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HOW DID YOU SEE GOD THIS WEEK AS YOU FOLLOWED HIM?

WHAT DID GOD SAY IN HIS WORD?

Opening Question:

What comes to mind when you think of honor? Share a time when you felt honored by others or when you were part of honoring someone else.

The church should have a culture of honoring one another, especially our leaders. We honor leaders by providing, protecting, and preparing more leaders.

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Reflect Together:

Why is it important to honor our elders and church leaders (v. 17)?

What is the meaning of the two illustrations in verse 18?

How is the sin of an elder supposed to be dealt with in the church (v.19-21)?

Why is it important not to be hasty in laying on hands or appointing new leaders (v. 22)?

Have you ever been fooled by a first impression?  How does this help us see that character comes out over time (v.24-25)?

WHAT DID GOD SAY TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD?

What insights from God’s Word stick with you today?

How would you like personally to grow in leadership?

How would you like to grow in honoring those in leadership?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?

All of us can be leaders in the spheres that God has called us to. In what ways do you feel led to prepare for leadership or in what ways are you preparing and developing others for leadership?

It has been a demanding season of ministry for our church leadership. Take some time to pray for the elders, governing board, and pastors at Wellspring.  Write a note of encouragement to a person on the church leadership team this week.