What is a Spiritual Leader

Spiritual leader is a calling from God to teach and lead followers to a deeper walk with him.

Part 1 we discussed

1. Aspiration

2. Qualification

3. Self examination

Demonic power is very pale to the power of God which can trounce every stronghold and evil.

A good servant of Christ

1 Timithy 4:6-16

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.

Take heed to your ministry

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. A. Train in the words of the faith and good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6)

Whererver we are in life now, we are all training in different spheres, an apprentice learning our skills. Similarly, spiritual leadership must also train. We cannot take spiritual leadership as a given. The same way we are trained at whatever craft we have, there is a need for spiritual leaders to be trained in the words of the faith and good doctrine.

Now is the call for all church to use the word in the right context. We got to go to the word and ask God what he wants to say to us. People may be immersed in their own feeling but don't know what they are saying. The words have no depth no power no bible no cross. The importance of good doctrine is we don't want to misrepresent the words of Christ.

We are misleading members from what God says. If we have right standing with God, it is a it the position of our heart. If we don't understand the word of God we cannot bring out the right power of God. God only listens to prayers of those who trust in him.

Spiritual leaders cannot take it easy. There is intentionality to train ourselves.

B. Train in Godlines (1 Tim 4:7)

Spiritual leaders are called to be blameless, lightness. Ask God for purity and to make our path right. It is easy to start right and then fall astray at times.

Holy Spirit will convict us of wrongdoing and lead us to the path of righteousness right living and right believing to the right ways of God.

Our culture has shifted everything. Love now represents a word of feeling and hope of a romantic relationship that does not exist. Being godly is not good in the eyes of the world.

The super hero culture has come into the big screen. These are myths. Satan is pushing our minds to push out the gospel. Jesus could walk on water while superman can fly. People are getting more excited over superman which is a myth than jesus.

Many kids screen in movie theatre when they watch movies on vampire. The culture has overtaken the concept of Jesus Christ into myths. Bible tells us that there are silly myths that are coming.

1 Tim 4:8

The world prizes itself for outer beauty. That is the reason why there are not many ugly people in Hollywood. Training in godliness benefits us in every way. In this world we live in it is hard to believe. The world is pushing us away from godliness spiritual.

It benefits us as we give glory to God as we grow more and more like him. The law of spirituality is to be more Christlike. In the culture we are living in is reversing the tide to sway the minds of people from this. Church must come back to acknowledge god want us to live a right life that truly pleases him as our hearts are prone to grow cold. We know the huge propensity for our heart to grow cold. Spirt of God prompt us to live a life befitting of God.

1 Tim 4:9

Paul is saying what he just told us is trustworthy. To live a life for God. Spiritual leaders is awesome to be used by God for his kingdom. Our heart without god's spirit in us will lead us to the world's teachings.

The culture slides down in terms of morality sanity. The whole world is insane. History records Christians were persecuted due to their wrongdoings.

C. Command and teach the sheep

(1 Tim 4:10)

The bible many times gives us clear cut black and white of what is good glorious pure vs what is bad. Leadership is not about pleasing people. There are thing what are clear in the word of God which leaders cannot be between to fences. They have to be clear.

Believe only in the lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. This is a proposition and is a fact. There is no doubt about it. Spiritual leaders cannot be mean when we command the word of God. At the same time spiritual leaders cannot be wishy washy. He must have the gut and courage to stand up the truth in love not grudge. Because it is the truth that must be taught.

Leaders are not perfect so we must pray for them. When leaders teach us what is right in accordance to bible, we must obey to the holy commands. Paul is very clear. Issue a command and teach explain understand expound what is meant.

D. Set an example for the sheep

(1 Tim 4:12)

Leaders are being looked up or hated. Many times they are hated for the things they teach the sheep cos they stood for truth. Leaders should be hated for the right thing - standing up for God, in accordance with god's words.

Leadership question is - Ar r these leaders walking in the spirit of God? If he is, we know though there may be imperfections, there are many things we can learn from him.

Members are watching leaders life. Leadership is a noble task. If we don't walk in god's ways and propensity, we will make leadership in our own fame and purpose.

Timothy was abiut 40years old at that time, Paul told Timothy that he can set a great example if he follow and walk and conduct himself correctly in accordance with god's words so that his spiritual maturity be a beacon of light. So that people can see us and follow us. When we receive praise, we should praise the lord and put that away instead of claiming glory. We may walk in pride as a result.

Similarly criticism should not affect and bring us down. We praise the lord for all the praise and condemnation and move on. If we live in praise, how long can we survive.

Some fresh Christians thinking may be different. It should be leaders heart to lead him to know God more. Ask God what can he say during cell time so that the new christian can understand and meet God.

Set an example so that people are lead to the grace of God. Paul tells Timothy that lord though he is young he wants to lead the members to God.

E. Practice the fittings God gave you

(1 Tim 4:14)

The talents that God has given us, how should we put them to the glory of God. We should use the incredible talent to the glory of God,

The giftings we have, we don't want to be found like the one who was left with 1 talent, he is not hardworking for the lord but for his own.

Don't let the giftings go to waste. We have those giftings which only we have. Eg gifting of teaching, preaching, organizing stuff, prayer etc. think about all the latent gift which the church have left untouched.

The last remaining apple, if we don't find a way to harness the seed, it will be the last apple. But if we plant it, we will have the harvest of trees as. It multiply.

Conclusion

These are the important things to know.

If we move wrongly, we can lead the members astray. We may wreck their heart with falsehood and we make them a child of hell. The faster we know the faster we repent and ask God to work through us. We want more people to be Christlike and walk in the way of God.

Note: This note was taken by Veron from Pastor Pacer's sermon, lighthouse Evangelism