Choosing:

Qualified Leaders Must Be Selected

Acts 1:20-26

The apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas, who betrayed Jesus and committed suicide soon afterward. Notice two things.

First, they didn’t hold an election. Church eldership is never determined through democracy in the New Testament. Leaders were chosen, not voted on.

Second, the apostles cast lots to discover God’s choice for the position – a common method in biblical times to receive direction from the Lord. Today, Christians receive direction from the New Testament (2 Tim. 3:16; Titus 1:5-9) and from the witness of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14-16). Elders are leaders chosen by God and confirmed by the church.

The book of Acts makes 18 references to elders, ten relating directly to the ministry of a church elder. The various Greek words used to discuss leadership are most often translated by the terms “elder,” “bishop,” or “deacon.” They all concern responsibility, spiritual oversight, inspection, service, and ministry.

Sunday AM

Choices

21 Christian Growth Issues in the Bible

Joshua 24:14-21

I. The Decisions You Make, Make You

a. Josh. 24:15

II. Moses Prepares to Say Farewell to the Israelites

a. Deut. 30:1-20

III. A Warning That Helps with Decision Making

a. Prov. 5:1-14

IV. A Governor’s Tough Choice

a. Matt. 27:11-26

Sunday PM

Walk in The Spirit

Gal. 5:16-26

I. Each One Chooses to Live Spiritually, or To Fulfill Fleshly lusts

a. Gal. 5:19-23

b. Gal. 6:7-8

II. To “walk in the Spirit” Means to Live in The Gospel the Holy Spirit Has Revealed to the World

a. Gal. 3:1-5

b. Gal. 5:18, 25

c. Gal. 5:22-23

III. To Walk in the Spirit One Willingly Subjects Himself to “The things of the Spirit,” that is, The Truth He has revealed

a. Rom. 8:5-8

b. Col. 3:16

c. Eph. 5:18

d. Matt. 7:21-23

e. James 1:21-25

IV. Let Us Heartily Renew Our Minds to Conform to the Will of God Instead of Remaining Like the World

a. Rom. 12:2

b. 1 Pet. 4:1-4

c. Gal. 3:26-27

d. Gal. 5:24

Choosing:

Lessons from Gideon About Choosing Leaders

Judges 7:1-25

Can you imagine having Gideon’s problem? He attracted too many volunteers!

To make sure God would get the glory for the coming victory, God led Gideon in an exercise to eliminate those who would hinder and choose those who would help Israel’s cause. Note the lessons we learn from this effective leader:

1. A committed leader always attracts many people

2. God wants the credit for our victories

3. Early fallout always occurs before a battle begins (their choice)

4. Later fallout often occurs before the battle begins (God’s choice)

5. God doesn’t choose the way we choose

6. God wants quality leaders, not necessarily quantity

7. A few committed leaders with a strategy will bring victory

When a few triumph, the masses rally!