“A LEADERSHIP TRAINING MANUAL”

1 & 2 Timothy

Introduction

Paul’s letters to Timothy amounts to a leadership-training manual. Written by the Apostle Paul to his young apprentice, Timothy, it contains good instruction for emerging leaders and it also lists the qualifications of a leader.

Paul and Timothy provide the clearest mentoring relationship in Scripture – at least since Elijah and Elisha. As we begin to see the relationship between Paul and Timothy develop we have look to Acts 16:1-3, when Timothy joined Paul in Lystra. Paul invested his life in Timothy for a long time, taking him on short-term mission trips – letting him preach – and then leaving him to pastor a young church. But that wasn’t the end. Paul then began to write instructional letters to Timothy.

How Paul Developed Timothy As A Leader/Disciple

Principle Of Purposeful Pursuit

Paul proactively identified a young leader that he believed could develop. He had been to Lystra and observed Timothy’s life. His spiritual antennas were up. He insisted his team go back to challenge and invite the young man (Timothy) to join them.

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Principle Of Proven Potential

Paul did his homework on Timothy. He recognized him as a diamond in the rough. He watched Timothy prove himself in his hometown while growing up, and he knew Timothy’s family and the spiritual stock he came from.

Principal Of Practical Patience

Paul patiently selected and mentored Timothy. He was careful not to act prematurely and even advised his student not to “lay hands on anyone hastily” [1 Timothy 5:22]. He believed his team had acted too quickly in letting John Mark travel with them [Acts 12:25], and he didn’t want to pick fruit too early.

Principal Of Participatory Process

Paul recognized that he was but one participant in a long line of contributors in Timothy’s life. In his second letter, Paul reminds Timothy of his other mentors, including his mother and grandmother. Timothy had a strong heritage before Paul came along; Paul simply played his role in the process.

Principal Of Passion And Price Tags

Paul made clear the price of leadership in both of his letters to Timothy. After Paul found Timothy in Lystra, a mob dragged the apostle out of the city – stoned him – and left him for dead. When he recovered he returned, grabbed Timothy, and finished his work there. This kind of passion for leadership drove Paul to reproduce leaders like Timothy.

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Lessons In Leadership In 1 Timothy

God’s Role In 1 Timothy:

God’s plays out His role in 1 Timothy as the One who develops leaders who develop other leaders. Our Lord is the Master Developer who raised up Paul the apostle to equip Timothy to equip His church in Ephesus. God revealed to Timothy the fundamental principles and guidelines for church leadership, and the qualifications for overseers and their code of conduct. Through this first letter God speaks personally to Timothy and to us as spiritual leaders.

Lessons Of Leadership Found In 1 Timothy:

Leaders must live by a higher standard than followers.

Leaders are not mass-produced, but must be mentored one at a time.

Leaders must celebrate diversity, but confront deviancy (the condition of being abnormal, undermining, or weakening).

The greatest contribution a leader can make is to develop more leaders.

Young leaders can influence by their example, if nothing else.

A leader’s integrity will directly affect his/her influence.

I. Leadership By Objective

Paul wrote this letter as a training manual for young Timothy and sent it to the young leader as he attempted to pastor an intimidating church in Ephesus.

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Paul issues five charges for Timothy:

First Charge: Wage the good warfare [1:18-20]. Timothy is to proceed in his work with resolution. The “prophecies, which went before” are mentioned as a motivation to stir Timothy up to a vigorous and conscience discharge of his duty (ministry). The hopes that others have concerning us should excite us concerning our ministry. We should be excited – warfare is exciting. The ministry is warfare. It is a good warfare and against sin and Satan and it is (conducted) under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Captain of our Salvation [Hebrews 2:10].

Second Charge: Conduct yourself worthy of God’s house [3:14, 15]. Paul was stressing to leaders in the Church (the House Of God) that our behavior must be above reproach. Those of us who claim the Name of Jesus must live worthy of that name.

God is a living God; He is the fountain of life – He is LIFE Himself – He gives life – breath – and in Him we live, move, and have our being. As the Church we proclaim the Gospel of Life in Jesus Christ and we must conduct ourselves worthy of His Name!

Third Charge: Do not neglect your gift [4:11-16]. v.11 = Paul was telling Timothy that the things

he had been teaching him, Timothy in turn should be teaching to others.

v.12 = “set an example” – this is one of the most important qualifications for a church leader. The Greek word translated “example” is tupos, meaning, “model,” “image,” “ideal,” or “pattern.” Christians, and especially Christian leaders, must be models of faithfulness, purity

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and perseverance in godly living. Paul was emphasizing a great truth here. Spiritual authority is the result of spiritual character and wisdom; it does not necessarily depend upon one’s age. Those who teach by doctrine must also teach by their life. If we don’t, we pull down with one hand what we have built up with the other. We must be examples both in word and behavior.

v.13 = Paul charges Timothy to study hard. Though Timothy had extraordinary gifts, yet he must use ordinary means. We must be prepared to read and expound the Scriptures. We must teach both what to do and what to believe.

