Scripture Focus (1 Timothy 4:13-16) – “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. [14] Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. [15] Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
I. Leaders must constantly remain purely motivated
A. Addressing your own internal needs (1 Timothy 1:5) – “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
B. Remembering the Kingdom big-picture (2 Timothy 2:10) – “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
II. Leaders must first be tested and proven
A. Unwilling to be examined, unfit to lead (1 Timothy 3:9-10) – “They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove
themselves blameless.”
1. Potential leaders’ beliefs should be examined
2. Potential leaders should be given opportunities and observed by more mature leaders
3. Potential leaders will not be perfect, but they must be above reproach
B. Obvious gifting is not enough if character is not as obvious (1 Timothy 5:22) – “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.”
C. Being young in age or in spiritual experience carries potential dangers for leadership (1 Timothy 3:6) – “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
The “condemnation of the devil” was that Lucifer was the anointed angel who was so enamored with himself that he felt entitled to God’s very throne (see Isaiah 14:12-17). Pride, presumption, and impatience are frequent temptations to young potential leaders. Elevating a novice or a recent convert opens him/her up to the possibility of desiring something he/she is not prepared or qualified to receive yet. Elevating people into leadership too soon not only harms the mission, but it is also frequently detrimental to the person being prematurely advanced.
III. Leaders must model exemplary living
A. Intentional awareness of representation must be maintained (1 Timothy 4:12) – “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
B. Proactive approach to priorities and pursuits is required (1 Timothy 6:11-12) – “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
C. Recognize that many things are beneath the dignity of a maturing leader (2 Timothy 2:22) – “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
D. Militantly guard yourself from slow slippage in the wrong direction (Titus 2:11-13) – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, [13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
A proper, biblical understanding of God’s grace does not lead Christians to a lessened concern of or awareness about sin. Grace is always “training us” to strongly oppose ungodliness and pursuits rooted in the world’s temporary values. Grace trains us towards holy living in the midst of an unholy present generation. Leaders model to all that our hope is not rooted here in earthly things. The leader’s example must not leave followers with any legitimizing of living for the world’s values and pleasures.
IV. Leaders exhibit an industrious and engaged work ethic
A. Leaders must regularly communicate that all Christians are called to serve God (Titus 3:8) – “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”
“may be careful” – Greek phrontízō (φροντίζω); to fix one’s attention.
to cause your mind to think upon a thing; to continue to reflect upon a matter
B. Leaders take personal responsibility for their own use of gifts in serving God (2 Timothy 1:6-7) – “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, [7] for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
C. Leaders intentionally uncomplicate their lives for greater Kingdom impact – (2 Timothy 2:3-6) – “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. [5] An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.”
D. Leaders can present their level of commitment as examples to others (2 Timothy 3:10-11) – “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, [11] my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.”
E. Leaders make up their minds ahead of time that quitting is not an option (2 Timothy 4:5-8) – “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. [6] For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”