1 Timothy 2:7 -- The leader's mission

To catch up on our adventure through 1 Timothy, click here and read from the bottom post up.

1 Timothy 2:7 (NIV):

"And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles."

Paul is very clear on his mission, or what he's been called to do as the leader. He says he's been appointed:

1. a herald = a preacher
2. an apostle (see 1 Corinthians 15:7-11) = one sent forth
3. a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles

We see here that Paul knows what he is to do (go forth and preach and teach) and to whom (specifically the Gentiles, as opposed to the Jews).

"And for this purpose" refers back to the previous verses and settles the issue of "why?"--why do you do what you do?

As a leader do you know:

1. what you are to do?
2. who you are to lead? (or who your target audience is?)
3. why?

If you can truly settle those issues, that's half the battle!

And the third one is the most crucial! If you have doubts on that one, you will either be confused or miserable or both!