Dr. Gracie L. Adderly Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. Ones personal moral views are never supposed to take precedent over the true Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This is legalism and the complete opposite of what godliness entails. A godly leader sees his role as not to be in charge but to serve others. One reason the Lord appoints men as Shepherds (and leaders) over the church is to provide an "example" of faithful, godly living to the congregation. They are essentially the “motion picture” of following Jesus; the example in everything - not neglecting the fruits of the spirit, i.e., love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 Q4. Ridged unsmiling orthodoxy misses the core of Godliness…. Which is love, first of our Lord and Saviour and secondly love of the people we meet in our lives, our families, our church family, our work colleagues, neighbours and those we try to meet to befriend and introduce to Jesus. Ridged unsmiling orthodoxy is teaching the law, hard fact with no emotions attached. It is like the Pharisees scrupulous about carrying out the law, they miss the opportunity of experiencing Jesus properly, instead they plan to kill Him. Absolutely no understanding of the world that God wanted to create, just their own world of rules and regulations. They could have experienced Godliness among their midst, and learnt it from the source of love Himself. They were blinded by their ridged rules and orthodoxy. We all learn from example and our leaders must be examples of people who lead Godly lives. People would also find it hard to accept a leader who teaches about Godliness and yet shows little or no signs that he is living a Godly live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane D. Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 Why doesn't rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy produce godliness? 1. These rules are man-made. Those things that are man-made are flawed and corrupted. 2. They are temporal. Rules that existed 20 years ago have ben modified many times up to today. there is no permanence to them. 3. They are someone else's interpretation of what God wants and not necessarily what he wants. 4. Jesus criticized the Sanhedrin BECAUSE they made up rules ("Woe to you, oh hypocrites..." Matthew 23). Not only are rules bad, they can be misused. They are definitely NOT what God wants to wants to save us all. We were told to be as children (ask any parents how they feel about rules!) Godliness starts from the heart and the relationship we have ourselves with God. We can never do this on our own. In fact, our hearts are so bad, that they are not cleansed. we are given totally NEW ones. Godliness is a key requirement for church leaders who demonstrate for us the demeanour we should have in our day to day lives. As well, they need to express compassion, discernment, eternal viewpoints, sympathy, scripture knowledge etc. Godliness embodies all of these because it demonstrates all of these and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolaas A.P. Mostert Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Orthodoxy live by very strict doctrines compiled the majority of congregants. If the majority say they except this then that is the Alpha and Omega. Now we have an unsmiling orthodoxy, teaches doctrine straight from the book mix with head knowledge. I think HOLY SPIRIT can't flow through someone unsmiling and rigid. Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? The church leaders must be above reproach, are to be men worthy of respect, and sincere. The teaching and preach godliness by leaders must equal their action, action and words are evaluated by congregants. We cannot do it just with words there must be a link to their action. People learn to do what they see in action. Therefore, people must see practical, godly living demonstrated in the lives of their leaders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funmilayo Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? *Because it is legalistic - it's all about keeping the law without the involvement of the Holy Spirit. * A strong example of godliness in church leaders is essential to a healthy church because people will do only what they see their leaders doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? A4. For good result to be achieved from teaching by a leader, there is first the need for the leader to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. There is also the need for a leader to lead by showing good example in godliness and other Christ-like virtues otherwise his teaching will not be fruitful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clelie Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 The gospel of salvation to mankind is a gift that sets people free from the power of darkness where there is no hope for freedom. Teachers of the true gospel should live it in their lives as they share or impart this message with joy and hope as to what they believe , showing a godly character that encourage others to believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eldress Rowe Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 Rigid unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine but cannot produce godliness because they are not showing godliness. People learn what they see in actions and godliness begins with love. They must be examples not only in word and conversation but in deeds. Not only should their conversation be strict but their discourse must be edifying. They must be examples in charity (love), spirit, faith and purity. A strong example of godliness in church leaders is essential to a health church because it shows other how they should live rather than simply tell them. People are more apt to follow what they see you do than doing what you say. Be an example in word and deed so that your light might shine and others will see the Christ you talk about living in you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t-c Posted February 1 Report Share Posted February 1 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? Godliness is rooted in the gratitude and appreciation for all that has been done for me. It’s from a believer’s heart to God’s heart. Also it shows a brokenness for the things that breaks God’s heart. Not in the strict adherence to rules and right doctrine. Because it attracts healthy Christians to the church. And it also attracts seekers to the truth of Gods word. “It’s the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zanele Tlhakanelo Posted February 2 Report Share Posted February 2 The reasons why the rigid, unsmilling orthodox cannot produce godliness is that it may teach the " do as I say and not as I do" meaning that such leaders are not examplary and not live as the Word of God expects us to live. Certain characteristics that are not expected from a leader can be deisplayed which are contrary to the fruits of the spirit. Consistency in reading the Word of God and being able to challenge that which is preached or taught by the false prophets, will surely produce godliness. When you teach the people the Word of God and live it leads to a healthy church. It is important to as a leader to be approachable and be impartial when trying to give a fair opinion should a need arise. A leader should always encourage the members to be readers of the Word, hear what God says and do what God says must be done. In a nutshell, lead by example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crissy464 Posted February 8 Report Share Posted February 8 Good church leadership maintains Christ’s interests, is led by the Holy Spirit, and makes services meaningful. The right leaders also keep members engaged in a deeper level of activities all while honoring the name of Jesus Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Evelyn Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12) Rigid, unsmiling, orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Paul teaches that if we are examples of the believers of Jesus Christ, we can help bring salvation to ourselves and others. We are to set an example of love, faith, be devoted to reading scripture. A strong example of godliness is to let no one despise you no matter your age as Timothy was young. As a believer set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted February 14 Report Share Posted February 14 Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? We need to be enthusiastic about our walk with God. We might have plenty of enthusiasm for a football match, or an election campaign, but so little of it for the service of God. It is only when we have the love of God in our hearts that we will get excited about reading and studying the Bible, prayer, meditation, and witnessing to others. Our care for others must be in love, in faith, and in purity. There must be a sincere interest in their wellbeing. Others should be able to see the results of our faith. Only then will godliness be produced in our lives. When maintaining fellowship with our Lord becomes a burden, we know we will not grow spiritually. We look up to our church leaders to lead by example. If this does not occur it can have a demoralizing effect upon the whole church community and cause huge problems. This reminds me we should look at ourselves: It doesn’t say much for our godliness if people are always asking if we are a Christian. It not visible for all to see, I would be worried if we are truly saved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Jerry Posted February 15 Report Share Posted February 15 Rigid, unsmiling, orthodoxy can teach right doctrine but people see that you look miserable then they will not want to be like that. It will look like you have a cold heart. If we see that our leaders are doing what they are preaching then they can see the good in what is happening and will want to emulate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenore Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Godliness has an aspect of doctrine but it also is about your character. How you conduct yourself, love and purity of heart. The fruits of the spirit are key. It's the fruit of your actions that speak louder than words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenore Posted February 23 Report Share Posted February 23 Godliness is not entirely about doctrine although that is part of it. godliness is about character and God will go to extreme lengths to make sure that your character is perfected. This process will take lifetimes. We are ever becoming more and more like our father each day until eternity. Godliness is needed in our leadership because people learn by example and instruction. Godliness can be taught in that the process involves study of the word, prayer, fasting, serving, evangelizing and other things as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.