THE MAKING OF GOD’S LEADER: PREPARATION PRINCIPLES

INTRODUCTION

Elisha and David are excellent examples of leadership preparation to us today. We can admire them, and take
encouragement in God's work in their lives. The same God who worked mightily through them is alive and ready
to do similar works in our own lives. And just as with our example leaders, we also must come under the
preparing hand of God, and submit to Him and His principles of preparation.

I. THE PREPARATION OF ELISHA

A. Elisha, a ninth century B.C. prophet of the northern kingdom of Israel, was the disciple and successor of the
prophet Elijah.

1. God took Elisha through the developmental training and tests that He uses for many of His servants.
Elisha underwent the working of several spiritual principles of leadership preparation.

2. This happened between the time when he first touched Elijah's prophetic mantle (I Kings 19:19,20), and
the time that he actually received the mantle and a double portion of Elijah's spirit (II Kings 2:13).

3. As with other biblical men of God, Elisha had to experience a time of delay which demanded much
perseverance. This period of patience can be diagrammed as follows: (make diagram)

B. Between the time of Elisha's call and the time of his ministry, we can see many principles of leadership
development. All of these experiences helped to prepare Elisha for his double portion ministry. May every
leader trust God to use every experience through which he is now going to prepare him for his future work.

1. A leader's ministry must be founded upon a spiritual salvation experience with Jesus wherein he can
sincerely declare, "Jesus Christ is my salvation!" (1 Kings 19:16)
2. A leader's ministry must be characterized by a balance of proper judgment and joy. (1 Kings 19:16)
3. A leader must know the specific ministry and place God is calling him toward, before he can be prepared
for that ministry. (1 Kings 19:16)
4. A leader's ministry must be able to slay his spiritual enemies through the sword of God's Word, even
before he enters formal, positional ministry. (I Kings 19:17)
5. A leader must have a servant's heart and not mind doing menial tasks, following the leadership of others
and sacrificing his wealth to answer the call to ministry. (I Kings 19:19)
6. A leader must patiently wait for God's perfect timing for the full release of his ministry, even if he has
already experienced some of what God will do through him in the future. (I Kings 19:19)
7. A leader must take upon himself the mantle or yoke of Jesus, which means that he will be confirmed
into His personality and thus be able to function with some of his divine rights. (Ruth 3:9 and II Kings 1:8
and Zechariah 13:4)
8. Though called to minister, a leader must still keep a special respect for the parents which God has given
to him. Many times, the way a young leader treats his parents represents the way he will treat the
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people. Yet over and above all, a leader must follow God's call.
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9. Although the Holy Spirit will eventually bring men to a leader for training, the leader must never hinder
those called to the ministry from fulfilling God's commandment, "Thou shalt honor thy father and thy
mother." (I Kings 19:20)
10. A leader must make known to his family and friends, in very practical and obvious ways, that he is
sacrificing his old life-style to be a slave of Jesus Christ. If a man is afraid to openly witness for the Lord
before he is formally "employed" by the Church, he will not be much of a soul-winner afterwards. (I
Kings 19:21; see also I Samuel 6:15; II Samuel 24:22,23).
11. A leader must never be too proud to be just one of the many common helpers in the local church. If he
can humbly fulfill this role, he may eventually receive the same help from others in his own ministry. (II
Kings 2:1).
12. A leader must be a good student of different teachers in the ministry. A leader must have a teachable
spirit and be committed to those who are over him. (II Kings 2:1)
13. A leader must show his teachers that he is persistent to learn more of God and His Word, and that he is
willing to take up his mantle of leadership from the Lord. (II Kings 2:6,7,8,11) (An interesting study of
the place names where these interactions happened: Gilgal means "rolling," Bethel is "house of God,"
Jericho is "place of fragrance," and the Jordan means "to go low.")
14. A leader must realize that as he is humble and obedient to God, the Lord will purify his heart so that he
can make a trustworthy response to the question, "What would you like from me now?" (II Kings 2:9)
15. A leader must realize that if he asks humbly, he can ask great things of God for his ministry and for his
generation. (II Kings 2:9)
16. A leader must realize that in asking things of the Lord, the Lord will sometimes first require spiritual
conditions of obedience, revelation, or spiritual insight. (II King2:10)

II. THE PREPARATION OF DAVID

David, the youngest son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah, was the second king of Israel and one of the most
important Old Testament characters. The Bible refers to David more than 1,200 times, and many times the Lord
Jesus Christ was called "the Son of David." David stands as one of the greatest kings that ever reigned over
Israel, the meaning of his name signifying his intimate relationship with the Lord: "beloved."

