THE APOSTLE PAUL'S LEADERSHIP ADVICE TO HIS SUCCESSORS
Timothy was Paul's primary successor in his missionary work to the gentile world. Paul realized that the younger man would be around, hopefully, for many years afterwards. Therefore the training of Timothy was crucial.
1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV)
Paul knew that most of the Elders in the congregations would be senior to Timothy but they must not be allowed to dismiss his valuable leadership based solely on his youth. Leaders need to be respected in an appropriate manner. Naturally, no one should be put on a pedestal.
1 Timothy 4:7-8, “But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Paul is also saying to Timothy, “You already have the gifts you need to lead, just stir up your strength and courage and faith and apply them with vigor.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Paul is saying to leaders to remain in shape spiritually just like those who exercise in a gymnasium. Be like an athlete who practices and practices for the highest performance in his sport. Spiritual exercise includes Bible Study, prayer, meditation, and righteous living habits. Building those regimens is his advice while rejecting silly doctrines.
1 Timothy 4:14, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”
Paul is telling him –– and us –– that whatever gifts you were given by the Spirit of God, sharpen them and develop them to utmost performance levels. No doubt Timothy was being encouraged to continue to develop his teaching skills with increased Biblical insight.
1 Timothy 4:16, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
2 Timothy 1:13-14, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”
2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
He is telling his protege that adhering to Biblical truth like a professional will save himself and those churches that hear him. Remember that he is talking about the Old Testament which is therefore obviously very relevant.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHOOSING AND TRAINING LEADERS
Paul, major author of the New Testament, instructs the evangelist Timothy on qualities needed for leadership.
1 Timothy 3:2-5, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well…5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)”
These high standards are essential for Godly leadership. A good family is needed as well.
1 Timothy 3:6-7, “…not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
1 Timothy 5:22, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.”
Fairly new members should never be ordained no matter how talented they maybe, because the Devil will undermine him based on pride. Leaders must remain humble. Deacons also must adhere to high standards as well.
1 Timothy 3:8-10, “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.”
The importance of Deacons is obvious and necessary as groups increase. Further, the importance of spouses both among Elders and Deacons is also vital. Female leadership and examples are also held to high standards and are vital.
1 Timothy 3:11, “Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.”
Paul gave similar advice to the Evangelist Titus regarding the undisciplined Cretans.
Titus 1:7-9, “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
Paul also had fears regarding the future of these leaders that he and his proteges would be ordaining.
THE APOSTLES FINAL WARNINGS TO LEADERS WITHIN THE CHURCH
Paul on his fourth and possibly his final missionary journey met with the Elders of one of his largest and most successful congregations.
Acts 20:17-22, “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: ‘You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,’”
Paul sets the stage for his final warning regarding spiritual wolves.
Acts 20:28-31, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
He warned of the swarm of wolves who would descend upon the church. The Apostle thought he would never see them again and warned with tears over future corruption from men who desired their own personal following and would take it at the expense of the church.
DISCUSSION ISSUES : WILL SATAN TARGET GOOD CHURCH LEADERS ?
