Author: David Worcester

Lead Pastor of Compass Church http://CompassChurchSD.com #Jesus, #Family #ChurchPlanting #CollegeMinistry. #Missions http://GospelAppointments.com @collegiatecoll

11 Ministry Principles For Christian Leaders – 1 Timothy 4

Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Timothy 4 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

1. Nourish yourself through obeying God’s Word

“If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6

2. Don’t waste time arguing over minor issues

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales.” 1 Timothy 4:7a

3. Train yourself to be godly

“Instead, train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7b

4. Work hard even when it’s hard

“This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Timothy 4:10

5. Pass on what you have been taught

“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.” 1 Timothy 4:11

6. Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your age

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.” 1 Timothy 4:12a

7. Be an example in Christian living

“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12b

8. Focus on reading the Bible to the church, teaching, and encouragement

“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:13

9. Don’t neglect your spiritual gift

“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14

10. Throw yourself in to your tasks

“Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15

11. Watch your life and teaching closely

“Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

15 Qualifications Of An Elder In The Church – 1 Timothy 3

Tagged 3 Comments

From my reading in 1 Timothy 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul lets Timothy know that if someone wants to be an elder in the Church then that is not a bad thing. It is an honorable position to be taken seriously. Here are some of the requirements Paul gives for being an elder.

“So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2

1. Above Reproach

Being above reproach literally means “pertinent to what cannot be criticized – ‘above criticism…'” (Louw-Nida). It is important to live in a way that doesn’t make people questions your legitimacy. If possible elders should avoid the appearance of evil, and getting in questionable situations.

2. Faithful To His Wife

An elder must be a one woman man. He must be completely committed to his wife.

3. Self-Controled

The elder must be able to control himself. If he can not lead himself then how can he lead the church of God.

4. Lives Wisely

If leaders are living wisely then they will be a good example to their flock. A person who is living wisely can be trusted to make wise decisions for the people he leads.

5. Has A Good Reputation In And Out Of The Church

“Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.” 1 Timothy 3:7

Not only should an elder have a good reputation in the church but also in the community. A leader should be a person of character wherever they are.

6. Enjoys Having Guests In His Home

This person sees the value of hospitality. An elder should not be a hermit. They should be willing to open their home to people.

7. Able To Teach

The ability to teach God’s word accurately is very important for an elder. If the leaders of the church can not teach, the whole group will be weak theologically and spiritually. Paul goes on in verse 3…

“He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.” 1 Timothy 3:3

8. Not A Heavy Drinker

He can’t be the town drunk! Someone who is addicted to alcohol should not be leading the church.

9. Not Violent

A violent person will be prone to explode under the pressures of leadership.

10. Gentle

Gentleness is the opposite of violent. An elders should be approachable and kind to the people he leads.

11. Not Quarrelsome

If a person loves to fight they should not be an elder. The elder often has the role of peacemaker and shouldn’t be the one starting conflict.

12. Not Greedy

Greedy pastors and elders have made Christianity look bad to the lost world. An elder should not be someone who loves money more than they love God or the people in their ministry. Paul goes on…

“He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:4–5

13. Manages His Family Well

Paul makes a great point that if he can not manage his family well then how can he manage the church.

14. His Children Respect and Obey Him

The elder must do all in his power to parent his children well. This will serve as an example to his flock. Paul continues…

“An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.” 1 Timothy 3:6

15. Not A New Believer

Giving a new believer leadership too soon can lead him to become proud. A person may be very gifted but if his character does not grow in proportion to his giftedness then it could lead to pride and ultimately his fall.

Leading God’s church is a great privilege and we should hold our Elders to these standards.

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

Jesus Is Our ONLY Mediator – 1 Timothy 2

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Timothy 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus is the only mediator we need.

Not pastors. Not priests. Not saints. Not Mary.  Paul does not make this issue any more clear than he does here in his letter to Timothy.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

Jesus has purchased this direct access to God through His death on the cross.

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:6

Jesus mediates for us.  He is the only one who reconciles us to God. He is the way we communicate with God.

We don’t have to go through saints or Mary are anyone else. Jesus is enough. Jesus is the only bridge for us to get to God.

God provided us this way because he wants everyone to be saved!

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4

Jesus wants to be your only mediator.

He wanted you to be saved and understand the truth. Come to him because He is only way that we gain access to the Father.

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

What Is The Purpose Of Christian Teaching? – 1 Timothy 1

Tagged Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Timothy 1 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

What is the purpose of Christian teaching?

Paul shares his purpose for teaching with his disciple Timothy.

“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5

In other words, Paul’s desire is that people would become more like Jesus.

To live like Jesus is the live a life of love. In order to be filled with God’s love we must have a clear relationship with God. That is why Paul says that a heart full of love comes from a pure heart before God, a clear conscience with God, and genuine faith in God.

If you don’t have genuine faith then you won’t be filled with God’s love.

If you are hiding things from God or lying or cheating then you won’t be filled with God’s love. Confess your sin to Him and allow Him to forgive you and fill you with this love. Not having a clear relationship with God will shipwreck your faith.

“Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.” 1 Timothy 1:19

Cling to your faith and don’t intentionally do something you know is wrong.

If you make having a pure relationship with God a priority you will be filled with God’s love and be able to offer that to others!

