Leading by Example
Introduction:
A.
The personal life of a
preacher involves many things.
1.
Ethical conduct,
personal devotion, study time, social responsibilities
2.
Relationship to the
leadership within the local church.
B.
Fundamental in all
these things are his honesty, humility, and faithfulness.
I.
The Importance of Example.
A.
The personal life of a
preacher is much the same of any Christian.
1.
It is different in
that his personal conduct is more visible because he seeks to lead the thinking
and conduct of those to whom he speaks.
2.
The effectiveness of
the message is hindered or enhanced by the life he lives.
B.
His personal life and
character are brought under great scrutiny.
1.
1 Timothy 1:5; 4:12;
4:16
C.
In short, the preacher
must practice what he preaches.
1.
He must seek to live
up the ideal he tells others to follow.
2.
1 Timothy 6:11
3.
If his personal life
is flawed, how can his message be approved?
II.
Honesty.
A.
Those who preach/teach
must be honest.
1.
Speak the truth, whole
truth, and nothing but the truth.
2.
He does not lie,
cheat, or steal.
3.
His word is his bond.
4.
He does not contradict
or compromise the truth.
5.
He does not leave a
false impression or pretend to be something he is not.
B.
He is not a hypocrite.
1.
He does not spread
rumors.
2.
He does not give a
false report
3.
He does not claim he
had done or said things he has not done or said.
a.
Matthew 5:37; Colossians 3:9
C.
Luke 12:1-3
II.
Humility.
A.
Preachers/teachers
must be humble.
1.
God is the source of
our abilities.
2.
He is the One who
answers our prayers and given us opportunities.
B.
Preachers need to be
appreciative of those who have helped them along the way.
1.
Family, teachers,
friends, family, mentors, many people have helped him along the way.
2.
A person is who he is
and has what he has because of God’s grace and the helpful hands who have blessed his life.
3.
Luke 12:16-21
C.
Paul rebuked the
Corinthian Christians because of their spiritual pride.
1.
1 Corinthians 4:7
2.
James 4:6
III.
Faithfulness.
A.
Preachers must be
faithful.
1.
Following instructions
2.
Punctuality
3.
Finishing a task
4.
Working well with
others.
B.
Diligence in finishing
tasks
1.
2 Timothy 4:10 –
not becoming entangled in the affairs of life helps here.
2.
He has the
responsibility to do what he can with what he has where he is.
C.
1 Corinthians 4:2
– we are stewards.
1.
A steward is
responsible for what is committed to his charge.
2.
The faithful steward
is ready when his master calls to give an account.
D.
When a
preacher/teacher is faithful in fulfilling his responsibilities, he is
confident that his work will be met with approval.
1.
Faithfulness builds
confidence.
2.
Matthew 25:23 –
Jesus commends the 5 talent man who multipled the talents given him.
3.
How does the parable
of the talents apply here?
Conclusion:
A.
Honesty, humility, and
faithfulness most undergird the life of a preacher.
1.
Honesty builds truth
2.
Humility enhances
relationships
3.
Faithfulness wins
approval.
B.
Those who preach must
exhibit all these by example.