In season two, episode 22, Chris Rivers and Brad Walbridge, along with Player Chappell (student staff at Grace's Powdersville campus), explore five pieces of advice every man needs. Adapted from a student ministry teaching Player shared with graduating seniors, these insights are applicable to men in all stages of life and offer practical takeaways for pursuing Christ and growing as believers.
Sin twists our thinking and has a way of making us feel independently wise. Colossians 2:8 reminds us not to let anyone capture us “with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” As believers, it is easy to rely on our own thinking and motivations. This, in turn, prevents us from letting the Lord guide us. We need guidance and wisdom from outside ourselves.
In order to grow in our faith, we must be willing to submit ourselves to the guidance and leadership of other mature believers. This does not mean we follow them blindly or have to agree with everything they say. However, it does require us to adopt a humble posture and be willing to hear from and learn from others.
The voices we hear, the content we consume, and the things we interact with on a daily basis are trying to grab our heart and our attention. In the face of so many distractions, it is easy to forget what is true and become numb to the negative influences around us. It is important that we make time to hear God’s voice and to get credible feedback from other believers. We need to be aware of what we are taking in and determine how/if it aligns with God’s Word.
We live in a culture that encourages us to fill our time with hobbies, pleasures, and activities that serve us. Making the choice to serve and sacrifice challenges us to use our time and energy not solely for ourselves, but to channel it towards others. It reminds us we are called to a higher purpose.
If we truly want to move towards Christ and the church, we have to transition from attenders to contributors. This requires us to find out what the needs are in the local church and intentionally pursue a serving role. This role may or may not be in our areas of giftedness. As we take a step of obedience towards what is in front of us, however, we will begin to see where God is leading.
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:8
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
Ecclesiastes Sermon Series: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/sermons/ecclesiastes/
If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.
Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: [email protected].