10 27 13 “Diligent Leadership”
Romans 12:8c: “He who leads, with diligence.”
We have been looking at the spiritual gifts of the Body of Christ in Romans 12: prophecy (speaking God’s Word to others), serving (all kinds of special works to others), teaching the Word to others, encouragement (lifting up and comforting others with Christ), giving (excelling in parting with what God has given you to help others in Christ’s name), and today we look at the gift of “leadership”
“S. I. McMillen, in his book "None of These Diseases," tells a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application blank that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application, expecting the worst. To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: "Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they (the 1,452 new leaders) have at least one follower."
Our verse is Romans 12:8c: “He who leads, with diligence;” There are two important words in our verse: “proistemi” (leads) and spoudç” (with diligence), and they have some similarities in meaning, so took the commonalities in both words and blended them together: “proistemi en spoudç” means “one who is set over others to lead, protect, govern and guard with careful diligence and attention.” Part of the Body receives the Spiritual Gift of Leadership.
The Spiritual Gift of Leadership
Five of the other times that the word for “LEAD” is used, is in connection with Elders and deacons. In the framework of the church these spiritual gifts mostly refer to their roles within the Local Body of Christ. In the context of the Local Church, leaders are to attend to their callings with constant diligence in their work, which is to primarily watch over the flock of God and stand ready to sacrifice personal comfort to look after needs of this Body. They are shepherds who follow the example of the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 3: 4,5 refers to the calling of elders: “He must be one who manages (proistemi) his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (that’s his calling, his function) 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage (proistemi) his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?” Two chapters later, in 1 Timothy 5:17 we hear: “The elders who rule well (proistemi) are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
The role of Deacons is mentioned in1Timothy 3:12-15: “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers (Leaders and governors- proistemi) of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus… 15 I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
As we have seen in Romans 12, spiritual gifts are from the Holy Spirit and Leaders are not self-appointed; They are called, set aside and equipped by God to serve the Body of Christ. Their gift of leadership is recognized by the local body, in the same way that all of the Spiritual Gifts are recognized by the Body. People do not self-appoint Gifts from God.
And secondly, Leaders are actually slaves to service. Paul was clear about his own calling, as were many other disciples: They are bound to serve God out of gratitude by serving in the Church, the family of God, in a similar fashion to Godly fathers managing and leading their own families. They are bond-servants to the Lord Jesus because He paid the price for them with His own blood. They are bound to serve Him and lead for Him.
Some in the local body of Christ are called to lead with diligence as an example to all. (Romans 12:10-11) “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor ; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Diligent leaders in the Body of Christ are earnest and devoted to their Spirit-given callings and gifts. The Love of God saves us and empowers us to serve!
The Spiritual Gift of Leadership defines Diligence
The Spiritual Gift of Leadership actually defines Diligence. I am not going to mention the verses that would describe diligence, but rather describe some of the characteristics. The Spiritual Gift of Leadership shows itself, not in being delinquent, but in being timely and reliable; Diligence is responsible. It’s appropriate because it is Holy Spirit led and produced. It demonstrates a degree of spiritual maturity and it will persevere and not give up.
Leading that is Diligent is not condescending, but humbling. It’s not accusatory, striking out to harm others, but it’s lowly and meek, but certainly not weak! It is strong leadership that continues to humbly lead in spite of circumstances.
Diligent Leading is not destructive but edifying. It is graceful and gracious and its desire is to redeem and reconcile, not to pulverize and disintegrate or divide. It is not reactive against others but instead looks toward wholeness, unity and oneness in the Savior, not division because of self.
Lastly, diligent and Godly leadership sometimes exercises loving discipline. I think that this is the most difficult part of Godly Diligence and leadership for quite a few reasons. Proverbs 13:3 could apply here: “Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.”
Leaders have to be so careful of what they say and how they say it, (as a matter of fact, EVERYONE should exercise care of their tongues), but Galatians 6:1 expresses the proper attitude in discipline: “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, (no one SHOULD be caught in sin, but IF you are) you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” The point of Christian discipline is not to punish but to extend love, forgiveness, comfort and restoration. (In Matt. 18:15-17, Jesus gave clear instructions for Church discipline.)