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

Stand Firm In Hard Times – 2 Thessalonians 3

Tagged , Leave a comment

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Struggles happen.

Following Jesus is hard. It is a struggle to do what God has called us to do. Paul was concerned for the Thessalonians that they would stay strong in the middle of struggles. He sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them…

“and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Troubles are a part of the believers lot in life. We need encouragement in order to not be shaken.  Knowing that hard times are a part of our calling can help us not wonder where God is in those moments. Paul continued.

“Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4

It is helpful to be warned about hard times in advance so that you can be ready.

A hurricane warning is very helpful, because it gives people time to brace for the storm. As Christians we should brace for the storms of life realizing that even though hard times come in this life we can look forward to the Heaven where there will be no more crying or pain!

Paul was concerned that the devil would not get the best of them in the hard times. His life was connected to how well the Thessalonians were doing.

“It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Are you standing firm in hard times?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

Get A Grip On God’s Word – 2 Thessalonians 2

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Get a grip!

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to do two things in order to stay strong.

“With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.”  2 Thess 2:15

Stand firm.

When we encounter problems in life we are to stand firm. Don’t let any thing keep you from standing on the truth and standing for God.

Keep a strong grip on the teaching.

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul likened God’s word to the sword of the Spirit. In order for a sword to be effective the person handling it must grip it well.

We should keep a strong grip on what God tells us through his Word. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. Hold on to the Word and you will have what you need to get through life.

Do you have a firm grip on God’s Word?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

What God prompts you to do He will give you the power to do. 2 Thessalonians 1

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 1 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

What God prompts you to do He will give you the power to do.

Here is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians.

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thess 1:11

Paul prayed that they would live worthy of the call of Jesus. If you are a Christian then God has called to to be a part of his mission on this earth. Paul also prayed that whatever we are prompted to do by faith that God would empower us to accomplish it.

Often God prompts people to do things that risky and difficult.

You will always need God’s power to do God’s work. He is the one that makes our efforts for him successful. If you are being prompted to do something than I encourage you to try it and trust God’s power to come through for you!

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

There Is No “One Size Fits All” Approach To Ministry – 1 Thessalonians 5

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Thessalonians 5 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

There is no “one size fits all” approach to ministry.

Each person must be helped in a different way. That is why the more personal touches that people can get the better. That doesn’t mean that the leader has to be the one who is helping. We all should be helping each other. Paul gives us some valuable instructions for dealing with different people.

“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.” 1 Thess 5:14 

Warn those who are lazy.

Lazy people need to be woken up! Laziness is not something to be laughed off but it is stealing.

When you are lazy you stealing from what you should be doing.  You are stealing from your family by not fully engaging in loving them. You are stealing from employer by not giving your best job. You are stealing from God by not serving him with your whole heart. A verse that inspires me not to be lazy is…

“A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.” Pro 19:9

We must warn people that being lazy is not cute, but it actually destroys people’s lives.

Encourage those who are timid.

People need a kick in the pants sometimes. If someone is too timid to do what God has called them to do some well timed encouragement can go a long way. Sometimes when I go out to share my faith I really don’t feel like it, but the encouragement of another person can really give me the faith I need to go out and do the work.

Take tender care of those who are weak.

Tough love does not work with people who are weak. Instead they should be taken care of with tenderness. Weak people need to be cared for tenderly until they can take care of themselves. Don’t push people too hard and wear them out. Take care of them as their needs dictate.

Be patient with everyone.

Everyone needs you to be patient with them sometimes. Even the easiest and most compatible people to you will let you down eventually. My wife and I are very compatible but even then we have to give each other grace almost daily!

If you want to work with people you have to learn patience. People will let you down, and if you are prepared to respond with patience you will keep the loyalty of those you are leading and your relationships will be strong.

Is there anyone in your life or ministry that needs you to do one of these things with them?

Love is a Natural Result of Salvation – 1 Thessalonians 4

Tagged , Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Thessalonians 4 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

When you are truly saved you will naturally develop a love for your fellow believers.

“But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.” 1 Thess 4:9-10

God himself taught them to love one another.

If you are going to have anyone teach you how to love God is the best teacher there is! A love for your fellow man, and especially the body of Christ is a natural overflow of being saved.

God gives us love. Even so, sometimes we need to be encouraged to love people.  It is not always easy, but should be something that we desire to do as Chrsitians.

Do you have a God-given love for other believers?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

Passion For People Is The Heart Of Ministry – 1 Thessalonians 3

Tagged , , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Thessalonians 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

In this chapter you can see Paul’s heart for the Thessalonians. Here are some examples of the things that show his love.

  • He sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. 1-5
  • He encourages them for staying strong. 7
  • He share how he get’s new life because they are standing firm. 8
  • He thanks God for them. 9
  • He prays earnestly for their growth. 10
  • He prays that they would be united soon. 11
  • He prays that God would make their love overflow as his love overflows toward them. 12
  • He prays that their hearts would be strong, blameless, and holy. 13

Paul’s life was connected to these people.

“For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

He was passionate about their growth and longed for them to stay strong in their faith. If you are ministering to people it is okay to give them your heart. Paul did. Jesus did.

Are you deeply connected to the people that you are ministering to? 

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.