Sunday School Lesson for March 20, 2011: Leadership Priorities (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.



Titus 2:12
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,



1 Peter 1:13
[ Be Holy ] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.



2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.







The proof is in the pudding. When we’ve been changed on the inside, it brings about change on the outside; change that can be observed. In keeping with the theme of worship and the focus on leadership, Paul commands Timothy to demonstrate godliness in his personal behavior and to encourage others to do the same. He reminds Timothy (and us) that the primary reason we have for living godly lives is the continuing hope we have in Jesus. In essence, he instructs Timothy to lead by example. To demonstrate the very qualities of godliness and leadership that he has been instructed to find, cultivate and nurture in others. In fact, this type of ‘example’ setting is the best type of ‘training’ for others. Most of the time, we only remember a fraction of what we hear. We try and retain the ‘important’ or ‘key’ points of any given lecture, sermon or speech, etc,. However, we remember (sometimes vividly) most of what we ‘see’. And often, we ‘re-see’ it or remember it over and over in our minds eye, sometimes down to the smallest details. Therefore, what people ‘see’ in you is what they will remember and emulate. Be an example to others, as you go about your daily life, of godliness, so that the example you set will serve as a training manual, a living epistle for all that you come into contact with. People are watching. Show them the ‘Christ’ in you. Enjoy the lessonJ



.wb





1 Timothy 1:18
[ The Charge to Timothy Renewed ] Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well