June 26, 2005 Summit AM

God’s Leaders

Introduction

A. Text – Eph.4:11-16

B. God ordained that there be leadership

            1. In Government – home – work & the church

            2. Reason – for the good of mankind – what best

            3. However, not just any leader will do

                        a. Diotrephes loved to be # 1 = hindrance to spreading truth

                        b. 2 Tim.3:6-9 – wrong leaders gain power over the weak – lead astray

C. This morning – focus on leadership

            1. Just what is it that we ought to be looking for?

            2. In church we have a say in leadership – not driven but led

                        a. 1 Pet.5:1-3 – an example

                        b. We allowed a choice – when accept them – are to follow – Heb.13:17

D. Pray

 

I. Needs To Be A Man With Leadership Ability

            A. Means

                        1. Strength of character; skill

                        2. Look at qualifications of elders – 1 Tim.3; Titus 1

                                    a. People who have proven themselves

                                    b. Acts 6:3 – men known to be full of the Spirit & wisdom

            B. Making one a leader who has no leadership skills = disastrous

                        1. Some base choice on popularity (who gets most votes)

                                    a. God looks upon the heart – so should we

                                    b. Phil.2:19-21 – have no other like him = truly cares

                        2. Solomon’s wisdom

                                    a. Prov.28:15,16 – wicked rule = like charging bear

                                    b. Prov.11:11 - Through the blessing of the upright a city is

exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

                        3. Need a man who makes an environment for spiritual growth

                                    a. 2 Tim.2:24-26 – must not be argumentative

                                    b. 1 Tim.4:1-3 – men whose conscious is seared = follow demons

 

II. Need A Man Who Truly Fears God

            A. Fear = deep respect & reverence

                        1. Not dread or fear of harm

                        2. Is a respect that motivates him to do nothing against God

                        3. His goal & desire is God’s pleasure & will

                        4. Gal.6:7 – be not deceived God is not mocked

            B. Examples

                        1. Book of 1st Kings

                                    a. Begins with king David – man after God’s heart

                                    b. Ends with Ahab – most wicked of the kings

                                    c. At 1st nation flourishes – ends on road to destruction

                        2. What made the difference?

                                    a. People ruled by a man who ignored God

                                    b. Soon nation conformed to its leader – wicked lifestyle

            C. Watch out for men who are fearful of what man thinks

                        1. Gal.1:10 – try please men = can’t please God

                        2. Jn.5:44 – can’t believe = accept the praise of men

                        3. There will always be opposition

                                    a. Listen to constructive criticism

                                    b. Realize can never please everyone – focus on pleasing God

 

III. Select A Man Of The Truth

            A. A man who seeks truth – lives by the truth

                        1. One who is trustworthy – a man of his word

                        2. Someone you can count upon – do what he says

                        3. Prov.29:12 – if ruler listens to lies – all advisors become wicked

            B. 1 Tim.4:11-16 – make this your lifestyle = save self & others

                        1. This is kind of leader I want to be & follow

                        2. Jn.8:31,32 – truth is what frees

                        3. There is no room for deception & lies in God’s leadership

                                    (the stakes are just too high – matter of spiritual life or death)

 

IV. Be A Man Who Hates Covetousness

            A. All of us struggle with materialism (to some degree)

                        1. Flesh always wants more – never satisfied

                        2. 1 Tim.6:3-5 – some even see godliness as a means of gaining riches

                                    a. Pursue God & His principles for material gain

                                    b. Even hear it preached today – name it & claim it

                        3. Pursuing riches will become a snare – 1 Tim.6:9,10

                                    a. Will spiritually enslave you

                                    b. Bring all kinds of ruin into your spiritual life

                        4. Interesting passage – James 2:5

                                    (God chosen the poor to be rich in faith)

            B. Greed & covetousness are idolatry

                        1. Col.3:5 – needs to be put to death

                        2. When leaders are caught up in covetousness – Satan rules church

                                    a. All concerned with is money – having & keeping

                                    b. Unwilling to listen to God’s word about wealth

 

V. Be A Man Who Is Available For The People

            A. God’s leaders are servants

                        1. Mt.20:25-28 – God’s leaders not follow worlds example

                        2. Number 1 interest = serving, not being served

            B. God needs leaders that have time & energy for others

                        1. Heb.10:24,25 – looking for ways to spur one another on

                        2. Not content with the status quo – goal is better – God’s way!

                        3. Remember - Leadership in God’s kingdom is not an executive position