The Stronger Man!

Dad’s and Donuts Oct 10, 2024

My name is Mike Amren, I’m a Pastor at Harvest with Greg Laurie and I’ve been a minister to Children for 15 years. I lead our chapels here at Spirit for Elementary and help out with Jr High, and High School – if your kids talk about “Mr. Mike” that’s me! My kids are 4,6,8 years old and 2 of them are here at Spirit in 2nd and Kindergarten.

I’d like to welcome you this morning to our Dad’s and Donuts event. Thank you for being here, what a sight it is to see when men come together, in the name of Jesus – there’s nothing else like it on earth than when men gather together.

My goal today is to share with you something that has been on my heart for quite some time for the men at this school and today, it’s finally here: DAD’S AND DONUTS IS ABOUT “ENCOURAGING THE MEN AT SPIRIT” (This is a Christian School – so this is going to be Godly encouragement for us this morning)

I can’t begin to imagine where each of you are at on the road of life with your family – the UP’s, the DOWN’s, the Un-imaginable hardships.

I for one – I feel like life is passing me by quickly:

I feel like sometimes I let my wife down

I feel like sometimes I let my kids down – And I NEED to be stronger.

I don’t know if any of you are in the same boat – but this morning,

I’d like to share with you an ENCOURAGEMENT to be a STRONGER MAN

So let’s dive in:

When you hear the Phrase “Strong Man” what comes into your mind?

Maybe it’s this guy

Picture: The mountain

“The Mountain” – a famous actor:

- 2018 “World’s Strongest Man”

- World record DEAD LIFT: 1,104lbs

- 6ft9in tall, 451 pounds

o Making him one of the largest competitors in History.

Picture: Tom Stoltman

Or maybe “TOM STOLTMAN” –

- Worlds strongest man, 2021, 2022

- Know as the “KING OF THE STONES”

Picture: Louis Cyr

How about a historical figure – Louis Cyr

Late 19th, early 20th century strong man

The “Pioneer” of the strong man competitions

Picture: Weak Man

Then there’s THIS GUY – struggling to lift little weights – good on him for trying, but none the less, we wouldn’t say that’s a “STRONG MAN”

Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t “feel” STRONG compared to any of those huge guys. A big part of being a MANLY MAN, in our culture today is Physical Fitness But I want to submit to you this morning, BEING A STRONG man is MORE than the physical.

- It’s also the MENTAL - It’s also the SPIRITUAL

And this morning, AS I PREACH DIRECTLY TO MYSELF, and you guys / / I want to bring to you A “Thought” - - - - “An Exhortation” / “An Encouragement” “a challenge” with a great purpose Not to guilt any of us here today, and point out ALL THE WAYS YOU AND I FALL SHORT AS A MAN. But to say: wherever you and I are at as a man, “We could all get STRONGER from where we are now.” Agreed? This morning we are going to talk *not just about becoming “Strong Men” (That TERM is actually reserved for the ONLY STRONG MAN, Jesus), but we’re talking about becoming STRONGER MEN (A “Stronger Man” realizes they need to grow RIGHT FROM WHERE THEY ARE AT. And…. QUITE FRANKLY - WE NEED STRONGER MEN around. In our families. In our communities. At our school.

In the Bible: Paul wrote MANY BOOKS of the Bible, to Churches, and People – and at the center of Paul’s strategy, is raising UP MORE MEN.

Stronger men.

In one of his letters he calls a younger man named TIMOTHY to become a stronger, godly man and to PASS ON WHAT HE HAD BEEN GIVEN to build up another generation of Godly, stronger men.

Who will in turn, love, lead and bless women and children and the Church as well.

There seems to be a 3-pronged approached in this encouragement: Become. Build. Bless.

Become stronger men,

who build stronger men,

who bless women, children, the church and the world.

All through scripture, MEN ARE CALLED TO BE PROTECTORS, PROVIDERS, LEADERS and LOVERS. Seen in the images of Soldier, Farmer, Athlete and Son.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 says, You then my SON, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good SOLDIER of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an ATHLETE does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking FARMER should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

BREAKING DOWN THESE 4 SYMBOLS:

1. A SOLDIER committed to following commands by his commanding officer

a. Committed to physically and spiritually protecting his family

2. A FARMER, committed to providing physically and spiritually for his family

3. An ATHLETE, living life for ETERNITY and not for temporary/earthly crowns

4. And a SON, who has the best HEAVENLY FATHER as an example of how to live and love

SOLDIER / FARMER / ATHLETE / SON

What a list – to be each of these.

