Leadership: A Journey of Influence and Direction

 

Summary

In our new series on leadership, we explore the profound influence of a godly life, drawing inspiration from Psalm 23. Leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is about setting out on a journey and taking others with you. This journey is not just about direction but also about the influence we exert on those around us. As we delve into the life of Elijah in the coming weeks, today we focus on understanding what true leadership entails and how we can assess our influence on others.

Psalm 23 provides a beautiful picture of leadership through the imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd. The phrase "He leads me" encapsulates the essence of godly leadership. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us in paths of righteousness, through the valley of the shadow of death, and ultimately into glory. This leadership is rooted in His own journey, having walked the paths of righteousness, triumphed over death, and prepared a place for us in glory.

Leadership begins with direction, not gifts. A leader must be on a journey, moving towards a destination, and taking others along. This requires self-assessment to understand where we are in our journey and how we are influencing those around us. Leadership fails when leaders are stagnant, heading in the wrong direction, or become isolated. True leadership involves movement, direction, and community.

We are all placed at the center of various spheres of influence—friends, family, work, and church. Our influence in these areas is significant and can have a lasting impact. We are called to consider our sphere of influence and assess our current position in our journey with Christ. This involves asking ourselves critical questions about our faith, zeal, confidence, humility, joy, generosity, and love.

Ultimately, leadership is about following Christ. Only by following Him can we lead others effectively. Jesus leads us through His Spirit, awakening within us the desire to live a life wholly committed to Him. As we embark on this journey, may we be inspired to say, like D.L. Moody, "By God's grace, I want to be that person."

Key Takeaways:

- Leadership as a Journey: True leadership is about setting out on a journey and taking others with you. It requires movement and direction, not just gifts or charisma. A leader must be on a path, moving towards a destination, and influencing others to follow. [05:31]

- The Importance of Direction: Leadership begins with direction, not gifts. A leader can only take people in a direction they are already traveling. This emphasizes the need for self-assessment to understand where we are in our journey and how we are influencing others. [06:05]

- Spheres of Influence: We are all placed at the center of various spheres of influence—friends, family, work, and church. Our influence in these areas is significant and can have a lasting impact. We must consider our sphere of influence and assess our current position in our journey with Christ. [18:20]

- Self-Assessment Questions: To understand our influence and direction, we must ask ourselves critical questions about our faith, zeal, confidence, humility, joy, generosity, and love. These questions help us assess where we are in our journey and what needs to be addressed. [27:16]

- Following Christ: Ultimately, leadership is about following Christ. Only by following Him can we lead others effectively. Jesus leads us through His Spirit, awakening within us the desire to live a life wholly committed to Him. [40:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Leadership Series
- [01:53] - Understanding Leadership
- [02:30] - Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd
- [03:03] - He Leads Me
- [04:03] - Paths of Righteousness
- [05:12] - Definition of Leadership
- [06:23] - Direction Over Gifts
- [07:18] - The Test of Leadership
- [08:11] - Common Leadership Failures
- [09:32] - Wrong Direction in Leadership
- [11:05] - Choosing Leaders Wisely
- [12:38] - Leadership in Church and Life
- [17:11] - Consider Your Sphere of Influence
- [26:19] - Assessing Your Journey
- [40:23] - Following Jesus Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23: This passage provides the foundation for understanding godly leadership through the imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the phrase "He leads me" in Psalm 23 signify about the nature of godly leadership? [03:03]
2. How does the sermon describe the journey of leadership as exemplified by Jesus Christ? [05:12]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three common failures in leadership? [08:11]
4. What are the four spheres of influence mentioned in the sermon, and why are they significant? [18:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd in Psalm 23 help us understand the qualities of a godly leader? [02:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that leadership is more about direction than gifts? How does this perspective challenge common views of leadership? [06:05]
3. How does the sermon use the example of Jesus' journey to illustrate the concept of leadership as a journey? [05:31]
4. What role does self-assessment play in understanding one's influence and direction as a leader, according to the sermon? [27:16]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current journey with Christ. Are you moving in a direction that aligns with His path of righteousness? What steps can you take to ensure you are leading others in the right direction? [06:05]
2. Consider your spheres of influence—friends, family, work, and church. How are you currently influencing these areas, and what changes might you need to make to have a more godly impact? [18:20]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-assessment. What specific questions can you ask yourself this week to evaluate your faith, zeal, and love? How will you address any areas of concern? [27:16]
4. Leadership involves taking others with you on a journey. Who in your life are you actively leading towards Christ, and how can you be more intentional in this role? [05:31]
5. Reflect on the statement, "Leadership begins with following Christ." How can you deepen your commitment to following Jesus in your daily life, and what impact might this have on those around you? [40:38]
6. The sermon mentions the influence of a godly life over generations, as seen in the example of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards. How can you cultivate a legacy of faith in your family or community? [21:16]
7. How can you ensure that your leadership is characterized by movement, direction, and community, rather than stagnation or isolation? What practical steps can you take this week to foster these qualities? [09:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Leadership as a Journey
True leadership is a dynamic journey that involves guiding others towards a shared destination. It is not merely about possessing gifts or charisma but about being on a path and moving with purpose. A leader must be actively engaged in their journey, continually assessing their direction and influence. This journey requires self-awareness and a commitment to growth, ensuring that one's path aligns with the values and goals they wish to impart to others. Leadership is about movement and direction, and it thrives in a community where leaders and followers are united in purpose. [05:31]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: Consider a journey you are currently on. How can you ensure that you are moving in the right direction and taking others with you?


