Jesus is our foundation for leadership in 1 Timothy.
This is not a book about how to be impressive.
It is not a checklist of qualifications or a manual for perfect ministry.
It is a call to lead, live, and love like Jesus.
Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, who is navigating
leadership in a complicated, messy church. And instead of pointing him to
methods, Paul points him to Jesus—again and again.
Jesus, the Mercy That Transforms Leaders
Before Paul gives instruction, he shares his own testimony:
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and
a violent man... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am
the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:13, 15)
Paul is not leading from pride.
He is leading from grace.
And he is reminding Timothy—and us—that Jesus is the reason we can serve at
all.
No one is too broken.
No past is too messy.
Because Jesus came to save sinners and transform them into leaders.
Jesus, the Mediator Between God and People
Paul makes it clear—Jesus is not just the reason for our
salvation.
He is the center of our entire faith.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and
mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.”
(1 Timothy 2:5–6)
Jesus is the bridge.
He is not just the focus of our preaching.
He is the foundation of our prayers.
He is the reason we can come boldly to God—and the reason we invite others to
do the same.
This shapes everything about how we lead:
With humility.
With reverence.
With an urgency to keep Jesus at the center.
Jesus,
the Mystery of Godliness
One of the most beautiful lines in this letter comes wrapped
in worship:
“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true
godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the
Spirit… was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy
3:16)
Jesus is not just a theological truth.
He is the mystery that brings us to godliness.
He is our pattern, our power, and our praise.
Paul reminds Timothy that if the church forgets Jesus, it
forgets who it is.
If leaders forget Jesus, they forget why they lead.
Jesus, the Anchor for Sound Doctrine and Holy Living
Paul tells Timothy to watch his life and his doctrine
closely.
To avoid empty debates.
To correct with gentleness.
To live in purity.
To lead with integrity.
But all of that flows from being anchored in Jesus.
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the
eternal life to which you were called… in the presence of God… and of Christ
Jesus…” (1 Timothy 6:12–13)
Jesus is not just the message we preach.
He is the strength that helps us stand.
He is the hope that keeps us going when leadership is hard.
Jesus Is the Foundation for Leadership. Keep Him at the
Center.
1 Timothy reminds me that leading well is not about being
flawless.
It is about being faithful to Jesus.
He:
- Calls
us
- Equips
us
- Covers
us
- Corrects
us
- And
walks with us as we lead others
So I lead low.
I lead humble.
I lead holy.
Because Jesus is my foundation—and I want to lead in a
way that reflects Him.