Virtual Reality | Day 7
Big Idea
The Christian leader’s lifestyle is based upon an inner character of the heart, enabled by the Holy Spirit, that causes them to behave in certain ways. This temperament is part of ‘a settled habit of mind,’ an inner trait that drives our outward conduct. This settled habit is how the heart, mind, and hands meet to fuel the task of reproducing leaders to fulfill the purpose of Christ in the world.
At the heart of leadership in 2 Timothy are the commitments of knowing, being, living and reproducing--motivated by the holiness and love of God. These commitments, when pursued intentionally, lead to the formation of ‘the settled habits of mind’ that motivate a Christian leader’s response to any and every situation. They enable us to successfully battle legalism, relativism, consumerism, and authoritarianism that challenge every leader today.
Today I want to illustrate how the text of 2nd Timothy can be organized under these four habits of mind.
KNOW
1:4-7 Leaders know their flock, confront sin (v15-16), and encourage faithfulness.
2:8 Leaders know the truth of the Gospel and agree to view all things, even their chains,
in the light of this truth.
2:15 Leaders devote themselves to correctly discern the Word of God.
3:5 Leaders are not deceived by jargon and heady religious rhetoric.
3:14-17 Leaders are committed to deepening their knowledge of the Scriptures and to put it to
effect in their life and ministry (vv 16-17)
4:3 Leaders are committed to ensuring that the truth of the Scriptures is presented and
retold.
4:9 Leaders offer practical instructions on an array of topics whether personal or spiritual.
BE
1:12 Leaders are committed to growing beyond where they are at present.
1:13-14 Leaders recognize that Scripture is a gift of immense value.
2:1 Leaders draw inner strength from grace received through Christ.
2:22 Leaders do not succumb to inner desires of the flesh.
3:2-5 Leaders resist the power of negative example and pursue righteousness.
3:15 Leaders continue to grow in Christ-likeness through each stage of their lives and
challenge other believers to do the same.
4:6: Leaders are hope-filled people even though they experience extreme difficulty.
LIVE
1:8 Leaders show their faith to others.
2:14 Leaders avoid theological arguing because it is counter-productive and brings
disunity.
2:20-26 Leaders encourage others to a lifestyle of godliness.
3:10: Leaders set a counter-cultural example (v10), whereas, the ungodly are deceitful at
heart (3:1-9). Christian leaders live Christ-like lives encouraging others to follow their
example (3:11-13).
3:14: Leaders make themselves available to others in order for their faithfulness to be seen
in action.
3:16-17: Leaders understand the inestimable value of God’s Word, and they know how to
correctly use it to teach others.
4:5: Leaders ‘keep their head’ even when others are losing theirs.
4:8: Leaders pursue righteousness because God is righteous and rewards the righteous.
REPRODUCE
1:8 Leaders preach the Gospel boldly.
1:11 Leaders are committed to sharing the good news of Jesus with others.
2:2 Leaders are entrusted with the precious gospel; they are charged with identifying new
leaders and passing the same truth along to them.
2:3-7 Leaders reproduce by drawing on the examples of others.
4:1 Leaders take every opportunity to pass along their knowledge.
4:2 Leaders preach the Word faithfully, when it is welcomed, and even when it is not.
4:9-18 Leaders encourage, rebuke, warn and challenge others to continue being both faithful
and fruitful.
We have noted how Paul’s understanding of leadership can be encapsulated under four commitments: knowing, being, living, and reproducing. Over the next three weeks, we will look into each of these areas and see how the Christian leader effectively leads the people God has placed under their charge.
Food For Thought:
1. Which of these four states of mind is the biggest challenge for you today?
2. Which Scripture/statement stood out to you as you read? Why?
Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments box below. I’ll do my best to answer any and all questions.
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