The Successful Leader
Notes
Transcript
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Introduction: Review previous lessons
Earning trust
Taking Initiative
Using good judgment
Being courageous
Taking charge
Devoted to his people
Humility
A model for leadership
Judging from the world’s standards it wold be tempting to believe that Paul’s life was mostly a failure. By the end of his life he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting the savage cold of winter with just one friend left - Luke. He writes this to Timothy
This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
2 timothy
Paul had become such an influential Christian that associating with him had become too costly. Leadership is influence, however, and Paul still continues to influence today so his life was actually quite the opposite of failure. Once again, this goes to show that a person’s position does not determine a persons influence and leadership.
Can you think of anyone who had a powerful position and is despised today?
As Paul comes to the end of his life, he writes to Timothy. 2 Timothy obviously contains notes of sadness, but the overarching emotion is that of triumph.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Finally, here at the end, he knew he was departing this life to something far greater. He was about to gain a fuller fellowship with Christ. When Paul measured his success as a leader and as a Christian he seemed to measure himself triumphantly with the observation: “I have kept the faith.” He had both remained faithful to Christ and had kept the gospel message intact just as he had received it.
As Paul’s life comes to an end he recalled people that had been a part of his life and team. Although he appeared to be friendless, save Luke, he was actually not. He may have been alone in prison, but he had built a team that would also “keep the faith.”
Paul’s Team
Paul’s Team
As powerful and passionate a leader as Paul was, no one can serve alone. When Paul described the church e described it as a body, each member depending on the other members. In Paul’s time there were many who proved to be faithful followers of Christ who had joined the team under Paul’s leadership. One of Paul’s purposes in writing 2 Timothy was to “pass the mantle” on to his young protege, and so he gives Timothy a list of those who were on the team and how they were useful in ministry.
Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
Do your utmost to come before winter.
Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
What was on Paul’s mind at the end of his life?
Conclusion: So, as Paul concluded his life he found himself in the Mamertine prison. Luke alone was left with him, and he recalled some disappointing characters from his life, but as a whole he recalls a list of faithful believers who were faithful to the gospel despite unfavorable and dangerous circumstances. The main theme of 2 Timothy, Paul’s life, and this list is triumph. Was Paul a failure as a leader? No way! He influenced people and continues to influence people today. The legacy of Paul’s life and leadership was that of success because he was faithful to the very end.