2 Timothy (conclusion)

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We had a discussion on Christian leadership . We noted that Christian leaders are to have a greater degree of holiness than those who do not lead. We need both character and gifting as Christian leaders, whereas secular leadership has less to do with character.

  • the character of a Christian leader
Gifted to serve (1:6-7)
Fearless, ready to suffer for the gospel (1:8,12; 2:3,10; 3:12)
Unashamed of suffering Christians (1:8)
Following the word in faith and love (1:13) 
Guarding the gospel (1:14)
Pleasing God alone, with a disciplined life, working hard (2:3-6) 
Enduring to bring the elect into the kingdom (2:10)
Constantly living in purity (2:21) 
Understanding the difficult nature of ministry and nature of one's opponents (3:1-9. 13)
Willing to submit to and be equipped by the Word (3:16-17)
Ready to die for the gospel (4:6)

  • the responsibilities of a Christian leader

Praying for people (1:3)
Guarding the gospel (1:14)
Passing on the gospel to faithful men who will teach others also (2:2) 
Thinking over truth (2:7)
Handling truth well (2:15)
Kind, able to teach, correcting opponents gently (2:24)
Steadfastly holding on to the truth as taught by trusted people (3:14-17)
Preaching the Word (4:1-2)
Sober-minded, enduring suffering, do evangelism, fulfill ministry (4:5)

  • obstacles to healthy church growth

Quarreling about words (2:14)
Foolish, ignorant controversies leading to quarrels (2:23)
Personal sin of leaders (2:21)
Quarreling with opponents (2:23)
Unbelieving church members with wrong loves (3:1-9)
Foolish church members who will not endure sound teaching (4:3)
Leaders who preach to please people (4:3-4)

  • reasons for godly leadership

For the sake of the elect (2:10)
Living and reigning with God if we endure and diewith Him (2:11-13)
We will be fit for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master, ready for every good work (2:20)
Opponents will come to their senses and repent (2:26)
We will receive the reward of a crown of righteousness (4:8)

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