1 Timothy 1:3-20
In the book of 1st Timothy Paul passes the torch to Timothy and gives him “charge” to minister to the church at Ephesus. In the next few lessons we’ll cover the subject of leadership. The book of 1st Timothy can be divided into three aspects of leadership: Direction – defining the movement, Duty – responsibilities of leadership, and Discretion – a good leader conducts his life by a set of ethics.
Paul besought Timothy to abide at Ephesus to provide leadership: Timothy would be the right man to grow the congregation at Ephesus. The book of 1st Timothy shows how that leadership would be accomplished. In this lesson we’ll discuss the aspect of leadership that deals with Direction, or defining the movement.
Good Leadership is Effective Communication (vss 3-4)
- Charge some (vss 3 – 4) – Where are we going?! What are we doing?! -Nothing happens until someone says something -The bigger the group, the better the communication must be – Never assume anyone knows anything
- Good leaders are avid listeners
- Informed people are happy people. People left in the dark will imagine the worst because Genesis 8:21 is true. (Illustration: Yellowstone National Park concession company rumors in 1989.)
Good Leadership provides a Culture of Growth (vss 5 – 16)
- Some men knew the law very well and because of their knowledge desired to be over others. But without a love for the people your leadership will be a failure. The law is for conviction, not growing saints (vss 8-11)
- Culture of Growth
- who hath enabled me (vs 12)
- grace of the Lord Jesus Christ was exceeding abundant (vs 14)
- Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering (vs 16)
- James 3:17 – the character and spirit of God
- Kindness is capital
Good Leadership Delegates to the Faithful (vss 18 – 20)
- Pride tightens the grip, humility let’s go
- Mentoring is nonnegotiable – This charge I commit unto thee, O Timothy
- ExxonMobil CEO said it’s the position he leaves the company in at his departure that matters – Dictators’ commitment is to themselves. Good leaders have a commitment to the organization – what’s good for the most people, i.e. Joseph in Egypt