Embracing Godly Leadership for Spiritual Protection

 

Summary

In today's message, I emphasized the importance of sound, godly leadership within the church. I drew from the wisdom of Solomon, who warned against the confusion that arises when we seek wisdom from too many sources, leading to a syncretism of beliefs. Instead, we must let the instructions of the Lord govern our lives, avoiding the influence of false teachers and ideologies that do not align with God's Word.

I stressed that when you choose a church, you are placing yourself under the leadership and covering of its shepherds. However, the problem arises when people have leaders but refuse to let their voices be the primary influence, instead choosing to listen to a multitude of voices, many of which are false teachers. This lack of sound, godly leadership leaves believers vulnerable to spiritual wolves.

I discussed the necessity of having disciplines in place to guard oneself and the importance of being holy, set apart from the world and its concerns. I pointed out that leadership in the body of Christ is more about character than gifting, and that character is a truth teller that sets us apart from false teachers.

I called for submission to godly leadership, following their examples because their lives should nurture us into godliness. I also acknowledged my own imperfections, inviting scrutiny and correction if necessary, as no leader has the right to act without accountability.

Finally, I covered the qualifications for church leadership as outlined in the scriptures, emphasizing that leaders must meet domestic, character, and doctrinal qualifications. I warned against leaders who lack these qualifications and urged the congregation to be discerning in who they allow to speak into their lives and have authority over them.

Key Takeaways:

- True wisdom is found in the instructions of the Lord, not in the multitude of conflicting ideologies and teachings that can lead to confusion and syncretism. As believers, we must ground ourselves in the Word of God and allow it to be our primary source of guidance. [01:18:40]

- Godly leadership is essential for the protection, nurturing, and strengthening of the church. Without it, believers are left vulnerable to spiritual attacks and deception. It is crucial to have leaders who can discern truth from error and equip the congregation to do the same. [01:09:52]

- The character of a leader is more important than their gifts or abilities. Leaders must live lives that reflect the character of Christ, demonstrating self-control, righteousness, and holiness. Their conduct is a testament to their relationship with God and their fitness to lead. [01:53:25]

- Believers have the right and responsibility to hold their leaders accountable. If a leader is found to be out of order, they must be willing to accept correction or step down. This ensures the integrity of church leadership and the spiritual health of the congregation. [01:59:04]

- The qualifications for church leadership are non-negotiable and are clearly outlined in scripture. Leaders must be faithful, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach sound doctrine. They must also be able to refute false teachings and protect the flock from spiritual harm. [01:55:28]

In conclusion, as your pastor, I urge you to be discerning, to seek wisdom from God's Word, and to submit to godly leadership that aligns with the biblical qualifications. Let us strive for a church that is strong, protected, and mature in faith, led by those who truly abide in Christ.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Titus 1:5-9 (ESV)
> "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."

2. Acts 20:28-30 (ESV)
> "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them."

3. 1 Timothy 3:2-5 (ESV)
> "Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the specific qualifications for church leaders mentioned in Titus 1:5-9?
2. According to Acts 20:28-30, what are the responsibilities of church overseers, and what threats should they be aware of?
3. In 1 Timothy 3:2-5, what additional qualifications are given for an overseer, and why is managing one's household emphasized?
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the importance of character over gifting in church leadership? ([01:00:13])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for church leaders to be "above reproach" in both Titus and 1 Timothy? How does this standard protect the church? ([01:00:13])
2. How does the role of an overseer in Acts 20:28-30 relate to the concept of spiritual protection and nurturing mentioned in the sermon? ([01:04:05])
3. What might be the consequences for a church that lacks leaders who meet the qualifications outlined in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:2-5? ([01:13:06])
4. How does the pastor's call for accountability in leadership reflect the biblical standards for overseers? ([01:59:04])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the qualifications for church leaders in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:2-5. Are there areas in your own life where you feel called to grow in character? How can you start working on these areas this week?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of submitting to godly leadership. How can you better support and hold accountable the leaders in your church? ([01:59:04])
3. The pastor mentioned the danger of being influenced by multiple voices, especially false teachers. How can you ensure that your primary source of spiritual guidance is aligned with God's Word? ([01:18:40])
4. In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual protection and nurturing of your church community, even if you are not in a formal leadership position? ([01:04:05])
5. The sermon highlighted the need for leaders to be hospitable and generous. How can you practice hospitality and generosity in your daily life? ([01:48:16])
6. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced a lack of godly leadership. What were the effects, and how can you help prevent similar situations in your church? ([01:13:06])
7. The pastor invited scrutiny and correction for himself. How can you create an environment of mutual accountability and growth within your small group or church? ([01:59:04])

Devotional

Day 1: Wisdom Anchored in God's Word
The pursuit of wisdom can often lead individuals down a path of confusion, especially when they seek it from a multitude of conflicting sources. The Bible, however, presents a different approach, one that centers on the unchanging truth of God's Word. True wisdom is not a tapestry woven from the threads of various ideologies, but rather it is found in the singular, coherent narrative of Scripture. This wisdom is not subject to the whims of culture or the shifting sands of human philosophy. It is the wisdom that was embodied by Christ and is made available to all who would seek it through a diligent study of the Bible and a prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding. This wisdom provides clarity, direction, and a foundation upon which to build a life that honors God [01:18:40].