David's life can be divided into three main periods: David as shepherd, David as fugitive, David as king. In the
early years of David's life, when he tended his father's sheep as a shepherd, he was under a time of preparation.
In the following thirteen to fourteen years, David was rejected, and was a fugitive from the hand of king Saul. In
his later years, David was in his time of exaltation, reigning as king over Israel during some of her most glorious
years.

These three periods of time in David's life make a very significant study for every leader. Many if not most of
God's leaders experience similar periods in their lives and ministries. Each one of these periods in David's life
offers the leader many valuable spiritual principles from which he can learn many things about the dealings of
God in his life. David's experiences are prophetic and typical of the different encounters that all of God's leaders
may come to know. All leaders should diligently apply these principles to their own lives. Nothing is more
defiling to God's kingdom than the deep bitterness in the heart of a leader who believes that God has misused
him or abused him, because he misunderstood God's dealings through a time of rejection.
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A. THE STAGES OF DAVID'S LIFE

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1. Preparation (Read 1 Samuel 16-20)

 As a shepherd, David's first anointing in the midst of his brethren (I Samuel 16:13). A skillful harp
player (v. 18).
 A mighty and valiant man (v. 18).
 Considered by others to be a man of war (v. 18).
 Shows the character qualities of wisdom and prudence (v. 18). A comely young man with handsome
appearance (v. 18).
 Has the favor of the Lord in all of his doings, because David loves Him with all of his heart (v. 18).
 Becomes the servant (or armor-bearer) of king Saul (vs. 21,22). Finds favor in the eyes of Saul (vs.
21,22).
 Becomes Saul's court musician (v. 23).
 Functions as a shepherd boy at the same time (17:20).
 Proves himself to be responsible, brave and testifying by killing both a bear and a lion (vs. 34,35).
 Shows the character quality of humility in recognizing his own personal limitations (vs. 38,39).
Demonstrates that he has learned from his past experiences, for he used what he had already
learned to do (v, 40).
 Manifests his respect for God and His people, and his trust in the name of the Lord, by killing Goliath
(vs. 45-51).
 Evidences that he can develop intimate spiritual relationships with people (with Jonathan 18:1-
3,19,20).
 Exhibits an ability to enter into a committed, covenant relationship with others, in his covenant with
Jonathan (vs. 1-3,19,20).
 Behaves himself so wisely that he is put in command over all of the men of war (v, 5). Gains a
reputation among the people for his mighty exploits, even above the exploits of the one whom he
serves (vs. 6-9).
 Survives the fierce anger of the one over him in authority, Saul, even to the point of dodging javelins
(vs. 6-9,11).
 David flees for his life since king Saul continues to threaten his life (19:1,2).
 David flees from Saul to the anointed prophet Samuel, who had previously anointed David with oil
out of Samuel's horn (v. 18).
 Is forced to leave Jonathan and begin his life as a fugitive (20:41-42).

2. Rejection (Read: 1 Samuel 21-31)

 Goes to Nod ("wandering"), eats the showbread, and takes Goliath's sword (I Samuel 21), the trophy
of former victories.
 Travels to Gath ("wine-press") where he must feign insanity to escape (v. 13).
 Arrives at the cave Adullum ("a testimony to them") where all of those who are discontented,
distressed or in debt come to him (22:1-4).
 Goes to Moab ("from father: what father?") from which a prophet tells him to leave (v. 5).
 Journeys into the wilderness of Judah ("praise" or "he shall be praised") where he writes Psalm 63 (v.
5).
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 Goes to Keilah ("let the faint be alienated") where he smites a Philistine ("wallowing") and inquires
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of the Lord at the ephod through Abiathar ("father of abundance" or "father of a remnant"), the
priest (23:1-4).

