Divine Leadership: Stewardship and Servanthood in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, family. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the topic of leadership from a biblical perspective. Leadership, as bestowed by God, is a form of stewardship where we are entrusted with responsibilities to guide others according to His divine plan. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of leaders who were called, appointed, and anointed by God to fulfill His purposes. The ultimate model of leadership is exemplified by Jesus Christ, who demonstrated servant leadership.
We begin by examining the creation story, where God gave Adam and Eve the mandate of dominion, not to control but to fulfill His purposes. Leadership is about stewardship, where God entrusts us with tasks and missions to accomplish. The presence of God is crucial in fulfilling these responsibilities, as seen in the lives of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Each of these leaders had a direct connection with God, which enabled them to lead effectively.
The story of Israel's transition from theocracy to monarchy highlights the consequences of rejecting God's model of leadership. The people of Israel demanded a king to be like other nations, which led to the appointment of Saul. Despite God's warnings about the implications of having a human king, the people insisted, and God allowed it. This shift introduced a pattern of leadership that was never God's original plan, leading to various challenges and failures among the kings of Israel.
The key takeaway from today's discussion is the importance of God's presence in leadership. Without His guidance, our efforts are in vain. As we continue this series, we will delve deeper into the Christ-like model of leadership, understanding how Jesus exemplified the true essence of leading according to God's will.
### Key Takeaways
1. Leadership as Stewardship: Leadership in the biblical sense is about stewardship, where God entrusts us with responsibilities to fulfill His purposes. It is not about control but about serving and guiding others according to God's plan. This is evident from the mandate given to Adam and Eve to have dominion and fulfill God's purposes on earth. [06:04]
2. The Necessity of God's Presence: The presence of God is vital for effective leadership. Throughout the Bible, leaders like Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses succeeded because they had a direct connection with God. Without His presence, our efforts are futile, and we cannot fulfill the divine missions entrusted to us. [09:17]
3. Consequences of Rejecting God's Leadership Model: The transition from theocracy to monarchy in Israel serves as a cautionary tale. The people of Israel demanded a king to be like other nations, rejecting God's model of leadership. This led to various challenges and failures, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's original plan for leadership. [30:01]
4. Prophetic Anointing in Leadership: The prophetic anointing plays a crucial role in leadership. Leaders like Samuel and Saul were able to guide the people effectively because they were in tune with God's heart and mind. The prophetic ministry connects us to God, enabling us to lead according to His will. [46:50]
5. Christ-like Leadership: Jesus Christ exemplifies the true model of leadership. His life and ministry demonstrate servant leadership, where the focus is on serving others and fulfilling God's purposes. As we continue this series, we will explore how Jesus modeled the godly leadership that God intended from the beginning. [49:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:58] - Introduction to Leadership
[04:06] - Christ-like Leadership
[04:49] - Biblical Examples of Leadership
[06:04] - Leadership as Stewardship
[09:17] - The Necessity of God's Presence
[10:14] - Leadership in Various Spheres
[11:27] - The Fall and Its Impact on Leadership
[14:17] - Noah and Corruption in Leadership
[17:00] - Abraham's Journey with God
[18:18] - Joseph's Leadership and Connection with God
[21:12] - Moses and the Presence of God
[22:42] - Joshua's Leadership
[24:07] - Judges and Prophets
[25:30] - Samuel's Prophetic Leadership
[26:54] - Transition to Monarchy
[30:01] - Israel's Demand for a King
[34:32] - God's Warning About Monarchy
[40:06] - Introduction of Saul as King
[46:50] - Prophetic Anointing in Leadership
[49:32] - Christ-like Leadership
[50:06] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:28 (NIV) - "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
2. Exodus 3:10-12 (NIV) - "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.'"
3. 1 Samuel 8:6-7 (NIV) - "But when they said, 'Give us a king to lead us,' this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: 'Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:28, what specific mandate did God give to Adam and Eve regarding the earth?
2. In Exodus 3:10-12, what assurance did God give Moses when He called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?
