C&C Retreat '09 - Guy's Session - Brent Aucoin

7.18.2009

Guys are supposed to be leaders -- one of my God-given purposes as a man.

Genesis
    ⁃    Chaos (In the beginning, God created a mess)
    ⁃    Formless
    ⁃    Empty   
    ⁃    Dark
    ⁃    God changed the chaos into cosmology by His word
    ⁃    Why? Why this way? (Chaos to cosmos by His Word)
    ⁃    [Only God can decrease entropy from chaos.]
    ⁃    [Part of God's plan.]
    ⁃    God does this all the time - He brings people from chaos into order (following His will) by His Word
    ⁃    "Image/Likeness" [In the Ancient Near East, these exact same terms are used by the kings when erecting statues - we are images of God's rule here on Earth!]
    ⁃    Visible representative of the invisible God
    ⁃    Babel -- (confusion) Mankind confused their purpose -- they were representing themselves rather than God
    ⁃    If I am trying to please myself, representing myself rather than God, it will only end of in chaos and confusion.
    ⁃    As a representative of God, my first thought needs to be just that. When a girl sees me her first thought shouldn't be "Cute guy," but "Image of God."
Exodus
    ⁃    Priests of God [representative of God/mediator]
Hebrews/John
    ⁃    Christ is the "exact imprint" of God -- He is the exact representation of the invisible God
I Peter
    ⁃    Chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation [still the visible representative of the invisible God]
    ⁃     Specific set of behaviors

When does a boy become a man?
1. Spiritual maturity sufficient to lead a wife and children.
    - Samson was definitely not ready to lead. Am I? When will I be ready?
        - Bible reading, prayer. Good place to start.
2. Personal maturity sufficient to be a responsible husband and father.
    - Unless I am gifted with celibacy, I am going to be a husband and father. Channels what God has given me to invest myself in my wife and children.
3. Economic maturity sufficient to hold an adult job and handle money.
    - How am I using my money? Am I saving? Am I spending i on pleasure?
4. Physical maturity sufficient to work and protect a family.
5. Sexual maturity sufficient to marry and fulfill God's purposes.
    - Don't confuse the purpose of sex. It is vital that it only happens in marriage. [Chaos and confusion if this gift is used outside of marriage.]
6. Moral maturity sufficient to lead as example of righteousness.
7. Ethical maturity sufficient to make responsible decisions.
8. Worldview maturity sufficient to understand what is really important.
9. Relational maturity sufficient to understand and respect others.
10. Social maturity sufficient to make a contribution to society.
    - Serve in my church now -- if I can't do this now, am I going to do this when I am married?
11. Verbal maturity sufficient to communicate and articulate as a man.
12. Character maturity sufficient to demonstrate courage under fire.
13. Biblical maturity sufficient to lead at some level in the church.