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 Travels to the wilderness of Ziph ("melting") where Jonathan ("Jehovah is giver") comes to
strengthen him, and they both renew their covenant together (v. 16).
 Arrives at the wilderness of Maon ("habitation") where Saul almost kills him (vs. 24-26). Comes to the
wilderness of Engedi ("fountain of the kid") where David cuts off a piece of Saul's garment, and Saul
("requested") repents and goes home (24:1).
 Journeys to the wilderness of Paran ("their beautifying"), Samuel ("his name is of God") dies, and
David takes wives: Abigail ("mother of joy") and Ahinoam ("sister of pleasantness") (25:1).
 David again goes to the wilderness of Ziph ("melting") where Abishai ("father of gift") desires to kill
Saul but, instead, David takes the king's spear and cruse. Saul repents and again returns home (26:1).
 Returns to Gath ("a wine press") and is very discouraged, though Saul seeks him no more (27:1-7).
 Receives the city of Ziklag ("enveloped in grief') as a possession from the Philistines ("wallowing")
with whom he stays for sixteen months, during which he raids the Geshurites ("proud beholders"),
Gezrites ("the cutters off'), and the Amalekites ("the people of lapping or licking up") (vs. 3-12).
 Saul goes to the witch at Endor ("fountain of the dwelling") and conjures up Samuel's ("his name is
of God") spirit from the dead (28:8).
 Denied permission to go to war with the Philistines ("wallowing") and therefore returns to Ziklag
("enveloped in grief') (29:1-11).
 Pursues the Amalekites ("the people of lapping or licking up") who spoiled Ziklag ("enveloped in
grief'); distressed because the people desire to stone him, but encouraged in the Lord and inquires
at the ephod through the priest Abiathar ("father of abundance" or "father of a remnant") (30:l).
 Saul and his sons are killed (31:6).
 Orders execution of the Amalekite ("the people licking up") who apparently gave Saul his final death
blow, then mourns Saul's death with a song of lamentation (II Samuel 1:1-12).

3. Exaltation (Read 2 Samuel 2-15; Psalm 51 & 52, 1 Kings 2)

 Anointed for the second time as king over Judah (II Samuel 2:1-4).
 David's house grows stronger, and Saul's house weakens (2 Sam. 3:1; I Chronicles 3:1-3).
 Has six sons in Hebron ("communion"): Amnon ("faithful"), Chileab ("sustained of father"), Absalom
("father"), Adonijah ("Lord worshipper"), Shephatiah ("judge of Jehovah"), and Ithream ("excellence
of people") (3:2-5).
 At 30 years of age, anointed for the third time as king over all of Israel after 7.5 years (5:l) and reigns
for 33 years.
 Takes Zion as his own city (5:7).
 Brings back the ark to Zion and sets up the tabernacle of David (6:2). Receives the Davidic covenant
from God (7:l).
 Commits adultery with Bathsheba, has her husband Uriah killed, receives God's rebuke through
Nathan the prophet (11:2-12:14) and writes Psalms 51 and 52.
 Flees from Jerusalem at the rebellion of his son, Absalom (15:14).
 David dies and his son, Solomon, rules (I Kings 2:12).
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B. SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES IN DAVID'S LIFE

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Many spiritual principles and character qualities for Christian leaders become apparent through the basic facts
of David's preparation, rejection and exaltation. Some of the most significant of these principles are the
following:

1. David applied his past experience of killing the lion and the bear to his present problem of Goliath (I
Samuel 17:34-36). Every leader must also learn to apply what he has learned from his own experiences
to his present challenges and dilemmas.

2. David did not trust in Saul's armor to bring him the victory over Goliath (vs. 38,39). Every leader must
not trust in the ability of the flesh or a religious system, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring
victories in his life.

3. David used a defense he had used effectively in the past to kill Goliath (a sling with five smooth stones,
v. 40). So must every leader trust God to use the training he already has in his ministry. In doing so,
however, a leader must also recognize the limitations of his ministry and gift.

4. David came to Goliath in the name of the Lord (v. 45). So must every leader use the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ against the power of the devil.

5. David confessed confidence that he would defeat Goliath (v, 46). So must every leader make the positive
confession that he will win total spiritual victory, through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

6. David doubled the required dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins to marry the princess Michal (he brought in
200, 18:25-27). So must every leader strive to do more than the Lord requires of him.

7. David remained faithful to his charge of commanding Saul's army, even in the midst of Saul seeking to
kill him (19:1,2,8-10). So should every leader remain faithful to the call and ministry which God has given
him, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

8. David kept company with godly people like Samuel (v. 18). Even so should every leader fellowship often
with godly Christians and good spiritual leaders in the Body of Christ.