Day 2: The Importance of Direction
Leadership begins with having a clear direction rather than relying solely on personal gifts. A leader can only guide others effectively if they are already traveling in the right direction themselves. This requires regular self-assessment to understand one's current position and the impact they have on those around them. By evaluating their journey, leaders can make necessary adjustments to ensure they are leading others towards a positive and meaningful destination. Direction is foundational to leadership, as it sets the course for both the leader and their followers. [06:05]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to assess your current direction and ensure it aligns with your values and goals?


Day 3: Spheres of Influence
Each person is placed at the center of various spheres of influence, including friends, family, work, and church. The impact one has in these areas is significant and can leave a lasting legacy. It is essential to consider one's sphere of influence and evaluate their current position in their journey with Christ. By doing so, individuals can better understand how they are affecting those around them and make intentional choices to positively influence their communities. Recognizing and embracing one's spheres of influence is a vital aspect of effective leadership. [18:20]

1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (ESV): "So that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything."

Reflection: Identify one sphere of influence in your life. How can you intentionally impact this area for the better today?


Day 4: Self-Assessment Questions
To understand one's influence and direction, it is crucial to ask critical questions about faith, zeal, confidence, humility, joy, generosity, and love. These questions help individuals assess where they are in their journey and identify areas that need attention. By engaging in regular self-assessment, leaders can ensure they are growing and developing in alignment with their values and goals. This process of reflection and evaluation is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective leadership journey. [27:16]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Reflection: Choose one area from faith, zeal, confidence, humility, joy, generosity, or love. How can you grow in this area starting today?


Day 5: Following Christ
Ultimately, leadership is about following Christ. Only by following Him can individuals lead others effectively. Jesus leads through His Spirit, awakening within believers the desire to live a life wholly committed to Him. As individuals embark on their leadership journey, they are called to follow Christ's example and teachings, allowing His Spirit to guide and empower them. By doing so, they can lead others with authenticity and purpose, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all they do. [40:38]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you follow Christ more closely in your leadership today? How can this influence those you lead?

Quotes



Leadership begins with direction, not gifts. A leader must be on a journey, moving towards a destination, and taking others along. This requires self-assessment to understand where we are in our journey and how we are influencing those around us. Leadership fails when leaders are stagnant, heading in the wrong direction, or become isolated. [00:06:23]

We are all placed at the center of various spheres of influence—friends, family, work, and church. Our influence in these areas is significant and can have a lasting impact. We must consider our sphere of influence and assess our current position in our journey with Christ. [00:18:20]

Ultimately, leadership is about following Christ. Only by following Him can we lead others effectively. Jesus leads us through His Spirit, awakening within us the desire to live a life wholly committed to Him. As we embark on this journey, may we be inspired to say, like D.L. Moody, "By God's grace, I want to be that person." [00:40:38]

The Lord is my shepherd and I cannot hear these words as a Christian living the sight of the cross without of course hearing the words of Jesus say I am The Good Shepherd I give my life from the Sheep I I know my sheep by name I call them and they are mine. [00:02:30]

He leads me in paths of righteousness why because the paths of righteousness or the paths on which he has walked and walks he he fulfills all righteousness verse 2 he he leads me beside the still waters why because the place of refreshment and the place of joy is where he already is. [00:04:03]

A leader can only take people in a direction that he or she is already traveling. You cannot take other people to a place that you have not gone or to which you are not going yourself. That is why godly leadership begins not with gifts but with direction. [00:06:23]

Leadership fails when leaders themselves are not on the move a man or a woman who is not going anyplace is a custodian not a leader this can be true in the home here's a father or a mother as part of the church and you believe certain things but it's static in your life. [00:08:11]

The size of influence is is not the thing to look at the style in which a person walks is is not what you should set your attention on it's the direction and friends it is easy to be impressed with as it were the style of a person's walk and to focus attention on that rather than on the direction of their journey. [00:10:31]

God has placed you whoever you are at the center of a circle of influence and I want you to do something with me right now if you would grab a pencil or a pen grab the piece of paper that is in the worship folder and draw a box on that piece of paper and divide the box into four sections into four boxes within the box. [00:17:11]

I want to encourage every mother every father every grandparent in the congregation today in the vigorous pursuit of a godly life for the good of future generations and for the glory of Jesus Christ you know the name of Jonathan Edwards and his wife Sarah they were godly parents who set the course of their lives to honor Christ. [00:20:23]

Am I praying with faith I could have just said the question am I praying and that would be a good question but this question goes further in Luke chapter 18 the Lord Jesus teaches us he says that we ought always to pray but at the end of the section in which he teaches us that we ought always to pray he asks a question. [00:27:16]

A Christian is a person who at any time has liked to see what there needs to be more of in their life and what there needs to be less of in their life and what that leads to is a life that is characterized amongst many other things like Thanksgiving and praise and worship it is also characterized by confession. [00:35:38]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?