Leadership Within the Church

Introduction

As in all such studies, this one is incomplete. More could be added to it. In this study, only verses from the New Testament are included. (The Old Testament contains an immense number of passages on the topic of leadership.) The main emphasis of this study involves the issues listed in the first two parts of this outline. Other related topics are only briefly examined - mainly when they were found within the context of our main emphasis.

You are free to examine the contexts of the verses which are presented, as well as to look for others that may have been inadvertently omitted (or that are in the Old Testament). Remember, this outline is not inspired, but the verses are.

PART 1: A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE REAL LEADER

A. GOD AS JUDGE AND SAVIOR

1. As Judge - Not Showing Favoritism; Not Judging by Mere External Appearances - Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:9-12; 1 Corinthians 4:4-5; Galatians 2:6b; 1 Peter 1:17

2. As Savior - He Gets the Credit for Our Salvation (People Don't). This Fact Is Part of the Message That Leadership Is to Preach! - 1 Corinthians 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

B. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS GUIDE

John 16:13 (Don't forget the context. This was spoken to the apostles. The Holy Spirit still guides, but he does so through Scripture. This passage has on occasion been distorted into a justification for "new revelations" outside the Bible.)

C. JESUS CHRIST - THE ULTIMATE LEADER/HEAD OF THE CHURCH

1. The Head: He Is to Have Supremacy & Is to Be Submitted To; He Is the Source of Growth and Fullness - 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:9-10; Colossians 2:19

2. The Cornerstone (Of the "Building" - the Church) - Ephesians 2:20-22

3. The Shepherd, Etc./Like a Shepherd (1 Verse) - Matthew 2:6; Matthew 25:32; John 10:2,11,14,16; Hebrews 13:20b; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4

4. The Shepherd Is Also the Gate to the Sheepfold, the Lamb, and the Lion! - John 10:9; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:5-6; Revelation 7:17

5. The Ruler/Prince - Matthew 2:6; Acts 5:31; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15

6. The Overseer - 1 Peter 2:25

7. The Savior - Acts 5:31; Titus 3:4,6

8. The Author/Source and Perfecter Of... - Acts 3:15; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2

9. The Servant Who Does Not Cling to His "Rights" (As God) - Luke 22:27; John 13:14-17; Romans 15:8-9; Philippians 2:6-8

   [NOTE: Many other titles exist. These are just a few that were found during this study.]

PART 2: WHAT LEADERS HAVE IN COMMON WITH EVERYONE ELSE

This section is far from complete. Much more could be said. Most of the verses that have been included are connected with "leadership" verses found elsewhere in this paper. Only a few others (of the many that exist) have been added to the list.

A. UNITY AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE CHURCH

1. Unity: One Flock/One Shepherd [Including Both Jews and Gentiles] - John 10:16

2. Unity: One Building - Ephesians 2:20-22

3. Unity/Diversity: One Body/Many Members

   • We Are All Part of the Body - 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 1:24-27

   • We Were Called into Unity (So, Live Worthy of It) - Ephesians 4:1-7

   • All Parts Are Needed - 1 Corinthians 12:12-21

   • Opposition to Divisions (As Being "Harmful" - Indicative That Some People Do Not Have God's Approval) - 1 Corinthians 11:17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:24b-25

B. DIFFERENT GIFTS/FUNCTIONS/ETC. WITHIN THE ONE BODY

1. Gifts Originate in God; Are Appointed by God - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28; Ephesians 4:7,11

2. They Are Not to Be Used in a Manner That Goes Against Unity

   • Those with Gifts of "Lesser Honor" Are to Be Given Greater Honor by the Rest; All Should Share in Both Joys and Sadness - 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

   • In Worship: Taking Turns in Contributing to Worship; Yet Within Proper Limits - 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

3. Gifts must Be Used

   • Whether You Want to or Not - 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

   • In the Manner Appropriate for the Specific Gift - Romans 12:3-8 [NOTE: The "measure of faith" is probably best interpreted as "the rule or standard of faith" - that is, the Bible. "In proportion to his faith" is probably best interpreted in the same manner. All must be done in accordance with our final authority (or the "standard" by which we "measure" all things), the Bible.]

