Three Keys to Successful Leadership | Clip 1
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I think I’d like to begin by directing you to two verses of the New Testament and asking you if you can pick out a key phrase that is found in both of them. The first verse is Acts 20 verse 28. The second is 1 Timothy 4:16. So we’ll begin with Acts 20 28. And as I say, the contest is to pick out the key phrase which occurs in both depends partly on the translation that you happen to be using.
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So I’ll read the first one. Therefore, and this is spoken by Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus, so I think it’s a rather appropriate text for you brothers here today. Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Let me just point out the careful balance of the word of God.
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The elders are overseers, but they’re among the flock. They’re not over the flock. It’s a very delicate balance to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. All right, that’s one. Let’s turn to First Timothy 4 and verse 16. This is in the singular. his address to Timothy who was I I personally understand exercising an apostolic function toward the church at Ephesus.
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He was not as I understand it a resident elder but he was Paul’s representative acting on behalf of Paul in ordering the church. Now it’s perfectly possible to understand it another way but that’s the way I understand it. All right. 1 Timothy 4:16. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them.
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For in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Now, that’s not a difficult thing. What is the key key word? >> Take heed. That’s right. And what I want to point out to you this morning is that in each case yourself comes before the flock and before the doctrine. In Acts 20:28 it’s take heed to yourselves then to the flock.
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And in 1 Timothy 4:16 it’s take heed to yourself and to what you teach. So in each passage, the first admonition is not to take heed to what you’re responsible for, whether it be the flock that you’re shephering or the ministry that you’re giving to them. But before that, take heed to yourself. So let’s consider together this morning how you can take heed to yourself, how you can take care of yourself.