Well like I said, we don’t have to ATTAIN all of these titles TODAY – but

We should be aware of our standing and where we are at personally.

If we were to give OURSELVES a “self-assessment” - how would we score ourselves?

Christian men, like anyone else, can experience feelings of weakness or inadequacy.

Leaving guys feeling WEAK

There’s common reasons a CHRISTIAN MAN might feel inadequate or weak:

1. Spiritual Disconnection, from God

Maybe you havn’t been doing what you KNOW YOU SHOULD BE DOING:

Believe me, I’ve been there. It’s hard to find time to pray or Read the Bible, it begins to wear on us and we can feel “depleated” and disconnected from the SOURCE of God’s Strength.

We might have guilt from sin or unresolved issues that can also create a barrier between a man and his faith, leading to feelings of spiritual weakness.

2. Overwhelmed by Life’s Responsibilities

Work, family, finances, and leadership, can overwhelm us as well as men.

(The balance between career, family, spiritual life and BURN OUT are a real thing)

3. Lack of Accountability or Fellowship

Comfortable with your life the way it is – don’t need new friends who are good mentors in your life.

4. Battles with Sin and Temptation

5. Struggles with Purpose and Identity

6. Emotional Suppression – Suffering Alone

7. Neglecting your own health in favor of your family and kids

So these are some ways that CHRISTIAN MEN TEND TO FEEL WEAK

So what do we do with this information???

Here’s the answer: if you don’t know what to do WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO

You go to the Bible:

Like I said at the beginning, I don’t know where you are at in LIFE,

Or in your family life.

Me, I used to be UNCOMFORTABLE with the Bible – didn’t know much about it or why it’s important

THEN – someone told me “EVERY WORD MATTERS” “This is the Word of God”

“It’s LIVING AND ACTIVE” “IT CUTS THROUGH RIGHT AND WRONG”

“IT SHOWS US THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD and LIFE”

And after hearing that, my life changed –

I started seeing God’s Word AS THE ANSWER TO MY PROBLEMS

Arguing with my wife -> God’s Word

Troubles at work -> God’s Word

Family Conflict -> God’s Word

And if you havn’t been told this reality – I’d like to show u practically what it means to say,

“God’s Word is the Answer”

Our 7 MANLY WEAK POINTS

Spiritual Disconnection, from God

Jesus said, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine" (John 15:4). Disconnection from the vine (Jesus) leads to spiritual weakness.

Overwhelmed by Life’s Responsibilities

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). When men try to handle everything on their own, they often feel overwhelmed, but Jesus invites them to rest in Him.

Lack of Accountability or Fellowship

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). Fellowship and accountability strengthen men spiritually, emotionally, and mental

Battles with Sin and Temptation

"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19). Even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin, showing that these struggles are a common human experience.

Struggles with Purpose and Identity

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). Recognizing their God-given identity and purpose can help men feel stronger in their faith and life.

Emotional Suppression – Suffering Alone

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Men are encouraged to bring their emotions and burdens to God instead of bearing them alone.

Neglecting your own health in favor of your family and kids

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things" (1 Timothy 4:8). While spiritual growth is key, taking care of the body is also important for overall strength and vitality.

So GOD’S WORD is absolutely able to speak INTO these area’s in our lives.

Ending with encouragement:

I want to lay out some STRONGER MAN PRINCIPLES for you, then going to give you an opportunity for this school year that I think is really great!

*Talk about the book

The overarching theme I’m talking about today comes from a book that has been a blessing in my life.

It’s called “SOLDIER” from a church in Wenatchee, WA called “Grace City Church”

*talk about book

*principles

Read Pg. 137

PRACTICAL BULLET POINTS

CHAPTER TITLES

· STRONGER MEN live like Good soldiers

o Following their commanding officer

· STRONGER MEN know their Enemy and Walk in Victory

· STRONGER MEN are Equipped for Battle

o The armor of God

· STRONGER MEN act like men

o We can drift so fast, being a man

· STRONGER MEN are humble, alert, sober minded

· STRONGER MEN understand authority, faith, and obedience

· STRONGER MEN PRAY TO GOD and POST A GUARD

· STRONGER MEN, MAKE STRONGER MEN

· THE STRONGER MAN WILL FINISH THE WAR

I WANT TO INVITE YOU THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Usually, we only do 1 dad’s and donuts per year, but this year, we’re going to do roughly 7

Just like this one.

