Review : For the last few weeks we have focused our attention on the cost of discipleship. Suffering, hardship and sacrifice are all marks of following Jesus. Yet in spite of this, the church at Thess. continued to grow and experience great joy knowing that they were honoring Jesus and Paul makes it clear that all these t hings were not in vain but were wise investments in eternity that paid lasting dividends in this world. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot
I enjoyed the 5-day clubs this past week - we memorized Bible verses, sang songs and learned about John Patton , a pioneer missionary to the New Hebrides Islands off the coast of Australia. What an amazing story of faith, adventure & sacrifice. If you want to know more just ask one of the summer missionaries but don’t be surprised if they only tells you part of the story then make you come back for the rest. After studying about Patton on line I discovered that his steadfastness & success can be traced back to his home life where he lived with ten brothers & sisters in a 3-room cottage under the love & care of his mother and the faithful leadership of his father. Let him tell you in his own words.
In our small house, “ the closet was our Sanctuary... oftentimes each day... we saw our father retire there and shut the door; we children understood that prayers we being poured out for us... We knew whence came that happy light ,,, dawning on my father’s face - it was a reflection of the Divine presence... My soul would often wander back to these early scenes and hearing still the echoes of my father’s cries to God would hurl back all doubts w/ victorious appeal, “Papa walked w/ God, why not I?” On the day I left home “ Father’s final counsels, tears and heavenly prayers ... are still in my heart as if it had been yesterday... I vowed by the help of God, to live and act so as never to grieve or dishonor such a father and mother as He had given to me.”
The Church is starving for leaders like Patton’s Mom & Dad who instilled lasting loyalty to God in their son.
Intro. - Most people would agree that there is a real dearth of capable, inspiring leaders these days. This is not only true in our nation but also in our homes & churches. The ineptitude of Christian parents & church leaders has led to our young people leaving the Faith in droves looking elsewhere for fulfillment and meaning. Loved Ones, don’t be deceived this is a national epidemic and it can be traced back to poor spiritual leadership. CT latest poll suggests that 3 out of 4 children raised in Christian homes leave the church after they are out of the home (CT; Aug, ‘07)
What can we do about this? How can church leaders be effective spiritually? How can parents have a genuine and lasting impact on the next generation?
The NT tells us to follow our leaders; but how can I be sure that this is a safe thing to do?
Is there a leadership model in the Bible for us to follow? Yes, in our text we have a standard for spiritual leadership by which we can evaluate our lives & the lives of those who lead us.
Now lest we forget, one reason why there is this leadership deficiency these days is b/c of the weight of the task before a Holy God & the weakness of our flesh. It is only by Grace that any of us can ever be successful.
But God will give us the grace, wisdom & strength for the job; so let’s consider what the Bible says about leadership this morning for where the leaders go so go the people.
Pray & Read 1Thess 2:1-6 in these 6 vss. I found 7 principles for godly effective leadership.
Background Question: Why does it seem like Paul is defending himself in Chapter two?
If you remember back in Acts 17, Paul had to leave Thess. in a hurry at night b/c a mob was looking to kill him. So it appears his enemies used that ag. him saying, “You know why he left in such a hurry? You know why you haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since he left? B/c he’s a phony, a charlatan, a religious con-man!”
Paul says, “This is not true & you know it. “You yourselves know” 6X he uses this appeal in 11 vss. Don’t listen to them, you were there
Principle #1: Effective leadership is directly connected to your view of God.
How you live your life & do your ministry is in direct relationship to your view of God.
Why was Paul’s ministry so dynamic in Thessalonica? B/c he had a right view of God
He was confident in God’s power
He was loyal to God’s truth
He was approved by God’s will
Effective leadershipis directly connected to your view of God.
Principle #2 - Effective leadership is rooted in your confidence in God.
The word but (ala - vs. 2 ) in Greek is a strong negative conjunction, “our ministry was not in vain, No not at all rather we were powerful in God, more powerful than our opposition.
“In this world you will have trouble but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.”
This confidence in God gives a leader the sticktoitiveness to stay strong, be bold and not to give up --- to get her done.
Paul doesn’t say "You know, it was really rough over there in Phily so we are going to tweek our message, instead of talking about a crucified Christ we will talk about how you can have better marriages and happier lives. Not at all but he said, We are going to continue to speak the gospel for God will always bless His Word.
