Everyday Leadership: Influencing with Godliness and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Influence in Everyday Life

Every believer holds influence in some area of life, whether at home, work, or church. This influence comes with the responsibility to lead with godliness and integrity. Reflect on your sphere of influence and ask God to help you lead well. [43:38]

In our daily lives, we often underestimate the power of our influence. Whether you are a parent, a manager, a sibling, or a friend, your actions and character have a significant impact on those around you. The Bible teaches us that we are called to be salt and light in the world, which means our behavior should reflect the love and truth of Christ. This is not limited to those with official titles or roles within the church; every believer has a sphere of influence where their actions matter.

Paul's instructions to Timothy remind us that our influence should be marked by godliness and integrity. This means being intentional about how we live our lives, making sure that our actions align with our faith. It involves being above reproach, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. These qualities are not just for church overseers but are benchmarks for all Christians to strive toward. As we grow in these areas, we can positively influence those around us and lead them closer to Christ.

Bible Passage:
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)

Reflection:
Think about your current sphere of influence. How can you intentionally lead with godliness and integrity in your daily interactions? What specific actions can you take today to be a positive influence on those around you?

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Day 2: Qualifications for Godly Living

Paul's list of qualifications for leaders in 1 Timothy serves as a benchmark for all Christians. Qualities like being sober-minded, self-controlled, and hospitable are essential for spiritual maturity. These are not just for church leaders but for everyone who follows Christ. [52:02]

The qualifications listed by Paul in 1 Timothy are often seen as requirements for church leaders, but they are also applicable to every believer. These qualities serve as a gauge for spiritual maturity and godliness. Being sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach are not just characteristics of good leaders but are essential traits for anyone who wants to live a life that honors God.

These qualities help us to live in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. For example, being sober-minded means having a clear and focused mind, free from distractions that can lead us away from God's will. Self-control involves voluntarily placing limitations on our own freedoms for the sake of godliness. Hospitality is about opening our hearts and homes to others, reflecting the love of Christ. As we strive to develop these qualities, we grow in our spiritual maturity and become more effective in our witness to the world.

Bible Passage:
"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV)

Reflection:
Which of the qualities listed by Paul do you find most challenging to embody in your daily life? What steps can you take to grow in this area and become more spiritually mature?

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Day 3: Self-Control and Voluntary Limitations

True self-control involves voluntarily placing limitations on one's own freedoms for the sake of godliness. This could mean setting boundaries in areas like spending, eating, or speaking. Reflect on areas where you need to exercise more self-control and ask God for strength. [54:05]

Self-control is a vital aspect of Christian living. It involves making conscious decisions to limit our own freedoms in order to pursue godliness. This can be challenging, especially in a culture that often promotes indulgence and self-gratification. However, true self-control is about recognizing the areas in our lives where we need to set boundaries and asking God for the strength to maintain them.

For example, self-control in spending might mean creating a budget and sticking to it, even when we are tempted to make unnecessary purchases. In eating, it could involve making healthier choices and avoiding gluttony. In speaking, it might mean thinking before we speak and choosing words that build up rather than tear down. By exercising self-control, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Bible Passage:
"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where you struggle with self-control. What specific steps can you take to set boundaries in this area? How can you rely on God's strength to help you maintain these boundaries?

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Day 4: Multi-Generational Teaching

The church thrives when older generations teach and model godly behavior to younger generations. This creates a domino effect of spiritual growth and maturity. Seek out opportunities to learn from those older than you and to teach those younger than you. [01:09:58]

One of the beautiful aspects of the church is its multi-generational nature. Older believers have a wealth of wisdom and experience that can greatly benefit younger generations. When older men and women take the time to teach and model godly behavior, it creates a domino effect of spiritual growth and maturity within the church community. This multi-generational approach ensures that the wisdom and experiences of older believers are passed down, enriching the entire church.

Younger believers are encouraged to seek out mentors and learn from those who have walked the path of faith before them. At the same time, they are also called to teach and model godly behavior to those who are younger or newer in the faith. This reciprocal relationship fosters a sense of community and continuity within the church, helping everyone to grow in their walk with Christ.

