New Testament Model of Leadership #1

1 Timothy

Introduction: A return to the ministry of the Word at Mount Hermon

Humor and Icebreaker

• Examples of absurd questions asked to park rangers, including:
  • Questions about the Grand Canyon, Everglades, and Yosemite
  • Misconceptions about U.S. Civil War sites
• Reflection: Highlighting the humor and depth of human ignorance

Purpose of the Study

• Focus on studying the book of 1 Timothy
• Goal for the audience: Understand the big picture of the book

Themes of 1 Timothy

• Leadership: Addressing the shortage of leaders in the church
• Mentoring: Highlighting biblical mentoring as modeled by Paul and Timothy
• Faithfulness: Encouragement to embody faithfulness as a central theme

Background on Timothy

• Characteristics of Timothy:
  • Young and sometimes intimidated
  • Shy and retiring personality
  • Physically challenged with gastrointestinal issues
• Encouragement: Despite his challenges, Timothy became a significant figure for God’s purposes

Purpose of 1 Timothy

• To warn against false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3–4)
• To instruct Timothy on conducting ministry (1 Timothy 3:14–15)
• To educate believers mentally and morally (1 Timothy 4:6)

Practical Suggestions for Study

• Read: Encourage daily reading of 1 Timothy
• Reflect: Think deeply about its teachings and implications
• Relate: Apply the teachings to personal life, church involvement, and family

Application in Life and Ministry

• Challenges for church leaders (elders and deacons) to understand their roles
• Importance of grandparents in spiritual mentoring and parenting
• Personal reflection and growth through study

Closing Prayer

• Acknowledging God's guidance and the power of His Word
• Seeking open hearts and obedient spirits for transformation

Introduction: The Call to Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

• Scripture Reading
  • Jesus’ radical call to discipleship
  • The cost of following Christ
• Key Themes Introduced: o Unrivaled commitment o Unceasing cross-bearing o Unreserved cost

The State of Modern Christianity (George Gallup Poll)

• Observations from George Gallup's study on American Christianity
• Key Findings:
  • Growth in religious participation and beliefs
  • Lack of transformative impact on daily living
• Scathing Conclusion: Christianity appears "500 miles wide and a sixteenth of an inch deep"

Theological Tension: Salvation vs. Discipleship

• Salvation: By grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Discipleship: Conditions exist for true discipleship
• Failure to confront believers with the Lordship of Christ after conversion

Contextual Insight into Luke 14

• Jesus’ approach contrasts with political demagogues
• Jesus seeks to thin the crowd, not swell it
• Three repetitions of the statement: "He cannot be my disciple"

Three Conditions of Discipleship

A. Unrivaled Commitment (v. 26)

• Christ must come before everyone else
• The term "hate" explained as exaggerated contrast, not literal hatred
• Relationships must not rival devotion to Christ
• Illustration: Family can become an obstacle to discipleship

B. Unceasing Cross-Bearing (v. 27)

• Christ must come before self
• The cross symbolizes complete surrender to God's will 
• Contrast: Chastisement (God's action) vs. Cross-Bearing (voluntary choice)
• True surrender means aligning one’s will with God’s will

C. Unreserved Cost (v. 33)

• Christ must come before things
• The grip of material possessions can hinder discipleship 
• Key Concept: Everything is either a tool or an idol 
• True discipleship means surrendering ownership of possessions to Christ

Illustrative Parables: The Tower Builder and the King Going to War

Parable of the Unfinished Tower: Count the cost before building • Parable of the Defeated Army: Assess the strength before going to war • Key Message: Jesus seeks disciples who won’t quit or fade under pressure

Reflection and Application • Many start strong but fail to finish (John 6:66) 

• Three critical questions:
  • Does Jesus come before everyone?
  • Does Jesus come before yourself?
  • Does Jesus come before your possessions?
• Call to Action: Surrender ownership and embrace full discipleship

Conclusion and Prayer

• Acknowledgment of the difficulty of the call
• Gratitude for God’s work

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.