We’re going to go through this book and become stronger men this year:

THE NEXT Dad’s and Donuts #2 will be Nov 7th. Same time as this one.

We’ll tackle chapter 1 in the book, and continue on through the school year.

Scan this QR code or take a flyer to sign up and I’ll get you a book, they are $15

But you won’t be disappointed.

Also, on the sign up – there’s an option if you WANT to meet weekly with other men for “COFFEE” or just to fellowship, there’s an option for that as well!

Let’s break up into small groups with guys around you:

We have dad’s

MATTHEW FINLAYSON

RYAN MASSEY

MIKE AMREN

Dad’s and Donuts 10-10-24 - Questions for Small Groups:

1. What is your name? What do you do for work? How many kids do you have? When did you become a Christian?

2. What do you think it means to be a “STRONGER MAN” as we heard about today?

3. How does God’s Word (The Bible) fit into our lives and our growth as Christian men?

4. Of the 7 Weaknesses we spoke about, are there any that you would say you apply to you?

1. Spiritual Disconnection, from God

2. Overwhelmed by Life’s Responsibilities

3. Lack of Accountability or Fellowship

4. Battles with Sin and Temptation

5. Struggles with Purpose and Identity

6. Emotional Suppression – Suffering Alone

7. Neglecting your own health

5. What are some ways we could be stronger men:

a. For our wives?

b. For our kids?

6. What is one takeaway you remember from today’s message to Dad’s?

7. Prayer requests?

Practical Ways to be a Soldier / Protector

· Be prepared to physically, spiritually, and emotionally protect your family.

· Regularly scan your environment for potential threats.

· Become comfortable and proficient with specific weapons of your choice.

· Become someone who carries a concealed firearm on a regular basis.

· Lock up the house at night. Secure the premises anywhere your family is staying.

· Be the one to investigate loud noises or suspicious situations.

· Cultivate and use your physical strength and ability to fix and repair broken things around the house.

· Carry any heavy items for your wife/mom/sister.

· Unload the groceries from the car.

· Be the one to get out of the car and fill it with gas at gas stations.

· Walk on the traffic side of any sidewalk or roadway.

· Do the bulk of the driving, especially in stressful conditions, heavy traffic, or inclement weather.

· Take care of routine auto maintenance.

· Regularly open doors. Be the last one to enter the building. Be the first one to exit, holding the door from the outside while scanning your environment.

· Be the last one getting on a bus, train, elevator, or escalator.

· Sit strategically in restaurants and public places so you can quickly see any threats and be in a position to engage the threat from a place of tactical advantage.

· Sign up for any school, church, or other security role opportunities where your family is involved.

· Be the one to answer the door at home, especially if it is an unknown visitor.

· Take the lead in interacting with any strangers.

· If someone contacts your wife or family, put yourself closest to them and be prepared to intervene in the conversation. Be ready to take the lead.

· After scanning the environment, walk up to any counter with your wife at hotels, car rental services, banks, and any other establishments that might be stressful for your wife or where people might try to take advantage of a woman.

· Take the lead in any family or relational conflict situations.

· Initiate taking your family to church. Initiate prayer and Bible reading. Ask questions about your family’s day. Truly listen.

· Ask questions and facilitate discussion about movies or shows watched in your home. Check a site like PluggedIn to review content of any movies.

· Be aware of the music your kids are listening to. Ensure the content is appropriate.

· Take the lead on managing technology usage in the home and applying safety measures for when, what, where, and how screens are used and viewed. Employ accountability software.

· Discuss current events in the culture with your wife and kids. What are they thinking and believing about the situation? Does their thinking and response line up with biblical principles?

· To protect your wife and children emotionally, show them proper affection by giving hugs, making eye contact, saying “I love you,” and expressing specific and personal affirmation of the qualities and characteristics you appreciate about them.

· Make sure you are dealing with any and all ungodly anger or ungodly attitudes in your own heart on a regular basis.

· Reject all forms and expressions of passivity.