3. What was the reaction of Samuel and God when the Israelites demanded a king in 1 Samuel 8:6-7? [30:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of dominion in Genesis 1:28 relate to the idea of stewardship in leadership as discussed in the sermon? [06:04]
2. Why is God's presence emphasized as crucial for effective leadership in the examples of Moses and other biblical leaders? [09:17]
3. What were the consequences of Israel rejecting God's model of leadership in favor of a human king, and how does this reflect on the importance of adhering to God's original plan? [30:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were given a leadership role. How did you approach it as a steward rather than someone in control? How can you apply the concept of stewardship in your current responsibilities? [06:04]
2. In what ways can you ensure that God's presence is central in your leadership or daily responsibilities? What practices can you adopt to maintain a direct connection with God? [09:17]
3. Have you ever experienced a situation where you or your community chose a path that seemed right but later realized it was not aligned with God's plan? How did you handle the consequences, and what did you learn from it? [30:01]
4. How can you cultivate a Christ-like model of leadership in your interactions with others? Identify specific actions you can take to serve and guide others according to God's will. [49:32]
5. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's guidance to ensure it aligns with His divine plan? What steps will you take to involve God in this decision-making process? [09:17]
6. Discuss a time when you felt disconnected from God's presence in your leadership or personal life. What changes can you make to invite God's presence back into your life? [09:17]
7. How can you encourage others in your community or small group to embrace a biblical model of leadership? What role can you play in fostering a culture of servant leadership? [49:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Leadership as Stewardship
Leadership in the biblical sense is about stewardship, where God entrusts us with responsibilities to fulfill His purposes. It is not about control but about serving and guiding others according to God's plan. This is evident from the mandate given to Adam and Eve to have dominion and fulfill God's purposes on earth. Leadership is a sacred trust, and we are called to manage it with humility and dedication. As stewards, we must always remember that our authority comes from God, and our primary goal is to serve His will and the people He has placed under our care.
In the creation story, God gave Adam and Eve the mandate of dominion, not to control but to fulfill His purposes. This principle of stewardship is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Leaders like Joseph, who managed Egypt's resources during a famine, and Nehemiah, who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls, exemplify this stewardship. They understood that their leadership roles were not for personal gain but for the greater good and the fulfillment of God's plans. [06:04]
Genesis 1:28 (ESV): "And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you practice stewardship in your current leadership roles, whether at home, work, or church? How can you ensure that your actions align with God's purposes?
Day 2: The Necessity of God's Presence
The presence of God is vital for effective leadership. Throughout the Bible, leaders like Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses succeeded because they had a direct connection with God. Without His presence, our efforts are futile, and we cannot fulfill the divine missions entrusted to us. God's presence provides guidance, wisdom, and strength, enabling us to lead according to His will and purpose.
Consider the story of Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt. His leadership was marked by a profound dependence on God's presence. When faced with challenges, Moses sought God's guidance and relied on His power. This direct connection with God was the source of Moses' strength and effectiveness as a leader. Similarly, we must cultivate a close relationship with God, seeking His presence in all aspects of our leadership. [09:17]
Exodus 33:14 (ESV): "And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life and leadership? What specific steps can you take to seek His guidance and strength?
Day 3: Consequences of Rejecting God's Leadership Model
The transition from theocracy to monarchy in Israel serves as a cautionary tale. The people of Israel demanded a king to be like other nations, rejecting God's model of leadership. This led to various challenges and failures, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's original plan for leadership. When we deviate from God's design, we open ourselves to unnecessary struggles and complications.
The story of Israel's demand for a king is a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's leadership. Despite God's warnings about the implications of having a human king, the people insisted, and God allowed it. This shift introduced a pattern of leadership that was never God's original plan, leading to various challenges and failures among the kings of Israel. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and following His guidance in all aspects of our lives. [30:01]
1 Samuel 8:7 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Samuel, 'Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have chosen your own way over God's guidance? How can you realign your decisions and actions with His leadership model?
Day 4: Prophetic Anointing in Leadership
The prophetic anointing plays a crucial role in leadership. Leaders like Samuel and Saul were able to guide the people effectively because they were in tune with God's heart and mind. The prophetic ministry connects us to God, enabling us to lead according to His will. This anointing provides insight, direction, and the ability to discern God's purposes in various situations.
Samuel's leadership is a prime example of the prophetic anointing in action. As a prophet, he was deeply connected to God and served as His mouthpiece to the people of Israel. This connection allowed Samuel to provide clear guidance and direction, ensuring that the nation followed God's will. Similarly, we must seek to be in tune with God's heart and mind, allowing His prophetic anointing to guide our leadership. [46:50]
1 Samuel 3:19-20 (ESV): "And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper connection with God to receive His prophetic guidance in your leadership? What practices can help you stay attuned to His heart and mind?
