MAN UP BIBLE SERIESIRON MAN 2 – How to be a Mentor

Lesson Five

The Real World By now you are thinking, What is all this mentoring stuff about? Is it really even in the Bible? Let me answer with a big, fat, YES! Mentoring was the primary way of teaching in the Old Testament. Children learned their life skills from their parents and extended family.

Here is a list of mentors:

Jethro and Moses – Exodus 18

Moses and Joshua – Duet. 31

Moses and Caleb – Joshua 14

Samuel and David – 1 Sam. 16

Elijah and Elisha – 1 Kings 19

Barnabas and Paul – Acts 9

Aquila and Apollos – Acts 18

Paul and Timothy – Acts 16

Paul and Titus – 2 Cor. 7

So yes, mentoring in its purest form is based in the Bible.

The Real WordThe Biblical Basis for Mentoring:

Mark 3:14 New International Version (NIV)14 He appointed twelve  that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

1 Corinthians 11:1New International Version (NIV)

11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Philippians 3:17New International Version (NIV)17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Philippians 4:9New International Version (NIV)9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 New International Version (NIV)6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it.

Titus 2:7-8New International Version (NIV)7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Real Talk

Have you ever experienced a “hard knock” in life?

Could you share it with someone?

Identify someone you know that could use your help:

Real Steps

How do I find someone to Mentor?

1. Pray for God to point them out. God knows someone.

2. Start with an area of Expertise. Your sweet spot.

3. Place yourself around young people. Where the action is.

4. Set Up Opportunities for Interaction. Go to them.

5. Invite a prospect to join you informally. Buy lunch or coffee.

Time To Close So take a chance and reach out to a young man who you know needs some help. It may seem a little dramatic but young men today have no real right of passage. Many young men wonder, “When do I become a man? Do I know enough to make it in this world today? Am I competent? What will I do when college is over? How do I find a good wife? Do I matter? “ You can bless this young man by inviting him into your world. It sounds simple because it is. Invite a kid to lunch. Take him to a ball game. It is not brain surgery and it can change a life. Anyone can do it which is why not doing it is so tragic. The significant things in life are often the most simple. Think back to the times of significance in your life. What did the other person do? That is what you are called to do now in the life of some young man. The trick is to reach out and make the first move. Time to MAN UP!