Like as a Father

Driving home: Frankly, if Paul were writing to us today, I don't believe he'd use this simile. For there has been such a breakdown of an embodiment of the Biblical concept of the father's role in the home, that this simile, doesn't, d…

This analogy illustrates that a simile only communicates if the listener understands the figure used, emphasizing the need to understand the biblical concept of a father.

Now, a simile is used, in order to clarify a certain truth or statement. But the simile does that only if you understand the figure that's used. Let me illustrate. If I were to say, that a certain lawyer handled the defense's objections in court, like a shifty halfback, wending his way through the secondary, that would mean nothing to you, unless you knew something about football.

5:50 - 6:18 Read in full sermon

Driving home: Frankly, if Paul were writing to us today, I don't believe he'd use this simile. For there has been such a breakdown of an embodiment of the Biblical concept of the father's role in the home, that this simile, doesn't, d…

Another analogy demonstrating that a simile's effectiveness depends on the audience's familiarity with the figure, reinforcing the idea that Paul's 'father' simile might not resonate today.

Now, if you played football, that would say worlds, because you can picture that snaky-hipped halfback, just as the guy's about to nail him with a tackle, giving him a little shift to the hip and a straight arm, and making his way through. But if you know nothing about football, I might as well be talking Chinese, to say that the lawyer handled the objections of the defense, like a shifty halfback, wending his way through the secondary. My simile does not communicate, unless you understand the figure that I use. Now, I might say, and this would mean nothing to a number of you, younger fellows ...

6:19 - 7:01 Read in full sermon

The point: As an elder/pastor, proactively give individual, fatherly instruction and discipline to God's children, even when it's not explicitly sought, out of love.

Martin shares a personal anecdote about hearing his daughter Beth fussing and needing fatherly instruction, even when she doesn't explicitly ask for it, to illustrate the proactive nature of fatherly concern in ministry and parenting.

Oh what a joy it is. To give individual. Concern to my children when they come seeking but there are other times when they don't seek it in fact the last thing they want is father's attention. Case in point there are times when I'm up in my study which is in the Parsonage as most of you know and I wish I could turn my ears off when I'm up there but I can't.

30:01 - 30:25 Read in full sermon

The point: If you cannot justify your actions from scripture, stop now and leave the consequences with God, trusting His promise to add all other things if you seek His kingdom first.

The story of Herb and Rosma selling their home and trusting God's provision while Herb attended Bible school illustrates God's faithfulness to those who prioritize His word and family responsibilities over financial security.

They're not here this morning, so I think I should use them as an illustration. Herb and Rosma let her a living witness of this. Selling a home, leaving a business, coming down with nothing to go into Bible school with three little kids. And a husband who said to his wife, you're home with those children.

49:28 - 49:46 Read in full sermon

The point: No matter how close the budget, ensure God gets His part; He will vindicate and honor.

Martin shares his own experience of financial scarcity in early ministry, where God consistently met his needs despite no guaranteed income, to further demonstrate God's faithfulness to those who obey Him.

The church pays your rent. What do you know about it? You love it for five years. Nobody paid my rent.

50:34 - 50:41 Read in full sermon