CHARACTER OF LEADERS (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) – 2
(The following article is word-for-word what I teach pastors in India. Reading it will give you exactly what I teach in my conferences. This is a continuation of blog 1.)
In the last blog we saw a godly church leader must have godly inner qualities, a godly relationship with others and a godly reputation. Today we will finish looking at Paul’s list in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
A GODLY LEADER HAS A GODLY SPIRITUAL LIFE. (Not a new believer, hold fast to sound doctrine, able to teach: 1 Timothy 3:2,6; Titus 1:8-9) A leader is like this because he has a strong spiritual life and close relationship with God. He has been a believer for a long time and lives a holy life. He knows the Bible well and is able to teach it to others. Pastors must be mature, godly men who represent Jesus well in their daily life, what they say (and don’t say) and how they treat others. When they sin, and everyone sins (1 John 1:8-10), a godly leader is quick to confess the sin to God and apologize to anyone he has offended. In order to do this, he must know his Bible well and apply it to every area of his life.
Ezra is a good example of a leader with a strong spiritual life. He was a great scholar and knew the Bible well. He was a mature, godly man of God. He taught the people who returned to Jerusalem from captivity how to rebuild Jerusalem. He encouraged them to repent and a great revival came when they did.
Who do you know who is like this? Who has a strong spiritual life? Do others think of you when they look for these traits? Why or why not? What can you do to be more like this kind of person?
A GODLY LEADER HAS A GODLY FAMILY LIFE. (Husband of one wife, manage own family well, children who obey him: 1 Timothy 3:2-5; Titus 1:6) Godly characteristics are also seen in how a leader treats their family. He is faithful and loyal to his wife and leads his family is a gentle, godly way. A godly leader loves, serves and spends time with his wife and children. His wife and children love and respect him and he leads them to respect and follow God. He trains his children to serve God and treats his wife with love and honor, putting her needs before his own.
Joseph treated Mary this way. He was willing to follow God first, even if it means not marrying Mary. By putting her first, Mary respected and followed Joseph to Bethlehem, Egypt and then Nazareth. He was a great father to Jesus, James and Jude as well.
Who do you know who is like this? Who sets an example of being a godly husband and father? Do others think of you when they look for these traits? Why or why not? What can you do to be more like this kind of person?
A GODLY LEADER HAS GODLY PERSONAL HABITS. (Not given to drunkenness, not a lover of money, not pursuing dishonest gain, loving what is good: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7-8) He doesn’t get drunk and doesn’t love money and do whatever he can to get more but loves what is good in life. He doesn’t brag or show off. He shares and gives generously to others in need, especially to ones who can never pay him back.
Old Testament Joseph was such a man. He was the second most powerful leader in Egypt but was humble, forgiving and not self-centered or greedy. He gave generously to everyone in need during the drought, even his family that had rejected and betrayed him. He was self-controlled and resisted temptation when Potiphar’s wife came after him.
Who do you know who is like this? Who exemplifies these godly personal habits? Do others think of you when they look for these traits? Why or why not? What can you do to be more like this kind of person?
It takes time to attain these, a lifetime work. Even then we don’t get them all perfect. Becoming Christlike is a long, slow growth process. It is a goal to strive for, something to motivate and inspire us.
Being a leader is a tough job! As Peter says, it is “noble work.” It is noble, but it is also work. Leaders are held to higher standards. Leaders face greater temptations. Leaders bear heavier burdens.
1 Timothy 3:4-7 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
In which of the strengths mentioned above are you the strongest?
Where are you weakest? What can you do, starting today, to improve?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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