Many churches act as though spiritual growth is automatic once a person is born again. They operate with no organized plan for following-up new believers and no comprehensive strategy for developing members to maturity. They leave it all to chance.

They assume that Christians will automatically grow to maturity if they attend church services. All we need to do is just encourage people to “show up.”

Paul understood that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen once you’re saved (even if you regularly attend church services). The church of today is filled with people who’ve attended their entire lives, yet they are still very much spiritual babies.

Spiritual Growth Must Be Intentional: it doesn’t come with the passing of time. The writer of Hebrews noted [5:12] – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food.”

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Message: “By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one – baby’s milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God’s ways, solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.

Millions of Christians have grown older without ever growing up!

v.14 = neglect not the gift – The gifts of God will wither if they are neglected! I cannot tell you how many times we have witnessed this. The Adversary helps us make all kinds of excuses why we can’t exercise the spiritual gift(s) that God has given us. When that happens the gift withers!

v.15 = Leaders are to be in much meditation. We must consider how and what we must speak. We are to meditate on the great trust committed to us, and the account that we must give at the last day.

When we stand before the Lord we will not be measured by how great our salary – how large our house – how big our church building – the number of people attending – our popularity – but as we profit in knowledge and grace we profit others and by this we will be judged.

v.16 = Paul tells Timothy to be very cautious. Pay attention to the truths you have received and consider what you speak to others. Pay attention to yourself and to your doctrine – or danger can arise.

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When we neglect our own spiritual health and fail to stay in the Word we are walking on thin ice spiritually.

Fourth Charge: Observe these things without prejudice [5:21]. Ministers (leaders – and all Christians) must give an account before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, whether, and how, we have observed all the responsibilities given to us. We are to be impartial – to have respect for persons. Discipline must be exercised in the Church and should be done without prejudice, or preferred treatment (partiality).

Fifth Charge: Guard what is committed to you [6:20, 21]. For the 4th time Paul charges Timothy to guard the faith that has been entrusted to him (1:18, 19; 4:6 – 11; 6:13 – 16; 6:20). The Greek literally means “keep the deposit: and refers to the sacred obligation of keeping safe a treasured possession committed to one’s care.

The Holy Spirit has committed the Gospel of Jesus Christ to us [2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16]. We must proclaim the pure and full gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:4], ever ready to defend the precious truths when they are attacked, distorted or denied.

Wherever God gives Grace, He will also give Glory, and He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly!

Sharing “Bottom Line” Goals: Paul communicates his purpose on several occasions. He declares it in 1 Timothy 1:5 – The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love – love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Paul believed in management by objective. He was quick to share his bottom line goals with his team and encouraged them

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to meet those objectives in the manner that suited them best. Paul considered their mission – not their methods – sacred. Paul teaches us:

Leaders Manage Their Goals. They let people choose their own methods.

Leaders Create Atmosphere. They let people own their style.

Leaders Determine Budget. They give ownership of how money is spent.

Leaders Choose Priorities. They share activities with gifted people.

Leaders Train The Team. They freely give away the credit for victories.

II. Qualifications Of Spiritual Leaders

In Paul’s list of qualifications for church leaders, 1 Timothy 3:10 is key: “But let these also first be tested.” [“Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on.” The Message] Every leader should be tested before given an official position. The preparation of a leader is crucial to their success. I read an outline prepared by Frank Damazio that traces Paul’s logic concerning leadership. I want to share that with you.

Leader’s SalvationLeadership is planted as a seed.

Leader’s CallLeadership begins to sprout.

Leader’s Preparation8

Leadership is tested as a plant.

Leader’s PositionLeadership matures and bears fruit.

Paul gave this list of qualifications for two reasons:

1. To provide guidelines for churches to select leaders;

2. To give church leaders a checkpoint for their own spiritual lives.

Paul reminds us that if anyone aspires to be a leader, he aspires to a noble task. To have the gifts and qualities and not take on leadership positions may be disobedience. The desire, however, must be accompanied by discipline.

