The Making of a Man or Woman

Instill a Christ-centered identity into your family.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the ternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12).

In 1986, at the age of 21, I found myself pastoring a small congregation in Chicago, serving in a community that faced a shifting demographic and economic decline. People were running from that neighborhood instead of staying. Our little church building had just 18 people attending at the time with gang members that sat outside on our steps selling drugs during services. I felt way over my head in that season of ministry.

Fast forward 38 years later and that church, New Life Community Church, is a vibrant, multi-ethnic, multi-demographic church with 27 locations that I co-pastor alongside my son, Josiah. Serving alongside him has been one of the greatest joys of my life—even when he critiques my Sunday sermons!

In 1 Timothy 6:11–12, Paul gives a very important exhortation to the young pastor at the church in Ephesus, calling him a “man of God,” a title that no one else was given in the New Testament. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew this was what he believed him to be and what he wanted him to remain. Knowing who you are in Christ—your identity—provides the foundation for the direction of our lives.

I believe one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to speak identity into their lives. Parents have the power to shape how children see themselves, for good or for bad. Identity determines behavior and children will ultimately step into who they believe they are. In a world that seeks to define us and rob us of our Christ-given identity, it’s critical that a man or woman of God fight the fight within themselves and be what God wants them to be.

You can spot a man of God in these four ways:

1. What he flees from
2. What he pursues
3. What he fights for
4. What he obtains

May we each strive to become all that Christ is making us to be!

Listen to the sermon series: The Making of a Man

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Ministry Update from Mark

Yesterday was Father’s Day, a day set aside to recognize the contributions that fathers and father figures make in the lives of the children entrusted to them. It’s been 25 years since my dad, Robert Jobe, passed away. His decision as a rebellious 18-year-old to surrender his life to Christ at a Youth for Christ rally in Gary, Indiana, made an eternal impact on my life. Growing up, he taught me two important principles that I strive to live by each day and impart to my own children: love God and love people with simplicity and sincerity. No father is perfect, but it’s important that we pause and thank them for their efforts and influence in our lives. Why not do that today?