   • In Love - 1 Corinthians 12:31 (This is perhaps better translated as a statement, rather than a command. Also, read chapter 13.); Ephesians 4:16

   • For the Common Good - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

   • To Edify/Build up - 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:12

   • To Serve Others/cause Praise to God - 1 Peter 4:10-11

4. It must Be Remembered That "All Things" Belong to Each of Us - Including Each Person and His Gifts - 1 Corinthians 3:22

C. "CHRIST-LIKENESS" IS OBLIGATORY

1. For a True Christian, Sin Is Not an Option for Us to Choose (Though at Times We Make it One) and it Is Not a Possibility for a Lifestyle. Those Who Died to Sin Cannot Live to It. - Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:1-2; Romans 6:16-23 [NOTE: This does not negate the fact that we still struggle with sin (Romans 7). The difference, however, is that we overcome, whereas those who live in sin don't.]; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:3-7

2. We Are Commanded/Expected to Grow; to "Make Every Effort." This Is the Purpose of Salvation; Certain Things Will Accompany Salvation - Luke 13:24; John 15:16-17; Philippians 2:12-13; Philippians 2:14-16a; Hebrews 5:12; 6:1-2; Hebrews 6:9-12 [For context, see verses in previous section, about the dangers of continuing in a sinful lifestyle]

3. The Danger of Trying to Maintain a Sinful Lifestyle/Not Growing in the Faith/Not "Making Every Effort" to Be Part of the Kingdom - Luke 13:24,27; Titus 1:16; Hebrews 2:1-4; Hebrews 6:7-8; Hebrews 10:28-29; James 1:22; James 2:14,26; 3 John 1:11

4. We Are Commanded to Test Ourselves: Are We Genuine? - 2 Corinthians 13:5-7; Galatians 6:3-5; 2 Peter 1:10-11

5. The Contrast Between True Members of the Body of Christ and Those Who Merely "Go to Church"/Pretenders - Matthew 7:21-23; Ephesians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:18-19

   NOTE: To affirm human responsibility is NOT a denial of God's sovereignty. They are two different issues belonging to two different dimensions. Both are strongly affirmed in Scripture. [The idea that such concepts somehow conflict with each other comes from pagan culture, not from Scripture.]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[At times, it will be difficult to separate the verses that belong in the following sections D,E, and F. This is because the relationships we have between ourselves, God, and neighbor are so interrelated.]

D. ATTITUDES/ACTIONS TOWARD GOD

1. Learning What God Has to Say Has Priority over the Distractions of Life [An Example] - Luke 10:38-42

2. One's Choice of Actions Are Limited by Their Effects on Others [Love to Neighbor Has Precedence over "Rights"]; This Reflects Our Love Toward God - Romans 14:15-21; Hebrews 6:10b

3. A Focus on the Future Consequences of One's Choices: Faithfulness/ Obedience to Christ Is More Important than Worldly Treasures, Etc. - Hebrews 11:26

4. Serving the Lord

   • Serving Is Required; Focus on the Duty, Rather than the Reward - Luke 17:10; Romans 12:11

   • We must Follow Jesus' Example, or We Are Not Truly Serving - John 12:26

   • We Are Not Free to Do Evil [See Also Section on "Christ-likeness," Above] - 1 Corinthians 6:15; 1 Peter 2:16; [A GOOD ATTITUDE: Philippians 3:10-11]

   • We must Serve Regardless of Opposition - Acts 20:18-19

5. Prayer, Thanksgiving, Singing, Etc., to God - Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; Ephesians 5:19b-20; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2;