What sort of qualifications must church leaders possess? 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Paul lists the following traits for successful church leaders:

1) Blameless (v.2) – QUESTION: Is the leader quick to improve those areas that can damage his integrity? “Blameless” = “above reproach” – The prospective leader (in this case the “overseer” or pastor) must be above reproach [Greek anepilemptos – literally meaning “not to be laid hold of”]. This has to do with proven observable conduct that is blameless in marital life, family life, social life and business life. No leader should have a justifiable charge of immorality or misconduct against him. Rather, he as a believer must have a blameless reputation with those inside and outside the

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church. In the instance before us {the pastor} he should not have marred his Christian life with serious sin or immorality by habit or incident. He, therefore, can be a godly example for young and old to follow.

2) Husband of one wife (v.2) – QUESTION: Is the leader loving his wife as Christ loved the church? God has established the family as the basic unit in society. Every family must have a leader. Therefore, God has assigned to the husband the responsibility of being the head of the wife and family [Ephesians 5:23-33; 6:4]. His headship must be exercised in love – gentleness – and consideration for his wife and family [vv. 25-30; 6:4]. The husband’s God-given responsibility as “head of the wife” includes:

A. Provision for the family’s spiritual and domestic needs [vv. 23, 24; Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Timothy 5:8];

B. Love – protection – and interest in her welfare in the same way that Christ loves the church [vv. 25-33];

C. Honor – understanding – appreciation – and thoughtfulness [Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7];

D. Absolute faithfulness to the marriage relationship [v. 31; Matthew 5:27, 28].

3) Temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior (v.2) – QUESTION: Is the leader master of himself, that he may be a servant to many? The leader must be vigilant and watchful against Satan and he must watch over himself, and those who are committed to his charge.

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4) Hospitable (v. 2) – QUESTION: Does the leader exhibit a warm and welcoming spirit?

5) Able to teach (v . 2) – QUESTION: Does the leader consistently help others learn and become better disciples?

6) Not given to wine (v. 3) – QUESTION: Is the leader sober, watchful, and diligent, so that he/she does not damage those who watch them? It is obvious from Scripture (OT and NT) that no believer {much less a spiritual leader} should be given to drunkenness. This does not appear to be Paul’s complete point. The phrase (Greek me paroinon, from me, meaning “not,” and paroinos, a compound meaning “at, by near, next to or with wine”) is literally translated “not by, near or with wine,” or “not being beside wine.” In other words, a leader (in this case the pastor) should not be enticed by fermented wine.

7) Not violent, not quarrelsome (v. 3) – QUESTION: Does the leader have an approachable disposition that brings peace and healing? The old King James refers to this as “patient, not a brawler.” The leader (pastor) must be of a mild disposition. Not apt to be angry or quarrelsome. He is a “peacemaker.” The peacemakers are those who have been reconciled to God. The have peace with Him through the cross [Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-16]. They now strive by their witness and life to bring other, including their enemies, to peace with God. Matthew 5:9 (Message) – “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.” (That’s

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when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.)

8) Not greedy, not covetous (v. 3) – QUESTION: Does the leader allow his leadership to be controlled by the rich? Again, the King James says “not greedy of filthy lucre.” We must not allow our ministry to truckle to any secular design or interest. In other words – we don’t “kiss someone’s feet,” or “lick someone’s boot,” or “curry favor” because they have influence and money. We don’t slavishly grovel to every opinion of someone with money.

9) Rules his own house well (vv. 4, 5) – QUESTION: Does the leader manage his own family well before trying to manage the church? A key qualification for those desiring to be leaders is faithfulness in marriage and family relationships. The Holy Spirit regards the believer’s servanthood and humility in the home, marriage and family relationships as of highest importance. The one who would be leader must be an example to the family of God, especially in his faithfulness to his wife and children. After all, if he has failed in this realm, “how can he take care of God’s church?” [1 Timothy 3:5]

10) Not a novice (v. 6) – QUESTION: Is the leader seasoned, and a solid example for both insiders and outsiders? The leader must not be one who is a “new believer.” This is true regardless of their age or their work experience. If you explore deeper the meaning of the word “novice” you will find it gives emphasis to one who is merely “instructed in Christianity” or one who “knows no more of Christianity than that

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which is on the surface.” I believe we get the point here!

Solid Ground As A Leader

Every spiritual leader faces at least two important duties. First, they must confront those who fall away from the faith [1 Timothy 4:1-6]. Second, they must discipline themselves for godliness [4:7-16]. When leaders fulfill these two duties, they are ministering on solid ground and will earn the respect and trust of others.

III. Timothy – An Unlikely Leader [1 Timothy 4:12]

Nothing can make someone more unlikely – even unwilling – to lead than feelings of inadequacy.

Timothy, the young disciple of the apostle Paul, must have felt much as Moses did when God called him to lead Israel out of Egyptian captivity. Moses felt inadequate for the task, and most likely so did Timothy.

