LEADING GOD'S WAY                  	Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U.  8-6-00 A.M.   	Romans 12:1-21    		
	We have elected leaders to serve in various capacities in this local church.  There are many 
ministries to be fulfilled.. and it requires many people... some as leaders... others as followers. God's 
Word (Bible) has much to say about leaders.. their choice, their character, their commitment... etc.  
	Let's discover some of God's teaching about Leading God's Way... 
I.  THE POSSIBILITY of LEADERSHIP... 
  A. It Is A Gift of God.. (there are a number of "gifts") 12:6   (Spirit, Lord, Father.. all involved.. 1Cor.12:4-6)
    1. He gives the gift of "ruling".. one taking the lead.. 
	- And.. he is to govern diligently.. fairly, compassionately.. not as "lords over God's people)
    2. He gives the gift of "governments".. administration  1Cor.12:28 
 ** Note.. the "charismata" does NOT indicate "spirituality"   The Corinthian Church was very "gifted"
	but also very "carnal"  (It is the "Fruit of the Spirit" that does reveal "spirituality"!  Gal.5:22,23)
  B. It Is A Desire In The Heart.. 1Tim.3:1 (office of bishop.. overseer) 
    1. A desire to use the abilities God has given.. (Holy Spirit has made you an overseer.. Acts20:28) 
    2. A desire to be obedient to the heavenly calling ..  Acts 26:19.. "I was not disobedient..."
    3. A desire to serve others for Christ's sake 
  C. It Is A Confirmation by Others.. 
    1. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders.. Acts 14:23 (in every church) 
    2. You have been elected... 
	- Others see your "giftedness".. abilities.. 
	- Others see your willingness... 1Pet.5:1-4 
II.  THE PREPARATION for LEADERSHIP... 
  A. Present Your Body.. 12:1 
    1. A "living" sacrifice; holy; acceptable to God; reasonable service 
  B. Preserve Your Integrity.. 12:2 
    1. Be not conformed.. squeezed into a mold.. this world's mold!! 
	- By following the "schematic" of the world system.. 
    2. Be transformed.. a "metamorphosis"    (12:9-21) 
	- By renewing your mind.. day by day.. 2Cor.4:16; put off & put on Eph.4:22,23; 
	   by the work of the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5 
  C. Persevere in Holiness..  1Tim.3:1-7 
    1. Willing to admit wrong.. and seek forgiveness.. follow God's Way...
  D. Perform in Humility.. 
    1. Willing to do small tasks first.. and well.. 1Tim.3:10 
    2. Willing to keep on in the midst of difficulties.. 2Cor.11:22-33.. Paul's many trials..
    3. Willing to share success and be responsible for failures..   Romans 16:1-16
III.  THE PRACTICE of LEADERSHIP.. 
  A. A Model For Others.. 
    1. Paul to Ephesian elders...  Acts 20:18-20.. how I lived among you.. 
	- Serving in humility, compassion, enduring testing, faithful teaching.. 
    2. Paul to Timothy..  1Tim.4:12
	- Be An Example.. in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity 
    3. Peter to us all... 1Pet.2:21.. Christ is our ultimate example!! 
  B. A Servant Attitude.. Ro.1:1; 1Cor.9:19.. free.. but a servant to all  (we are "servants" of Christ)
  C. A Faithful Steward.. (overseer of household or estate of another) 
    1. Stewards of God's Work..  Titus 1:7.. overseers are entrusted with God's work.. 
    2. Stewards of God's Word.. "mysteries" = revealed doctrine.. 1Cor.4:1,2 
    3. Stewards of God's Gifts..  1Pet.4:10 as you have received.. so minister.. 
    4. Stewards of God's Wealth..  1Cor.16:1,2; 2Cor.9:6-15 

SO.. YOU HAVE BEEN GIFTED.. YOU HAVE DESIRED..  YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN... 
    NOW.. DEVELOP PERSONALLY... AND LEAD EFFECTIVELY...
        BECAUSE... EVERYTHING RISES OR FALLS ON LEADERSHIP !!