Bible Passage:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children." (Titus 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection:
Who are the older believers in your life that you can learn from? How can you seek out their wisdom and guidance? Additionally, who are the younger believers you can invest in and teach? What steps can you take to build these relationships?

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Day 5: Grace as a Transformative Power

God's grace is not just a safety net for when we fail but a transformative power that trains us to live godly lives. It enables us to renounce ungodliness and pursue holiness. Lean into God's grace as you strive to live a life that reflects His character. [01:20:57]

Grace is often misunderstood as merely a safety net for when we fail, but it is so much more than that. God's grace is a transformative power that trains us to live godly lives. It is by His grace that we are able to renounce ungodliness and pursue holiness. Grace empowers us to make changes in our lives that reflect the character of Christ and align with God's will.

As we rely on God's grace, we are not only forgiven for our past mistakes but also equipped to live in a way that honors Him. This involves a continuous pursuit of godliness through a relationship with Christ. As we grow closer to Jesus, we are transformed into His image, becoming brighter and more beautiful in our walk with Him. Grace is the foundation upon which we build our lives, enabling us to lead well, influence others positively, and reflect the heart of God to the world around us.

Bible Passage:
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection:
How have you experienced God's grace in your life? In what areas do you need to lean more into His grace to help you renounce ungodliness and pursue holiness? What practical steps can you take today to live a life that reflects His character?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the concept of everyday leadership as outlined in the book of 1 Timothy. We explored how each of us, regardless of our official titles or roles, holds influence in the lives of others. Whether you're a parent, a manager, or a sibling, you have a sphere of influence where your actions and character matter. We examined Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus, focusing on the qualifications for leaders within the church. These qualifications serve as a gauge for spiritual maturity and godliness, applicable to all believers.

Paul's list includes being above reproach, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. These qualities are not just for church overseers but are benchmarks for all Christians to strive toward. We discussed the importance of self-control, which involves voluntarily placing limitations on one's own freedoms for the sake of godliness. This extends to various aspects of life, such as managing one's household well and being well thought of by outsiders.

We also touched on the role of deacons, who are responsible for the practical, everyday needs of the church community. Paul emphasizes that these roles are not about perfection but about a continuous pursuit of godliness through a relationship with Christ. As we grow closer to Jesus, we are transformed into His image, becoming brighter and more beautiful in our walk with Him.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of multi-generational teaching within the church. Older men and women are encouraged to teach and model godly behavior to the younger generation, creating a domino effect of spiritual growth and maturity. This multi-generational approach ensures that the wisdom and experiences of older believers are passed down, enriching the entire church community.

Finally, we were reminded that it is God's grace that enables us to pursue these qualities. Grace is not just a safety net for when we fail but a transformative power that trains us to live godly lives. As we rely on God's grace, we can lead well, influence others positively, and reflect the heart of God to the world around us.

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Key Takeaways

1. minded, self-controlled, and hospitable are essential for spiritual maturity. These are not just for church leaders but for everyone who follows Christ. [52:02]
3. Self-Control and Voluntary Limitations: True self-control involves voluntarily placing limitations on one's own freedoms for the sake of godliness. This could mean setting boundaries in areas like spending, eating, or speaking. Reflect on areas where you need to exercise more self-control and ask God for strength.

4. Multi-Generational Teaching: The church thrives when older generations teach and model godly behavior to younger generations. This creates a domino effect of spiritual growth and maturity. Seek out opportunities to learn from those older than you and to teach those younger than you.

5. Grace as a Transformative Power: God's grace is not just a safety net for when we fail but a transformative power that trains us to live godly lives. It enables us to renounce ungodliness and pursue holiness. Lean into God's grace as you strive to live a life that reflects His character.

