How can I lead others according to God’s Word?

Psalm 1:1-3, 6Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. . . . For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Those who want to lead according to God’s Word must first be led according to God’s Word. Meditation on Scripture exposes the foolishness of worldly wisdom. It provides the basis for our decision-making, our strategies, our conduct, and our interactions with others.

1 Timothy 4:11-16Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

If you are called to be a teacher of God’s Word, remember that those you teach should be able to see that their leader is as accountable to God’s Word as they are. Teaching God’s Word includes living by God’s Word. This does not mean projecting perfection or pursuing perfection, but rather seeking steady progress from yourself and others. The ultimate benefit of teaching God’s Word is the salvation of others that may flow from God’s salvation of you.

2 Timothy 2:1-2Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Teach the Scriptures with reproduction in mind. We do not make disciples merely by accumulating knowledge; rather, we make disciples by passing the knowledge we are given on to others and encouraging that process to continue. This kind of leadership results in the continual development of new leaders who will help spread the message.

2 Timothy 3:14-15You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Leading by God’s Word means being faithful to all you have learned from Scripture. It means never forgetting not only that Jesus saved you, but that he used others in the process of getting the Good News to you.

Hebrews 13:7Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Leading by God’s Word means remembering the legacy that godly leaders leave behind. Would you be pleased to see others imitating you? Why or why not?