LEADING YOURSELF

In his excellent book, “Gospel-Driven Ministry,” Jared Wilson stresses that pastors are leaders and effective leadership begins with leading ourselves. 

He writes:

You cannot effectively lead others if you do not conscientiously lead yourself. The pastor who is subject to his week, who routinely has ministry “happen” to him, is not evidencing the fruit of self-control or the spirit of discipline. 

Pastors should take inventory of their weekly schedules. Does it reveal that we say yes (or no) to too much? Does it show that we are disorganized people, always playing catch-up? 

Do you devote time not just to study God’s Word, but to read books—theology, spirituality, history, biography, even fiction and poetry? Do you stretch yourself in your reading, working different mental and emotional muscles? Do you go to conferences or access other resources for pastors that might challenge and inspire you? It’s a cliché, of course, but it’s a cliché because it’s true: leaders are learners. 

In your personal relationships, do you stew, grumble, and internally process to the exclusion of other’s needs to talk and listen? Would your wife or closest friends say you’re great with communication? Do you manage your household well? 

The answers to these questions help reveal the quality of your self-leadership. Even more telling is your commitment to the spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, fasting, service, and generosity. For the same reason we should dismiss the gluttonous preacher who rails against others’ lack of self-control; the pastor who does not show personal discipline and commitment should not expect others to follow his leadership. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” Paul says (1 Cor 11:1 ESV). To be a good leader, one must be a good follower. To be a gospel-driven leader, one must first be an attentive follower of the heart of Jesus. (pp. 147-148, Kindle edition)

 

 

 

THE DANGER OF DISQUALIFICATION

 

God’s preachers are ever but one stumble from falling. There is the danger of disqualification. Paul feared it—and if such a champion was “running scared,” how much more should I be alarmed at the possibility!

Disqualification begins with IGNORANCE. The Apostle asks the question, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (v. 24). We may be ignorant of the peril, sprinting along without an awareness that Satan has set his snares to snag us. The Devil is intent on bringing the man of God down and if you think you cannot fall, then you are headed for one!

Disqualification becomes more likely through INTEMPERANCE. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.” (v. 25-26). Temperance—self-control—does not come naturally, but is the fruit of the Spirit. To the contrary, the works of the flesh mark the intemperate man. When we focus on the pleasures of this world rather than the prize of the world to come, little by little we weaken by intemperance. Paul says you have to fight to stay fit!

Disqualification becomes inevitable through INDIFFERENCE. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (v. 27‬‬). Ignore the warnings of the Holy Spirit, become indifferent to the proper nutrition from the Word of God, and the prayerful direction in seeking the face of God—and this spiritual atrophy of the faith muscles turns a potential champion into a pastoral casualty. We are often shocked when we hear of someone who has stumbled—someone once held in high regard and now a stain on the church’s testimony.  It did not happen all at once. The practice of spiritual disciplines is not optional!

I think of King Saul. He was a man of such potential. God might have used him, but in his arrogance, he did not draw close to the Lord, and in the end he lost his crown!  It can happen to any of us. It can happen to me. As I am headed down the homestretch toward the finish line, I must be ever conscious of the danger of disqualification, “lest having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”  If I do not deny self, die to sin, and direct my heart to the Savior, then I am headed for a fall. 

When you hear of a preacher in shameful scandal, never say, “I would never!”  Instead cast yourself on the grace and mercy of God, and plead, “Jesus hold me up, or I will fall!”

I am praying for my brother preachers today and ask you to pray for me.

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 2–BE STRONG!

The Christian life is not just difficult—it is impossible. There has only been one Person who has perfectly lived the Christian life and that is Christ Himself. The bad news is you can’t do it.  The good news is you don’t have to—for Christ is in you to live His life through you.  

You are not saved by the work of Christ and sanctified by your work.  It is all of Christ and therefore all of grace. Elsewhere, Paul stated, “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him” (Col. 2:6). He described his own experience this way, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)—all Christ is for all God demands. 

There are three areas Paul describes in 2 Timothy 2 that demand God’s power to be at work in us, so we can be strong.