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:59] - Introduction to Everyday Leadership
[43:38] - Influence in Everyday Life
[44:12] - Prayer and God's Presence
[45:06] - Overview of 1 Timothy
[46:06] - Paul's Discipleship Model
[47:08] - Qualifications for Leaders
[48:14] - Conduct in God's Household
[49:35] - Personal Story: Setting Ground Rules
[51:24] - God's Ground Rules for Us
[52:02] - Deep Dive into Qualifications
[54:05] - The Importance of Self-Control
[56:01] - Managing Your Household
[58:08] - Being Well Thought of by Outsiders
[59:31] - Role of Deacons
[69:58] - Multi-Generational Teaching
[80:57] - Grace as a Transformative Power
[84:00] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the qualifications for an overseer listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7?
According to Titus 2:1-8, what roles do older men and women have in teaching the younger generation?
How does 2 Corinthians 3:18 describe the process of transformation for believers?
In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the concept of self-control? [54:05]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of being "above reproach" for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1-7? How does this apply to all believers? [52:02]
How does the multi-generational teaching model in Titus 2:1-8 contribute to the spiritual growth of the church community? [01:09:58]
What does it mean to be transformed into the image of Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18? How does this transformation occur?
How does the sermon explain the role of God's grace in enabling believers to live godly lives? [01:20:57]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own sphere of influence. How can you lead with godliness and integrity in your daily life? [43:38]
Identify one area in your life where you need to exercise more self-control. What practical steps can you take to set boundaries in this area? [54:05]
Think of an older person in your church or community who has modeled godly behavior. How can you seek their mentorship or learn from their example? [01:09:58]
Are there younger individuals in your life whom you can teach and model godly behavior to? How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth? [01:09:58]
How can you lean into God's grace this week to overcome a specific struggle or temptation? What does relying on God's grace look like in practical terms? [01:20:57]
Consider your interactions with outsiders. Are you well thought of by those outside the church? What changes can you make to better reflect Christ in these relationships? [58:08]
How can you create a domino effect of spiritual growth in your community by passing on the wisdom and experiences you have gained? [01:09:58]

Sermon Clips

1. "We as believers, when we say yes to Jesus and we say that we want to follow him with our whole lives, God says, welcome. Hey, I got some ground rules for you. I got some ways that you ought to live because God knows what's good for us." [52:39] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As a leader, as somebody who has influence over other people, do I voluntarily, so that means I volunteer, I raise my hand to do it, do I voluntarily place limits on myself and my freedoms? Like I can, there's just some areas that I struggle with with the Lord that I have wrestled with for many years and I'm continuing to pursue him in." [54:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Are you able to share your faith with other people and teach it to them and to pass it on? Not a drunkard, not a lover of money, gentle, but not quarrelsome. All right. Verse four says this. He must manage his own household well with 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?" [55:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The best managers are present. Have you ever worked in retail or the food industry as a young, maybe a young kid or an older person, and you've had to have your boss override something because you messed up on the cashier? Anybody know what I'm talking about? Oh, I can't see anyway. I don't even know why I asked for a raise of hand. So I have, and I am not good at quick math." [56:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So everywhere we go, we carry the Holy Spirit within us. So if you started following Jesus and you said Jesus is my Lord and Savior, I believe that he died on the cross for my sins, you get the Holy Spirit. And everywhere you go, he lives inside of you and so you get to emulate, you get to reflect the heart of God to other people." [01:03:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God doesn't care necessarily, unless he's told you specifically, God doesn't care where you lead, he cares how you lead. He cares about your character and your heart what your life looks like to other people." [01:06:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Sounds familiar. We already talked about a lot of those words. Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is right. Good. And so train the young women to love their husbands and children." [01:07:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Somebody is looking at you and you excel in an area. They're my kids. It might be some area of your life where you're like, man, I got this on lockdown, whether you know it or not. Somebody is watching you and they go, I wish they would teach me how to do that. There's somebody eager behind you that wants to know how to run their business." [01:12:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Grace is what trains you to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace is what trains you to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. It's God's grace that enables us to renounce the world. It's God's grace that enables us to be selfless. Self-controlled." [01:20:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Religion says do better, right? Get better. Do better. But relationship says get closer. Get closer. Get closer. Get closer to Jesus and we can trust that as we do, he will transform us. He will help us lead well. And he'll help us lead others well. And follow people well, truly." [01:23:11] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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