MEMORY SCRIPTURE
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also
(2 Timothy 2:2).
Paul identified and nurtured leaders like Titus and Silas, validating his dedication to empowering others and spreading the Christian message.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. Oct. 29: Paul Nurtures Spiritual Sons (Php. 2:22)
Tue. Oct. 30: Paul Mentors And Develops Timothy’s Faith (1 Cor4:17)
Wed. Nov.1: Paul’s Disciples: Legacy Carriers of Faith (Tit. 1:4)
Thu. Nov.2: Paul’s Wisdom Helps Sons’ Maturity (Col. 1:28-29)
Fri. Nov.4: Paul’s Fatherly Care lgnites Sons Hearts 1 Thess 2:11-12)
Sat. Nov.5:Paul’s Words Teach Sons Might (2Tim. 1:6)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Effective leaders lead by example, fostering a culture of integrity and ethics.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Acts 15:36-41; 16- 18; Titus 1:4-9; 1 Peter 5:12
We thank God for His consistent and powerful Word that revitalises, renews and transforms us. May we not neglect or misuse this grace, in Jesus’ name. Amen. In the previous lesson, we learnt about Timothy’s journey to becoming Paul’s disciple and later his faithful companion in preaching. We discovered how Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, first demonstrated genuine faith, passing it on to her daughter Eunice, who then shared it with Timothy. Like Timothy, may we humbly cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the Church, and all godly influences. Amen.
Lesson 37, the 4th in the 5th unit of this series, delves into: “Paul Keeps Discovering And Developing Leaders (1).” It sheds light on how Paul continued to develop leaders and teachers around him throughout his ministry. Paul, a Roman citizen and former member of the Sanhedrin, underwent transformation upon becoming an Apostle of Jesus Christ,
redefining his identity, mission and purpose. His life serves as an exemplary role model for discovering and nurturing leaders Are you receptive to being mentored by godly leaders, like Paul? May God help us to fulfil His purpose in our lives. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- PAUL AND SILAS
- PAUL AND TITUS
LESSON EXPOSITION
PAUL AND SILAS (Acts 15:36-41; 16-18;1 Pet. 5:12)
Men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
(Acts 15:26).
a) Silas, also known Church. He was a Hellenistic Jew and Roman citizen as Saul (Hebrew) or Silvanus (Latin), was a key figure in the early (Acts 16:37).
b) Acts 15:36-41: The Paul-Silas colaboration nurtured Silas’ leadership as they engaged in preaching, teaching and Church founding. This equipped Silas to lead effectivelv in the Church.
c) v.22: Silas ioined Paul in ministry. This shows Silas’leadership growth as he assumed responsibilities that fostered his development in the early Christian community. Recognised as a leader in the early Church, he began to exhibit leadership traits at an early stage.
d) 16:11ff: Silas showed resilience in philippi amid persecution, actively helping in Church founding. This demonstrates determination and perseverance as a leader in adverse conditions.
e) 17:1ff: Silas’ support for Paul amid opposition in Thessalonica and Berea showed his commitment, loyalty, adaptability and steadfastness, crucial for effective leadership.
f) 18:1ff Following Paul to Corinth, Silas provided boost and solidarity in the missionary work showing his faithfulness and support for fellow ministers (cf. 15:32), characteristic of godly leaders.
g) 1 Pet. 5:12: Silas’ impact and legacy in spreading the gospel and strengthening the early Church are highlighted. With his
contributions, he is recognised as a faithful brother, showing that he had been well-groomed.
PAUL AND TITUS (Titus. 1:4-9)
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as commanded you
(v.5)
a) Tit. 1:4: Titus, a Gentile Greek, joined Paul’s team in Antioch (cf. Gal 2:1-3) and became a faithful servant of the Lord. Their meeting in Antioch opened their ministry partnership and laid the foundation for Titus’ leadership development under Paul’s guidance.
b) v. 4,5: Titus worked with Paul to found churches and spread guidance to teach and gospel in Crete. Entrusted with overseeing the churches, , Titus showed Leadership honed through mentoring and guidance to teach and uphold sound doctrine (cf. 2:1-8).
c) Obviously, Paul provided on-going encouragement and support to Titus in his leadership role, contributing to Titus’ growth and development as a leader (cf. 2 Cor. 7:13-15).
d) vv. 5.9: Paul’s epistle to Titus (cf. 2:1) instructed him on sound doctrine and leadership responsibilities, showing Paul’s confidence in Titus’ development as a leader in Crete.
e) vv. 6-9: Paul entrusted him with the task of selecting, qualified leaders based on God’s standards, because Paul believed in his growing leadership, godly character and spiritual maturity.
f) Titus’s exemplary leadership in Crete set a lasting example for future Christian leaders and contributed to the expansion and strengthening of the early Church (cf.2:7-8)
LESSONS DERIVED
- Leadership is a noble calling, yet not for the faint-hearted.
- A leader’s character ls paramount, as it forms the foundation for spiritual leadership, delineated by Paul’s precise standards.
QUESTIONS
- What is the significance of Silas in the Bible?
- What instructions did Paul give to Titus in his letter?
