Spiritual Leaders - Fathers

INTRO: The Battle Rages - You’ve been dropped in the middle

Lt. Col Hal Moore - Battle of Ia Drang, Vietnam

Qualities of Spiritual Leadership

1) Preparation - Training, Know what to expect

History of training, education, preparation

Became commander of a battalion

Deployed to Vietnam, August 1965

Landing Zone X-Ray, S. Vietnam

It was a trap, surrounded by superior NVA forces

Ephesians 5:14-15 - Be wise, understand the situation and circumstances

Ephesians 6:14 - gird the loins, be prepared for this moment

2) Determination

Col. Moore had choice: Despair or Determination

“First on, Last off” - motto

1 Cor. 16:13

Joshua 24:15

The fight was ferocious - casualties “minimal” - though he hated to lose ANYone

GOAL: Moore’s goal - stand ground, stay alive, get troops out to fight another day

Re-supplied by a brave helicopter pilot, managed to hold position

Tired, no time to rest, attacks were relentless and early in the day

Rest could come later

DADS - what are your goals?

How do you prepare spiritually?

What are your plans to lead your family? How? Tactics? Sources?

Tired?

Hebrews 12:3 NASB95

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Tired? So was Jesus!

Haven’t started? - Now is the time. Battle is here. A trap? YEAH!

3) Faithfulness to God’s Calling

Enemy seems to be winning

Col. Moore seemed certain to be overrun

He had offer to be removed to meet with generals

Refused 3X

Stayed on battlefield - did not check out

DADS - Ever want to check out?

Let mom deal with it?

Philippians 1:23 NASB95

But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

Paul was torn between leaving and staying in the fight

4) Reliant on Support

Know that it will come

Col. Moore - 79 dead, 121 wounded

NVA - 600 dead, 2000 wounded

The fight is costly, hard, painful at times

TOTAL victory for Moore was not secured that day, frustrating

Our Support

TIMING OF SUPPORT

God’s timing is perfect - His strength, stay in the battle, the victory is won!

1 John 5:4 NASB95

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

DAD - first question, are you truly born of GOD? Forgiven? SAVED?

Victory IS already secured

But...Battle still rages - enemy is relentless to wound you

DAD - you are a primary target!!

He doesn’t want your kids saved (he’s fine if they go to church, just don’t make them listen to the gospel)

He doesn’t want your kids to follow Christ

He doesn’t want your family secure - go ahead and make foolish, selfish choices, just so you “feel” better

HE DOES NOT WANT YOU TO LEAD

DAD - If he takes you out, then what?

If Col. Moore left the battlefield, his troops would have suffered

If YOU, Dad, check out, leave the battle field, your troops WILL suffer

(world thinks other stuff can satisfy and take your place - WRONG)

It’s not about you.

Close - First On, Last Off

Prayer in morning, then at night

Who reads Scripture to your children?

Are you leaving your kids behind to save yourself?

Think the fight is too hard?

DADS - this is our job - we lead

God did not give this job/task to wives and mothers - TO US!

TODAY

This is not a message you’ll hear out there

Opposition to living Biblically - to standing up for your role, the family

Easy to become distracted - lots of fun to be had, plenty of time, right?

My wife is spiritual…I take kids to church....We watch Veggie Tales...

YOU, DAD, this is your job

Complain about culture, or stand up and be different, be Biblical

Prepare to succeed, stand firm

Determine to succeed - to get stronger, lead to fight another day

Be faithful to God calling YOU to be the Dad!

Trust in the Support of the LORD

FIRST ON - LAST OFF

Leading all the way. That is a spiritual leader.

That is what God expects of Fathers