BE STRONG IN SERVING (v. 1-7). We are saved to serve. See Paul’s stress on our “aim is to please,” the Lord (v.4); as “a worker,” (v.15); that is, we are “a vessels…ready for every good work” (v. 20-21); being “the Lord’s servant,” (v. 24). 

The Apostle shares INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVANTS (v. 1-2). For the demands of Christian service, we can be “strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  Yet, this grace is not given to Lone Rangers who serve in isolation, but God gifts the different members of the Body of Christ to accomplish more together than they could ever by themselves.  

The strength of massive redwood trees that tower into the sky, and have resisted storms for millennia, is found in their extending roots that interlock with other redwoods. They stand and grow together! 

Look at the discipleship chain here. You be faithful to find others who are faithful that can in turn raise up more to be faithful.  Don’t forget that God means for your home to be a discipleship factory as well, (cf.1:5).  

Next, we note ILLUSTRATIONS OF SERVANTS (v. 3-7). 

The first illustration is that of a soldier on the battlefield (v. 3-4). There is a dedication required—a painful price to pay for commitment. We are to be faithful and focused—seeking to please Christ our Commander.  

The second illustration is of a sportsman in the arena (v. 5).There is a discipline demanded—for no athlete excels without intensity and integrity. You can’t take shortcuts or you are disqualified. How many “winners,” become “loser,” disqualified for performance enhancing drugs? The Bible is our rulebook!  

The third illustration is of a sower in the harvest (v. 6). There is a determination required. Hard work and hopeful waiting join hands in the field. For the farmer there is toil and trust, effort and expectation, patience and productivity. 

We must be strong in serving.  Furthermore, BE STRONG IN SUFFERING (v. 8-13). Paul underscores suffering here (v.9)  At the center of Christian faith stands a cross. Jesus summons us to come and die.  Yet, the way we live is to die (v. 11).

Consider, THE STANDARD OF SUFFERING (v. 8-9). “Remember Jesus Christ”—as the supreme standard of suffering. He never asks us to go where He has not been. Paul was following in His Master’s steps up the Calvary Road.  

The writer of Hebrews put it, 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬)

Even as Christ by His death conquered the power of death, Paul’s chains did not bind the Gospel, but liberated it. No grave could confine Christ and no prison can shackle the Gospel!  

So, we are called to THE SHARING OF SUFFERING (v.10-13) “with him” is repeated three times. It is in union with Christ that we have His might to enable us.  Look back at 1:8 where we are bidden to share in suffering for the sake of the Gospel.  

There is a mystery in the sovereign election of God and the responsibility of man to obtain it—along with the agency of witnesses to communicate it (v.10).  

First, the cross and then the crown; first, pain and then the prize!  His faithfulness will keep you faithful—this is the perseverance of the saints (v.11) and note the “if.”  When we see some fall away, it doesn’t mean that the promises of God have failed, but that Christ did not truly indwell them, for those He is in abide in Him! 

Be strong in serving, suffering, and BE STRONG IN STUDYING (v.14-26). Paul emphasizes, “the word of truth,” (v.15); warns of those who have, “swerved from the truth,” (v.18); those “able to teach” (v. 24), and mentioning, “the knowledge of the truth,” (v. 25).  

God’s grace is required to open our reception of the truth, our comprehension of the truth, and in our application of the truth. We do not study the Bible as we would a textbook, written by men, but as a supernatural message inspired by God. It is the sword of the Spirit in the valiant soldier’s hand. It is the standard of the Scripture in the victorious sportsman’s hand. It is the seed of our salvation in the faithful sower’s hand. 

God’s grace in the Word is FOR DISCERNMENT (v.14-21).  We discern what is primary and worth fighting for and what is peripheral and worthless fighting over (v.14). There are hills to die on, but don’t make mountains out of molehills, because such nit-picking over non-essentials only brings ruin to the audience. 

There is diligence required for studying Scripture,(v.15).  I challenge you to be a student of the Word, but sadly many will splash around in the shallow end of the pool rather than plunge into the deep end. 