9. David kept the Lord his God in the midst of his relationships (e.g., with Jonathan, 20:42). So must every
leader keep Jesus Christ in the center of all his friendships and associations, recognizing that the devil
desires to cause mixture and compromise in his life by keeping him in the company of fools.

10. David did not show respect of persons in whom he allowed to become a part of his army in the cave of
Adullam (22:2). Even so must every leader treat all people equally in the sight of God, and not favor the
rich or educated over the poor or uneducated.

11. David honored his parents by asking the king of Moab to house them comfortably in his palace while
David sought the Lord in the cave at Adullam (v. 3). So must every leader honor and think of the needs
of his parents, no matter his age or other responsibilities.

12. David took courage in the Lord when his followers wanted to kill him (30:6). So every leader must gain
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his strength and joy directly from the Lord at all times. Otherwise he will become discouraged when a
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different source of strength and joy is taken away from him. (This applies even when a leader's ministry

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and function is temporarily removed from him. From where does a leader obtain his strength and joy--
from Jesus, or from his ministry?)

C. GODLY QUALITIES IN DAVID'S LIFE

1. These godly character qualities in David's life made it possible for him to endure preparation, survive
rejection, and flourish during exaltation. They will do the same for today's Christian leaders. They are:

 Purity (I Samuel 16:7)

 Faithfulness (v. 16:11 and 17:26 and 30:11-25) Responsibility (17:20)
 Humility (16:lld and 17:38-39) Serving (16:lld)
 Prudence (16:18e)
 Skillfulness (16:18)
 Discipline (16:18d,e)
 Strength (16:18c)
 Boldness (17:32)
 Love (18:1)
 Commitment (18:2,3) Graciousness (18:3,4)
 Wisdom (18:5,14,15,30)
 Respect (18:11 and 22:3,4 and 24:1-6) Diligence (18:25-27)
 Compassion (22:1,2)
 Honesty (30:23,24)

2. David was a godly man of passion who fiercely loved the Lord, and sought Him with intensity.

 Some of the events and the sins in his life hardly deserve praise. Yet the Bible puts David forth as
one of the ultimate examples to all believers, calling him "a man after God's heart."
 May every leader follow his example. May every leader become an example to the people of God in
seeking the Lord with intensity.

III. The Preparation of Timothy

Timothy takes on special significance because he functioned in team ministry and in a special personal
relationship with the apostle Paul.

Timothy had a godly heritage. His mother was a Jewish Christian, his father an unbelieving Greek (Acts 16:1).
Along with his Christian mother Eunice, his grandmother Lois (II Timothy 1:5) added to his spiritual background
and his knowledge of Scripture from the time of his youth (3:15)

It is not surprising that a believing mother would give her son a name with two positive meanings. First, in
relationship to God, Timothy means "one who honors and worships God." Second in God's relationship to him,
Timothy means "honored and valued of God." Timothy, moreover, was a man who lived up to the meaning of
his name; he both loved God, and was loved by Him. Similarly, every leader should know the cultural and
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spiritual meaning of his own name, and see how it applies to what God wants to do in and through him and his
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ministry.

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Though Timothy's father was an unbelieving Greek, Timothy still grew up to believe in the Lord Jesus. The many
spiritual maladies his father may potentially have had (idol worship, intellectualism, immorality) did little to
detract from Timothy's growth in the fear of the Lore! which his mother taught him. It is possible that Timothy's
Greek father had some significant role

in preventing Timothy's circumcision as an infant. And Timothy was raised in the typically heathenistic city of
Lystra (Acts 16:1). None of these things stopped him from being called and used of God. Every leader must resist
family background or any other environmental factor that would hinder his service to the Lord, as did both
Timothy and Samuel.

A. Timothy's Relationship with the Apostle Paul (2 Tim. 3:15; Acts 16:2))

B. A Godly Reputation (Acts 16:3-5 and 18:5 and 19:22 and 20:4). This principle also applied to every Christian
leader today. Every man of God should have confidence in his good reputation among Christians and Christian
leaders.

