Chariot August 2006 - Norm Wakefield

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The Calling Out of Sons – Part 9

      In the previous eight articles of The Chariot we have considered the insights into how fathers might call out their sons into manhood. Believing the heavenly Father's relationship with His own son, Jesus, is a pattern for fathers, we've observed the following insights which give us vision for fathering sons. (If this is the first article of The Chariot you have received, you may find the previous articles at www.spiritofelijah.com.) Here's what we've discovered:

·      By the age of twelve a son needs to be involved with his dad.

·      A father needs to establish his son's identity with himself in his father's house.

·      A father needs to be his son's source to prepare the way for God being the source of his life.

·      A father needs to lead his son to be attentive to, to depend upon, and to obey his word.

·      A father must lead his son to confront the lust of his body and learn to wait on God's words and timing.

·      A father must lead his son to confront self-ambition and the greed of his heart and wait on God's provision and God's timing.

·      A father must lead his son to confront his pride and his sinful desire to glorify himself.

Insight Number Eight: A father must lead his son to confront his own powerlessness and look to God for his power.

    And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit; and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district (Luke 4:13-14).

      Facing one's powerlessness to please and glorify God can be difficult. Why? Because we seemingly think we can do so much without Him. It appears we can live quite capably without a relationship with God. Breathing, eating, performing, thinking, working, and even serving in the church seems to come naturally. Yet the Bible tells us the things we do in the flesh (naturally) cannot please God or bring Him glory (Romans 8:6). Pride leads a man to believe he has the power to do almost anything, anytime. Contrast such a philosophy with Jesus' statement to His disciples, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). The only time we can do anything to produce fruit for God's glory is when God empowers us through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If a son is to grow into godly manhood, he must realize his powerlessness and practice living in connection with Jesus Christ.

Testing has a sanctifying effect

      Testing, trials, and responsibilities such as the Son of God endured have a sanctifying effect on us as they did on Jesus. Because Jesus understood His identity and vital oneness with His Father, He never experienced powerlessness. However, the testing and trials needed for His sanctification are also necessary for the calling out process in our lives and in our sons' lives. Additionally, the requirements of God's law and word present a standard of living we can't do in our own ability. Just as Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to obey His Father, so do the sons of God.

      For instance, God's word commands, "Children, honor and obey your parents" (Ephesians 6:1-2). Your son's response might be, "I can't do that!" How would your son respond if you were to say, "I am calling you, son, to obey me all the time without question"? He would probably respond the same way you would if your heavenly Father were to say to you, "Son, obey me everyday, all the time. You shall not lust, be proud, or be selfish again." Do you feel your powerlessness?

      What should be your reaction if your son were to say, "Dad, I can't obey you; in fact, I don't want to obey you!"? Although your first reaction might be to administer a form of reproof or punishment, it is also wise to recognize your son is dealing with a spiritual issue of powerlessness. In such cases you and your son may be in a position to know God more deeply and experience a work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps leading him to cry out to God in humility may be most beneficial.

      Many men recognize their powerlessness when challenged by God's word to keep a pure eye, to maintain a holy walk, and to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. What is your response to these responsibilities? Do you try to do them in your own strength? Before too long you may find yourself saying to God, "God, You don't know my wife," or "You are asking way too much of me." I've found it helpful to realize God calls us out to be sons of God by commanding us to do things we can't do unless we cry out to Him, "Father, I am powerless to do this. I need You. Empower me, and I'll step out in obedience." If we obey Him, I think we'll experience an infusion of God's grace and power.

From fullness to power

      Let's notice the contrast between Luke 4:1 and 4:14. In verse 1 we're told Jesus went into the wilderness full of the Spirit of His Father. However, in verse 14, Jesus goes out of the series of tests in the power of the Holy Spirit. The way a man gains power from God is through responding to difficult, trying times by crying out to God and practicing his identity as a son of God. This should excite us, but often we resist God's calling out process. Perhaps it's because we don't understand what God is doing. He is wanting us to experience His fullness and His power!

      Do you want to grow and mature as a man of God? Do you think your son wants to become a man? I imagine the answer to both these questions is yes. It also wouldn't surprise me if both you and your son want the process to be easy and without conflict. I can relate. J However, this is impossible. Do you tend to find an attitude within that says something like this? "Hmmm…I don't know, I think I still want to be a boy. I still want to play with my toys. I still want to have fun and have Momma comfort me." If so, you're normal! However, if you and your son are to grow into godly manhood, that attitude must be put away.

God's power is perfected in weakness

      One aspect of being called out is confronting our powerlessness and learning that when we are weak, God is strong. He delights in filling and empowering His sons in times of trials and temptations as they look to Him. A young man or a man who is being called out has to face his powerlessness and practice depending on God's Spirit to empower him. Why is this so important? It is God's way to glorify Christ.

      The apostle Paul discovered this truth as God led him through difficult circumstances and relationships. To the Corinthians he wrote, "He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). We all need to discover that the key to Jesus' power, dwelling in us, is facing our problems and responsibilities in our weakness.

      As your son transitions from boyhood to manhood, it is your job to help him understand this important principle: God's power is revealed when we, cognizant of our weaknesses, look to Him for grace to do what He has required and willed. I'm confident God's providence will orchestrate many opportunities each day to teach this valuable lesson. Not only can you teach your son as he faces his responsibilities and circumstances in life, but you have your own examples from which to teach. Share your life struggles with your son – times you've failed as well as times when you have experienced God's grace through your weaknesses. Walk with your son through those times of testing and you'll both reap the rewards.  

What has the Father been saying to you?

      I trust the Holy Spirit has been applying the insights we've gained from the relationship between the heavenly Father and His Son. Do you recognize God, the Father, calling you to Himself through the words and life of Jesus Christ? Is God calling you to confront your lusts, pride, greed, and powerlessness through relationships and circumstances beyond your control and abilities? If so, as a brother who is going through the same process, I encourage you to humble yourself before our Father and pray with me.

      Father in heaven, I ask that You would take the things You have revealed to us through the Scriptures and write them in our hearts. Help us to see what You are doing in our lives – that You are calling us out to Yourself. Father, You have exposed our lust and our greed, our desire for comfort and happiness, our powerlessness. Many times we resist You or have been angry with You. At times, we've blamed the people You've chosen to use to test and train us. Father, forgive us for not recognizing Your gracious hand and for not knowing Your ways. By the power of Your Spirit grant repentant, humble hearts, and the power needed to deny self, to embrace the discomfort, and use it as an act of worship before You. Enable us to deny our lusts and desires for ease. Give us the grace, Father, to wait on You to exalt us as we lay down our lives for Your glory.

      Father, we thank You for Your patience. We thank you that you have not condemned us and have not destroyed us when we deserve it. Thank You for not forsaking us. Because You are our Father, give us vision for how to call out our sons. Lead each one of us by the power of Your Spirit to apply Your word to our sons. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Would you like to be on the Elijah Ministries Prayer Team?

     The backbone of Elijah Ministries is the prayer team who pray diligently for God to turn the hearts of men to Himself, their wives, and their children. Before I leave to speak, I send out a prayer team invitation to those who will intercede for God to work for His glory in us as a team for the Kingdom. Not only is it a blessing to those whom I speak and myself; but it is also a reminder to the team about the direction of their own hearts. If you would like to enter into the labor together with me, you may go to my website and click on "Prayer Team".

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