[Biblemat] S) LEADING LIKE PAUL

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

LEADING LIKE PAUL

THE GREATEST QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP: -- Manifest themselves in the crucible 
of conflict and controversy.  The
Thessalonians were given the opportunity to witness and ben-
efit from the leadership of Paul in difficult circumstances.
Acts 17:1-9 details Paul's work in the city of Thessalonica and
tells of certain unbelieving Jews, moved by jealousy, instigat-
ing an uprising.  They made the following charge against Paul
and his traveling companions:  "These who have turned the
world upside down have come here too" (vs. 8).  In 1 Thes. 2,
Paul reminded the brethren of his conduct when he had been
among them.  Vss. 1-12 contain valuable lessons for us.

THE PASSAGE: -- "For you yourselves know, brethren, that
our coming to you was not in vain.  But even after we had
suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you
know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of
God in much conflict.  For our exhortation did not come from
error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit" (vss. 1-3).

     A true leader does not operate in secret and the result of
his effort is apparent.  In spite of a live of service that involv-
ed much physical suffering and danger, Paul had continued
to wield the only weapon he used in "turning the world upside
down," the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Just as he had done everywhere the 
opportunity was presented, Paul preached
the Gospel in Thessalonica with boldness born out of his
trust in God.  He would not allow opposition to silence him.  A
true leader in the service of God does not engage in verbal
gymnastics and tricks of semantics.  He presents the truth
in as clear a manner as possible.  I do not believe that those
who heard Paul came away failing to understand where he
stood on any Gospel related issue.

THE PASSAGE: -- "But as we have been approved by God to 
be entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleas-
ing men, but God who tests our hearts.  For neither at any 
time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for
covetousness -- God is witness.  Nor did we seek glory from
men, either from you or from others, when we might have 
made demands as apostles of Christ" (vss. 4-6).

     What motivates a leader in the cause of Christ?  What motivated Paul?  
He had been "approved by God to be entrus-
ted with the Gospel."  Albert Barnes represented the point 
Paul was making in the first clause of verse 4 in this way: 
"Since there had been committed to us an office so high and
holy, and so much demanding sincerity, fidelity, and honesty,
we endeavored to act in all respects in conformity to the trust
reposed in us."  Oh, that we would realize this!  Being a lead-
er for Christ is about service, and as far as being pleasing is
concerned, the One we must strive to please is God.  The man who seeks the 
praise of men is not mature enough to be
a leader.

THE PASSAGE: -- "But we were gentle among you, just as a
nursing mother cherishes her own children.  So, affectionate-
ly longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not
only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you
had become dear to us.  For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for 
laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we 
preached to you the Gospel of
God" (vss. 7-9).

     Having mentioned methods that he did not use among them, Paul turns to 
the approach that he did use.  he was 
"gentle."  Do not mistake that for timidity.  Gentleness is a 
"fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:23) and Paul's use of the word here
reminds me of his statement to Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:24, "And
a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all,
able to teach, patient."  A leader in the Cause must have genu-
ine affection for those he leads.  So strong was Paul's affect-
ion for these people that he was willing to impart to them the
Gospel -- which is in itself strong proof of love -- but he was
willing to do it even when it meant danger to himself.  A true
leader will do what is best and most needful in any situation.

     Leaders among God's people today must embrace the con-
cluding comments of Paul as relating to conduct (vss. 10-12).
Our behavior must be holy, just, and blameless.  How can we
lead if our conduct brings discredit or dishonor to the cause
of Christ?  The answer is "We can't," any more than a father
can lead his children if his conduct does not match what he
says.  Hence, "Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls
you."    ------ Greg Litmer in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 4, 
April 2007.   </HTML>
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