Hebrews 13:7 reminds us to remember our leaders and to see the good that came from their lives. In today’s study, we will look at the traits of a Biblical leader from the Apostle Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders from Acts 20 and how Paul’s lifestyle influenced other leaders.
- A Biblical leader serves the Lord with all humility and tears.
Acts 20:18-19: And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.”
As a church leader, Paul endured many trials and shed tears over the ones he witnessed. Those who rejected the message of the gospel rejected Paul. In their rejection, Paul was ridiculed, beaten, thrown into prison, and even had rocks thrown at him to the point of death. Yet he endured. His tears were shed for those who had rejected the gospel and those struggling with the faith.
- A Biblical leader must be bold by declaring what is profitable.
Acts 20:20: how I did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house.
As a leader, Paul did not sugarcoat what the people needed to hear. He was honest and truthful. When Paul witnessed a sin in a person’s life, he would approach them and gracefully correct their behavior with the word of God. When he saw someone obeying the word of God, he encouraged them to continue. Paul knew the Scriptures and taught them what was profitable to them. Paul did not cower away but was bold when teaching.
- A Biblical leader teaches to a public audience, testifying repentance toward God and faith in Jesus.
Acts 20:21: Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul taught in public places like a synagogue (a place of worship like the church) but even went to house testifying to everyone he met repentance of sins and faith in Jesus. Paul reinforced his teaching with Scripture and through his daily living.
In verse 18, Paul reminded the leaders that they witnessed Paul’s daily lifestyle and how he lived among them since day one.
- A Biblical leader declares the whole counsel of God.
Acts 20:22-27: And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
- A Biblical leader warns other leaders to pay close attention to their lifestyle and other Christians.
Acts 20:28-32: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years, I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
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