6. Jesus Is Our Pattern...

   • For Love - John 15:12-17

   • For Pleasing Our "Neighbor" Rather than Ourselves - Romans 15:1-4

E. ATTITUDES/ACTIONS CONCERNING ONESELF

1. Attitudes

   • Humility/Sober-minded - Romans 12:3 [NOTE: "the measure of faith" - probably referring to our "standard" for all of life, the Word of God]; Galatians 6:3 [Don't forget 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. God mainly chooses "nobodies," so that the focus of our pride/boasting will be HIM, rather than ourselves!]; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5b

   • Self-Control - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

   • Diligent, Purposeful, Focused, Self-Disciplined - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

   • Contentment in One's Circumstances - 1 Corinthians 7:16-24

   • Alert - Mark 13:33; Ephesians 6:18b

   • Living as "Strangers"/Reverent - 1 Peter 1:17-19

   • Perseverance - James 1:2-3,12

2. Actions: General Lifestyle - Live Worthy of Your Calling - Ephesians 4:1-3

   NOTE: The verses that might be put under this heading seem to also belong under the other headings in this section. They will not be repeated here. [After all, isn't everything we must do either related to our focus on God or our our "neighbor" (regardless of whether he is "friend" or "foe")? Isn't the full duty of man summarized in the commands to love God with the totality of our being and our neighbor as ourselves?]

F. ATTITUDES/ACTIONS TOWARD OTHERS

1. Attitudes [Which Result in Actions]

   • Devoted to What Is "Good" - Titus 3:8; Titus 3:14; 1 Peter 2:12

   • Love for "Neighbor" Rather than Focusing on "Rights" and What Pleases Oneself; Considering Others as Better than Self

     (1) What we should do - Romans 15:1-2; Philippians 2:3-4; James 2:8

     (2) And who is our neighbor? - Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:29-37

2. Actions

   • Godly Speech - Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 4:25; Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:19a; Philippians 2:14-16a

   • Godly Use of "Opportunities" [Note: Includes More than Just the Modern-day Concept of "Soul-winning" Activities. It Includes Living All of Life in a Manner That Reflects the Ways of God.] - Colossians 4:5-6; Philemon 1:6

   • Living at Peace with Unbelievers [If There's "Problems," Let Them Be Caused by the Unbelievers!] - 1 Corinthians 7:15

   • Building Others Up/helping Others - Acts 11:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

   • Not Showing Favoritism/not Judging People by External Appearances - James 2:1-4; James 2:8-10

G. ACTIONS/ATTITUDES SPECIFICALLY TOWARD LEADERSHIP

1. Honor/Respect - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17-18

2. Sharing [Not Necessarily Implying Money] - Galatians 6:6

3. Obedience/Submission - Hebrews 13:17

4. Imitate/Follow Their Example - 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 [a true spiritual leader vs. those who compete for attention, etc.]; Hebrews 13:7

5. To Not Accuse of Sin, Unless There Is Sufficient Grounds for Doing so - 1 Timothy 5:19-20

6. Pray for Them - Colossians 4:3-4

7. Consider Them All Yours (Don't Pick Favorites, Etc.) - 1 Corinthians 3:22 [Don't pick favorites!]

H. MISC. ITEMS; OBLIGATIONS FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS

1. Even the "Nobodies" Within the Church Are More Qualified to Make Judgments about Disputes, than Are the People of the World - 1 Corinthians 6:1-4

2. Special Obligations for Men vs. Women - 1 Timothy 2:8-12; 1 Peter 5:5

   NOTE: Numerous extensive passages exist, such as the various lists of "household rules" (Ephesians 5:21- 6:9 and Colossians 3:18-4:1), etc.

