Some basics to choosing and following a teacher or mentor…
…The Gospel is called faith.
When choosing a mentor, it is important to look out for some key factors:
His convictions of the faith he professes in Christ.
This is more closely related to DOCTRINE.
Paul’s last words before his death were, “I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”
You must follow men who can utter these words; a mentor who would not sell out the convictions of the faith for the sake of popularity or earthly riches.
The faith must be fought for, and also kept.
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
II Timothy 4:6-7 NKJV
Not someone who makes shipwreck of the faith.
An approach to salvation and the faith such professes is very critical and necessary.
Don’t just settle on following one who doesn’t care about what Jesus himself gave his very blood for.
Lest you stray off course too..
“who have strayed concerning the truth, …and they overthrow the faith of some.”
II Timothy 2:18 NKJV
Such who hold on to the faith, as they’ve received through God’s word.
“holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
Titus 1:9 KJV
Paul cautions Timothy to guard seriously what has been entrusted to him; the message of Christ.
He goes on to tell Timothy what to avoid so he does not make shipwreck of his faith.
In the same vein, when deciding for a mentor or teacher, you must seriously observe this trait.
You do not want to follow someone who has made shipwreck of the faith.
It’s the message of Christ, NOT MONEY AND HOW TO MAKE IT!
It’s Christ and his Gospel as THE emphasis, not seeing into peoples homes and catching witches!
It’s praying and seeing that men are saved, and not killing the ones doing you.
It’s building Christ in you and seeing ministry formed in you, NOT BUILDING YOU INTO SOME WORLD CHAMPION ICON!
All in all, it should be Christ and Christ and Christ and Christ!
As emphasis.
Don’t follow blindly.
Your eyes wide open…on the ball.
October 26, 2022