This past Saturday we had a men’s breakfast. We looked together in 2 Peter 1:3-11 at what it means to make every effort. After the meeting I received an email. It contained the first notes to a sermon written by a young man. He was at the breakfast with his dad. I laughed when I received his notes at their child-like simplicity. But I also was affected by the level of detail and attentiveness to the preached Word that is evidenced in this young man’s notes. Here they are (used with permission):
“Make every effort...
Take responsibility.
Top ten playoff plays by Larry Bird
Something was on the screen
Fist pump was awkward
Not fluid
Work ethic
2 Peter 1
Produce Christ
God gives power for a godly life (v.3-4)
No superstar Christians
Given us everything for life
I can do all things through Christ
God is faithful
Travel with someone
We must make every effort to live a godly life (v.5-7)
Follow your shot
Self-control
Possession in Christ
An 'every effort' kind of life leads to fruitfulness, protection and blessing (v.8-11)”
Wow! A young man, not quite 11 gives his heart attentively to the preached Word. This is the mark of a man after God’s own heart!
Now our note taking may look different, and the point isn’t even that we take notes. Rather, what can we learn from this young man about how we listen to the Word of God? May his example inspire us, and let’s pray together for this kind of engagement in the hearts of all of our children!