The Five Big Excuses Of MosesExodus 3:11-4:14

Most of us can list excuses why we don’t lead effectively, just as Moses did. When God called him, he instantly thought of five reasons why he couldn’t do it .

Excuse #1: Who am I? [3:11]Moses struggled with his identity. He just didn’t feel qualified; he thought God had picked the wrong leader. God’s response: It doesn’t matter who you are. I am with you! [3:12]

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Excuse #2: Who are You? [3:13]Moses felt a lack of intimacy. He didn’t know God well enough to describe Him to the people and lacked convictions concerning his relationship with God. God’s response: I AM WHO I AM. I AM ever present. I AM everything you need. [3:14]

Excuse #3: What if they don’t listen? [4:1]Moses felt intimidated. He worried about the people’s reaction to him. God’s response: When I’m finished, they’ll listen. [4:2-9]

Excuse #4: I’ve never been a good speaker. [4:10]Moses fretted about his inadequacies. Who would listen to him if he couldn’t even speak well? God’s response: Guess who made your mouth? [4:11, 12]

Excuse #5: I know you can find someone else. [4:13]Moses felt inferior. He compared himself to others – even his brother – and decided that he came up short. God’s response: OK, I will let Aaron go with you……….but I’m still calling you to go. [4:14]

We can identify any number of reasons that Timothy might have felt unfit to accept his assignment as pastor of the Ephesian church. He was too young – or too inexperienced – or the church was too large for a first pastoral assignment. Besides, how could he take over for the church’s founder, Paul? Would anyone even take him seriously?

“Never mind all that,” Paul tells him in his letter. “If you follow my instructions, you will be more than able to do the job. Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your relative youth and inexperience. Rather, be the

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kind of example of godliness that won’t allow anyone to treat you with anything but respect.”

God doesn’t necessarily choose leaders based on their natural talent or ability. Neither does he choose them on the basis of their age and experience. God chooses leaders based on their availability, not their ability – on their willingness to walk in obedience to Him, not their experience.

Major “bump” warning

When Moses finally agreed to fulfill his divine assignment, he heard some unsettling news: God would harden Pharaoh’s heart. The plan would work, but not right away.

Good leaders develop plans, but they also expect to make adjustments along the way. Rarely does any plan succeed without a “bump” or a glitch.

Lesson About Influence 1 Timothy 4:12-16

How can Timothy prevent anyone looking down on him because of his youth? By being an example; this will ensure his influence. The more you walk – the less you have to talk! Our leadership is more caught than taught. People would rather see a sermon than hear one.

IV. Leadership Begins At Home, Then Goes Public - 1 Timothy 5:8

In the midst of all his teaching about how believers are to relate to one another in the church, Paul prioritizes Timothy’s leadership as a pastor. If anyone doesn’t provide for his own home, the apostle declares, he

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cannot expect to provide for the church with any integrity.

Leadership starts at home. If it doesn’t work at home, don’t export it. Pastors, especially, must heed this warning. Leadership works best when it is prioritized as follows:

1. I am first a person. I must prioritize my own relationship with God.

2. Second, I am a partner. I must prioritize my relationship with my spouse.

3. Third, I am a parent. I must prioritize my relationship with my children.

4. Fourth, I am a pastor. I must prioritize my relationship with my ministry.

Equip – Equip – Equip – 1 Timothy 5:17-22 (The Elders)

Leaders are crucial to any organization. Mistakes made at the leadership level impact everyone. As the senior pastor, Timothy was to identify – prepare – and affirm his church leaders. He was to honor those who served well [5:17, 18], correct those in error [5:19-21], and prepare those who were called, patiently and carefully [5:22]. NOTHING SHOULD BE DONE IN HASTE!

Now consider the steps Paul endorsed concerning the establishment of leaders in the church:

1) Identification: Identify those with character, gifts, and influence.

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2) Separation: Set them apart for the work of their calling.

3) Preparation: Equip them with the tools and experiences they need.

4) Recognition: Allow the church to affirm their calling.

5) Ordination: Lay hands on them and ordain them for the work.

V. MOTIVE CHECK: Why You Do Something Determines What You Do! [1 Timothy 6]

Because our motives eventually determine our direction, Paul taught that right motives were even more important for the leader than right moves. Note Paul’s teaching on motives:

A. The evidence of wrong motives (v. 3) . The leader’s doctrine drifts and the teaching does not produce godliness.

B. The nature of wrong motives (vv. 4, 5). The proud leader stirs division and pursues personal gain.

C. The results of wrong motives (vv . 9, 10 ) . The leader falls into temptation, wanders from the faith, and destroys himself or herself.

How are we to watch our motives? What key principles should we keep in mind?