PART 3: GENERAL CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP

A. GOD/JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE MASTER

1. Serving the "Real" Master

   • One Cannot Serve Two Masters - Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13

   • Must Do One's Job Faithfully and Properly - Luke 12:42,45-48; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

   • Serving Both out of Love and out of Fear - John 21:16; 2 Corinthians 5:11a

2. We Are Not Better than Our Master/Teacher; We must Imitate/Follow Him - Matthew 10:24-25a; Luke 6:40; John 12:26; John 13:13-17; John 15:20a

3. People Will Respond to Us the Same Way They Would Respond to Our Master - Matthew 10:25b; John 15:20

B. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN TRUE LEADERS AND THE TYPE OF "LEADER" (FALSE LEADER) THAT THE WORLD OFFERS

1. With Regard to Control over Others

   • False Leaders - Matthew 20:25-26a; Mark 10:42-43a; Luke 22:24-26a

   • True Leaders - Matthew 20:26-28; Mark 10:43-45; Luke 22:26-27 [The time for "sitting at the table" would come in the future... v.28-30]

2. With Regard to "Credentials" and External Appearances of Leadership/Importance

   • False Leaders - Matthew 23:5-7

   • True Leaders - Galatians 2:6a; Philippians 3:7-11

3. With Regard to Titles

   • False Leaders - Matthew 23:7; Luke 22:25

   • True Leaders - Matthew 23:8-10

4. "Character Qualities" of True Leaders That Go Against the World's False Concept of "Leadership"

   • Conflicting Priorities/Emphasis

     (1) Serving Jesus is more important than man's approval - Galatians 1:9-10

     (2) Knowledge is more important than being a "trained" speaker - Acts 18:24 [The issue of "training" was not an issue.]; 2 Corinthians 11:6

     [Don't forget Moses, in the O.T.! Exodus 4:10 // Numbers 12:3]

   • Lack of Qualities That the World Thinks Are a Part of Leadership; Presence of Those That the World Thinks Disqualify a Person from Being a Leader

     (1) Weakness, lack of success - 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; 2 Corinthians 11:23b-30

     (2) The acknowledged need for prayer - concerning their ability to speak and concerning their fears - Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-4

     (3) The need for encouragement - 2 Timothy 1:6-9a

   • Being "Nobodies"

     (1) For the most part, "nobodies" are the ones whom God saves. [That alone is enough to "disqualify" most Christians - from the world's perspective.] - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

     (2) Yet even the least of the "nobodies" - if they have "renewed" their minds according to the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2) - are more qualified to make discernment in matters of right and wrong, than are the greatest of the world's leaders - 1 Corinthians 6:1,4-6

     (3) Even from the standpoint of the kingdom of God, we have nothing to boast about: there was nothing special about us that caused God to grant us salvation! - 2 Timothy 1:9a

5. How to Identify Who Is Great/who Can Really Be Called "First"? - Matthew 18:1,4; Matthew 23:11-12; Mark 9:34-35; Luke 9:46,48

PART 4: LEADING WITHIN THE CHURCH

For the most part, the emphasis in this section is on the leadership that is involved in the spiritual aspects of the church - that is, the aspect that deals with people's relationship with God. However, the other aspect - the relationship of people with people - is not totally absent. They are too interrelated for that. (There are also specific leadership roles that deal with this issue.)

A. GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE JOB

1. It's Nice to Desire the Position... - 1 Timothy 3:1 [But see the verses that follow!]

2. But You must Qualify

   • Leaders That Have an Emphasis in Spiritual Matters [Focus on the Command About Love for God] - 1 Timothy 3:2-7; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:6-10

   • Leaders That Have an Emphasis in Physical Matters [Focus on the Command About Love for Neighbor] - 1 Timothy 3:8-13

3. Great Judgments Await the Person Who Doesn't Qualify

   • By God

     (1) Will be judged more strictly [applies whether or not you qualify] - James 3:1-2

     (2) ...based on what you know/have been given - Luke 12:47-48 [This applies to ALL people.]

     (3) ...based on what men don't see [motives, hidden things] - 1 Corinthians 4:2,5b [praise... or lack of praise!]

     (4) ...based on what your message includes/doesn't include - Acts 20:26-27 [Judgment implied against those who fail to proclaim this.]

