The Care & Feeding Of A Spiritual Leader Series

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church

Message #8 September 2-3, 2006

Dr. Larry Osborne

The Care & Feeding Of A Spiritual Leader

1 Timothy 5:17-25

Sermon Outline

Note: PowerPoints and Small Group Worksheets

for this sermon are available at www.northcoastchurch.com.

An “Oh My Gosh” passage

We’ve done it all wrong!

Five principles that churches often do exactly the opposite!

No wonder so many are unhealthy

Illustration: Gold Fish

Good intentions, but dead fish!

I didn’t know the rules about changing water!

We flushed a lot of those suckers down the toilet before I bothered to find out why

Context of 1 Timothy: How to do church

1 Tim 3:14-15 ~ Although I hope to come to you soon, I’m writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God…

~ Earlier Chapters: How to pick your leaders

1 Tim 3:1-13 ~ Qualifications for leadership

~ Today’s Passage: How to treat your leaders:

(Care & Feeding)

— Read the passage!

THE PRINCIPLES:

How to Treat a Spiritual Leader

 When they do well – pay them well.

1 Timothy 5:17-18/ Leviticus 7:30-35/ 1 Corinthians 9:7-15/ Galatians 6:6/ 1 Timothy 3:3 & 1 Peter 5:2

Lev 7:30-35 ~ Priest’s portion of the sacrifice

1 Cor 9:7-15 ~ Same for NT ministry

Gal 6:6 ~ Share with instructors

~ Who work at: (Lit. Labor to weariness)

~ Double Honor = Merit Pay

For excellent work! Not for filling a position!

Adequate support to all –

Abundant to those who excel

~ The Biblical Balance:

— Not greedy ~ 1 Tim 3:3

— Not FOR Money but eager to serve ~ 1 Pet 5:2

Illustration: Nancy’s Mom:

How will you support her? Image of poor & humble

~ N. Coast Standard:

Our goal is replacement value

~ My Goal:

As generous as we can be

Not as little as we can get by with

Elder: Treat as bad as they treat me at my work!

 When they’re criticized – give them the benefit of the doubt.

1 Timothy 5:19/ Deuteronomy 17:6-7 & 19:15-20/ Matthew 18:15-16

~ Two or Three Witnesses

— Two or Three Witnesses

— Accuser Must Throw First Stone!

— False Accuser Gets The Same Punishment!

When someone brings an accusation

Mt 18:15-16

~ Ask, “Have you talked to them about it yet?”

~ Will you go with me and to talk to them?

~ Beware of a Cynical Spirit: Cynicism Kills!

 When they mess up – don’t cover up.

1 Timothy 5:20-21/ James 3:1/ Galatians 2:11-15

James 3:1 Stricter judgment!

Gal 2:11-15 Paul rebukes Peter!

2 Chron 26 Uzziah: “Here lies a leper”

~ Rebuke Publicly!

ü Don’t try to protect God’s Reputation!

The Bible hides nothing ~ Warts and all!

ü Exposure equals the circle of influence

~ The Reason: So others may fear!

~ Absolutely No Favoritism!

Doesn’t matter how much “good: they’ve done!

 When you choose one – take your time.

1 Timothy 5:22/ 1 Timothy 3:6 & 10

1 Tim 3:6 Not a recent convert

1 Tim 3: 10 Test them first!

~ Covered already in chapter 3

Illustration: Montebello 1st Baptist ignored Beemer’s past: He did it again!

Shares in their sin!

 When they’re human – don’t be shocked.

1 Timothy 5:23-25/ 1 Corinthians 12:7-11/ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 7:5-6; 4:7

2 Cor 12:7-10 Paul’s Ego & his thorn in the flesh

2 Cor 7:5-6 Paul’s emotional Exhaustion & Depression!

1 Cor 12:7-11Giftedness is not spirituality

~ Straight lines with crooked sticks!

~ Timothy’s Shortcomings

— Too Young

— Timid

— Sickly (Frequent Ailments)

~ Keep your eyes on God!

— Acts 17:11

We can recite failings of the Biblical heroes without being fazed (we teach them to kids!) But shocked & dismayed when modern-day heroes have feet of clay

THREE TAKE HOME QUESTIONS:

 Am I generous or stingy?

 Do I believe the best or the worst?

 Is my focus on God or man?

Available as a North Coast Church Podcast - www.northcoastchurch.com

Sermon Note Sheet

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church

Message #8 September 2-3, 2006 Dr. Larry Osborne

The Care & Feeding Of A Spiritual Leader

1 Timothy 5:17-25

THE PASSAGE:

1 Timothy 3:14-15/ 1 Timothy 3:1-13

THE PRINCIPLES:

How to Treat a Spiritual Leader

 When they do well –___________________________.

1 Timothy 5:17-18/ Leviticus 7:30-35/ 1 Corinthians 9:7-15/ Galatians 6:6/ 1 Timothy 3:3 & 1 Peter 5:2

 When they’re criticized – ___________________________.

1 Timothy 5:19/ Deuteronomy 17:6-7 & 19:15-20/ Matthew 18:15-16

 When they mess up – ___________________________ .

1 Timothy 5:20-21/ James 3:1/ Galatians 2:11-15

 When you choose one – ___________________________.

1 Timothy 5:22/ 1 Timothy 3:6 & 10