173 Guidelines for Leadership

1 Timothy 1–6, TBC Book Two, Chapter 173
Paul was right—the prayers of the saints did indeed result in his deliverance. After two years of confinement in Rome, Paul embarked on another missionary journey, traveling to Macedonia and sending Timothy to Ephesus. Realizing that he might not return to Ephesus, Paul sent Timothy a letter, instructing him to supervise the Ephesian church on his behalf.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, to my true son in the faith, Timothy. Grace, mercy, and peace to you, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. . . .

With regard to worship, instruct the church that prayers of petition, intercession, and thanksgiving should be made for everyone, including all those in authority, so people may live peaceful, godly lives. This pleases the Lord, for it will advance the gospel, and God desires that all people everywhere would come to know the truth and be saved.

People should lift up holy hands in prayer, without letting anger hinder those prayers. . . . 

Anyone who desires official leadership in the church seeks a noble pursuit. . . . A leader should be above reproach. . . .
In the latter days people will fall away from the faith because of deceiving spirits controlled by demonic forces. Hypocritical leaders, who have seared their conscience, will impose stringent requirements. . . . 

Those who think godliness is a means to financial gain are promoting a false doctrine. . . . People who are driven by the desire for wealth fall prey to temptation. They entrap themselves with foolish, harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Because of this, people have wandered from the faith. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 173, for the rest of the story.)
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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Lifting up holy hands means letting go of anger, abusive behavior, the obsession for wealth—things that hinder our prayers.
     A promise to cling to: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: The Power of Your Love  Maranatha Music     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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