How can we act as spiritual mentors like Paul in our communities? Today’s Key Verse “ I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.” — Philemon 1:10 Seeing People as Spiritual Children • Paul viewed Onesimus not merely as a friend but as a “child” he helped birth into faith. • 1 Corinthians 4:15 reminds us that in Christ we become spiritual fathers and mothers. • Ask the Lord to open your eyes to people around you who need nurturing in the faith. Choosing Commitment Over Convenience • Paul invested in Onesimus while imprisoned—mentoring costs something. • True spiritual parenting stays constant through others’ failures and our own trials. • Galatians 6:1-2: restore gently, carry burdens, fulfill the law of Christ. Cultivating Personal Relationships • Paul knew Onesimus’ story, fears, and future. Mentoring starts with listening. • Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” • Practical tip: schedule regular, face-to-face time—coffee, meals, walks—where life is shared. Speaking Life and Identity • Paul publicly affirmed Onesimus before Philemon, calling him “my very heart” (v.12). • Proverbs 18:21 says life and death are in the tongue; mentors declare the Lord’s vision over others. • Replace labels (“runaway,” “failure”) with gospel truths (“beloved brother,” v.16). Leveraging Influence for Others • Paul risked his reputation, writing a persuasive letter for Onesimus’ acceptance. • Mentors use whatever platform God grants—skills, connections, resources—to open doors for their disciples. • Philippians 2:4: look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Modeling Christlike Character • What Onesimus saw in Paul’s chains—joy, submission, prayer—shaped him. • Titus 2:3-4 calls seasoned believers to teach “what is good” by lifestyle and word. • Consistency in small choices (speech, integrity, service) teaches louder than lectures. Multiplying Through Reproduction • 2 Timothy 2:2: pass the gospel to faithful people “who will be qualified to teach others.” • Encourage mentees to become mentors; ask, “Whom will you pour into next?” • Matthew 28:19-20 anchors all mentoring in making disciples of Jesus. Practical Steps for Modern Mentoring 1. Pray daily for God to highlight one person to disciple. 2. Invite them into your rhythms—worship, work, family life. 3. Study Scripture together; let God’s Word set the agenda. 4. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness in your struggles. 5. Hold them accountable with grace and truth. 6. Celebrate every step of growth, however small. 7. Commission them to repeat the process with someone else. As Paul fathered Onesimus, so we father and mother spiritual sons and daughters—embracing them, equipping them, and entrusting them to carry the gospel farther than we ever could. |
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