PERSONAL HABITS OF STRONG LEADERS
Part 1 THE DISCIPLINES OF A LEADER
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7.
In this passage, Paul wrote Timothy some personal words regarding his leadership skills. This text can give insight into some of the disciplines Paul identifies as necessary parts of a strong leader's life.
In this passage, Paul wrote Timothy some personal words regarding his leadership skills. This text can give insight into some of the disciplines Paul identifies as necessary parts of a strong leader's life.
DISCIPLINE ONE
DEDICATION (verse 1). Dedication is a firm commitment to someone or something regardless of the circumstances surrounding the situation. In the world, dedication comes only after something has proven successful. In the church however, there is a need for dedicated leaders who perform ministry functions even before that ministry is viewed as "successful".
Paul told Timothy to "be strong in the grace of Christ". It is Jesus and His indwelling Spirit who enable a leader dedicated to their work. This is important to remember because a leader can become dedicated completely to their work and forget about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A leader's dedication is first and foremost to Jesus. Through their dedication to the Lord, they can be faithful to the work to which they have been called.
DEDICATION (verse 1). Dedication is a firm commitment to someone or something regardless of the circumstances surrounding the situation. In the world, dedication comes only after something has proven successful. In the church however, there is a need for dedicated leaders who perform ministry functions even before that ministry is viewed as "successful".
Paul told Timothy to "be strong in the grace of Christ". It is Jesus and His indwelling Spirit who enable a leader dedicated to their work. This is important to remember because a leader can become dedicated completely to their work and forget about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A leader's dedication is first and foremost to Jesus. Through their dedication to the Lord, they can be faithful to the work to which they have been called.
DISCIPLINE TWO
DISCIPLING OTHERS (verse 2). Every leader is called to disciple others. A good leader spends a major part of their time teaching and guiding others as they grow in the Lord. A leader has a quality which needs to be invested in other people -- not just kept for themselves. Paul told Timothy to "entrust" this to others. Leaders are the vessel that God uses to build up others into qualified leadership.
It is not a matter of producing perfect copies of the pastor. In another letter, Paul said "I
want to see Christ formed in you". Leaders should not try to duplicate themselves as much as
they try to see the personality of Christ formed in other people. This way they will grow into the fullness of what God has for them as unique individuals.
DISCIPLING OTHERS (verse 2). Every leader is called to disciple others. A good leader spends a major part of their time teaching and guiding others as they grow in the Lord. A leader has a quality which needs to be invested in other people -- not just kept for themselves. Paul told Timothy to "entrust" this to others. Leaders are the vessel that God uses to build up others into qualified leadership.
It is not a matter of producing perfect copies of the pastor. In another letter, Paul said "I
want to see Christ formed in you". Leaders should not try to duplicate themselves as much as
they try to see the personality of Christ formed in other people. This way they will grow into the fullness of what God has for them as unique individuals.
DISCIPLINE THREE
DENIAL OF SELF (verses 3-4). Every leader must be ready to deny themselves for the ministry of the Lord. Paul described this to Timothy in the metaphor of a soldier. A soldier is willing to deny himself for the sake of the larger group. There are different things of which pastors will have to deny themselves for the sake of the church.
Good leaders will have to deny themselves some free time in order to do the work of the ministry. They will have to deny themselves some glory in order to work in humility. They may have to make financial sacrifices for the good of their ministry. It is important to remember that the Lord instructs believers not to store up their treasures on earth. Rather, they are to invest in the eternal Kingdom of God. The reward Christians will receive for the denials of this life far outweigh any rewards the world has to offer.
DENIAL OF SELF (verses 3-4). Every leader must be ready to deny themselves for the ministry of the Lord. Paul described this to Timothy in the metaphor of a soldier. A soldier is willing to deny himself for the sake of the larger group. There are different things of which pastors will have to deny themselves for the sake of the church.
Good leaders will have to deny themselves some free time in order to do the work of the ministry. They will have to deny themselves some glory in order to work in humility. They may have to make financial sacrifices for the good of their ministry. It is important to remember that the Lord instructs believers not to store up their treasures on earth. Rather, they are to invest in the eternal Kingdom of God. The reward Christians will receive for the denials of this life far outweigh any rewards the world has to offer.
DISCIPLINE FOUR
DILIGENCE (verses 5-6 ). Paul also used the metaphor of an athlete. An athlete must be in top physical condition in order to compete. They must be consistent and diligent in their work. In the same way, farmers must exemplify consistency if they are going to reap a good harvest. Farmers cannot choose to work one day and then rest the next. Each day they must faithfully do their work so that their crops will grow properly.
Just like the athlete and farmer, God's leader must be faithful and diligent. A good leader does not become successful overnight. They do not gain followers overnight. It is the faithful and diligent leaders who will over time, be successful in ministry for the Kingdom of God.
DILIGENCE (verses 5-6 ). Paul also used the metaphor of an athlete. An athlete must be in top physical condition in order to compete. They must be consistent and diligent in their work. In the same way, farmers must exemplify consistency if they are going to reap a good harvest. Farmers cannot choose to work one day and then rest the next. Each day they must faithfully do their work so that their crops will grow properly.
Just like the athlete and farmer, God's leader must be faithful and diligent. A good leader does not become successful overnight. They do not gain followers overnight. It is the faithful and diligent leaders who will over time, be successful in ministry for the Kingdom of God.
DISCIPLINE FIVE
DREAMING. Athletes dream of the prize they will win as a victor. Farmers dream about their field full of healthy crops. A soldier dreams of peace. All three of the pictures Paul gave to Timothy are examples of people who look ahead in their work. They all are attempting to reach their goals.
A good leader is a great dreamer. They dream about their ministry. They dream about their people. They envision them as God sees them. Leaders may never accomplish all of their dreams, but they will never accomplish anything if they do not dream. Good leaders dream about their ministry because envisioning great things for their ministry leads to prayer. Prayer for their ministry leads to action. Action always leads to results.
When these five disciplines are applied in the life of a leader and they will see God bless their leadership and their ministry will multiply in fruitfulness.
DREAMING. Athletes dream of the prize they will win as a victor. Farmers dream about their field full of healthy crops. A soldier dreams of peace. All three of the pictures Paul gave to Timothy are examples of people who look ahead in their work. They all are attempting to reach their goals.
A good leader is a great dreamer. They dream about their ministry. They dream about their people. They envision them as God sees them. Leaders may never accomplish all of their dreams, but they will never accomplish anything if they do not dream. Good leaders dream about their ministry because envisioning great things for their ministry leads to prayer. Prayer for their ministry leads to action. Action always leads to results.
When these five disciplines are applied in the life of a leader and they will see God bless their leadership and their ministry will multiply in fruitfulness.
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