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Presented, Sunday, May 13, 2007 (2 Lessons)

WILL ANYONE SHUT THE DOORS?
(A Need for Godly Leaders – Malachi 1:10)

                The book of Malachi is the final message of God to the remnant of Israel (primarily Judah) who have returned from Babylonian captivity.  They have been back for a little over a century now and while the temple and city had been rebuilt some years earlier, they have begun to return to some of their former evil ways.   We find in the land both religious and moral corruption.  It began with the leaders and trickled down to the masses that followed after them.  Malachi is sent to Judah to warn them one last time to warn them of their need to serve God properly.  He begins by exposing their rejection of God through corrupt worship.  He identifies their worship as ritualistic (with no heart), mediocre, irreverent and defiled.  Malachi 1:10 notes that there is no one who will stand up and stop the madness.  He cries out, “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain?”   In this statement we find an obvious condemnation of vain worship and how detestable it is to God. 

But what I want to focus on is something else we find in this statement – the LACK of quality, godly leaders.  In fact it seems that there was NO ONE who would stand up and stop the corruption that was present.  I am sure there were those who knew what was happening was wrong and did not approve of it, but what did they do about it?  Malachi (and the Lord) was looking for someone to stand up and say, ENOUGH!  And then to take some action to stop it.

Today, I want to talk about a need for godly leaders.  I want to talk about the need for someone to stand up and take charge of whatever situation they are in and to help get the job done.  But I DON’T want to just talk about leaders in the traditional sense, but rather I want to talk about ALL of us and our need to develop as leaders.  I am convinced that if the church is to grow as God would have her to do – we each and everyone have to step up to our fullest potential and strive to lead others to where we need to go.

I.                     Godly Leaders

a.        What is a leader? 
The Random House Dictionary simply defines a leader as, “a person or thing that leads.”
That sounds simple but it leads to the question: What does it mean to lead?  There are many different ways that one can lead others.  God leads us through His word.  One can lead by giving orders.  One can lead by taking control of a situation.  One can lead by getting in front so that others can follow.  Others lead by staying in back and watching those ahead to make sure that they are going where they need to go and that they do not stray.
Others lead by their example.   In a broader sense, I see a leader as someone who is willing to act regardless of how others around are acting or influencing him.  He/she is someone whose actions influence others.  He stands up and takes the lead (i.e. takes charge) in a given situation.

b.       Two types of leaders – We are ALL to be leaders to one degree or another.  They can be placed into two categories (each with many subcategories).

                          i.      Traditional concept – those who take charge and give direction to others. 
In the Bible that would include the numerous examples that we are so familiar with.   These would include Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Deborah & the judges, David, Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah, etc.  In the New Testament you read of the twelve apostles, Paul – the apostle out of due season, Apollos, Philip the evangelist, Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla – who had a church that met in their home (Romans 16:3-5), etc.
And the ULTIMATE example of leadership – Jesus Christ Himself.
Beyond this there are responsibilities that require specific, qualified individuals to take charge - elders, preachers, deacons (appointed by elders to LEAD in accomplishing a specific task or tasks), Bible class teachers, etc.
Ephesians 4:11mentions some of these (and others) and notes their purpose is to build up ALL in the faith and knowledge of God (12-16).
There are also those who step up and lead in a given situation.  They see something that needs to be done and they either do it themselves OR they take action to see that it is completed (e.g. they find those who can get the task done).
NOTE: Not everyone qualifies to lead in this capacity.  Elders and deacons have qualifications that they must meet (1 Timothy 3:1-13), James 3:1 warns of the responsibilities that teachers have – noting that it is not something for everyone.
1 & 2 Timothy & Titus are written to preachers describing what they are to be able to do (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26).
However, I am convinced that there are many who can and would qualify to lead in some of these capacities who simply are not willing to step up and take on the responsibility.

                          ii.      The leader in all of us – as you study the life of a Christian you find that it involves taking a lead to some degree. 

                            1.        Christians are to stand out from the crowd of the world.  We are to act differently and by our good conduct attract others to our Savior.
Paul was a godly leader.  Note the challenge of 1 Corinthians 11:1 – we are to imitate him as he imitates Christ.  What I want to note is that his example is ONE way that he led others.  And being the same type of example is what we are all to do.  The result for us will be the same as it was for him – we can lead others to Christ.  Consider Matt. 5:13-16.

                            2.        We are not to follow after the majority, even if that means standing alone or if it means we will face adversity for our stand.
Philippians 2:15-16, 1 Peter 4:3-4 – “they think it strange…”

                            3.        We are called upon to defend our faith – 1 Peter 3:15. 

                            4.        We need to stand up and speak when we see error being taught or practiced.  James 5:19-20 is NOT just for traditional leaders.

                            5.        We are to be in control of our own bodies.  In a sense you are a leader of your own self.  You need to take control of your life and the circumstances around you instead of letting them rule you. 
We are to posses our own bodies – 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:20-21 – be a vessel of gold,… 
This is also borne out in texts that talk about self-control (2 Peter 1:6, Gal. 5:23).

                            6.        NOTE: It is also interesting to observe that many of the texts that specify the qualifications for the various groups of traditional leaders include qualities and characteristics that EVERY Christian must possess.  And yet, these qualities are crucial in their ability to lead others in a godly way.
Most of us could develop these traits more than we have!  But will we???

                            7.        The Bible also has examples that fit into this category as well. 
Consider Abel who simply obeyed God in offering the right sacrifice.
A woman named Jael (Judges 4) who killed Sisera, captain of the army of Canaan, which was the enemy of Israel at that time.  She did what needed to be done.
Abigail – 1 Samuel 25 records an occasion when she stands up and defends her husband, Nabal, from being slain by David and his men.  She stops David from making a serious mistake.  This happened because she spoke up when she needed to.
Dorcas - took care of many who had needs, making coats and garment (Acts 9:36-39). She set an example for all to admire.