1. Trouble comes when leadership performs for the wrong reason.

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2. Spiritual leadership brings rewards so long as the rewards don’t control us.

3. Prosperity is everything God gives you above food and covering.

4. We must be content with God’s provision and placement.

5. We must remain dissatisfied with our own fruitfulness and pursuit of God

6. Wrong motives can lead to wrong moves, and even disqualify us for leadership.

“Final Lessons For Leaders” 2 Timothy

You can often tell what is important to a man by listening to his last words. Deathbed statements and confessions have furnished the themes of movies and books for decades. David Livingston uttered his last words in prayer for the tribes he tried to reach in Africa. Jesus’ last words make up the Great Commission. And now we read the apostle Paul’s last words in 2 Timothy and will find out what was important to him.

This letter is the last written by this great missionary leader. In it he communicates several crucial issues with his spiritual son Timothy. Paul had been his mentor and discipler. This letter contains “final lessons” for this young leader.

No doubt Timothy must have “felt” overwhelmed at times by the leadership role in which he found himself.

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Paul recognizes this and tells Timothy to “fan into flame those God-given gifts and use them without fear or shame.”

I love chapter two because of the word pictures. Paul uses 7 leadership metaphors: teacher – soldier – athlete – farmer – worker – vessel – and servant. These pictures portray a leader who is generous, disciplined, patient, rugged, tenacious, pure, hard-working, and sacrificial.

Paul exhorts Timothy to watch for coming opposition. Difficult times were (and are) on the horizon. Paul urges him to stand fast and strong – to lead with conviction – to preach the gospel just as he had received it – and to reproduce other leaders to be as faithful as he has been. This kind of labor will bring a heavenly crown of reward.

God’s Role In 2 Timothy:

God made sure that Paul spoke straight to the heart of a leader, not merely to his head. This letter certainly contains practical instructions for the mind and challenging exhortations for the will, God delivers through Paul words that fly straight to the heart and emotions of Timothy.

Any leader can receive valuable encouragement from this letter. It calls leaders to lead out of their souls and their convictions – to stand for what is right even when no one else does – to finish well, regardless of the moral failure of the world. In this letter God speaks very personally and mentors us to be His kind of leaders – good ones, and not evil, great ones instead of miserable.

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Lessons Of Leadership Found In 2 Timothy:

We are most effective when we lead in the area of our gifts. Our leadership will always be most natural, most effective and most influential when we lead from our gifts and strengths. Then it won’t be forced, feel awkward, seem artificial, or copy someone else. Effective leadership occurs when we lead from our own identity. Paul believed Timothy’s leadership would grow strong when he remembered three truths.

1. His secure heritage (v. 5) - Paul reminded Timothy of the Scriptural foundation his family had given him.

2. His spiritual gift (v. 6) - Paul reminded Timothy to stir up the gifts inside him and lead from those gifts.

3. His solid conviction (v. 7) - Paul reminded Timothy that God didn’t give him fear, but the tools to do the job.

Leaders are to equip and develop other leaders who will do the same.

Leaders set the standard for excellence, morality, productivity, and atmosphere.

The pathway to effective leadership is uphill with lots of hurdles along the way.

Leaders must consciously work to finish well. Spiritual leaders who finish well will be rewarded

richly.

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God Gives Us What We Need To Lead!

God always gives us what we need to lead. Paul reminded Timothy that God didn’t give the timidity that he felt; timidity came either from Timothy’s own baggage or from the pit of hell itself. Instead, God equipped him with love, power, and a sound mind. All leaders need these three fundamental tools:

LOVE: the relational ingredient that enables us to attract and connect with others.

POWER: the courage and competence to get the job done.

SOUND MIND: the perspective and wisdom to grasp a vision and take the right steps.

Because God has so equipped us, He instructs us to “not be ashamed……but share…..in the sufferings” [2 Timothy 1:8]. God gave Timothy (and us) everything needed to accomplish the job. He empowers us before He ever expects from us. He gives before He demands. We receive His competence before we receive His commands.

LEAD FOLLOWERS – TO MULTIPLY, LEAD LEADERS –

2 Timothy 2:1, 2

Leaders who develop followers grow their ministry only one person at a time. But leaders who develop leaders multiply their growth, because for every leader they develop, they also receive all of the leader’s followers. Add 10 followers to your church, and you have the power of 10 people. Add 10 leaders to your church,

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and you have the power of 10 leaders times all the followers and leaders THEY influence. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADDITION AND MULTIPLICATION! It’s like growing your church by teams instead of by individuals.

Paul was a master of “explosive growth.” He dedicated himself to people and activities that would impact the world. His strategy remains as effective today as it was 2,000 years ago. To promote “explosive growth” ……….