Why? 

It’s hard. It takes discipline!  Because of Scriptural illiteracy, there is spiritual immaturity and many fall prey to godless babble and gangrenous error (v.16-18). 

Just because an author is a best-seller or a preacher has a big following doesn’t mean you should blindly swallow what they are saying!  You need to see if what I am telling you aligns with God’s Word. 

Look at Paul’s warning in Ephesians 4:13-16, as he urges us onwards:

“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Failure in discernment is why you will have pastors and church folk who will endorse abortion and embrace perversion!  The professed faith of many is futile, but for those whose minds are saturated with Scripture, their foundation is firm (v.19). 

What kind of church member are you—a vessel for honorable use or dishonorable use?  (v. 20-21). A china plate or a chamber pot?  If you cannot discern the difference, don’t invite me over for a meal at your house!  

The kind of member you are will depend on the kind of student you are—particularly, from whom you learn. Paul was an honorable vessel—a special instrument set apart for the Master, and prepared for every good work. 

In contrast, Hymanaeus and Philetus were dishonorable vessels.  Timothy needed to purge his mind from such garbage they were spewing (v. 21), so he might follow Paul’s example and be an honorable vessel too. There is a connection between theology and morality, between conviction and conduct, doctrine and devotion. Let a man depart from the truth of the Word and he will soon descend into the trash of the world. 

God’s grace in the Word is for discernment, and also FOR DELIVERANCE (v. 22-26). It is not surprising then that Paul moves from the warning about shunning false teaching to fleeing filthy living.  We must be reminded that knowing the truth is good, but not good enough.  We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, lest we deceive ourselves as James warns, (cf. James 1:22). 

May God deliver us from the sinful passions of our youth (v. 22a)!  By the way, you don’t have to be a youth to succumb to the sins of youth.  You can be a dirty old man!  The grace that comes to us from the Word is to guard us from evil, so we can flee it, but also to guide us into holiness that we may follow it, namely, “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (v. 22b). 

The church is to be a hothouse where members are plants that are rooted and grow into fruitful believers, “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart,” (v. 22c). In tending tender young plants, preachers and teachers cannot be brutal, but must be gentle—not demanding, but patient (v. 23-24).  Jesus’ model was, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench” (Matt.12:20). Sinners aren’t the enemy.  They are brainwashed by Satan. Therefore, we are to love them and lead them to Jesus!

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONING

 

The fourth chapter of 1 Timothy contains Paul’s appeal for spiritual conditioning. Physical fitness has its benefits, but no matter how we care for the body, there will be eventual decline and death. But, the spiritual dimension will endure—so while not neglecting our body’s health, we ought to give priority to strengthening our faith muscles. 

First, we hear A WARNING: DEPARTURE FROM THE FAITH, (v. 1-5). Some athletes try to cheat. They may turn to performance enhancing drugs.  This can lead to their disqualification and being banished from the competition. Sadly, this happens spiritually as well. The results are far worse. Such not only lose a race—they lose their soul. 

This departure from the faith is happening all too frequently in these “later times,” in which we live. False teaching has infiltrated the church and is pervading many denominations.  Preachers and teachers who reject Biblical teachings, sear their consciences and are no longer touched by truth themselves and do not share it so as not to disturb their listeners slumbering in sin.  Such false teachers have devoted themselves to “deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”  

Not all who do so subtract from the Scriptures—though that is the case of many—but add to the Scriptures. This is the example of false teaching Paul mentions here. Instead of believing and knowing the truth—that it is God’s grace alone by faith alone in Christ alone that saves us—they try to justify themselves by their works. These religionists were promoting celibacy and fasting as a way of qualifying themselves for heaven. 

It is tragic to see that within a few centuries from Paul’s writing the church at Rome would spread this false doctrine throughout Christendom. These very errors were promoted and are still preached today. 

Working your way to heaven by rules and rituals is not limited to Roman Catholicism, but every false religion promotes a works salvation. Instead of the finished work of Christ, we have to add to it or work in some fashion to gain enough credit to appease whatever deity we follow to enter whatever afterlife we conceive.