                            8.        What do these examples have in common?  It is opportunity.  They were not lifelong tasks, but occasions where someone was needed to do something – and they stepped up to the task.
Often times the leader in all of us means simply that we take the lead of the situation at hand and do what needs to be done right now instead of waiting for someone else to do it.

II.                   The Bible has always called for leaders

a.        There is always a need for more leaders.  Most people don’t lead because they don’t want to lead.  They don’t want to step up and develop to their fullest potential.  They would rather follow someone else or stay with the status quo and/or in their comfort zone.

b.       While the Bible is filled with examples of godly and ungodly leaders, it is interesting that there are many passages that call for MORE leaders or the lack of leaders in their midst.

                       i.      Our text - Malachi 1:10 – who will shut the doors?

                      ii.      Proverbs 11:14 – where there is no counsel the people fall.

                     iii.      Genesis 1:26 – in creation God put man over the earth.  We are in charge!

                      iv.      Judges 21:25 – because there was no king, everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  NOTE: The sad truth is that Israel really didn’t need a king – they simply needed more men and women to step up and lead according to their God given abilities.

                       v.      When Goliath threatened Israel in 1 Samuel 17, the whole nation of Israel cowered.  Even among the military leaders, including King Saul, there was NONE who would stand up to this man and lead the people.  It took a young, shepherd boy named David to step up and wake them up.

                      vi.      In Romans 12:10 – in honor giving preference to one another.  The expression actually means, “to take the lead.”  It calls for brethren to get out front and let others follow you.

                     vii.      2  Timothy 2:2 – faithful men needed to teach others.  This was NOT just more preachers and elders (though they were certainly included).

                    viii.      We need more husbands and fathers (and mothers) to take control of their homes and lead.

c.        More leaders are needed today –

                       i.      If there were ever a time when we need more godly leaders it is now.  The world is filled with chaos and misery. 

                      ii.      We need more elders, deacons, class teachers, godly parents, etc.  We need more brothers and sisters who are concerned about the welfare of the future of the church – and not just in word, but in action.

                      iii.      We need brethren to lead us in our worship to God.  Brethren who care enough to put forth effort in preparation to make our worship to Him as meaningful as possible.

                      iv.      We need more brothers and sisters to step up and reach the lost.  We need those who will challenge their brethren to do more to take the gospel to this “crooked and perverse generation.”  We need to care about others and by our examples inspire (e.g. lead) others to care just as much.

                      v.      We need more brethren to do whatever tasks need to be accomplished.  Whether it be maintaining the building, doing paperwork, helping someone in the number who has a need, running errands, and the numerous other things that come up from time to time.  Maybe it is someone to help take attendance or ring the bell after class (sorry, the job is taken), etc.  Often this is done without being told what to do.  A leader sees something that needs to be done and does it or gets it done (i.e. sees to its completion).

                       vi.      We need more brothers and sisters to stand up and be godly examples.

III.                 What makes a godly leader?

a.        An old saying, “Leaders are made, not born.”  Regardless of where you are right now, you can develop into a godly leader or increase in your ability regardless of what lever you are at right now. 

b.       There are at least 4 things that make a godly leader.  Let us notice each of them briefly.

                        i.      Ability – God never expects more of us than we are able to do.  In fact, as we have seen, there are some things we may simply not be permitted to do.  However, MOST of us can do more than we do right now – and that is where we find our ability. 
Whatever we do it must be heartily – Colossians 3:23, Ecclesiastes 9:10,
Matthew 25:15 – the parable of talents – each given tasks according to their ability.
1 Peter 4:11 – In ministering do it according to your ability.
How much are we really able to do?
Leaders have and use the abilities they possess.

                       ii.      Character – is what makes you who you are especially when no one else is around. It is those attributes that distinguish you as an individual.
Live so that others have nothing to accuse you of (1 Peter 2:11-12). 
2 Peter 1:5-7 describes some of the character traits we are to possess as Christians. 
Another text is Galatians 5:22-23 – the fruit of the Spirit.
Still another text is Matthew 5:3-10 with the Beatitudes.
Godly leaders possess these characteristics.

                        iii.      Purpose – is the motivation that drives us.  Acts 11:23, 2 Timothy 3:10

                        iv.      Action – all the desiring, planning, and talent in the world will be worth nothing if we are not willing to step up and act.  We HAVE to be doers and not hearers only – James 1:22, 1 John 3:7 – he who practices righteousness is righteous.  What is the implication?
Note the warning of James 4:17 – to know to do good and not do it is sin (consider the one talent man of Matthew 25).

Lord willing, we will develop these 4 things (and perhaps add more) in future lessons.

Thus we can see that God expects each of us to be leaders in one way or another.  In this lesson we have noticed not only what a leader is, but also the call of God’s word for more leaders.  Finally we briefly examined what makes a godly leader.  I want to close with something taken from a website called, www.Stuffofheroes.com On their home page they mention the Eight Universal Laws of Leadership.  They are:

1)       Maintain Absolute Integrity

2)       Know your stuff

3)       Declare your expectations

4)       Show uncommon commitment

5)       Expect positive results

6)       Take care of your people (and customers)

7)       Put duty before self

8)       Get out in front

I ask, does this sound like something that is beneficial to Christianity?  As we continue to study leadership, these traits will manifest themselves in much more detail.

Truly there is a need for more leaders.  What about you? Are you willing to step up to the task and lead others to the best of your ability?