The Heart of a Mentor

Big Idea: Spiritual mentorship is an intentional relationship where knowledge, wisdom and insight are mutually imparted through life-on-life discipleship.

I. The Heart of Spiritual Mentorship

A. God uses mentorship relationships to foster our growth.

Biblical Foundation of Mentorship

Deuteronomy 6:6–7“6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Proverbs 27:17 “17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Mentorship contains three elements:

Intentional relationship

Building Spiritual guidance and accountability

Transferring knowledge and wisdom in life-on-life discipleship

B. Several biblical examples:

Old Testament examples:

Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21)

Samuel and David (1 Samuel 16:13)

New Testament examples:

Jesus and His disciples (Mark 3:14)

Barnabas and Paul (Acts 9:27, 11:25-26)

Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2)

Reflection Questions:

Who has been a spiritual mentor in your life?

What impact did they have?

What barriers prevent you from seeking or offering mentorship?

Which biblical mentorship example resonates most with your current season?

B. Characteristics of a Godly Mentor

Spiritual Qualities

Wisdom (James 3:17)

Humility (Philippians 2:3-4)

Patience (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Practical Attributes

Availability and accessibility

Active listening skills

Consistent lifestyle example

List 3 people who have mentored you and write them a note of gratitude

Identify one area where you need spiritual guidance and pray for God's direction

II. Paul's Investment in Timothy's Life

A. Paul displays a deep affection for Timothy. (v.1)

1 Timothy 1:1 NIV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

1 Timothy 1:2 NIV

2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This letter is written specifically to Timothy. There is a personal nature to the letter, because Paul has God’s love for Timothy. Like a father and son.

Expressions of Spiritual Fatherhood

"My true child in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2)

"My beloved child" (2 Timothy 1:2)

Personal concern (Philippians 2:19-22)

Depth of Relationship- For us today it is to consider each other in brotherly/sisterly ways. He’s my friend, my buddy— he has my back.

Shared ministry experiences

Personal encouragement

Spiritual protection

How do you respond to spiritual authority in your life?

What spiritual lessons have you learned that you could pass on?

Are you investing deeply in anyone's spiritual growth?

B. Paul mentors Timothy through modeling and empowering.

Leadership by Example

1. Paul uses his own testimony as the starting point in mentoring. (v.15-16)

1 Timothy 1:15–16 NIV

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Paul is modeling humility and wisdom. He has become self-aware enough to see how great God’s love is within his own life— he begins with that in mentorship.

Ministry patterns (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

Life witness (1 Corinthians 11:1) Delegation and Trust

Church leadership assignments Ministry independence Problem-solving opportunities

III. Godly mentorship balances authority and love in relationship.

A. Paul expresses his own authority with sincere humility.(v.18)

1 Timothy 1:18 NIV

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,

Paul realizes that Timothy has a specific calling, separate from his own. He respects that, and only seeks to partner with the Holy Spirit to see this calling come about. Love is the motivating force here.

Mark 10:44–45 NIV

44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

IV. We are responsible to pass the faith to the next generation

What spiritual legacy do you want to leave?

How are you currently investing in the next generation?

What skills or knowledge do you need to be a better mentor?

A. There is a biblical mandate to teach and lead our children and our children’s children!

Biblical Mandate

Psalm 78:5-7 (Teaching future generations)

Deuteronomy 4:9 (Teaching children and grandchildren)

2 Timothy 2:2 (Four-generation principle) Kingdom Impact

1 Timothy 1:19 NIV

19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

But what do they need specifically?

Motivation

Skill

The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground.

Warren W. Wiersbe

High motivation, low skill: Encouragement, Modelling, Instruction

Low motivation, high skill: Engagement, Excitement, Vision casting

High motivation, high skill: Delegation, release!

Love motivation, low skill: Direction, Supervision, Accountability

Write down your spiritual growth goals

Commit to regular meetings with one person you're mentoring

Weeks 1-3 (Mentorship Foundations): - 2 Timothy 2:2

2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.