C. Like Father Like Son (Acts 16:3and 17:14,15 and 18:5and20:4; I Corinthians 4:17; !Timothy 1:2; II Timothy 1:2)

1. Paul considered Timothy to be his own dear son in the faith. For this reason, these two men shared a
deep relationship and commitment to the Lord, to one another, and to their ministries.
2. One of the richest experiences in life and ministry is a shared spiritual relationship with the brethren.
Times of sharing wisdom, prayer, insights and experiences greatly enrich a leader's life in the ministry.
Such friendships should be greatly prized by every Christian leader. Neither should a Christian leader
become so busy that he forsakes all of his close friends.

D. Timothy's Ordination by Paul (I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6,7).

1. Paul ordained Timothy into the ministry not for the sake of his deep spiritual unity with Timothy but
because of God's calling on Timothy.
2. Anointing and ability first came from God--and Paul only confirmed it. This pattern should happen for
every man or woman called by God and ordained to His service.

E. Shared Sufferings of Timothy and Paul

1. Along with great apostolic confirmation and blessing, however, Timothy also received apostolic rejection
and persecution.
2. Paul recognized that Timothy had intimately shared in the persecutions that his father in the faith had
received. Thus he gave him appropriate recognition along with exhortations. (2 Tim. 3:10-14; Acts 16:6-
10,23; 2 Tim. 1:8)

F. Timothy's Ministry Responsibilities (I Timothy 1:3,18 and 5:7,16,17 and 6:13,17).

1. Paul gave this somewhat timid man (II Timothy 1:7) a general exhortation of duty to Jesus Christ.
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2. Paul also laid out very explicit teaching on certain areas: sound doctrine (I Timothy 1), public worship
(chapter 2), church offices (chapter 3), false teachers (chapter 4), the church congregation (chapter 5)
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and the minister himself (chapter 6). Each of these sections contains valuable material for the minister
of the gospel to study in fulfilling his work.

G. Timothy's Character

1. Paul also chose Timothy because of his godly character. Paul realized that strong character would be
required to withstand the onslaught of many trials, persecutions and temptations that come against
apostolic team ministry.
2. The apostle knew that gifts and abilities alone could not ensure lasting success in ministry.
3. Timothy demonstrated many character qualities which every leader should also attempt to develop.
Some of these characteristics of the heart are:
 A teachable spirit (II Timothy 3:14).
 A kindred spirit (Philippians 2:20a). Timothy had one spirit and purpose with Paul. Because of this
unity of heart and intention in the gospel, Paul had confidence in sending Timothy to help these
Christians.
 A sincere spirit (Philippians 2:20b). There was no sham or put-on to Timothy's life. He cared sincerely
and truthfully for the people of God. He was not out to take advantage of them.
 A caring spirit (Philippians 2:20b). Timothy really cared for God's people. He had a real compassion
and understanding of their needs.
 A servant spirit (Philippians 2:21,22). Paul was confident in sending this young man to the Philippian
Church because he did not selfishly seek his own interests, but rather the interests of Jesus Christ
He knew God's values and priorities in life, and he wanted to impart them to God's people.
 A faithful spirit (Philippians 2:22) Timothy was faithful and loyal to the gospel as well as to Paul. It
was because of this faithfulness that Paul knew that he could depend upon him.
 A proven spirit (Philippians 2:22). Timothy did not have it easy in the ministry. He had endured tests,
trials, temptations and persecutions. God tested and tried Timothy's heart and spirit so that he
could be a man in whom Paul could trust (see also I Corinthians 4:17; 1Thessalonians 3:2).
 A submissive spirit (Philippians 2:22c; Acts 16:1-3). Such a father-son relationship speaks not only of
a teacher-student relationship, it also speaks of a willingness, loyalty, humility, and submissiveness
to serve and obey an older ministry.
4. Paul could trust Timothy in the ministry, because he had seen these qualities in Timothy's life.
5. Similarly, every leader should allow the Lord to so change his heart and spirit that he, too, would
exemplify the same qualities. The leader is encouraged to develop even more of Timothy's character
qualities from II Timothy 2, in which Timothy is figuratively described in the following terms: son,
teacher, soldier, athlete, farmer, workman, vessel, man, seeker and servant.

