"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice." - Philippians 4:9
This spring, many of us watched as Bill Rancic became "The Apprentice" of business guru Donald Trump. He heard the words his competitors could only dream, "You're hired!" Thousands coveted the $250,000 a year job and the chance to learn from "The Donald." I wonder how zealous we would be to be "the apprentice" in our spiritual life. A mentor is a teacher, guide, coach and a counselor who helps you in life. Thus, a spiritual mentor is a teacher, guide, coach and a counselor who helps you in your spiritual life. Mentoring relationships are vital to achieving spiritual maturity. Yet very few followers of Christ take one-on-one mentoring very seriously. The Apostle Paul gives us some spiritual guidance in Philippians 4 and other scriptures for selecting a spiritual mentor and becoming an apprentice. Lead your group in this brief Bible Study and model these life principles with your life.
Life Principles
Prepare yourself to be an apprentice
Become a life long student.
"Whatever you have learned …" Phil 4:9a
"Continue in what you have learned and have been convinced of because you know those from whom you have learned it." 2 Tim. 3:14
Live with a teachable spirit.
"Whatever you have received …" Phil 4:9b
"Join with others in following my example and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." Phil 3:17
Live with an open heart.
"Whatever you have heard from me …" Phil 4:9c
"What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Jesus Christ." 2 Tim. 1:13
Live with an open mind.
"Whatever you have seen in me …" Phil 4:9d
"You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen." Acts 22:15
Imitate your mentor until it becomes a habit.
" … put in to practice … " Phil 4:9e
Choose your mentor carefully
Choose someone who is Christ like.
"Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ … " I Cor. 11:1
Who are some examples you would follow? Why them?
Choose a mentor that is consistent.
"Remember your leaders…consider their way of life." Hebrews 13:7
Whose spiritual life would you like to emulate?
Choose a mentor that is close by.
"So I beg you to follow my example and do as I do." I Cor. 4:16
Who from the previous two lists can you realistically spend time with?
