April 7, 2024 - When God Calls A Man

We look for Four Essentials in a Leader :
1) Does the man have an observable calling by God?
2) Does the man demonstrate character qualities found in Scripture?
3) Does the man demonstrate competency for the position?
4) Does the man demonstrate the chemistry necessary to fit into the group?

"Separation to God, separation from the world, is the first principle of Christian living." - Watchman Nee

sub*mit
/seb'mit/
verb
to align my will with God's to find freedom, direction, and true purpose.

MEN of GRIT
Forging a Legacy of Strong Men

grit
[gr-it] noun
Possessing a strength of character and fighting spirit. Having the drive and determination to push through regardless of the obstacle thrown your way until you succeed.

"No reserves. No retreats. No Regrets." - William Borden
(discovered written in his Bible after his untimely death)

FYI:

Christian character is cultivated in the trials, in the wilderness experiences of life.
Those who come out of the wilderness are all in with God!
Moses’ leadership character was cultivated in the backside of the desert.
Leaders must be prepared to protect.
Leaders must be prepared to sacrifice themselves.

Paul’s leadership character was cultivated in the trials of life.

It is in the trials of life, in the wilderness experiences of life, that your character is cultivated.

"It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply." - Aiden Wilson (AW) Tozer

"Does it not seem strange that the generation with the most advanced technology and the easiest-to-read Bible translations is the weakest generation of Christians in the history of our country? Church attendance has never been lower, and the Christian influence in our culture never weaker." - AW Tozer

Paul to the Ephesian Elders ( Acts 20: 1920) :
“Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials.”

Humility is a character trait of Godly leaders!

Paul taught the “whole counsel of God”

Paul’s encouragement to all Elders ( Acts 20: 27 ( Acts 20: 28 ) ) : “Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Biblical terms:
Elder = older, mature man (wisdom)
Bishop = oversee, supervise (governing, managing)
Pastor = shepherd (teaching)

Biblical terms:
Elders are bishops (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7) and elders are pastors (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2)

Elders, bishops, and pastors (1) are always used in the plural and (2) are always used in the masculine (males).

The Role of Elders

Elders' work was defined for them in 1 Peter 5:2-4

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

Elders are to protect the flock -
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” - Acts 20: 29

Elders are to protect from savage wolves -
“Speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” - Acts 20: 30

Jude 3-4 puts it this way:
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."

Calling all believers to WATCH and WARN!!

“Therefore, WATCH and remember that for three years I did not cease to WARN everyone night and day with tears." - Acts 20:31

Satan’s tactic :
To infiltrate believers with deceptive false teaching.

How do Elders protect?
“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" - Acts 20: 27

Character Qualifications :
- 1 Timothy 3: 17
- No one meets these character qualifications perfectly, except Jesus Christ
- This should reflect the predominant way the perfect man conducts his life; Elders are not perfect

The Elder’s Wife :

Jason will need the support of his wife.

God created woman to be a helper, an aid, a surround; one who understands the seriousness of his calling

A man needs an understanding wife to help him the greatest he can be for God’s glory

Be an Influencer for Jesus - Matthew 5:14