   • By Men - When There Is Sufficient Evidence - 1 Timothy 5:19-20

4. There Are Also Promises/Awards for Those Who Do Qualify and Who Do Their Job Well

   • By God

     (1) Given greater responsibilities - Luke 12:42-44,48

     (2) Blessed - John 13:17 [context: concerning serving others as Jesus did]

     (3) Praise at the Day of Judgment - 1 Corinthians 4:5a

     (4) A crown - 1 Peter 5:4

   • By Men - Double Honor [Honor Is the "Wage." This Verse Does Not Imply Money. That's a Separate Issue!] - 1 Timothy 5:17-18

   • But in All, Credit Goes to God! - 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

5. Being Appointed to Leadership

   • Being Appointed by Others/being Committed to God by Them (Examples) - Acts 14:23; Acts 20:32; Titus 1:5

   • Laying/Placing on of Hands

     (1) On leaders - Acts 13:2-3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

     (2) Also, on people in general - Acts 8:18; Hebrews 6:1-2

     (3) A warning about haste - 1 Timothy 5:22

6. Different Types of Leadership/ "Servants/Ministers"

   • Many Types Exist (Each with a Different Emphasis), but All Are from God - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 [See also the section on gifts.]

   • Two Main Categories/Emphases [Both Important]

     NOTE: many other verses exist; many other descriptive "titles" are used of the positions.

     (1) Emphasizing our relationship with God - Acts 13:1-3; Acts 21:8; Philippians 1:1b

     (2) Emphasizing our relationship with people - Romans 16:1; Romans 16:23a

   • One's Particular Emphasis Does Not Exclude Him from Doing Things That Belong to the Other "Category" [Two Examples]

     (1) Paul - Romans 15:25; Romans 15:31

     (2) Stephen - [Acts 6-7 - chosen as one of the seven whose purpose was to "wait on tables" (6:2-3), yet he spoke/preached... see ch. 7 as an example]

   • The Concept of "Ministering" [The Greek Word Related to Our English Word "Deacon"] Is Not Restricted to the Functions Normally Related to Deacons, but to Any Type of Service Toward God/man

     (1) Used with reference to matters that emphasize our relationship to God - 1 Timothy 1:12

     (2) Used with reference to the work of angels - Hebrews 1:14

     (3) Used with reference even to the work of Jesus - Romans 15:8

B. MISC. COMMENTS ABOUT THE JOB, NOT IN ANY OTHER CATEGORY

1. About the Fruitfulness of One's Ministry

   • Its Source Is God - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7

   • The Fruit of One's Ministry - His "Certificate of Authenticity" - 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

   • Laboring in Vain If the Godly "Results" Are Not Evident - Philippians 2:14-16

2. Financial Security

   • Not Trusting in One's Own Abilities to Provide - Matthew 10:9-10

   • Yet Attempting to Provide for One's Own Needs - and Being an Example in Doing so - Acts 20:33-35

   • Content with What You Receive - Luke 10:5-7

   • Having a Right to Receive Financial Support; Yet Not Necessarily Using That Right - 1 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 9:11-18

3. Being "Shrewd," "Good" and "Innocent" - Matthew 10:16; Romans 16:19

4. Dangers in One's Words and Actions

   • Running in Vain If You Have the Wrong Message - Galatians 2:2

   • A Warning Against Hypocrisy and its Evil Results - Romans 2:17-24

5. A Willingness to Do Things That Many Consider "Undesirable"

   • Not Doing Things That People like - Galatians 1:10

   • Doing Things That People Don't like - 1 Timothy 4:6 [NOTE: You must do this if you want to be considered "good" in God's sight!]

