Building God’s Leaders
1. God calls leaders who will faithfully manage his flock (v.1-2)
"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
1 Peter 4:10 — As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
2. God calls leaders who will fearlessly lead his flock (v.3-4)
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me."
Lead boldly even if unpopular — Galatians 1:10: For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Regularly exam your heart and motives before God — Romans 14:10-12: Why do you pass judgment on your brother?... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Avoid harsh judgment of a leader's motives — Romans 14:4: Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.
Fear God more than man — Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
3. God calls leaders who will gladly receive his praise (v.5)
"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."
Be the same in private as public — Matthew 6:1: Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.
Yearn for eternal rewards — Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.
Rest in the truth that God is gracious — Hebrews 6:10: For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown in his name in serving the saints.