Paul’s confidence was not in his personality, cleverness or good looks but in the eternal God maker of Heaven and earth.
Eph 6:10 "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His...what?...of His might."
Effective leadership is rooted in your confidence in God.
Principle #3 - A leader is evaluated by where his loyalties lie. (3,4)
Are they in it for themselves or do they have a passion for the truth of God’s Word and the protection of their family or church.
Paul’s enemies said, “What he is teaching isn’t true; He is licentious & a liar. Don’t believe him!
Paul didn’t answer these charges b/c he cared about his own reputation, rather he wanted to defend the truth of the gospel & to protect the growing flock from false shepherds.
Our message is true
The word "error" means to wander, to roam without boundaries like opinions on a talk show
Paul is saying we stayed right on track; our message is not secret code or hidden text from Moroni, It is not our cute ideas or personal opinions. It is the Word of God, thus, It is true.
Our motives are pure
“Uncleanness” primarily this is referring to sexual immorality - 4:7
We were not using our position of leadership to satisfy our lusts.
2 Cor 2:17 "We are not like many, peddling the Word of God." - con men, charlatans, peddling the Word of God insincerely for their own selfish goals
Religious fakes and swindlers were everywhere in Thessaloncia and many were after one thing -- to use their power to gain sexual favors. This was a mark of ungodly leaders then and it is true today. We see this in politics, business & the Church.
Principle # 4 - Godly leaders have lives that are transparent.
“nor was in deceit” The word "deceit" is dolos, fish hook, trap, trick
“Our message to you is true, our motives are pure, our conduct is absolutely above board” Phillips
Paul had nothing to hide
“You yourselves know” 6X he uses this appeal in 11 vss. Don’t listen to them, you were there - you know our integrity. I have nothing to hide.
How important it is to have leaders that have nothing to hide! We need more transparency and openness within leadership.
1Tim 3
Here is a clue to ID religious con-men in our day
They will promise you things the Bible doesn’t promise and claim that you can follow Christ without the cost of discipleship.
Principle #5 - Godly leaders are loyal to the truth
Don’t decide on what church you attend based on whether or not you like their music or whether you children like the youth group? Or the charming personality of a pastor
Ask this... Are they loyal to the truth? Our they confident in the power of God? Do they treasure the presence of Christ?
Principle # 6 Godly leaders are committed to God’s call. (4-6)
“Approved” means to be tried and found fit,
Question: Why do you preach, Paul? b/c “we have been approved by God”
Acts 9 - I’m not self-appointed, I’m not doing this on my own, I was called by God.
“Entrusted with the gospel” - The primary calling we have as leaders is to give out what has been given to us what has been entrusted to us.
We are not better than those we lead; God wants us to give them what He has given to us.
Principle # 7 Godly leaders base their decisions on principles not peers or polls.
“Not as pleasing men”
This is bound up in our heart -- a desire to please men - it cripples many ministries.
If we are men pleasers how will we behave?
we will use flattery (5)
Flattery is not a kind compliment; no it is saying something nice whether it is true or not so that they will think that you are great.
Prov 29:5 "A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his steps."
We won’t confront sin (Gal 1:6, 9b)
After he slaps them upside the head he do you still think I am a man pleaser?
we will seek man’s praise and affirmation at any cost (6)
So many leaders place too high a priority on wanting to be liked. It clouds your decision making and puts you on a emotional rollarcoaster ride. you are up when others are happy with you and down when they are not?
1Cor 4:2,3 - Loved Ones, I am ashamed to say that I struggle with this.
Jonathan Edwards was kicked out his church b/c of some petty differences. Did he go hid himself in a cave a pout? No, he continued to preach the Word b/c he had been approved by God.
We have to get free from the need of human acceptance and praise The way to freedom is get your acceptance from God and get your praise from God, and to get your comforts and security from God.
Conclusion: Bow your heads with me & Let us ask ourselves a few questions as leaders in our home & church.
Am I willing to be bold no matter what the cost, confident in God’s power?
Am I willing to teach a message that is true, and have motives that are pure?
Am I will to make my conduct absolutely above board -- at home, in my business and ministry?
Am I willing to lay aside my consuming desire to liked by men or even my children so that teach the uncompromising, unflinching truth of God’s Word for His honor and glory?