Second, we have A WORKOUT: DETERMINATION TO BE FIT, (v. 6-10). Just because there is nothing we can do to earn God’s approval, does not mean that those who have His approval should then do nothing!  Rather, there is the proper exercise of faith. Works are not the root of salvation, but this workout is the fruit of it.

Paul presents our workout here that the believer might be spiritually fit. It is the discipline of abiding in “the words of the faith and of the good doctrine,” so that we will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. God’s Word is the standard for faith and practice.  It is our spiritual fitness manual!  As an athlete cannot succeed without physical discipline, so a Christian cannot excel apart from spiritual discipline.

 As I share these words, the 2024 Olympic Games have recently concluded. It is an incredible amount of time and energy those athletes put into the hope they might win a gold medal. For the few that succeed, their names will be in headlines for a time. But, all that will be forgotten and the medals dissolved when we reach eternity and stand before Jesus. What are we investing in our spiritual conditioning?

Paul was motivated by eternity. He had received the hope of salvation in Christ and wanted others to know Jesus as Savior. The offer of salvation is for all people. Salvation is universal in its offer, but only effectual for those who believe in Him.

Third, this brings us to A WITNESS: DEMONSTRATION OF OUR FAITHFULNESS, (v. 11-16). The credibility of the pastor’s message is that he practices what he preaches. The declaration from his lips is matched by the demonstration of his life. 

He is to speak with authority and clarity. Even a a young man—like Timothy—can be effective in ministry, if he expounds the truth correctly and exemplifies it consistently. 

The preacher is to be devoted to the public reading of the Scriptures. What does it communicate, when the preacher barely references a verse or two because he has to get to his sermon?  It is abominable for the preacher to use a text out of context as a pretext for spouting his opinions. 

Out of the reverent reading of the Scriptures comes “exhortation,” and instruction—“teaching.”  This is the proper use of the gift of preaching that comes with God’s call.  The church has affirmed that we are God’s men through the laying on of hands in ordination. Now, we are to practice good communication, immerse ourselves in study, and seek to make progress as long as we live. 

The pastor must be ever vigilant lest he compromise morally or doctrinally. He must persist in faithfulness. The perseverance of the saints attests to the reality of our profession of salvation. If preacher or people slide into apostasy, this indicates that their faith was fraudulent.

THE WORD IN THE WILDERNESS

John the Baptist would be in the wilderness of preparation when he received the Word for proclamation. It is interesting how many of God’s men were readied for public declaration through private isolation. Moses was in the wilderness caring for his father-in-law’s flocks when the Lord spoke to Him. It took him forty years to graduate from that “seminary,” but what a man of God he had been molded to be!  David was likewise tending sheep when he was summoned to become the shepherd of Israel. God assigned him a work, but also gave him His Word. The anointing with oil was an attestation of the anointing of the Spirit. Further, Amos was a shepherd whom God set apart for prophetic declaration. Do you see the pattern here?

It is good to be alone with God—to be apart from the din and clamor of our world. Horns honking, engines racing, radios blaring, voices calling—all the raucous noise that can drown out the still, small voice of God. 

This time I am now spending has often been referred to as “the daily quiet time.”  It has been the pattern of my Christian life to rise early in the morning to meet with the Lord. Being alone, having conversation with God as I hear His voice in Scripture and lifting my voice in supplication in response. If there is anything that has propelled me forward in maturity and prepared me for ministry, it has been this daily discipline. It has been said that my worth to God in public is what I am in private.  How can I speak for God until I hear from Him?

Yet, this is not sermon preparation, but the spiritual preparation of the preacher. There is a time for study in anticipation of the proclamation of God’s truth from the pulpit. Certainly, God may give us a message as the one I am sharing today. Yet, the intent of morning devotions is for our own growth in godliness. It helps me to be and not just to say.  

Of course, the daily quiet time is vital for every Christian’s development and not just meant for preachers. Before God called me to preach, the pattern had already been established in my life.  Whatever the nature of service in the church—a Bible study leader, a deacon, a children’s worker, a member of the finance committee—each disciple needs development and this discipline is demanded.

