Blog In Audio:
Greetings,
A leader is to set an example of being someone who is approved by God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. It is not about Scripture knowledge, but of family character.
2 Timothy 2:15-18 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
A Leader opens the door for all to come into the growing dynamic of becoming a testimony of Spirit and Truth. Leaders must shun profane and idle babblings, for they only increase to more ungodliness. The apostle Paul was even bold enough to name some by name who had caused division in the family of God. Hymenaeus and Philetus were these kinds of people, and their babblings spread like cancer in the body of Christ. Cancer cells are cells that seek to consume other cells in the body to sustain their own personal propagation. They destroy the life of the body for their own appetites and desires. Leaders have a responsibility in the body of Christ to protect the healthy cells from destructive individuals or heresies that rob the body of true life. Self-seeking agendas have no place in the body of Christ. We do not judge the world for their selfish ways, but those same selfish ways must not be a part of the community of God.
Leaders do not just set an example for others in their actions. They set an example for those they lead in matters of the heart. Therefore, leaders must be vulnerable, transparent, and willing to constantly be transformed in their character. Leaders must depart from iniquity and teach those they lead to do the same. Iniquity is not sin. Iniquity is an issue of the heart. It is a weakness within that is vulnerable to transgression and thus it leads us to be disconnected from our true-life source, which is God. Iniquity leads to transgression, transgression leads to sin, and the result of sin is death. The root of it all is in the iniquities of our hearts. Iniquities are not places of shame within us; they are the inner marks of weakness that reveal to us a need for God and a dependency upon God in who we are. When God visits iniquities, they become healed by His grace. An iniquity will leave a tattoo within our lives that reminds us of the amazing grace of God at work within us. God does want us to flee from sin, but being willing to depart from the inner weaknesses that lead to sin is the real issue of change in our lives. How we were born is not necessarily how we were meant to be. We have all been born with inherited strengths and weaknesses. Kingdom of God scribes allows the Holy Spirit to write within their hearts and minds. In doing this they unlock new things never seen and redeem antique and lost things within their family line. God visiting the inner core of who we are makes us become who we were meant to be. Leaders must willingly embrace this process and seek to lead others into the same.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
We must all recognize that in the church there will be both vessels of honor and dishonor. Those that are vessels of dishonor only prove those who are vessels of honor. We must all seek to be vessels of honor and leaders are to set an example for others to follow in this pursuit. A vessel of love is proved to be a vessel of love when faced with a vessel of hate. A vessel of forgiveness is proved to be a vessel of forgiveness when faced with a vessel of unforgiveness. Leaders must be examples in seeking to be vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. The testimony of being children of God is to make decisions for others based upon who we are in Christ, not what others deserve outside of Christ. This is not merely a matter of our actions, but a matter of our hearts.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Leaders set an example and teach others to flee youthful lusts, and to pursue righteous, faith, love, and peace. True righteousness is a dependency upon God, not a focus of mere self-discipline to do right things. Faith is a supernatural testimony of intimacy with God that is exhibited through hearing His voice within our hearts. It defies natural sight and empowers us to be faithful to God in all things. Love is measured by a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of others. Peace is the testimony of no gap between God and us. These are attributes of true life and leaders are more concerned with these characteristics in their lives than mere works, events, projects, or any kind of gifts in ministry.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Food For Thought,
Ted J. Hanson
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House of Bread Ministry
3210 Meridian St.
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