WARNING TO LEADERS
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Saturday 1st February 2025 Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Memory verse: 1 Timothy 3:7 "Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." In listing the qualifications of a leader in the Church, Apostle Paul included a warning about who should have the position. He said, He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. This warning is vital to church order. An individual may have the ability to administer in his business, but that does not mean that he can or should administer in the church. God’s ways are not the ways of the world, and certain practices that are routinely done in the business world have no place in the church. Moreover, a new believer should not be given the authority over the things of God no matter how talented he may be in the business world. Let there be a standard training, physical and Spiritual assessment process. In business or in the world loyalty is acquired by the monthly payment or money bags but in the Church loyalty is acquired by inspiration and influence. God has given this gift in various degrees. While God has made some leaders in the church, He has chosen others to be leaders of leaders. Here is where we must be very careful. God, and only God, is the one who designates believers in capacity of leadership. He also appoints those who have the greater ability to lead. Consequently, we must always make certain that those who are in a leadership capacity in the church are there because of the calling and placement by God, not because of the selfish desires of some human being. An administrator has a gift that preserves order in the body of Christ. He must exercise the gift to rule the church as a leader, not as a tyrant. The gift can and should be developed, to guarantee the administrator’s growth as a Christian. A true Christian leader is one that God has raised up. He will make decisions with the best interests of the church, the body of Christ, in mind. It is not a responsibility which a new believer should have. Except if God has anointed him to do that. We should also note that the Lord has also raised up leaders of leaders in His church. These are individuals which God has placed in positions of administration or authority over other Christian leaders. It is essential that we recognize that this is something which the Lord alone does. Indeed, it is not a position for which a person volunteers or works himself up to. It is God alone who puts these leaders in these positions. CGDS Hymn 96: By Apostle James Abache GUIDE US, LORD, IN SERVICE TRUE 1. Guide us, Lord, in service true, Refrain: 2. In the tasks we’re called to bear, 3. As stewards of the gifts You give, Prayers 1. Lord Jesus, help me to always maintain a good testimony, reflecting Your character and avoiding the traps of the enemy. 2. Father, guide leaders in the Church to be humble, discerning, and obedient to Your calling, not self-appointed or the arrogant in Jesus’ name. Amen. 3. Pray for others in this regard.
WARNING TO LEADERS
As we lead and follow You,
In Your wisdom, we shall grow,
And Your love, we’ll always show.
With our hands, we’ll serve Your grace,
And in our hearts, Your love embrace,
For the church, Your work we’ll do,
In the strength You give anew.
Guide us, Lord, in every plan,
As we seek to follow Your command,
In leadership, we humbly stand,
Empowered by Your holy hand.
With wisdom, love, and unity,
We’ll serve Your church in harmony,
Guide us, Lord, in service true,
And lead us ever close to You.
Let us always seek Your care,
To shepherd hearts with gentle grace,
And lead with truth in every place.
May our words be filled with light,
Bringing hope and strength to fight,
For the kingdom’s work is near,
And in You, we have no fear.
In Your truth, we long to live,
With each decision, prayer, and deed,
Let us follow Your true lead.
For the church is not our own,
But a place where You are shown,
Through each leader, every heart,
In Your love, we take our part.
