This sermon about calling in leadership tackles about the characteristics the disciples as they were called for leadership.
Today, we will have a review of what we’ve been teaching for this past 3 quarters. We will be reviewing what are disciples and what are leaders. At the end of this sermon, we will do writing down our personal action plan to get where we will be going.
The Disciples
Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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[s2If current_user_is(s2member_level1) OR current_user_is(s2member_level2)]They are Called – “go and make disciples of all nations”. Although the word used here is “make” instead of “called”, the idea remains to be “called” disciples. This is because there will be 4 commitments that you will need to have as a disciple which will also be reviewing later. Christ “sent” us to make disciples, but in fact he already knows who are his (2Timothy 2:19)
They are Baptized – “baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. A disciple is not to skip this. In the field, when we are making disciples, some people will refuse to be baptized for whatever reason it is. Therefore, it is our task to tell them the importance of baptism. It’s the first obedience that they will be doing.
Not undergoing baptism is most probably a result of uncommitted heart to Christ, not understanding the gospel, still holding on to something maybe religion or families.
They are Taught – “and teaching them to obey” This is all about discipleship. Discipleship is not just a simple study but a life example of the disciplers. This happens in the Church, which is the “Family of Families”, the “Household of God”. And this discipleship process should lead us in obedience to Christ.
They Obey – “to obey” ultimate goal of every Christian is to obey not just a few things, but “everything” the Lord has commanded us. It’s not about a “cherry picking” obedience, but a package deal obedience.
So by defining what a disciple is, then
Main Objective:
To be Committed to Christ – A disciple was called, therefore his first and foremost commitment should be in Christ.
To be Committed to the Word – A Christian baptized in water should also be baptized in the Word of God.
To be Committed to the Church – A Christian that is being taught, should stick in the Church.
To be Committed to Mission – A Christian that obeys, commits to the mission of making disciples.
The Leaders
Elders (1Timothy 3:17) — The go to person or people in the Church. They are qualified people according the standards that Paul listed to Timothy and to Titus. They are so-called leaders of the Church. And yes, there are lots of things involve in leadership. Paul’s list is the baseline of these qualifications. If an elder have these things, he is in a good shape of becoming a good leader.
Deacons (1Timothy 3:8-13) – The people who helps the Elder / Pastor in the Church. They are not above the pastors, but are “co-workers”. They were not appointed to be the enemies or opposition of the pastor, but friends and co-leaders that can work in ministering the people in the Church.
Need to have a devoted Lifestyle (2 Tim.2:1-7)
- Focused
- Play according to the rules
- Hardworking
Need to have solid grip of the Word (2 Tim.2:14-19)
- Abstain from godless chatter
- Correctly handling the Word
Need to have consistency (2 Tim.4:1-5)
– Prepared in Season and out of Season
Main Objective: Preserving the “Deposit” 2Timothy 1:13-14 “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
The passion of every Christian leader is two fold; first is the preservation of the gospel through careful passing of the gospel and secondly the regular personal check that he himself will not be disqualified.
What Awaits Us Ahead: 2 Timothy 4:7-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Challenge:
Write down our personal action plan so that we will become a true disciple, and then eventually become leaders.
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