May 22, 2023 | Be On Mission
Instructions for a Young Leader
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4(NIV)
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Devotional
In chapter three, Paul focused on the character traits required for spiritual leadership in the church. In this chapter, he turned his attention to Timothy himself. Paul had taken a special interest in his apprentice. He knew Timothy’s grandma and mom, who spiritually guided him from childhood. He was delighted when the believers from Timothy’s hometown and a neighboring city spoke well of him. Over the next decade, Timothy traveled with him on missionary journeys covering thousands of miles. When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he said, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel” (Philippians 2:22).
Here in chapter four, the mentor offers wisdom to the protégé, who was leading the church in the pagan city of Ephesus. Here’s a Cliffs Notes version of what he challenged the young leader to do:
*Point out to the people in your church to stay away from false teachings and godless myths.
*Pay attention to your spiritual development, like an athlete would to physical training.
*Be a living example for everyone watching in how you talk, behave, believe, and live.
*Never stop publicly reading Scripture, preaching, and teaching.
*Have a laser focus on your life and doctrine, and never settle.
When I became the pastor at my first assignment, I was 24 going on 25. Numerous people came up to me and said, “Are you sure you’re old enough to do this?” Maybe Timothy got the same question!
If you were a young person leading a church, which of the statements of Paul would be most encouraging? Which would be most challenging? Think about your own life now. Which of these statements is speaking to you? What will you do about it?
Poem
In Latter Times
In latter times, expect a change
From prosp’rous into peril
Bold lies will peak
False prophets speak
Many of faith on trial
In latter times, expect a surge
Of evil on the warpath
Friends betray friends
Comradeship ends
Most following the broad path
In latter times, expect a wave
Revival, Spirit driven
Blind eyes will see
Deaf ears will be
Open to love forgiving
In latter times, expect a change
As labor pains increasing
Bring forth new life
Amidst great stife
Both sides their pow’r releasing
