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TO THE GLORY OF GOD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Study No 5
PREPARATION FOR LEADERSHIP
"Prepare your work outside; and make it ready for yourself in the
field; afterwards, then build your house"
(Proverbs 24:27, NASB).
"...the Lord trieth the hearts" (Proverbs 17:3b, KJB).
"For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes
exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one, and exalts
another" (Psalms 75:6,7, NASB).
1. The Preparation of Ministry
Every leader who is used by God in any capacity must first be
prepared to function in that capacity. Proper preparation is the only
guarantee of a leader functioning effectively for God. Many leaders
greatly desire to function but far fewer are willing to pay the price
of being made ready for the task. Most every leader in the Bible was
prepared by God before they began to do their full work for the Lord.
Some of them were in preparation longer than others. Each of them was
trained in a different way. The fact is that God Himself has a
tailor-made education for each one of His leaders, depending upon the
work to which He has called them.
a. The word preparation means: "to make ready for a special
purpose; to make suitable; to fit; to adapt; to train; to
equip, or to furnish". The Greek idea behind the word
preparation emphasizes the making ready of something so as to
cause it to function properly. Some synonyms of the
infinitive to prepare are:
1. to provide for;
2. to foresee problems;
3. to predispose a certain reaction;
4. to rehearse ahead of time;
5. to train for a specific task;
6. to educate with special knowledge;
7. to set the ground work & foundation of;
8. to mellow and mature the character of;
10. to arm or fit out with the necessary weapons of
warfare.
In order to illustrate the great importance of preparation,
God stamped this principle in the very fibre of three areas:
nature, craftsmanship, and Scripture.
b. The Law of Preparation in Nature
Preparation is stamped upon the world of nature in many
different ways. First, by instinct, the animals themselves
prepare their food for winter by their discipline of gathering
in food during the harvest seasons. If God has given the
animals an instinct for preparation, how much more should man
feel the same for the ministry of the Spirit.
Second, the ground is prepared by nature and the farmer to
bring forth fruit. The rains, the snow, and the sun all help
to prepare the ground for spring. Nature is continually
preparing itself for its next cycle of life and reproduction.
Third, stones are prepared by nature in rivers. Stones are
continually being tossed and turned around in the river until
they are very smooth. Nature has a beautiful way of
developing her stones for human use. In 1 Samuel 17:35-50 the
shepherd boy, David, was faced with the humanly impossible
situation of slaying the giant, Goliath. As David approached
Goliath, he stopped by a stream and carefully chose out five
smooth stones, one of which would find its place in the
forehead of the giant. David merely used a smooth stone which
nature herself had prepared.
c. The Law of Preparation in Craftsmanship
This principle of preparation in craftsmanship has a
Biblical illustration. Throughout Scripture, the analogy of
the potter and the clay is used (Romans 9:20,21; Isaiah 45:9;
64:8; Ephesians 2:10; Jeremiah 18:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:20,21).
Much preparation must be invested in both the clay and the
potter before the latter can produce beautiful works of
pottery. The following is a list concerning the preparation
of a potter's clay.
1. Clay must be dug from the ground, blasted out and
separated.
2. Clay must be washed and soaked in water.
3. Clay must be smitten and worked on thoroughly by the
potter's hands.
4. Clay must be investigated for air-bubbles by a thin
wire.
5. Clay must be perfectly centered on the wheel for
further development.
6. Clay must be stretched and pulled apart up and down in
order to be properly moulded.
7. Clay must be set aside on the shelf for a while to
give it time to somewhat harden.
8. Clay must go through the fire in the furnace which
makes it long-lasting and sturdy.
Just as all of these steps contribute to the craftsman's
preparation of clay for a beautiful vessel, so God has
comparable steps for each one of his ministers.
d. The Law of Preparation in Scripture
The following diagram illustrates the entire span of a
leader's life and shows where his preparation fits into the
process. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:10, "And let them (ie.
future leaders) first be tried (investigated, and proven)".
The prophet Isaiah gives a beautiful picture of preparation
in 49:1-3. The prophet gives a word that can be applied to
himself, the Messiah, and to all of the Lord's servants. In
this particular prophecy Isaiah speaks about an arrow hitting
the mark. There are six important points about preparation in
these verses:
1. "The Lord called me from the womb".
