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Passing The Mantle. 2 Kings 2:7-15. Background. Elisha had been named as Elijah’s successor This was God’s choice (1 Kings 19:16) He served Elijah from that time The time came to “pass the mantle” What can we learn from this incident? What did this symbolize?
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Passing The Mantle 2 Kings 2:7-15
Background • Elisha had been named as Elijah’s successor • This was God’s choice (1 Kings 19:16) • He served Elijah from that time • The time came to “pass the mantle” • What can we learn from this incident? • What did this symbolize? • How does this apply to us in the home? • How does it apply in the church?
“Passing The Mantle” • Mantle was a symbol of the prophet’s work • Not given because Elisha lacked one of his own • It was a sign of the prophet’s work • Passing was akin to “passing the baton” • This was figurative • The work passed from Elijah to Elisha • Both the giver and receiver must be faithful • Elisha had proven his dedication (1 Kings 19:21)
The Mantle in The Home • Mantle of leadership in the home • Husband (father) is the head (Ephesians 5:23) • Leadership done in love (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29) • Failure to lead is serious (1 Samuel 2:13-17; 3:13) • What kind of job are we doing? • Our sons will imitate us
The Mantle in The Home • Mantle of guiding the household • This mantle is the Mother’s (1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4, 5) • Consider the worthy woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) • Negative affect of women’s liberation movement • Are your daughters (granddaughters) being prepared? • What kind of example is being set before them?
The Mantle in The Church • Mantle of leadership of elders • In the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) • Must be obeyed (1Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17) • Mantle must be passed to others eventually • God chose Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:16) • Church selects elders (1 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1:5-9) • Many churches have no elders • Are we encouraging our young men to be elders? • Are we encouraging young women to be elder’s wives?
The Mantle in The Church • Mantle of service of deacons • Must meet certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:10-13) • They must be replaced eventually • Mantle of service of teachers • Teachers must be trained (2 Timothy 2:2) • Many excuses: “no time”, “my job”, etc. • Excuses are not acceptable (Luke 14:16-24)
The Mantle in The Church • Mantle of service of song leaders • Commanded to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) • Leaders are an authorized expedient • Mantle of service in other areas • All are to be engaged in good works (Titus 2:11-14) • Become useful vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21) • Who replaced Dorcas? (Acts 9:36-42) • Who replaced Epaphroditus? (Philippians 2:25-30) • Who replaced Onesiphorus? (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
Conclusion • Elisha made a commitment to serve God • Said goodbye to his family • Went with Elijah • Have we made a commitment • Are we weak and inconsistent? • Are we a strong Christian?