Introductory Devotions

Intro: Knighthood Verses

Like squires of the medieval period, the young men in your group are in training to become modern-day knights. They should aspire to the noble character traits represented by knighthood. Use this devotion to introduce your group to the Squires2Knights teaching plan. Explain to the young men that you will be leading devotions on a regular basis. The teaching topics for these devotions will focus on Christ-centered manhood. The topics will be drawn directly from three scriptures we call Knighthood Verses. The whole group will memorize them together.

Intro: The Fundamentals

Following the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus’ parents begin the journey home. But Jesus stays behind, listening and asking questions in the temple courts. He is only twelve years old at the time. When his parents discover him missing and eventually find him there, he tells them, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Verse 52, our memory verse, then tells of the years following this episode.

Countless sermons to teenagers have focused on Luke Chapter 2, verse 52. With age in common to this scripture reference, teenagers are often taught from this verse. Giving clear and basic concepts for their Christian walk and growth, teens can be exhorted in the fundamentals offered in this simple statement of basics.

Intro: Guidelines for Men

As Steve Farrar declares in the title of his book, men are to be Tender Warriors. We are to exhibit the character and nature of Jesus Christ – firm, courageous and strong, yet compassionate and loving. In some ways, there might seem to be a paradox in this calling. But when properly modeled and taught, young men can embrace a vision of Christ-centered manhood that will bless their families, churches, communities and our nation. As you model Christ-likeness, 1 Corinthians 16:13 and 14 will be your road map for leading your young men through an intentional training plan for Biblical manhood.

Intro: Five Roles for Men

A list of masculine characteristics could be an exhaustive inventory ranging from the twelve points of the Scout Law to the Military Code of Conduct to the Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper. For our purposes, we’d like to teach our young men from a Biblical perspective. So today’s devotion will introduce a variety of primary characteristics we believe are rather inclusive of the roles and responsibilities God designed for men. Not all men will be called to fulfill every one of these roles. Some of these roles will be carried out during different seasons of life. Two of these roles also pertain to the Biblical woman: disciple and servant. But it’s important to remember, God is always glorified in the fulfillment of each of these masculine roles and responsibilities.

Intro: Four Responsibilities for Men

As we addressed the five roles for men during the last devotion, you may have already identified a few missing elements. These elements of Biblical manhood we refer to as responsibilities within the roles of men. Like the roles of men, these responsibilities will be carried out in varying degrees throughout a man’s life.

Intro: From Adam to Christ

The impact of knowing who we are in God’s eyes can bring about the saving faith of a sinner – or it can make or break the sanctification process of a believer. Your young men must understand where they came from – heirs of the fall of man through Adam. This awareness of their sin-nature could be the catalyst for their repentant heart and a faith in Christ. And for those who are saved, an understanding of their identity “in Christ” is crucial. If they can comprehend that we have “put on a new self” through Christ, no longer “under the law” of the old covenant, their identity in Christ can direct their heart, mind, and soul to the nature and character of Jesus Christ, the ‘life-giving spirit.” That’s where Christ-likeness comes from.