There is a sense of destiny in these words, since God's
calling was evident from the mother's womb. Before
birth, the purpose for the child had been determined.
This was fulfilled in Isaiah and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is also fulfilled in all of God's servants.
The believer has also been called forth from the womb
and destined for a particular task in life (Ephesians
1:4-5; 5:25-27; Romans 8:28-29; Ephesians 3:1-10). Every
servant of the Lord must be certain that the call that he
feels from the Lord has been from eternity.
2. "He Makes My Mouth Like A Sharp Sword".
This particular point speaks of the Word ministry of a
servant of the Lord. The Word of God is spoken of as a
sword in the Epistle to the Ephesians (6:17). The Word
is a sword that cuts as under the flesh, the soul, and
the intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). A leader,
however, must not use this sword to damage the people of
God.
3. In The Shadow Of His Hand Hath He Hid Me":
This speaks of the veiling of the servant of the Lord
during his time of preparation. During his time of
training, the servant of the Lord is hid from the eyes of
the world and sometimes even from the eyes of the Church.
Many of the leaders in the Bible experienced a period of
being hidden. For example, Moses, the great deliverer,
was in hiding forty years in the desert before he lead
his nation forth from Egypt.
4. "He Also Made Me A Polished Shaft":
The word picture brought forth by the prophet is that
of an arrow. Here the prophet states that the shaft of
the arrow must be polished before its use. The shaft of
the arrow is one of the most important parts of the
arrow. If the shaft of the arrow is crooked in any way,
the arrow will not hit the mark toward which it is aimed.
5. "In His Quiver Hath He Hid Me":
The quiver is where the arrow comes to rest and enjoys
a long wait until the chosen time that it is sent forth.
The "quiver experience" is very hard for most leaders
because they feel that they have already experienced the
progressive steps to be totally prepared to be sent
forth. Paul stated in the Epistle to the Galatians that
the Lord Jesus was short forth "in the fullness of time"
(4:4). Jesus came to earth in the perfect moment of
history. This arrow had waiting for at least four
thousand years to be sent forth. But Jesus, who was the
lamb slain before the foundation of the world, waited
patiently for the moment at which He would be revealed in
human space and time.
II The Preparation of Timothy
One of the many team ministers in the New Testament who takes on a
special significance because of his relationship to the Apostle Paul,
is the man named Timothy.
Timothy had a godly heritage. His mother was a Jewish Christian,
even though his father was an unbelieving Greek (Acts 16:1). Along
with his Christian mother, Eunice, his grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy
1:5) added to his spiritual background and his knowledge of the
Scriptures from the time of his youth (3:15).
a. Timothy's Relationship With the Apostle Paul
It is because of Timothy's special and close relationship
with Paul, that the New Testament gives him special attention
in two letters. Timothy was a man who did have a good
reputation as a child and who was well-versed in the
Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15). He was also, as an older man,
well-reported of by the brethren (Acts 16:2). To Paul, this
was an important character quality in Timothy. It is highly
probable that Paul specifically desired a man who had a good
reputation among other Christians and other Christian leaders
to accompany him on his apostolic journeys (Acts 16:3-5; 18:5;
19:22; 20:4). This principle should be able also to apply to
every Christian leader today.
Not only because of his deep spiritual unity with Timothy,
but also because of Timothy's calling, Paul ordained him into
the ministry (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6,7). Specifically
how this ordination took place, we do not know. We only know
that Paul laid his hands on Timothy and imparted to him some
spiritual gift (1 Timothy 4:14).
Along with great apostolic confirmation and blessing,
however, came apostolic rejection and persecution. Paul
recognized that Timothy was intimately involved in the
persecutions that his father in the faith had received, and
thus he gave him appropriate recognition along with
exhortations:
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity,
patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto
me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what
persecutions I endured. Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But, evil men and seducers shall wax worse and
worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But, continue
thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast
been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned
them" (2 Timothy 3:10-14).
