Series: Action [#208]
LEADERSHIP- DON’T BE AN EASY TARGET
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Introduction:
I have told many stories about the years that I was a Swimming Coach; but I am not sure that I have told this story- Every year, the High School Swim Team would go compete in a big meet in Lubbock. 1 year, after the meet was over, someone paid for the team to go to Main Event; and most of the team and coaches played laser tag. There were other people playing as well; and there was a dad that had 2 small children. I had this great idea to help this dad, so I carried the 5 year old boy and the dad carried the 3 year old girl. Each player had a target on their front and their back. I placed the boy over the target on the front of my vest, the dad did the same with the girl, and then we stood back to back. The dad and I won the contest easily; because the children took all of the shots.
Do you ever feel like you have a target on your back? That is part of the Christian life. The more you serve the Lord, the more that you have a target on your back. While you may have a target on your back, the Lord will protect you if you allow Him to- Don’t be an easy target.
1 Timothy 4:1-7
Are you a…
1. Stationary target?
A target that is not moving is much easier to hit than a moving target. Paul had warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would invade the Church. Paul warned them, and it began happening. Following a false teacher is like drawing a huge bullseye on your back and standing still before the enemy. Remember that our enemy shoots fiery darts at us.
We need to know how to identify a false teacher. Paul gives us some descriptions of a false teacher in our text.
False teachers…
* Are energized by Satan.
This is the only place where demons are mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles. Satan is an imitator. The 1st test of any religious doctrine is what it says about Jesus Christ. Satan tries to use Christians in the Church to accomplish his work.
False teachers…
* Lead people astray.
False teachers…
* Are hypocrites.
We must practice what we preach. Their conscience has been seared so that it becomes hard and without feeling. Their conscience has been deadened.
False teachers…
* Deny God’s Word.
Too often, man mixes his ideas and wishes into God’s Word. God’s Word can stand alone; it does not need our help. The emphasis in a Christian’s life should be on “the Word of God and prayer.”
1 Timothy 4:8
Are you a…
2. Moving target?
A moving target is harder to hit; but it is still possible to hit. There is nothing wrong with being healthy and being in good shape. It is important that we take care of ourselves. When you are physically worn out or sick, you are an easier target for the enemy. The thing about physical exercise is it is temporary. It only benefits you during this life. Godly exercise is profitable now and for eternity.
1 Timothy 4:9-16
Are you a…
3. Hittable target?
In Ephesians, we are told to put on the full armor of God and then we are to stand firm. If you do that, there is no way that the enemy can shoot you in the back. You can block those fiery arrows with the shield of faith.
Christians, in order to not be a hittable target, you have to be strengthened spiritually. How do you do that? Paul gives us some things that we must do to be strengthened spiritually.
To be strengthened spiritually…
* You must emphasize God’s Word in your life.
To be strengthened spiritually…
* Use your spiritual gifts.
Every Christian has spiritual gifts. You must use these gifts.
To be strengthened spiritually…
* Devote yourself fully to Christ.
To be strengthened spiritually…
* Take a spiritual inventory of your life.
Examine your own heart in the light of the Word of God.
Conclusion:
The building up of the saved and the winning of the lost is the purpose for our ministry to the glory of God; but God must work in us before He can effectively work through us.