H. Timothy's Ministry

1. Timothy did not only portray godly character qualities. He was also actively involved in the work and
service of the Lord. God developed his character before he was actively serving, but also while Timothy
was constructively engaged in labor for Christ and the Church.
2. In what kind of labor, however, was Timothy involved? Timothy was working for the Lord in the
following areas: establishing churches (I Thessalonians 3:2); comforting churches (I Thessalonians 3:2);
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teaching doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3); exhorting Christians (I Timothy 4:13)

3. Notice that Timothy was very involved with ministering to local churches. He realized that as he helped
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to build up Christ's Church, she would go out into the world and win souls for God's kingdom.

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4. To apply this to today, every leader must ask himself how well he is establishing the people of God in the
sound Christian doctrines of the Word of God. Establishing the people in the Word of God through
sound Bible teaching by Christian leaders is what the Church must have if she is to go out from local
churches to reach their world for Jesus Christ.

I. Paul's Good Example to Timothy

1. Paul set a good example of Christian ministry for Timothy. This illustrates to all elder ministries their
responsibility to set an exemplary life-style for younger men of God. Paul told Timothy about his
illustrative life. (II Timothy 3:10-11a) Paul did not command Timothy to walk a path that he himself had
not walked.
2. Let us look a little more closely at some of the key words in the previously quoted verses.
 When Paul told Timothy that he had "known" of the apostles' ways, he meant two things. He meant
that Timothy had been able to approve of them through observation, and that Timothy had taken a
delight in them through experiencing them himself.
 In the same way, elder ministries should have such a patterned life that younger ministries may view
them transparently, and desire to live the same way themselves.
3. Paul declared that Timothy had observed and experienced his "purpose." Paul's purpose in his ministry
held nothing secret, confusing or insincere. He knew who he was and where he was going. He did not
hesitate to share these intentions with Timothy.
4. Paul also declared that Timothy had observed and experienced his "faith." His conviction grew stronger
as his life proceeded. Because Timothy and others could see such a faith in Paul's words and actions,
Paul could ask them to follow him as he followed Christ.
5. Finally, Paul expressed to Timothy that the young man of God had observed his "love." He was referring
to his deep affection and benevolence for Christ and the Church. The word for love here is "agape,"
which is the kind of divine, self-sacrificing love that Jesus Himself demonstrated on the cross for the
Church.
6. By imitating Paul's life of obvious intention, firm conviction and sacrificial love, every leader should
prosper in his spiritual work for the Lord .

J. Paul's Exhortations to Timothy

1. Paul exhorted Timothy on the firm basis of his own Christian behavior, attitudes and works. Conversely,
if these qualities had not been in Paul's own life, he could have given Timothy little encouragement
about gaining them. A man of God has influence in the kingdom only as far as his life reflects his
teachings.
2. Paul exhorted Timothy in nine main areas: spiritual warfare, conscience, behavior, godliness, age,
example, gifts, discipline and faithfulness.
 Spiritual Warfare. (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12)
o Every leader must realize that his or her ministry involves military service, expedition,
campaign, and duty for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the commanding officer and all
Christians are His soldiers. The weapons of this warfare, however, are not carnal but
spiritual (II Corinthians 10:4).
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o Every leader must be prepared for the testing that will follow a word from God, whether it
comes through the laying on of hands or prophecy or any other form of transmission.Paul
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wanted Timothy to fight this battle of faith so that he might win every battle and move
onward in Christ.
 Conscience (I Timothy 1:19; I Timothy 6:21; II Timothy 2:18 and 3:8).
o It is not enough to have faith or firm conviction about God's promises. A leader must also
have a clear conscience toward God and man.
o A leader must live a life of repentance from all sins to keep a clear conscience toward God.
o Your conscience is like an inner judge who applies the laws of God to every situation in life.
Paul told Timothy to hold an immovably tight grip upon a clear conscience.
 Behavior. Paul exhorted Timothy, as well as other Christians, to learn from him how to conduct
themselves in the house of God (I Timothy 3:15).
o While many local churches need a much greater release of the Spirit in their services,
everything should be done "decently and in order" (I Corinthians 14:40).
o Your behavior in and around the church building greatly affects your influence upon the
world for Christ. Every leader should conduct himself wisely in the house of the Lord.
 Godliness. (I Timothy 4:7,8) Paul's use of the word "discipline" has the thought of practicing
vigorously and nakedly for the Olympic games.
o The idea is to put out of one's life all that would hinder one from reaching his full spiritual
potential in God.
o Similarly, every leader must remove from his life all things that hinder his growth in
godliness and holiness. In doing so, a leader can expect God to bless him not only in the life
to come, but in this life as well.
 Age. Paul told the young man Timothy, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness (age)" (I Timothy
4:12).
o Paul knew that some people would think against, disesteem and think nothing of Timothy's
life and ministry in the Lord, because he was a fairly young man.
o Every young man faces the problem of rejection due to his youthfulness. Instead of growing
bitter or angry over this, however, a man of God should give even more of his attention to
developing character qualities in his life. This will make all of his words and actions above
reproach.
 Example. Paul gave Timothy an alternative to becoming angry and resentful over his lack of
acceptance due to his young age.
o Paul told Timothy to be an example--a stamp, shape, statue, style, model, image and
pattern--of and to the Christian believer, in every aspect of his life.
o Jesus Christ Himself was said to be the example of every believer (I Peter 2:21). In following
Christ, every leader's life should conform more fully to the Master's. As it does, the people
of God can follow the good example of Jesus through the leader's life.
o A leader should be able to say concerning every aspect of his life, "Follow me as I follow
Christ." May our words, attitudes, actions and motives preach a living sermon!
 Gifts. As Paul usually did for Timothy, he balanced out a teaching about character with a teaching on
gifts. (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6)
o Paul did not want Timothy to be careless of his spiritual gifts, or to make light of them.
o Whatever that gift or gifts might have been in Timothy's life, Paul wanted him to keep
rekindling them, to let them bum more and more brightly.
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o Similarly, every leader in God's kingdom should find out what spiritual gifts God has given to
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him or her. He should learn how to keep them continually functioning.

