclaiming the gospel message.

In his introduction, Paul uses the Greek word teknon, for Son, which by definition has two meanings according to the original Greek language. In one sense, it can be a definition for a male child, or a son. But the other definition is used as a metaphor to describe a mutual relationship formed between by the bonds of love, friendship and trust.

You see, in the NT, pupils or disciples are called children of their teachers, because teacher nourishes the minds of their pupils and mold their characters. So here, Paul addresses Timothy, not just as an acquaintance… but as someone who he dearly loves, someone on the same mission.

2 Timothy 1:2 has the same sort of introduction as Paul writes: To Timothy, my dearson.

And so, we see from the scripture that Paul has a deep love and appreciation for Timothy. In fact, of every person that Paul would mentor while he was alive, only 2 are addressed as true child in the faith, one is Titus, but the other is Timothy who he seems to have a special connection with.

Paul would earlier write in Phil 2:19-22 19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.

So, we see that there is a deep connection between Paul and Timothy rooted in love and also rooted in mission. But what I want us to catch for a brief moment, is that after his initial introduction in 1 Timothy this morning, it isn’t long before Paul draws attention to his own personalshortcomings.

You see, what do we know about Paul?

We know that Paul wasn’t always Paul. That at one point, he was known primarily as Saul, Saul of Tarsus. Who was a persecutor of the early church. Who signed off and approved of the killing of Christians and who was determined to stop the spread of Christianity. And yet, we recall that on the road to Damascus that God got ahold of Saul’s life,and he was never the same. That Saul would go on to stop fighting against what the Lord was doing and start being used instead, as one of the Lords greatest ambassadors of the gospel.

And what I love about 1 timothy 1 starting in verse 12 is that Paul doesn’t try to be somebody that he’s not instead. He realizes that the only reason he is somebody… is because God got ahold of his life and gave him a new beginning.

Paul Keeps it real. He writes: 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

You see, after his brief introduction and greeting to Timothy, it isn’t long before Paul is calling attention to himself and pointing out the type of person that he was at one point… A blasphemer, a persecutor of the church, a violent man, and someone who was full of sin… And yet he transitions back to Christ and shows in verse 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.

You see friend, when it comes to a Godly mentor… it’s not like the rest of the world where you can put on a show and act like you have it all together… No, if you’re mentoring someone, they’ll see through your faults and realize you’re not being honest with them…

You see, what I love about Paul is that he’s okay being real. He doesn’t have to try to impress Timothy, he can tell Timothy the truth… but listen… in sharing the truth, that’s where true learning takes place.

You see, I’ve got a son carter, who in time I look forward to taking him out to the neatest little fishing holes and having a great time together as father and son… but do you know what I’m going to do along the way? I’m going to talk my boy about life… I’m going to share with him struggles that I’ve had, challenges that I’ve faced, temptations that I’ve overcome… and in these moments, I’ll tell him that it’s only Christ in me that gives me freedom. That apart from Christ, that I would be hopeless.

Friend this morning, as we mentor and lead others, we need to keep it real. You see, the quicker draw out our imperfections, the quicker Christ shines in contrast to that sin within us… and in these moments, real change takes place.

Once an authentic relationship has been accessed, now we can move into mission… that takes us to our 2-point, A mentor is a teacher.

2. We see that a Mentor is a teacher. / Role model

What we see about the relationship between Paul and Timothy is that although they have known each other for a long time, their relationship really centers around their mission.

You see, after Paul’s release from prison. He go on to revisit some of the key churches that he had ministered to earlier in his ministry. One of these churches being Ephesus, which is where, of course we get the book of Ephesians. But after leaving Ephesus and heading to Macedonia, Paul would leave Timothy behind to care for the church. but he doesn’t just leave him there to fend for himself, instead he continues to teach and mentor him.

In fact in 1 Timothy 3:14, we see the primary reason why Paul writes to Timothy and he explains 1 Timothy 3:14 “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writingyou these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

You see, Paul explains that he is Writing, so that, timothy would know how people ought to conduct themselves. In other words, Paul is writing so timothy would learn. That Timothy would increase his knowledge, and ultimately Paul acts as a teacher in these moments. chapter 4 continues on to say:

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

You see, in these last 7 verses, Paul brings up teaching on 3 separate occasions. In other words, Paul as a mentor, is teaching and instructing timothy, as timothy, would then go on to teach and instruct others. And interestingly enough, what Paul is teaching Timothy he himself learned, from others, such as Barnabas… who took the time to invest in his life…

But ultimately, what they had in common and what we share this morning is Christ. For Paul would write: 1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

You see, it’s not to say that Paul was perfect, but both in what he said, and also in what he did, Paul was modeling a behavior for Timothy to then follow after.