1. Attract and equip people. Everywhere Paul went, he gathered listeners and taught them. Paul would enter a town and begin teaching – for days, months, and sometimes years. No matter where he went, he continually equipped as many people as possible.

2. Find and mentor emerging leaders. Paul mentored too many leaders to count. Some of them, such as Silas, came to him already possessing influence and leadership skills [Acts 15:22]. Others were homegrown, such as Timothy [1 Timothy 1:2]. But no matter their background, Paul took them with him as he worked, preached, and led. Then he turned them loose, giving them responsibility and authority.

3. Create new organizations (plant churches). Paul didn’t hoard the leaders he developed. He raised up leaders to multiply and extend his influence. And he did it with a strategy – he planted churches. Wherever he traveled, he left a church with leaders to carry on the ministry.

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4. Engage in the ongoing development of leaders. Paul visited the leaders in his churches to follow up with them, encourage them, and give them direction. Paul’s second missionary journey began with the following suggestion: “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the Word of the Lord, and see how they are doing” [Acts 15:36].

You can achieve a large vision only through “explosive growth.” Anything less will leave you far short of your dreams. But becoming an “explosive growth” leader requires more than a change in the way you work; it requires a change in the way you think.

LEADERS WHO GATHER FOLLOWERS vs. LEADERS WHO DEVELOP LEADERS

I want you to consider 7 major differences between leaders who gather followers and leaders who develop other leaders:

1. Leaders who gather followers need to be needed; leaders who develop leaders want to be succeeded. Many who desire to lead followers do so because followers stroke their egos. They feel indispensable. But leaders who develop leaders work to make themselves dispensable. They don’t want a following, but a legacy.

2. Leaders who gather followers focus on people’s weaknesses; leaders who develop leaders focus on their strengths. Ineffective leaders focus on their followers’ weaknesses, sometimes out of misunderstanding the way development and

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encouragement work, other times because of insecurity – they want to keep their followers off-balance. But strong leaders focus on their people’s strengths because they know that is the key to developing people.

3. Leaders who gather followers focus on the bottom 20%; leaders who develop leaders focus on the top 20%. Explosive-growth leaders focus on the best in their leaders; they also focus on the best potential leaders. In contrast, leaders of followers usually give their attention to the loudest and most difficult people, the ones who take and take, giving nothing in return.

4. Leaders who gather followers treat everyone the same; leaders who develop leaders treat people as individuals. When Paul went on his missionary journeys, he didn’t try to take everybody with him. Nor did he give everyone an equal chance to oversee the churches he started. He treated each person he encountered according to his gifts, calling, and willingness to grow.

5. Leaders who gather followers spend their time; leaders who develop leaders invest their time. Everywhere Paul went, he took companions. He considered the time he spent with them an investment. And if he didn’t see a return – as in the case of John Mark [Acts 13:13] – Paul felt reluctant to keep investing in them [Acts 15:37-40]. Think of your work with emerging leaders as an opportunity to invest in them.

6. Leaders who gather followers ask for little commitment; but leaders who develop leaders ask for great commitment. Following a leader takes commitment. But it’s nothing compared to the

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commitment of a follower who is asked to lead others. As you ask people to step up to leadership, don’t treat your request lightly. Let them know to what you are asking them to commit. Acquaint them with the sacrifice and the service that come with leadership.

7. Leaders who gather followers impact this generation; leaders who develop leaders impact future generations. People who lead followers impact only the individuals whose lives they touch personally. But people who develop and lead leaders extend their reach.

It takes a good leader to gather a group of followers and lead them to achieve a worthy goal. But it takes a great leader to lead other leaders – and that’s the only kind of leader who can take a church to the highest level and achieve “explosive growth.”

God challenges us to lead leaders, not merely followers. Paul lists four generations of leaders: Paul trained Timothy who trained faithful men who trained others also. Leaders who lead followers add to the church; leaders who lead leaders multiply.

Portraits Of A Leader – 2 Timothy 2:2-26

He was to “pass on” the Word [v. 2]:

1. The things Timothy was to commit to others – what he had heard from Paul in the presence of many witnesses. He must not deliver anything else, and what Paul delivered to him and others he had received from the Lord Jesus Christ.

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2. He was to commit them as a trust, as a sacred deposit, which they were to keep, and to transmit pure and uncorrupted to others.

3. They must be faithful, trustworthy men, and skillful to teach others.

Paul was a master at using metaphors to illustrate what a leader should look like. Right after he encourages Timothy to be strong (v. 1), he gives him 7 snapshots of what he meant:

A Teacher (v. 2) – A leader is to be reproductive. The church has the responsibility to commit the Truth found in Scripture to others without compromise or corruption.