Paul not only had to give this somewhat timid (2 Timothy
1:7) man a general exhortation of duty to Jesus Christ, but
also laid out very explicit teaching on certain areas (eg.
sound doctrine {1 Timothy 1}; public worship {chapter 2};
church offices {chapter 3}; false teachers {chapter 4}; the
church congregation {chapter 5}; and the minister himself
{chapter 6}). Each of these sections contain valuable
material for the minister of the gospel.
b. Timothy's Character
Timothy demonstrated many character qualities which every
leader should also attempt to develop. Some of these
characteristics of heart are listed below:
1. A teachable spirit:
Paul told Timothy to "continue in the things which you
have learned" (2 Timothy 3:14). Timothy had a teachable heart
that made him open for truth and instruction.
2. A kindred spirit:
Paul told the Philippian Christians about Timothy, "I have
no one else of kindred spirit..." (Philippians 2:20a).
Timothy had one spirit and purpose with Paul. Because of this
unity of heart and intention in the gospel, Paul had
confidence in sending Timothy to help these Christians.
3. A sincere spirit:
Paul also told the Philippians that Timothy would be
genuinely concerned for their welfare (Philippians 2:20b).
There was no sham or put-on in Timothy's life. He cared
sincerely and truthfully for the people of God. He was not
out to take advantage of them.
4. A caring spirit:
Paul told the church at Phillipi that Timothy would be
concerned for their welfare (Philippians 2:20b). Timothy
really cared for God's people. He had a real compassion and
understanding for their needs.
5. A servant spirit:
Paul was confident in sending this young man to the
Christians in Phillipi because he did not selfishly seek his
own interests, but rather the interests of Jesus Christ
(Philippians 2:21,22). He knew God's values and priorities in
life, and he wanted to impart them to God's people.
6. A faithful spirit:
Timothy faithfully served with Paul in the furtherance of
the gospel (Philippians 2:22). Timothy was faithful and loyal
to the gospel as well as to Paul. It was because of this
faithfulness that Paul knew that he could depend upon him.
7. A proven spirit:
Timothy did not just have it easy in the ministry. Because
of certain tests, trials, temptations, and persecutions which
he had to endure, Paul was able to say, "But you know of his
proven worth...in the gospel..." (Philippians 2:22). God
tested and tried Timothy's heart and spirit so that he could
be a man in whom Paul could trust (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1
Thessalonians 3:2).
8. A submissive spirit:
Timothy had a submissive and obedient attitude toward the
Lord and toward Paul. Paul was able to say that he was
"...like a child serving his father"...(Philippians 2:22c).
Such a father-son relationship speaks not only of a teacher-
student relationship, it also speaks of a willingness,
loyalty, humility, and submissiveness to serve and obey an
older ministry. (cf. Acts 16:1-3).
c. Timothy's Ministry
Timothy did not only portray godly character qualities. He
was also actively involved in the work and service of the
Lord. God developed his character not only before he was
actively involved, but also while he was constructively
engaged in labour for Christ and the Church. In what kind of
labour, however, was Timothy involved? Timothy was working
for the Lord in the following areas:
1. Establishing churches (1 Thessalonians 3:2);
2. Comforting churches (1 Thessalonians 3:2);
3. Teaching doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3);
4. Exhorting Christians (1 Timothy 4:13).
d. Paul's Good Example To Timothy
Paul set a good example of Christian ministry for Timothy.
Such an exemplary life style of an older ministry to a younger
ministry should serve to illustrate to all elder ministries
their responsibility to younger men of God. Paul told Timothy
about his illustrative life in the following words 2 Timothy
3:10, 11a:
"But you, my son, have followed, step by step, my
teaching and my manner of life, my resolution, my
faith, patience, and spirit of love, and my
fortitude under persecutions and sufferings..." (The
New English Bible).
"But you have been a faithful follower of mine in
every respect: in doctrine, in your whole life and
endeavour, in faith, and patience, in love, and
constancy, in persecutions and sufferings..."
(Greber translation).