I would also advocate a “sabbatical,” for elders in the church, as such a time is often called. I began a yearly pattern of a few days away alone with God to pray and plan. It may be profitable after a number of years in church work to have a longer time—several weeks to reflect and be refreshed. Visit other churches, hear from other preachers, just soak in without having to give out.

 “If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.”  (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬‬). Some of us have been so busy swinging the ax, that we have failed to sharpen the edge. We work feverishly, but not fruitfully.  Go to the woods, not to cut logs, but to pause and regain your edge. 

Does God have you in a season of being in the wilderness?  Do not strive to escape, but rather embrace it as the providential hand of God shaping you for your work.  You can turn the time of present inactivity into future productivity.  Wait, reflect, grow, prepare—God knows where you are and can get you where you need to be.  A dear friend gave me that counsel as a young student at Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute (now College). It was the crucible of refining—helping to make me a man God could use. 

The work continues.

VICTORY IN MINISTRY

Stephen Olford reminds us in his book authored with his son, David, of the discipline required to finish our service for the Lord victoriously: 

“If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2:5). The key word in this example is nominos, which must be interpreted in light of the Olympic games. These rules extended not only to the race itself but also to the prescribed training. Indeed, one authority cites the fact that athletes had to state, on oath, that they had fulfilled ten months of training before they were eligible to enter the contests. The three objectives of an athlete were energy, honesty, and victory. First, there was energy. The whole point of disciplined training was to develop stamina, speed, and style. Even more important was the matter of honesty. Severe penalties were imposed on anyone who infringed the rules. Such honesty is also demanded in our day when it comes to competing in sporting events. The delightful and brilliant professional golfer Paul Azinger tells in his autobiography of an occasion when he was well on the way to winning a tournament when he inadvertently infringed a rule. The penalty for this was not one stroke or two strokes, but the entire tournament!1 What would happen to men in the ministry if the same standard of honesty were strictly applied. The apostle Paul took the athlete's type of discipline so seriously that he wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). He carried this holy fear right through to his final days on earth: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). A preacher needs both physical and spiritual energy; and for this, he has to work out on his feet and on his knees!”  (Anointed Expository Preaching, p.51).

DISCIPLINED OR DISQUALIFIED?

The spiritual disciplines of the intake of God’s Word, the output of fervent prayer, and the self-denial of fasting are a trio of practices that will train you to run the course without stumbling and finish the race without faltering.  The man of God is to do holy work and that requires a consecrated character. 

It seems a regular matter to hear of a preacher caught up in scandal. Temptation came and found him unprepared to face it.  They become disqualified from ministry. It brings reproach upon God,  scorn from  the world, devastation to their family, and hurt to the body of Christ.

If so great a champion as Paul was concerned about being disqualified, then who do we think we are to ignore the real possibility?  The moment you say, “I would never,” is the time you set an appointment with failure. 

Be faithful in your preaching, but do not neglect to preach to yourself first!  That is what I am doing today, and I hope that as I speak to myself, that others will eavesdrop and be helped.

Dear God, help us not to be disqualified, but to be disciplined instead!  Take us to the cross and by the Holy Spirit put to death carnal desires, raising us to walk as Spirit-empowered men!  For the sake of and in the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

FALLEN!

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭9:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

In the front cover of my Bible I have this reminder:

“The better the man, the better the preacher. When he kneels by the bed of the dying or when he mounts the pulpit stairs, then every self-denial he has made, every Christian forbearance he has shown, every resistance to sin and temptation will come back to strengthen his arm and give conviction to his voice. Likewise every evasion of duty, every indulgence of self, every compromise with evil, every unworthy thought, word, or deed, will be there at the head of the pulpit stairs to meet the minister on Sunday morning, to take the light from his eye, the power from his blow, the ring from his voice, and the joy from his heart.” (Clarence Macartney)

Men, it’s bad if we fall, but what makes it worse for the pastor is that many others will trip over him when he does.