 Discipline. (1 Timothy 6:11) Paul told Timothy to flee certain things, and to pursue others.

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o This process of "fleeing and following" is the Christian process of discipline. Every leader
must realize that his entire life and ministry will be a matter of fleeing unrighteousness and
following righteousness.
o Every leader must lead a disciplined life. He must make the most of his time, money and
energy to extend the kingdom. He must avoid and run away from the things that would
hinder his spiritual life and ministry, and continually follow after Jesus with obedience and
perseverance.
o A man of God will do exploits for the spiritual kingdom of God only through a disciplined life
or prayer, the Word, and obedience to God's Word.
 Faithfulness. (1 Tim. 6:20) Paul wanted Timothy to guard those truths and principles that had
literally been "put into his hands" (as into a safe deposit box).
o Every leader should guard the spiritual truths that God has committed to him and to his
congregation.
o A leader must protect these spiritual values with his time and care, that they not be lost.
o As a leader, you must develop a heart of stewardship and faithfulness to Jesus Christ and
the Church to "guard what has been entrusted to you."

HOMEWORK

1. Take four preparation principles from Elisha and apply them to your own life.
2. Take four preparation principles from David and apply them to your own life.
3. Take four preparation principles from Timothy and apply them to your own life.
4. Take a moment now to evaluate your own preparation as a leader. Remember, again, that you need not be
called to a positional, governmental ministry to be one of God's leaders. You also may lead in a congregational
ministry in a major, temporary, or more limited capacity. In fact, it may be easier to evaluate your preparation
for such a focused ministry. Work through this series of questions, which may also stimulate other questions and
issues for your own development.

 Has your calling been confirmed by leaders and the Church at large?
 What have you done to study God's Word in preparation for leadership? Under whose authority and
guidance are you studying?
 Do you have a teacher, a leader, an example to follow? How faithful are you as a disciple?
 Have you begun to develop solid relationships with younger Christians, so that you can help them grow?
 What have you learned today? Do you see daily progress toward functioning in your ministry-even if it
happens in the school of hard knocks?
 What are you doing to build on your successes, and to avoid repeating your mistakes? What can you
learn in that regard by watching other people?
 Have you already begun to function in your unique calling? Ordination or the assignment of
responsibility only confirms that you are already functioning in your ministry.
 What are you doing to minister to the needs of the Church, with or without receiving a formal ministry
title?
 Has recognition of your calling and preparation reached the point of your promotion in the Church?
 At any point, have you made yourself less available for promotion through pride, or any other damaging
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attitude of sin?
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 How have you responded to promotion? Have you kept the Lord and your ministry in focus throughout
the process?

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FORMATION OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS 2013-2016
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Textbooks: The Holy Bible and The Making of a Leader, Frank Damazio (1988) Bible Temple Publishing.

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