Day 5: Christ-like Leadership
Jesus Christ exemplifies the true model of leadership. His life and ministry demonstrate servant leadership, where the focus is on serving others and fulfilling God's purposes. As we continue this series, we will explore how Jesus modeled the godly leadership that God intended from the beginning. Christ-like leadership is characterized by humility, compassion, and a selfless commitment to the well-being of others.
Jesus' leadership was marked by His willingness to serve and sacrifice for others. He washed His disciples' feet, healed the sick, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. This servant leadership is the standard for all believers, calling us to lead with love, humility, and a focus on God's purposes. By following Jesus' example, we can become leaders who truly reflect God's heart and bring His kingdom to earth. [49:32]
Mark 10:45 (ESV): "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody Christ-like leadership in your daily interactions and responsibilities? How can you serve others selflessly and reflect Jesus' love and humility in your leadership?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Leadership is a kind of a shepherd style. Where God called you, God assigned you to take care of a group of people that he put under your care or he put... over us. You have oversight over them. To lead them to him. To lead them to him. Lead them into his purposes. Lead them into his plan. Lead them into the instructions and the values that he have laid in scripture." [04:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I define leadership from a biblical perspective as stewardship. Where God gives you something. Gives you a task or a mission or assignment. And wants you to fulfill that. Wants you to accomplish that. And when we see that in the context of Adam and Eve. They were tasked. When you see that in Genesis chapter 1 verse 28. We recall the kingdom mandate. You know? The mandate of dominion that God has given them." [06:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God can bless you with so many skills, he can bless you with so many abilities, he can bless you with so many talents, so many anointing if you call it or whatever. But without his presence with you every day, you will not make it. And let me tell you, whatever success you think you have achieved in life, in everything that you're doing, whatever success you think you have achieved, if God is not involved, it's not a success." [12:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Worship is a way, it's through worship that we invite God, we bring God into our journey, we bring God into everything that we do. And that's one of the purposes of worship. Yes, we worship God because of who he is, but through worship we bring the presence of God in our life and it's through that presence that God guides us in everything." [13:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The prophetic anointing is to connect the heart of men to the heart of God. He has a way of revealing God that is unique because it's only through the prophetic anointing that we will connect with God and we will be able to connect with God and we will be able to connect. We have a relation for God. The more you know about God, the more you can relate with him." [25:30] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "As leaders, we are stewards. As leaders, God has given us a responsibility to walk according to the model that he showed us. And be an example to all that we're going to follow in our full step. So, leadership. It's key. And throughout the Bible, you see, it's all about leaders. People that God called, appointed, anointed, in power, and in part, he's anointed and he's put it into to be able to lead others in the purposes and the plan that he has for them." [02:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Dominion is not about having control over it. Dominion is having power to fulfill. You know? What God has given. God gives you power over something. It's not about you having control over it. Being above it. But it's you having that power. To fulfill it. To work out the ground. Or work out the people. Work out whatever assignment he's giving you. Work out to a place where it's reserved. Or it comes exactly to what God wanted it to be." [06:44] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So women are not just companionship. But they're there to help men in fulfilling what God has given to them. So they were as a team. And God gave them that mandate to what? To multiply. To subdue the earth. Subdue in the way we work the earth. You know? Fashion the earth. Make it in the way that I expect of you. Okay? And now that they go. As they receive the mandate. Not just the mandate. They receive the blessing. They receive the empowerment. They receive the breath of God. The mandate. And the blessings of God." [07:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The particularity of that leadership is that God doesn't just give them instruction and give them a mission or give them something to do. But God himself is with them. Okay? It's not just yes Adam and Eve as a team. But in that team also you have God. They cannot do it without him. And that's our problem as human. And we've come to that. And that's where we fail in as leaders in a way." [08:41] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So when it was time for them to leave then God choose someone else. God decided to choose someone again. Are you with me? God chose Moses and Moses mission was to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt out of slavery out of boundary out of out of bondage out of the influence and the oppression of pharaoh and take them to the promised land and the promised land is a land that God prepared God set up for the people of Israel so his work was to do that." [21:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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