The Spiritual Gift of Leadership Motivates
1. The Spiritual Gift of Leadership also motivates others, but never mutilates others. When leaders exhibit diligence in their humbling, edifying and loving leadership, it motivates other believers to Gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5: 12 says: “But we request of you, brethren, that you APPRECIATE those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord (proistemi, same word for govern or lead as in Romans 12:8) and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” The exercise of Godly Leadership should motivate others to thankfulness to our God who has provided such gifts to the Body, and also appreciation for those who have been obedient to serve. That is one of the things that I told all the pastors at the Outreach in Colorado City: Thank you for following the Spirit’s leading and being obedient to serve.
2. The service of others should motivate others to stand and serve. Hebrews 6: 11 admonishes: “And we desire that EACH ONE of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but IMITATORS of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Imitate good leaders! Stand and serve.
Listen carefully to these words from Titus 3: 8: “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage (proistemi) in GOOD deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” (As the Body of Christ, we have to exercise Spiritual wisdom concerning the battles we choose to fight. There are much larger battles than simple interpretations, some doctrinal differences, and certainly personal preferences. Is Christ being exalted in your worship and in your life? Is the Holy Spirit of God and the Gospel front and center in your life? Are we as part of the Body of Christ engaged in God’s re-creation, reconciliation, and redemptive process as individuals? Those who have believed God should be careful to engage in Good deeds which are Profitable!!
Titus 3:10: “Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 13 Diligently (spoudç) help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 Our people must also learn to engage (proistemi-LEAD) in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
We all are to be diligent in STANDING (not moving in our devotion) and SERVING God, each other, and others.
3. We should be motivated BEYOND TODAY. The Witness of the Gospel here began 55 years ago; many people have come and gone, but my desire is that this gathering will continue until Jesus returns, and that we will be the presence of the True GOSPEL of Jesus until then. We are not all at the same level of spiritual maturity but Ephesians 4:13 encourages us to be motivated to serve “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
4.Spiritual Leaders should motivate all of us, the Body of Christ, to Worship the Giver and live for His Glory Alone. Ephesians 4: 7 “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." The Holy Spirit shares the spiritual Gifts with us so that Jesus might be exalted, not so that we in any way will be exalted.
I began with the story of the young woman who ended up being the only follower in a school with 1452 leaders, but there is something very wrong with that picture, isn’t there? For sure, there have to be followers if there are ANY leaders, but there really is only one leader who is deserving of anyone following Him, and that is The Lord Jesus Christ. 22 times in the Gospels, Jesus used two simple words to invite others to be Kingdom Citizens: “Follow Me.” "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” “One thing you lack, sell all you have and follow me.” "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
You may not be gifted with spiritual leaderships, but if you are a follower of Jesus, it’s inevitable that God will have you lead someone to become a follower of Jesus. Are you diligently following and imitating the Leader with the worship of your life so that you are recognized as a Jesus follower, and so that you will be utilized to lead others to Jesus?
OUTLINE
“Proistemi en spoudç”: “One who is set over others to lead, protect, govern and guard with careful diligence and attention.”
I. Part of the Body receives the Spiritual Gift of Leadership: Leaders are to attend to their callings with constant diligence in their work, which is to primarily watch over the flock of God and stand ready to sacrifice personal comfort to look after needs of this Body. (1 Tim 3: 4-5, 12-15, 5:17, Rom. 12:10-11)
1. Leaders are not self-appointed.
2. Leaders are slaves to service.
II. The Spiritual Gift of Leadership defines Diligence:
1. Not delinquent but responsible.
2. Not condescending but humbling.
3. Not destructive but edifying.
4. And sometimes exercises loving discipline.
(Proverbs 13:3, Gal. 6:1, Matt 18:15-17)
III. The Spiritual Gift of Leadership Motivates
1. Others to Gratitude. (1 Thes. 5: 12)
2. Others to stand and serve. (Titus 3:8-9, 10-14)
3. Beyond today. (Eph. 4:13, 1 Corinthians 2:4-6)
4. The Body to Worship the Giver. (Jude 1:24, Isaiah 40:11)
