Passing The Mantle 2 Kings 2 7 15

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: 1031) – 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 (1 Thessalonians 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?

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: 1114) – Become useful vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2: 21) – Who replaced Dorcas? (Acts 9: 36 -42) – Who replaced Epaphroditus? (Philippians 2: 25 -

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?