6. Faithfulness - Colossians 4:7

7. Not Quitting - Colossians 4:17

8. No Place for Favoritism; Impartial in Obedience - 1 Timothy 5:21

9. Treating Others as "Family" - 1 Timothy 5:1-2

C. LEADERSHIP AS A CALLING/GIFT OF GRACE FROM GOD

John 15:16-17; Acts 13:2; Acts 16:10; Acts 26:15-18; 1 Corinthians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 3:7 [He had previously been the gospel's opponent.]; Ephesians 4:7,11; Colossians 1:25; 1 Timothy 1:12; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:11

D. THE EMPHASIS OF WORKING TOGETHER UNDER/FOR GOD

1. Being a "Fellow Worker" Both to God and to Other Christians - 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1a; Philippians 2:25; Colossians 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2

2. Not "Sponging" off Another's Work; Being Careful How One Works, and Giving Credit to God for Your Work - Romans 15:20; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; 2 Corinthians 10:15-18

3. Working in Behalf of the Church (The Church Not Having Active Participation)/Working with it (The Church Having Active Participation) - Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2,4,6,22-23

E. GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF A LEADER TOWARD HIMSELF

1. Watch/Persevere - Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16

2. Continuing in the Word of God - 2 Timothy 3:14-17 [context: contrast with false teachers]

3. Impartial Obedience to the Word of God; No Favoritism - 1 Timothy 5:21

4. Diligent, Purposeful, Focused, Self-disciplined - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

5. A Willingness to Flee/pursue/fight/take Hold - 1 Timothy 6:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:22

F. GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF A LEADER TOWARD THOSE BEING LED - THE "FLOCK"

1. Watching Over - Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17-18; 1 Peter 5:1-4

2. Caring For - John 21:16

3. Protecting from "Wolves" - Acts 20:29-31

G. THE REQUIRED "OTHER-CENTERED" GOAL/ATTITUDE IN ALL THAT A LEADER DOES

1. Compassion - Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34

2. Love Within the Context of Truth - 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1

3. Strengthening and Encouraging - 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 12:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:2

4. Building Others up - 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 4:11-15

5. Being an Example - 1 Timothy 4:12

6. Living "Commendably" and Willing to Endure "Anything" for Others - 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 2 Timothy 3:10-17 [in contrast with the apostates...]; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 [in contrast with those who want to make themselves look "great"]

H. JOB DESCRIPTION "SPECIFICS" (EMPHASIS ON THE "ELDER," THOUGH NOT EXCLUSIVELY) [...in addition to those mentioned above in "qualifications"]

1. Primary Focus Is on the Word of God/Explaining it

   • Called to Preach/Be its Servant - Acts 16:10; Colossians 1:23b

   • Continuing in It; Not Neglecting it - Acts 6:2,4; 2 Timothy 3:14-17

   • Teaching Others to Also Communicate it - "Passing it On" - 2 Timothy 2:2

   • Reading/Preaching/Teaching - 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:1-5

   • Explaining; Correctly Handling it - Acts 8:30-31

   • Continually Reminding People/Refreshing Their Minds - 2 Timothy 2:14a, 15 [see context for things they were to be reminded about]; 2 Peter 1:12-15

2. The Contents of this Message

   • Not One's Self - 2 Corinthians 4:5

   • The Message That Comes from Jesus Christ, with Nothing Added to it - Galatians 1:6-12; Galatians 2:6,9

   • Jesus Christ and Salvation/The Gospel - Acts 26:15-18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 1:21-23

   • The New Covenant; a Message of Reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:18

   • The Whole Bible; Everything That Is in Accord with Sound Teaching; All That Is Helpful for Salvation - Acts 20:20-21; Acts 20:25-27; Colossians 1:25-27; Titus 1:15; 2:1; Hebrews 13:7

3. Prayer [There is a strong emphasis in the Bible on prayer ... but most of the verses apply to EVERYONE, not just to leadership!] - Acts 6:2,4; James 5:14

4. Other Types of Activities - If They Are a Legitimate Part of Your Function (Example: Being a "Deacon") - Acts 6:1-4

5. Being a Servant - The Attitude That Permeates Everything

   • Servant of God/Jesus - Acts 20:18-19; Acts 26:16; 1 Corinthians 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; 2 Corinthians 11:23 [etc.]; Galatians 1:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:12

   • Servants of the Church/People - 2 Corinthians 4:4-7; Colossians 1:25

   • Servants of the Message/Gospel - Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23

   • Misc. Servant Passages: Christ; the Prophets - Romans 15:8; 1 Peter 1:12

     [NOTE: Paul normally identifies himself as a "slave," at the beginning of his epistles!]

