Series Seventeen: Church Leadership

In this study,¹ we will survey the two epistles from Paul to Timothy. Paul outlines a ministry philosophy of the work of a shepherd. These very things challenge the prevailing practice of ministry today in mainstream evangelicalism. However, we must let the Scriptures instruct our ministry philosophy and resist the temptation to follow an unbiblical path.

Paul instructed Timothy in the first epistle that he must:

1. Correct those teaching false doctrine and call them to a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:3–5).
2. Fight for divine truth and for God’s purposes, keeping his own faith and a good conscience (1 Tim 1:18–19).
3. Pray for the lost and lead the men of the church to do the same (1 Tim 2:1–8).
4. Call women in the church to fulfill their God-given role of submission and to raise up godly children, setting an example of faith, love, and sanctity with self-restraint (1 Tim 2:9–15).
5. Carefully select spiritual leaders for the church on the basis of their giftedness, godliness, and virtue (1 Tim 3:1–13).
6. Recognize the source of error and those who teach it, and point out these things to the rest of the church (1 Tim 4:1–6).
7. Constantly be nourished on the words of Scripture and its sound teaching, avoiding all myths and false doctrines (1 Tim 4:6).
8. Discipline himself for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim 4:7–11).
9. Boldly command and teach the truth of God’s Word (1 Tim 4:12).
10. Be a model of spiritual virtue that all can follow (1 Tim 4:12).
11. Faithfully read, explain, and apply the Scriptures publicly (1 Tim 4:13–14).
12. Be progressing toward Christlikeness in his own life (1 Tim 4:15–16).
13. Be gracious and gentle in confronting the sin of his people (1 Tim 5:1–2).
14. Give special consideration and care to those who are widows (1 Tim 5:3–16).
15. Honor faithful church leaders who work hard (1 Tim 5:17–21).
16. Choose church leaders with great care, seeing to it that they are both mature and proven (1 Tim 5:22).
17. Take care of his physical condition so he is strong to serve (1 Tim 5:23).
18. Teach and preach principles of true godliness, helping his people discern between true godliness and mere hypocrisy (1 Tim 5:24–6:6).
19. Flee the love of money (1 Tim 6:7–11).
20. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11).
21. Fight for the faith against all enemies and all attacks (1 Tim 6:12).
22. Instruct the rich to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous (1 Tim 6:17–19).
23. Guard the Word of God as a sacred trust and a treasure (1 Tim 6:20–21).

Paul instructed Timothy in the second epistle that he must:

1. Keep the gift of God in him fresh and useful (2 Tim 1:6).
2. Not be timid but powerful (2 Tim 1:7).
3. Never be ashamed of Christ or anyone who serves Christ (2 Tim 1:8–11).
4. Hold tightly to the truth and guard it (2 Tim 1:12–14).
5. Be strong in character (2 Tim 2:1).
6. Be a teacher of apostolic truth so that he may reproduce himself in faithful men (2 Tim 2:2).
7. Suffer difficulty and persecution willingly while making the maximum effort for Christ (2 Tim 2:3–7).
8. Keep his eyes on Christ at all times (2 Tim 2:8–13).
9. Lead with authority (2 Tim 2:14).
10. Interpret and apply Scripture accurately (2 Tim 2:15).
11. Avoid useless conversation that leads only to ungodliness (2 Tim 2:16).
12. Be an instrument of honor, set apart from sin and useful to the Lord (2 Tim 2:20–21).
13. Flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, and love (2 Tim 2:22).
14. Refuse to be drawn into philosophical and theological wrangling (2 Tim 2:23).
15. Not argue, but be kind, teachable, gentle, and patient even when wronged (2 Tim 2:24–26).
16. Face dangerous times with a deep knowledge of the Word of God (2 Tim 3:1–15).
17. Understand that Scripture is the basis and content of all legitimate ministry (2 Tim 3:16–17).
18. Preach the Word in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience and instruction (2 Tim 4:1–2).
19. Be sober in all things (2 Tim 4:5).
20. Endure hardship (2 Tim 4:5).
21. Do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim 4:5).

In sum, Paul commanded Timothy to be:

1. Faithful in his preaching of biblical truth.
2. Bold in exposing and refuting error.
3. An example of godliness to the flock.
4. Diligent and work hard in the ministry.
5. Willing to suffer hardship and persecution in his service for the Lord.