A Soldier (v. 3, 4) – A leader is to be loyal.

An Athlete (v. 5) – A leader is to be disciplined.

A Farmer (v. 6, 7) – A leader is to be a hard worker.

A Worker (v. 15, 16) – A leader is to be diligent.

A Vessel (v. 20-22) – A leader is to be pure.

A Servant (v. 23-26) – A leader is to be submissive.

Taking A Stand In Tough Situations! - 2 Timothy 2:22 – 3:17

Paul knew how important it was to encourage Timothy, for Timothy would have to take a stand in many tough situations. So he charged him to take courage and do what was right in difficult times.

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Courage is the first essential quality for effective leadership. Leaders initiate and take a stand even when no one else travels with them. Paul prepares Timothy for this act with his words:

“There is something to prevent” (2:22, 23): Leaders must flee temptations, such as pleasure and power, which ruin their personal lives.

“There are some things to pursue” (2:22): Leaders must chase after qualities that will build their character and integrity.

“There are some things to portray” (2:24, 25): Leaders must model right attitudes so that others will want to submit to God.

“There are some things to perceive” (3:1-9): Leaders must read the times and take responsibility to hold firm to what is right.

“There is something to pronounce” (3:10-17): Leaders must hold forth God’s Word and use it as a standard for training.

The Word Of God Is The Equipping Tool – [3:16, 17]

The Scripture is a thorough equipping tool, as it provides for us teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

Again, spiritual growth must be intentional! Spiritual growth requires a commitment to grow. The Christian must want to grow – must decide to grow – must make an effort to grow. Discipleship begins

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with a decision! A decision to “study the Word” is very important to our spiritual development. So many people have said, “I want to grow spiritually. I want to know more of the Bible.” But then the “decide to,” and “must make an effort” just aren’t forthcoming.

If we are going to develop leaders we must lay a foundation in the lives of others. We must develop a foundation by building on the Word to provide direction, to confront others when they err, to correct their behavior, and to help them move forward in the Christ-life. It’s the Word that helps equip “for every good work.”

When the disciples decided to follow Jesus they didn’t understand all of the implications of their decision. However, they were expressing a deep desire to follow Him. Jesus took that decision and began to build on it until they were equipped to move forward with the “good news.”

Philippians 2:12, 13 says: “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Notice that it says “work out” – not “work on” – your salvation. There is nothing you can add to what Jesus Christ has done for your salvation. Paul is talking about spiritual growth in this passage to people who are already saved.

The important thing to note is that God has a part in our growth BUT SO DO WE! We must make an intentional effort to grow

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Becoming Like Christ Is The Result Of The Commitments We Make!

We have a tendency to become whatever we are committed to – without a commitment to grow, any growth that occurs will be circumstantial, rather than intentional. Spiritual growth is too important to be left to circumstance. IT NEEDS TO BE INTENTIONAL, NOT INCIDENTAL!

Spiritual growth that leads to maturity begins with the kind of commitment we find in Romans 6:13: …….present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness.”

The Message: “Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time – remember, you’ve been raised from the dead! – into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live.”

Spiritual Growth Is Not A Private Matter!

Oh my, I can’t tell you how many people through the years have declared to me that their spiritual lives were “private” matters. It’s a “personal” thing. Yep, and they remain weak and feeble in their faith. They remain spiritual babies because some leader bought into that line and didn’t plan on developing them as leaders. If we choose to allow each individual Christian to develop in his/her own way we are going to end up with a huge spiritual nursery. The truth is that as leaders we must develop an intentional plan of spiritual growth for those we are ministering to.

Christians cannot grow alone. Christians cannot develop in isolation from others. Christians will not

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reach maturity apart of intentional development. Believers need relationships with others to grow. Believers need leaders who understand the principles of spiritual growth and will commit themselves to providing the nurturing that is necessary.

Timothy Growing As A Leader [3:10-17]

John Maxwell, noted leadership training teacher, says: “Paul called Timothy to surrender many of the comforts he could have enjoyed as a pastor. Paul teaches us how to handle sacrifices by addressing our example as a leader [2 Timothy 3:10-13], our experience as a leader [3:14, 15], and our equipping as a leader [3:16, 17].” One of the statements he makes is “Timothy must give up to go up!

Paul recognized that Timothy would be called upon by the world, and perhaps even by religious leaders, to compromise his faith. There would be a deluge of voices calling his (and us) to conform to the world and to lay aside Scriptural truth. If we are really preparing leaders we must prepare them for the “tough times ahead.”

The Message [2 Timothy 3:1-5]: “Don’t be naïve. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.

