Passing The Mantle Of Leadership 2 Kings 2:7-15

Background Elijah’s successor Lessons God’s choice (1 Kings 19:16) Time came to “pass the mantle” Lessons Transfer of leadership Application to the home Application to the church

“The Mantle” Symbol of the prophet’s work Figurative Not because Elisha lacked his own Sign of the prophet’s work Figurative Faithful giver and receiver Proven his dedication (1 Kings 19:21)

Mantle in The Home Leadership Husband (Ephesians 5:23) Done in love (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29) Serious (1 Samuel 2:13-17; 3:13) What kind of job are we doing? Our sons will imitate us

Mantle in The Home Guiding the household Wife (1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4, 5) Worthy woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) Women’s liberation movement Preparing our daughters? What kind of example is being set?

Mantle in The Church Elders Must be passed to others Local (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) To be imitated and obeyed (1Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17) Must be passed to others God chose Elisha (1 Kings 19:16) Church selects those qualified (1 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1:5-9)

Mantle in The Church Deacons Teachers Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:10-13) Replacements necessary Teachers Training necessary (2 Timothy 2:2) Excuses not accepted (Luke 14:16-24)

Mantle in The Church Song leaders Others Command to sing (Ephesians 5:19) Authorized expedient Others Engaged in good works (Titus 2:11-14) Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42) Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30) Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18)

Conclusion Elisha’s commitment Have you made a commitment? Said goodbye to his family Went with Elijah Have you made a commitment? Are you weak and inconsistent? Are you a strong Christian?