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." - Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)

Reflection: What are some sources of 'wisdom' that you have allowed to influence your life, and how can you begin to replace these with the truth found in God's Word?

Day 2: The Shield of Godly Leadership
Godly leadership serves as a protective shield for the church, safeguarding the flock from spiritual deception and attacks. Such leaders are not self-appointed but are recognized by their ability to discern truth from error and their commitment to equipping others to do the same. They are not swayed by popular opinion but are steadfast in their adherence to biblical truth. Their role is critical in nurturing and strengthening the faith of believers, providing guidance, and modeling a life of obedience to Christ. The absence of such leadership leaves a void that can be filled by spiritual wolves, ready to prey on the vulnerable. Therefore, it is imperative for believers to recognize and submit to godly leadership that is rooted in Scripture and characterized by wisdom and integrity [01:09:52].

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." - Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support and uphold the godly leaders in your church, and in what ways can you contribute to a culture of accountability and encouragement?

Day 3: Character Over Charisma
In a world that often values talent and charisma over character, the church is called to a different standard. The character of a leader within the body of Christ is paramount, as it is the true reflection of their relationship with God. Such leaders are marked by self-control, righteousness, and holiness—qualities that are not self-generated but are the fruit of a life lived in submission to the Holy Spirit. Their conduct serves as a living testament to the transformative power of the gospel and sets them apart from false teachers whose lives do not align with their words. The character of godly leaders is a beacon that guides the congregation toward maturity in faith and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ [01:53:25].

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your own life, and how can you encourage those qualities in the leaders and fellow members of your church?

Day 4: Accountability in Leadership
Leadership without accountability is a recipe for disaster. The Bible calls for leaders to be above reproach, living lives that are open to scrutiny. This transparency ensures that they remain grounded in the truth and are responsive to correction when necessary. Believers have not only the right but also the responsibility to hold their leaders accountable, ensuring that they adhere to biblical standards and remain faithful to their calling. This mutual accountability fosters a healthy church environment where trust can flourish and where leaders can serve with integrity, knowing that they are supported and kept in check by the community they lead [01:59:04].

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages.'" - 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that you are holding your leaders accountable in a respectful and godly manner, and how can you be open to accountability in your own areas of service?

Day 5: Qualifications for Church Leadership
The qualifications for church leadership are not arbitrary but are clearly outlined in Scripture. These qualifications encompass domestic, character, and doctrinal aspects, ensuring that leaders are well-rounded and equipped to shepherd the flock. Faithfulness, self-control, hospitality, and the ability to teach sound doctrine are non-negotiable traits that must be present in those who lead. Moreover, leaders must be capable of refuting false teachings and protecting the congregation from spiritual harm. Adherence to these qualifications is essential for maintaining the purity and integrity of the church, and believers must be discerning in who they allow to have authority over them [01:55:28].

"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." - Titus 1:9 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek to embody the qualifications for leadership in your own life, regardless of your role in the church, and how can you encourage and support those qualities in your current leaders?

Quotes

"Leadership in the body of Christ is more about character than it is about gifting. Leadership should be maturing you so that you're able to discern truth from error and so this is why even though not popular I take my time to try to give substance on a Sunday morning why because I want you to grow." [01:23:59] ( | | )

"Paul says the first qualification is you got to be faithful to your spouse. If you can't be faithful to the one you love, there's no way you're going to be faithful to the church that God loves." [01:36:09] ( | | )

"Every single one of you, if you are an elder in the church, must meet these qualifications without deviation, without opinionated justification." [01:33:37] ( | | )

"The reason that Godly leaders teach substance is to grow you to maturity and the reason false teachers don't give you no substance is because they need you to stay infant because when you are an infant you are easily deceived by their deception." [01:23:59] ( | | )

"An overseer then must be not might be has an option to be an overseer must be and then he lists all of these qualifications similar to what he does here in Titus." [01:32:27] ( | | )

"A church that lacks Godly leadership is or will quickly become a spiritually lacking church and so this is why to not be caught lacking is to not be in a church that lacks Godly leadership." [01:13:06] ( | | )

"Paul says I had to go and strengthen these churches to and what is the strengthen and and it's so it's it's much different than we think about when we think about what is actually going to strengthen us." [01:02:16] ( | | )

"Paul says that we need to sit to set in order Godly conduct and to deal with these false teachers and appoint elders." [01:26:16] ( | | )

"Paul says man you got to be able to know truth, exhort truth because you got people that are trying to destroy the faith of the Believers through these false teachings." [01:55:58] ( | | )

"Paul understanding this message says to Titus in Titus 1:5 for this reason I left you in cre that you would set in order what remains and appoint Elders in every city as I directed you." [01:12:35] ( | | )

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Transcript
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