6. Willingness to Strongly Oppose False Teaching/False Teachers

   • Be on Your Guard; Avoid - Acts 20:29-31; 2 Timothy 2:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:23

   • Point Out/warn Against/Teach Them to Be on Guard - 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:14-15; 2 Peter 3:1,17-18; Jude 1:3

   • Contend/Dispute/Debate/Rebuke - Acts 15:2,6; Acts 16:4; Titus 1:13-14

   • Instruct/Attempt to Rescue Those in Error - 2 Timothy 2:23-26; Jude 1:20-23

   • Warn and Then Avoid Those Who Refuse to Repent - Titus 3:10-11

7. Persecution (It Will Come If You Are a True Leader of the Church)

   • It Will Happen, Because You Live in a Society That Is Hostile to Christianity - Luke 10:3; 2 Timothy 3:12

   • Having a Part in Jesus' Sufferings - Philippians 3:10-11; Colossians 1:24-27; 1 Peter 4:12-19

   • Suffering for the Gospel; Associating with Others Who do - 2 Timothy 1:8-9

   • Examples - Acts 20:19, 22-25; 2 Corinthians 11:23b-26 [Paul, compared to those who just wanted attention...]; Philemon 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:10-13

I. MISC. PASSAGES THAT ILLUSTRATE THE PROPER WAY OF LEADING (CONTEXT IS NOT NECESSARILY RELATED TO CHURCH LEADERSHIP)

1. The Illustration of a Shepherd vs. A Hired Hand - John 10:11-13

2. The Teachings Regarding Slaves and Masters - to Illustrate a Leaders' Obligations Both As...

   • Slave/Servant under God - Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25

   • An Authority over People - Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1

3. A "Physical" Example of "Lording Over" People - to Illustrate a "Spiritual" Concept That must Be Avoided - Acts 19:16 [overpowered = "lorded over"]

PART 5: FALSE LEADERS

A. THEIR PRESENCE; THEIR POPULARITY

1. There Will Be Many (Increasingly So, in the "Last Days"), and They Will Look "Good" - [Many illustrations exist in the gospel, specifically the religious leaders of the day! At first, even the disciples found Jesus' opposition to them to be quite unexpected. Example - Matthew 16:6-7,11-12 ]; Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 10:16; Matthew 24:11; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 1:4; Jude 1:17-18

2. They Will Have a Good Reputation/Good "Credentials" - Luke 6:26; Philippians 3:4-7; Galatians 6:12

3. They Will Want the Attention and Titles - Just like Worldly "Leaders" Do (See the previous section about the general concept of leadership.) - Matthew 23:5-7; Acts 8:18; Romans 16:18; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 3 John 1:9-10

B. THEIR ACTIONS

1. Concerning Things in General - Matthew 21:23; Matthew 23:16-28; Matthew 25:44-45; Acts 8:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:5; 3 John 1:9-10; Jude 1:4,8,10-13,16,19

2. Opposition to God's Word; Replacing it with Substitutes - Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3,5; Acts 20:30; Colossians 2:18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 1:9; Titus 1:14; 2 Peter 2:1b,3; 2 Peter 3:4-7; 2 Peter 3:16b; 2 John 1:7-11

3. Their Effects on Others

   • Blind Guides of the Blind - Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39

   • Deceiving Everyone Possible - Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Romans 16:18

   • Causing Divisions - Acts 20:30; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 11:18-19

   • "Worming" into Homes, Attempting to Gain Control - 2 Timothy 3:6

   • Enticing/Enslaving - 2 Peter 2:18-19

   • Not Sparing Anyone They Can Get Their Hands [Teeth!] on - Acts 20:29

   • Introducing Teachings That "Eat" People - 2 Timothy 2:17 [Their teachings are treating the people like "pasture" - instead of feeding them, they feed on them!]

