Leadership- Focus Series

Series: Action [#203]

LEADERSHIP- FOCUS

1 Timothy 1:1-7

Introduction:

This morning, we are beginning Paul’s Pastoral Letters. Every young Minister needs a mentor- A man that has been in situations and has dealt with all of the challenges that come with Ministry. The Lord has blessed me with some of the best- Jim Laster, Leon Green, and Russel Hill. They are all in Heaven today; and each of them told me this more than once- “Focus on your calling”.

1 Timothy was Paul’s 1st letter to the young Pastor, Timothy. Paul gives Timothy things to guard against and ways to develop mature leadership. Timothy’s mother Eunice, and Grandmother Lois, were godly Jewish women; but his father was a pagan Greek. Timothy was from Lystra and probably was saved during Paul’s 1st missionary trip. Timothy went with Silas, Luke, and Paul on Paul’s 2nd missionary trip. Timothy was sent to Ephesus to oversee the Church. Paul wrote this 1st letter to give Timothy detailed instructions for the care and oversight of the Church at Ephesus.

1 Timothy 1:1-2

1. Who do we focus on?

The obvious answer is Jesus Christ; but why is He the answer?

Jesus is our…

* Hope.

Only Jesus can save us. We must place our hope in Jesus. This hope is not like hoping you win the lottery- This hope is that you know there will be a day that you leave this Earth and enter into Heaven. I know that I will spend eternity with God, I just do not know when.

Jesus is our…

* Leader.

Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to give the message of salvation to the Gentiles. Paul was commanded by God to do His Work. We as Christians are called to do a work.

Jesus is our…

* Source of strength.

He gives us grace. Our salvation and ministry are through Jesus and have nothing to do with what we have done. He gives us mercy. Because God is a merciful God, we can come to Him. He gives us peace. True peace can only come when one follows Christ. Your strength comes from God. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

1 Timothy 1:3-5

2. What do we focus on?

Paul 1st visited Ephesus on his 2nd missionary journey. After his release from prison, he revisited many Churches. When Paul and Timothy returned, they found wide spread false teaching in the Church. Timothy was now at Ephesus in a difficult situation. The Church at Ephesus was probably plagued by the same heresy that threatened the Church at Colossae- The false doctrine that to be acceptable to God one had to gain certain hidden knowledge and worship angels.

Thinking this would help their salvation, some Ephesians constructed genealogies of angels. This false teaching wasted time from the studying of the truth with irrelevant questions and controversies. We too are guilty of this sometimes. We create what we think should be the religious focus. We need to focus on the Message of Jesus Christ, His love for us, and His purpose for the Church.

1 Timothy 1:6-7

3. How do we keep our focus?

What motivates us as a Church? Is it guilt, power, or prestige? What motivates you to do God’s work? Some were motivated by curiosity, power, and prestige.

[Take keys out and jingle them around for a moment.]

1 Timothy 1:6 (KJV)

6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling.

The King James says in verse 6 that some have turned to vain jangling or idle talk. When we are not focused, our teachings and Ministries can be like these jangling keys. This jangling is very disruptive and distracting. Don’t be distracted.

Genuine Christians are motivated by love. Genuine faith in Christ produces a clear conscience that is one cleared of offenses before God by Jesus’ atonement. This in turn leads to a pure heart, a heart not full of sin; and this brings about love for God and others.

Conclusion:

Let’s stay focused on doing God’s work and doing it through love.