Sermon notes:
Why did Jesus create leaders for the church?
I. To equip the church for the work of service. (Ephesians 4:12)
II. To protect the unity of the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:13)
III. To build up the Family of God to maturity. (Ephesians 4:13)
a. To protect the journey of our faith from false teaching. (Ephesians 4:14)
What are the requirements of Church leaders?
IV. They have to be motivated by love for Christ (John 21:15)
V. They have to be people who live out Godly character. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
How should the church respond to church leaders?
VI. Honor them. (1 Timothy 5:17)
VII. Appreciate them. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
VIII. Listen to them. (Hebrews 13:17)
Digging Deeper:
1. Who are the most impactful Christian leaders that God has brought into your spiritual life? How has God used them in your life?
2. Read Ephesians 4:11-14. What from this “job description” do you think would be the hardest part to achieve as a Christian leader and why?
3. Have you ever witnessed a person being “tossed around” by bad teaching? If so, how did it affect their life?
4. Why do you think doctrine/spiritual truth is so important in the church?
5. Read 1 Peter 5:1-5, what are some of the words that jump out at you from this text? Are there any words that surprise you? Why do you think humility is so important in a leader?
6. Have you ever had a leader let you down? How should we respond to leaders that do this in the church?
7. Read Hebrews 13:17 & James 3:1. How do you think these verses should affect the hearts of leaders in God’s church?
Taking it Home:
Pray for the leaders of W.C.C. this week that they will continue to grow closer to Jesus and that they will hear His voice and sense where He is leading.