Leadership

Entrusted to Teach

Posted on by Bob Mathews

As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future.  Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Tim. 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:6).  In what was, seemingly, Paul’s last inspired communication to his beloved Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things which must be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations.  Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye.  He would not leave Timothy without direction as Timothy faced the challenges of the day without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle.  In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonishes the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility.  Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones which support the church very well to this very day.

In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God.  A quick reading of the text evidences this observation:  Paul admonished Timothy to:

(a)Stir up the gift of God in him.     1:6

(b)Not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.     1:8

(c)Hold fast the form of sound words.     1:13

(d)Put them in remembrance.     2:14

(e)Rightly divide the Word.     2:15

(f)Be apt to teach.     2:24

(g)Instruct those who oppose themselves.     2:25

(h)Preach the Word.     4:2a

(i)Do the work of an evangelist.     4:5

Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9).  In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul leaves himself as an example after which Timothy may pattern himself after Paul’s departure.

Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Tim. 2:2.  With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come.  The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word along side men such as Timothy as well as after such passes the scene.  Here the apostle Paul said, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2:2; NASB).

Our congregation faces the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians.  Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregation as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago.  If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, they will surely answer to the Lord.  May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential and seriously consider making a firm commitment to be a part of the teaching of God’s Word to those that will come after us.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 5)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation responds in a positive manner to the plans of its leadership, especially when a congregation is led by an appointed godly eldership.  Christians were exhorted to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Heb. 13:17).  On the one hand, we must obey our elders both in matters of faith and matters of judgment as such concerns the work and well-being of the local congregation.  On the other hand, may our elders have the courage and vision to plan the work of the congregation so that unity, truth, and the mission of the church are supported and fulfilled.

To achieve and maintain the above aspirations, we as members should establish and nurture a trusting, respectful relationship with our elders.  The effort required to do so must be reciprocal, all parties making their best effort to work well together.  Additionally, may we respond to leadership plans by seeking out an active role in the actual implementation of the work.  If improvements are needed or desired in our cooperative efforts, may we employ well-timed constructive criticism whose only goal is to assist in improving our work.  In this manner we will bring a greater measure of glory to both the Father and the church as we struggle together to do the work of the Lord.

The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to the planning, organization and implementation of individual or congregational spiritual labors.  The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6) and to “ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him“ (1 Cor. 16:2).  He set before the congregation the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Cor. 8:1-7).

Liberality may be rightfully exercised in contexts that may not involve financial interests and be equally important and impacting.  May we as the people of God better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Col. 3:12) and compassion (Matt. 18:21-35), thereby relieving others’ affliction as prompted by a heart that is truly touched by their distress.  May we better develop loving concern for all men (Rom. 13:8) so that we better imitate our heavenly Father (Eph. 5:1; John 3:16).  May we exercise liberality in the commitment and use of both our time and our talents in the work of the Lord (Matt. 25:14-30).  Such liberality is wisely exercised in all good works that the Father demands of us individually.  In order to successfully attain the worthy goal of liberality, may we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).  Only then may we prosper as we never have before.

The Influence of One

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Throughout the bible, you can see that many nations are often influenced by a single person. This can be good and it can be bad because if that influence is coming from a man of God like Elijah or Elisha the influence is good. However, if it comes from a man like Jeroboam or any of the kings of the Northern kingdom of Israel the influence would only cause damage. If we look at the book of Kings we can see Josiah as a good influence example.  Upon finding and reading a lost book teaching him about God, Josiah did away with the idols and brought the people back to God (2 Kings 23). On the opposite side of the coin, a king like Omri of the northern kingdom did evil in the sight of the Lord even to the point of being worse than all those before him (1 Kings 16:25).

Today, just like then, we have kings and presidents that run the nations around the globe. They, just like the leaders of the past, are doing one of two things; they are either leading people to God or away from God. There is nothing else as important as the influence that they have in those regards. We too like leaders of the world have a realm of influence. Some of us might be able to influence more people than others but how are we using that influence. Are we like Paul or Josiah bringing people to God, or are we like Omri or Charles Darwin who led people away from God with their influence? As Christians, our influence can be great. If we are willing to spread the Word of God and the blessings that come with having a relationship with God, then we will influence people towards God. We may never influence a whole nation but we each will have the ability to influence people that others can’t. So let’s be like Josiah and so many others that influenced people to come to God.    Jacob Saarloos

Our Responsibility to Know

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Too many times we see churches that are led away from the truth because they are willing to blindly follow the one who is leading them. We indeed need to have leaders in place so we can be effective and strong as God’s people. However, it is our responsibility, each member of the body of Christ, to know when those leaders are false teachers. It is easy for some to follow their leaders without question. After all, they assume that they have the position because they know what they doing and what they are to do. But think for a minute about the kings of old. In particular, think of Manasseh king of Judah.

Manasseh was only a boy when he became the king of Judah and he turned the people from all things godly (Isa. 9:16). Manasseh’s leadership carried the people away from God. He was young and did return to God later in his life but the position he had meant nothing as far as keeping the people on the path of God. Manasseh used his position to accomplish his own goals. The people willingly followed and in the end, were led away into captivity because of it. We cannot be like those people who are easily led away from God. It is our responsibility to know better because all the truth that is God has been revealed to us. We must know all of that truth so that we can follow God even if there is an absence of leaders or to know those that are qualified to shepherd God’s flock. All the answers we need are in the book that brings life, and if we desire to obtain that life we need to know that book so others can’t lead us into darkness with well-spoken words.

Jacob Saarloos