Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 5:22
Through Paul, God warns Timothy (and as I continue to say, this warning is for all of us as well) to never be in a hurry to ordain/approve someone into a ministry position. God knows that only mature believers, called by Him, should be placed in ministry positions of leadership. These leaders within the church must have a proven deep walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. God even warns all Christians in James 3:1-2, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” God points out that those in leadership positions within the body of Christ are held to a higher level of accountability. That accountability is because ministers are the examples to the rest of the body of believers. Also, what ministry leaders say carries a lot of weight, so all leaders must carefully guard what they preach and teach. Of course, this is true for all believers, but the first line of accountability starts with the ministry leaders. God also warns not to place someone who has been removed from leadership because they had fallen into sin back into leadership too quickly. If someone is put back into leadership too quickly, the ones who have reinstated the fallen leader will share in the sins that the fallen leader commits again. Finally, God reminds us we must live pure lives; it is what He has commanded.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you about those in ministry leadership positions and about those who have fallen?
2. How are you guarding your tongue knowing you represent our Lord Jesus Christ to everyone around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!