Sermon Notes from Morning Worship
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Series: “Authentic Leadership”
Today: “Authentic Leaders Build Boundaries”
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Intro: The Apostle Paul is mentoring this young man, Timothy.
* All of us are leaders (influencers), but if we don’t build boundaries in our lives, our influence will be hurt. 
I. DON’T LET OTHERS DEFINE YOU.
A. Paul warned Timothy: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young .
B. With God’s Spirit in us, helping us, we must _define_ ourselves. Stop listening to those around us. 
II. AUTHENTIC LEADERS DIVIDE THEIR TIME — THEMSELVES.
* Who is in charge of your schedule ?
III. AUTHENTIC LEADERS STAY FOCUSSED ON THEIR PURPOSE .
A. Paul commanded Timothy: “Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you…” 
B. Don’t try to be all things to all people .
Conclusion: The fourth boundary is revealed by your pain !
Acts 6:1-4 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
* Whatever or whoever is causing your pain is usually revealing a need for a boundary !