Watch Out!

March 4, 2007 by PastorMark.

#270 Watch Out!, Sunday 03-04-2007

Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Theme: God wants you to practice effective self-leadership.

Introduction

1. I believe every Christian is called to be a leader. (we are called to influence others; make an impact)

a. The world emphasizes leadership differently than God.

b. The emphasis is on performance, appearance, ability.

c. Inward character is being increasingly “downsized”

d. Is it any wonder leaders crash and burn?

e. The Word of God emphasizes leadership as first inward.

f. Who you are is more important than what you do.

g. For the Christian, the ministry and the person cannot be disconnected.

2. The Apostle Paul wrote two letters to Timothy.

a. Timothy had been entrusted with the work at Ephesus.

b. Paul zeroed in on Timothy, the person.

Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16 - “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” (vs 16)

Theme: God wants you to practice effective self-leadership. We must effectively lead ourselves before we can lead others. What are the foundational issues we are to watch over in our own life?

1. WATCH out for your own faith.

a. Watch your doctrine closely (This refers to the teaching you receive and give.)

b. We’re responsible for feeding on truth. (The Faith)

c. Jesus told us to be careful how you hear.

d. The Bereans searched the Scriptures.

e. Make sure you “inspect the fruit.”

f. Hold on to your faith. “holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19)

g. Faith is like a muscle that grows with exercise. … How do we exercise our faith?

h. Watch over the “soil” of your heart. … Are you humble, receptive?

i. Expose your heart to the Word. “Faith comes by hearing …” Romans 10:17

j. Act on your faith.

2. WATCH over your conscience. (1 Timothy 1:19) (our conscience is a function of our spirit)

a. God washes our conscience by His blood at salvation.

b. The goal is to keep a clear conscience.

c. If we have anything between ourselves and God, we make it right.

d. If we have anything between ourselves and someone else we make it right. (forgiveness, repentance, restitution)

3. WATCH over your health.

a. In our country we tend to “over do” everything.

b. We overemphasize the body, appearance.

c. We overindulge the body.

d. The body is a temple and a tool.

e. Paul told Timothy to watch his health. “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:23)

f. Paul said, “physical exercise is of some value, but godliness has value for all things …” (1 Timothy 4:8)

g. Develop and practice good habits.

h. Get adequate rest. (He gives His beloved rest.)

i. Eat healthy

Conclusion:

If you watch your life and doctrine, you will reap the benefits:
Others will see your progress. (v15)
You will save both yourself and your hearers. (v16)

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