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The leaders you train will be ministering in this kind of world. Preparation! Preparation! Preparation! Remember, we teach what we know but we reproduce what we are! Are you making oak trees and growing squash?

If Christian parents are to save their families in the difficult times of the last days, they must shield them against the corrupt values of the society in which they live [John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28-30], separate them from the world’s ways and refuse to let ungodly influences mold their children [Acts 2:40; Romans 12:1, 2]. They must accept God’s plan for the family. They must have leaders who equip them for such a time! We equip leaders who will equip others. We must equip the church to live differently from the world.

Paul tells Timothy “anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble, there’s no getting around it………but don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you have learned and believed……There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. [3:10-17 The Message].

Preparing Leadership For The Conflict Ahead

Problem solving is the fastest way to gain leadership. Left alone, things go awry. Left alone, people go astray. Left alone, plans go amiss. When someone steps forth with the solutions, he or she catches the attention of others. The man with the plan is the man with the power! As we develop leadership we must

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be conscious of the characteristics of good problem solvers. We have been looking at leadership principles in Timothy 1 & 2 but let’s just slip for a brief season into the book of Titus. Again turning to John Maxwell’s teaching as he expounds for us some important characteristics. [Titus 1:10-14]

They anticipate problems: Titus anticipated problems in Corinth and prevented a possible church split.They accept truth: Titus was always honest with Paul and the troubled churches he led. He faced reality.They see the “big” picture: Titus knew how to deal with the church in Crete, due to his larger perspectives.They handle one thing at a time: Titus took the initiative and dealt with one major conflict at a time.They don’t give up a major goal when they are down: Titus tenaciously addressed the conflicts in Corinth until he solved them.

What kind of leaders are we developing? Perhaps we should ask, what kind of leader are we? When you face a problem, how do you react? Some people try to ignore problems and hope they will go away. I find that doesn’t work! Other people that I have worked with have been absolutely paralyzed by the problem. They give up!

Giving Up Is Not An Option! We must never accept failure as final!

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To accept failure as final is to finally be a failure! Consider this study conducted by the National Retail Dry Goods Association. Their study showed that:

1. 48% of all salesmen make one call and stop.

2. 25% of all salesmen make two calls and stop.

3. 15% of all salesmen make three calls and stop.

4. 12% of all salesmen go back and back and back, and those 12% make 80% of all the sales.

We must develop leaders who never give up!

Timothy’s Three Priorities [4:1-8]

Paul’s last written communication reveals a sense of urgency. He wastes no words; every one of them counts. More than any other passage, this text tells us what is most important to Paul, the leader. He challenges Timothy with three priorities:

Preach The Word (vv. 1, 2)Timothy must keep the message alive, teaching urgently, persistently, and with strong conviction. Preach the Word when the circumstances are favorable and when they are unfavorable. Above everything preach the pure, plain Word of God.

Do The Work (vv. 3-5)Timothy was to do the work of an evangelist, fulfilling his call, reaching his potential. Preach the Word to convince lost people of the evil and danger of the ways of the world. Deal

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plainly with them, to bring them to repentance. Rebuke them with authority, in Christ’s name. Exhort them – quicken, direct, and encourage them.

Run The Race (vv. 6-8)Timothy was to emulate Paul, who finished his course and won the prize. The Scripture says Paul fought the good fight –[v.7]. As Paul reviews his life and ministry for God, knowing that his death is imminent he describes the Christian life as a race and a fight. If we are to live the Christian life successfully we must train our successors. We can’t quit and we must train others who won’t quit.

Paul did not fear death because he had the testimony of his conscience that by the grace of God he had in some measure answered the ends of living. His life was a course and he had now finished it.

For Paul the deathbed was no place for sorrow. He had planted churches, mentored leaders, established doctrine, and written epistles. The only thing left was his homecoming. Paul saw life as a race to be won, a battle to be fought, and a trust to be kept [2 Timothy 4:6-8]. His crown awaited him.

A crown of righteousness [v.8]: but Paul’s testimony was that the crown wasn’t simply to him but to all “that love His appearing.” It is called a crown of righteousness because it will be the recompense of our service and because our holiness and righteousness will now be perfected.

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It is the character of all the saints that we love the appearing of Jesus Christ. The saints of old loved His first appearing, when He appeared to take away sin by the sacrifice of Himself [Hebrews 9:26]. Now we love and long for His second appearing when He shall appear with that crown of righteousness reserved for us.

The Lord Is Faithful [4:9-21]

Paul also needed an investment from many of the leaders he had invested in. He acknowledges he needs Timothy [v. 9], Mark [v. 11], and the books of Carpus [v. 13]. Paul poured his life into every one of them and received from every one of them.

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