You see, I’m reminded of The TV show "60 Minutes" this morning that ran a segment that tells us something important about modeling or teaching others. The story explains:

The park rangers at a South African wildlife preserve were concerned about the slaughter of 39 rare white rhinos in their park. It turned out that the rhinos were killed not by poachers but rather by juvenile delinquents—teen elephants.

The story began a decade ago when the park could no longer sustain the increasing population of elephants. They decided to kill many of the adult elephants whose young were old enough to survive without them. And so, the young elephants grew up fatherless.

As time went on, many of these young elephants roamed together in gangs and began to do things elephants normally don't do. They threw sticks and water at rhinos and acted like neighborhood bullies. Without dominant males, the young bulls became sexually active, producing excessive testosterone and exhibiting aggressive behavior. A few young males grew especially violent, knocking down rhinos and stepping or kneeling on them, crushing the life out of them. Mafuto the gang leader eventually had to be killed.

The park rangers theorized that these young teen-aged elephants were acting badly because they lacked role models. The solution was to bring in a large male to lead them and to counteract their bully behaviors. Soon the new male established dominance and put the young bulls in their places. The killing stopped. The young males were mentored—and saved.

Friends, this morning, we need 2 things. We need those in our lives that are teaching us… but equally important, we need to teach someone else. Everyone needs a Barnabas, and everyone needs a timothy.

Can I ask you something, who is it in your life, that’s pouring into you this morning?

Friends, we need these types of people. We need trusted advisors who will take the time with us, and then we need to go and do the same thing with others. Ultimately, we call this discipleship, and Jesus portrayed in best with 12 disciples, where for 3 years he poured into their lives… but friends, just like in the game of telephone, the message needs to be passed from one person to the next, so in the same way… God entrusts us not only to receive the good news, but then also pass it on to someone else.

3. Godly Mentor Encourages

We’re going to fast forward to 2 Timothy 1 as we consider our final point this morning that a Godly mentor encourages. You see 2 Timothy would be Paul’s last epistle or writing that we read in scripture. And here from a Roman prison, Paul writes to his protégé for one last time as ultimately Paul was awaiting imminent execution.

And in these words, we see that Paul, realizes that his days are numbered, and yet, he encourages timothy.

We read in 2 Timothy

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 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.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

You see, awaiting his death. There’s a certain level of passing the baton from one athlete onto the next, as Paul seems to consider his time and ministry on this earth and then discharges the duties of ministry onto Timothy, so that Timothy may resume and be emboldened in sharing the gospel.

Paul clearly states that he remembers timothy in his prayers, and here in the introduction to 2 Timothy, there’s a renewed sense of connection and closeness that we see here. But the key verse I want to draw our attention back to is verse 6 which Paul explains 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. You see Paul, having received the gift of preaching and teaching and working as an evangelist, could recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in Timothy’s life. And here there seems to be one last, final appeal, one last main encouragement. That Timothy would take this flame and continue onward.

You see during the Olympic games, you’ll recall that there is a torch that is lit, this practice actual stems from the ancient Greek ceremonies where a sacred fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. And as we’ve seen so often, this flame begins at the Olympic torch relay, where it is passed from one athlete to the next.

And when we consider Paul’s words for a moment, I can’t help but think of his appeal to church in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 9:24. You see Corinth, also had ancient games. Unlike the Olympic games which originated in Olympia Greece, the city of Corinth on the isthmian Peninsula had their own Isthmian Games. And Paul writes in terms that this church could understand:

1 Corinthians 9:24. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

You see friends, time and time, we see read from Paul that he has made preaching and proclaiming the gospel his primary duties and discharge. And now, before his death, Paul addresses his protégé Timothy and encourages him to continue on in the fight. Paul would write:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

One see, Paul Knew that his time was limited. And yet, in these moments, he renews Timothy’s commission. He encourages him.

I’m going to call Lisa forward at this time, and as she’s coming forward, I simply want to close with this.

1, Who is mentoring you, or do you have people in your life that are pouring into you? That are encouraging you, that are praying for you, that are helping you to navigate through life???

2. At the same time? Who are we need pouring into? Do you have someone that you’re meeting with? That you’re shepherding, that you’re caring for?

3. Who are you becoming? What I mean by that is day by day, each of us are becoming someone. And who you are now Is not the same person that you were 5 years ago… each of us is growing in different ways… but are you spending time with God? Is he shaping you into the image of his son? And if not, what is influencing you this morning?

4. Are there areas in our life of struggle, perhaps with a situation, perhaps with sin, perhaps with something else? This morning, God meets you where you are and extends an invitation to you.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.