   • Disqualifying People for the "Prize" - Colossians 2:18

   • Bringing Truth into Disrepute - 2 Peter 2:2

4. They Can Be Recognized [Though Most Won't Recognize Them] - Matthew 7:15-20; Titus 1:16

C. A TRUE DESCRIPTION OF THEM/THEIR EVIL CHARACTER (IN CONTRAST WITH WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE ON THE SURFACE)

1. With Reference to Themselves

   • Depraved/Blinded/Unspiritual Minds - Romans 1:28 [etc.]; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:15

   • Delights in What Is False - Colossians 2:18

   • Evil Deeds, Actions That Deny God; Followers of Their Corrupt "Instincts" - Philippians 3:2; Titus 1:15-16; 2 Peter 2:10,12-15,17-22

   • Warped/Sinful/Self-condemned - Titus 3:11

2. With Reference to Other People

   • False Prophets - Matthew 7:15-20

   • Blind Guides/False Guides - Matthew 23:16; Matthew 23:24; Acts 1:16b [example of a bad "guide"!]

   • Wolves - Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29-30

   • Deceivers/Antichrists - 2 John 1:7-11

   • Leaders of a Whole Host of Deceived and Depraved People - 2 Timothy 3:1-9

3. With Reference to the Truth

   • Will Distort it - Acts 20:30

   • Abandoning the Knowledge of God; Denying Truth - Romans 1:28 [etc.]; 2 John 1:7-11

   • Never Able to Arrive at Truth - 2 Timothy 3:7

   • Delighting in What Is False; Robbed of Truth - 1 Timothy 6:3-5

   • Teaching the "Myths" That People Want to Hear - 2 Timothy 4:3-4

4. With Reference to God

   • "Amputated" from Christ's Body; No Connection with the Head (Jesus Christ) - Colossians 2:18-19

   • Distorted Concept of Godliness - 1 Timothy 6:5b; 2 Timothy 3:5

   • Has Not Seen God - 3 John 1:10

D. THEIR FINAL OUTCOME

1. They Will Get What They Deserve - 2 Corinthians 11:15

2. They Will Be Judged for Everything They Have Done - Jude 1:4,14-15 [context... illus. given of judgments in the past]

3. Swift Destruction - They Will Bring it upon Themselves - 2 Peter 2:1,3,9 [context... examples of judgment ]

4. Eternal Condemnation - Galatians 1:8-9

5. They Will Be Paid Back; They Will Perish - 2 Peter 2:12-13,17,20-21

6. Blackest Darkness - Jude 1:13b

E. HOW WE MUST RESPOND TO THEM/THEIR TEACHINGS

1. Leave Them; Watch out for Them; Avoid Them; Don't Take Them in - Matthew 15:14; Romans 16:17-18a; Philippians 3:2; 2 Timothy 3:5a; 2 John 1:10-11

2. Do Not Follow Them; Do Not Let Them Disqualify You - Colossians 2:18a

3. Avoid/Have Nothing to Do with What They Say - 2 Timothy 2:23-24; Titus 3:9

4. Actively Oppose Them/Warn/Rebuke - Titus 1:13-14; Titus 3:10-11; Jude 1:3

5. Attempt to Bring Them to the Truth - 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Jude 1:22-23

6. Be Careful of Your Own Spiritual Condition - 2 Peter 3:17-18; 1 John 4:1; 3 John 1:11a; Jude 1:20-21

7. A Warning to Us about Leading Others Astray - Romans 2:17-29

8. God's Protection from False Teachers... - 2 Peter 2:9 [then illus.: Noah and Lot]; Jude 1:24-25

Dennis Hinks © 1994