Reflection
Get it in the Goal

Reflecting on Leadership

Sunday August 27, 2023 - Pastor Richard Reaves

INTRODUCTION

Our current emphasis "Sabbatical Reflections"

Today our theme is Reflecting on Leadership.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership development, cultivating a healthy team culture, and embracing essential practices during the sabbatical year for the betterment and growth of the church as a whole.

Just who is a leader? From Relational Leadership by Walter Wright

If by leader we mean one who holds a position of authority and responsibility, then every Christian is not a leader. Some are-some are not. But if by leader we mean a person who enters into a relationship with another person to influence their behavior, values, or attitudes, then I would suggest that all Christians should be leaders. Or perhaps more accurately, all Christians should exercise leadership, attempting to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Leadership is Influence

Get it in the Goal!

A lot of us don't have a firm plan/objective/goal for our lives.

Questions to help give us direction:

1. What should I do with the life I have left?
2. I want to make a difference, but how?
3. How can my life count for something?
4. How do I leave a legacy?

Paul's instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:6-16)

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.

We can see four actions that every disciple of Jesus should pursue.

Know

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. 1 Timothy 3:6

Today's Christian leaders need to establish their lives on the sure foundation of God's eternal truths.

• God's morals don't change.
• God's plan for His church doesn't change.
• God's Great Commission doesn't change.

Goal Question: What is one area of Biblical knowledge you need to study?

Grow

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 3:7

Paul instructed Tim to grow train yourself to be godly (mature in Christ). This means growing in his application of God's truths and in personal maturity.

Where could we seek to grow? How about growth in exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; Galatians 5:22-23

Goal Question: What is one step you need to take right now to grow more fully into the image of Jesus?

Show

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. 1 Timothy 3:12

Thirdly Paul instructed Tim to set an example for the believers. There were 5 categories:

• Speech- Use your tongue to impart the truth of God and build others up
• Conduct- Live a life which leads to unity and godliness
• Love- Goes without saying, we love each other with Christ's love (loveable and unlovable)
• Faith- Unshakeable trust in God's power and promises. Be the calmest person you know
• Purity- Set a moral example for all to follow

Goal Question: What must you do to more accurately be an example of Jesus to those around you?

And finally, Mo(re)

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 3:16

Leaders reproduce themselves. It's a great joy to invest in the lives of future leaders.

We add value to others when we share:

• Knowledge- we impart truth
• Expertise- we show them the ropes
• Experiences- we relate our life stories and how God has ministered to us
• Our belief in them- we all need cheerleaders who have confidence in in us

  Goal Question: Who is God calling you to influence for Jesus?

  One Person's Testimony- Richard Brown

  Closing Prayer