Dear Student of the Word,
I'm back! After a month-long break during my tour with the Celebration Choir from Zimbabwe, I am ready to resume the study of 2 Timothy and I hope you are ready as well. I missed writing and I am so glad to be back in the swing of things. I make reference to my time with the choir in this week's study. This is what I wrote:
2:20 -- Some teachers have presented their pet "words" or doctrines to people as silver or gold, when they are actually only wood and clay. These teachings are of some use, but aren't of the highest priority, according to Paul. I wonder if this doesn't pertain to some members of God's household as well. We have promoted some to the highest positions but they may not be as important as we make them out to be. Some of the great leaders may not be so great because they don't serve as Jesus described below:
Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves" (Luke 22:24-27).
Do you really believe that you can be an effective leader if you act like the youngest? Many don't, dismissing these words by seeing the need for leaders to be strong and in charge. I just finished a month-long tour where I led by driving a truck 5,000 miles to serve a choir. I was the least significant among the group, yet often I led from my truck driver's seat. I served those younger than I as if I was younger than they.
Do you have a recent example of leading according to Luke 22? If not, what's wrong with your leadership style? Do you really believe what Jesus said in Luke 22? If so, how are you applying it?
Feel free to add your comments or your answers to the questions I pose for others to read. You can do this and find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go to that site to sign up to receive each week's study.
Download this week's study: 2 Timothy Study 2.doc
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