Paul did not command Timothy to walk a path that he himself
had not walked.
e. Paul's Exhortations To Timothy
It was on the firm basis of his own Christian behaviour,
attitudes and works that Paul was able to exhort Timothy in
the same. Paul would not have been able to encourage Timothy
very much along these lines if he himself had not followed
them in his own life. Every man of God only has influence in
the kingdom to the extent that he has allowed the things that
he teaches to have become a part of his own life.
There were nine main areas in which Paul exhorted Timothy.
These were: spiritual warfare, conscience, behaviour,
godliness, age, example, gifts, discipline and faithfulness.
Let us look at these admonitions more closely.
Spiritual Warfare:
Paul told Timothy, "...War a good warfare according to the
prophecies that went over you..."(1 Timothy 1:18), and "Fight
the good fight of faith..."(6:12). Just as Paul told this to
Timothy, so must every leader realize that he is involved in a
type of military service, expedition, campaign, and duty for
the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the commanding officer and
all Christians are His soldiers. The weapons of this warfare,
however, are not carnal but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Conscience
Paul exhorted Timothy to hold faith and a good conscience (2
Timothy 1:19). It is not enough just to have faith or firm
conviction about God's promises. A leader must also have a
clear conscience toward God and man. A leader must keep a
clear conscience toward God in living a life of repentance
from all sins. In addition, a leader must maintain a clear
conscience toward men by ridding himself of all hatred, anger,
jealousy, bitterness and unforgiveness toward them by
admitting his wrong attitudes and asking their forgiveness. 2
Timothy 2:18.
Behaviour:
Paul exhorted Timothy, as well as other Christians, to learn
from him how to behave themselves in the house of God (1
Timothy 3:15). Everything should be done "decently and in
order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). One's behaviour outside, as
well as inside the church building, greatly affects one's
influence upon the world for Christ. Every leader should
behave himself wisely in the House of the Lord.
Godliness:
Paul exhorted Timothy, "But have nothing to do with worldly
fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline
yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline
is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all
things, since it holds promise for the present life and also
for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:7,8). Paul's use of the
word "discipline" has the thought of practicing vigorously and
nakedly for the Olympic games. The idea is to put out of
one's life all that would hinder one from reaching his full
spiritual potential in God.
Age:
Paul told the young man Timothy, "Let no one look down on
your youthfulness (age)" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul knew that
since Timothy was a fairly young man, some people would "think
against, dis-esteem, and think nothing of" his life and
ministry in the Lord.
Instead of becoming bitter or angry over such a situation, a
man of God should give even more of his attention to
developing character qualities in his life so that all of his
words and actions will be far above reproach. That is why
Paul ends this verse with the words, "...but rather in speech,
conduct, love faith and purity, show yourself an example to
those who believe."
Gifts:
As Paul usually did, he balanced out a teaching to Timothy
about character with a teaching on gifts. He said, "Do not
neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon
you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands of
the presbytery" (1 Timothy 4:14). Paul did not want Timothy
to be careless of, or make light of his spiritual gifts. Paul
also exhorted him, "And for this reason I remind you to kindle
afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on
of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul desired Timothy to be a
man who would freely function in his spiritual gifts.
Discipline:
Paul exhorted Timothy, "But flee things (eg. love of money)
you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, perseverance and gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:11). Paul
told Timothy to flee certain things and to pursue others.
This process of "fleeing and following" is the Christian
process of discipline. Every leader must realize that his
entire life and ministry will be a matter of fleeing
unrighteousness and following righteousness. Every leader
must lead a disciplined life. He must make the most of his
time, money and energy for the extension of the kingdom.
Faithfulness
Finally, Paul exhorted Timothy about being faithful. He
said, "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you
avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments
of what is falsely called 'knowledge'..." (1 Timothy 6:20).
Paul wanted Timothy to keep safely those truths and principles
that had been, literally, "put into his hands" (like a safety
deposit box).
It takes a heart of stewardship and faithfulness to Jesus
Christ and to the Church to be able to "guard what has been
entrusted to you".
Suggested Reading for Intending Leadership
"Take Another Look at Guidance" - Bob Mumford
"How To Obtain Strong Faith" - Frederick K.C. Price
"The Fourth Dimension" - Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho
"Your Pastor, Your Shepherd" - James Lee Beall
END of STUDY FIVE
