Leading from Within: The Power of Self-Leadership
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing that true leadership begins with leading oneself. Drawing from my own journey in ministry, I shared how I initially focused on leadership from a position of authority rather than as a follower of Christ. We explored the example set by Jesus, who faithfully obeyed the Father and invited the right people into His mission, thereby multiplying His impact. This led us to John 15:4-8, where Jesus speaks about abiding in Him as the vine, emphasizing that we can produce no fruit unless we remain in Him.
We also examined John 5:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:1, highlighting the importance of following Jesus' example in our leadership. The essence of biblical leadership is not about leading from the front but following Christ closely. This brought us to two critical questions: Does my life align with Scripture? And do I have the systems in place for the results I seek? James 1:22-25 reminds us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers, urging us to live out the truths we know.
We discussed the importance of spiritual disciplines, likening them to a trellis that supports and guides a vine towards maturity. These disciplines help us grow in the likeness of Christ, making our progress evident to all. We also touched on the practices outlined by the Antioch family of churches, which include personal devotional life, life-on-life discipleship, house-to-house fellowship, church gatherings, and witnessing to the world. These practices are foundational for a robust spiritual life and effective leadership.
Finally, I encouraged everyone to take inventory of their daily relationship with Jesus and assess where they stand in these areas. The goal is to grow closer to Jesus, allowing His life to flow through us and impact those around us. As we move into a time of worship, I urged everyone to pray and seek God's guidance on how they can improve their walk with Him and their leadership.
### Key Takeaways
1. Self-Leadership Begins with Following Jesus: True leadership starts with leading oneself by following Jesus' example. Jesus faithfully obeyed the Father and invited the right people into His mission, which led to a multiplication of His impact. We must first be followers before we can be effective leaders. [10:51]
2. Abiding in Christ is Essential for Fruitful Leadership: John 15:4-8 teaches us that we can produce no fruit unless we remain in Jesus, the true vine. Our leadership is the fruit of our relationship with Him. Without abiding in Christ, our efforts are in vain, and we risk withering away spiritually. [12:16]
3. Aligning Life with Scripture: James 1:22-25 urges us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. This means living out the truths we know and allowing Scripture to judge and guide our lives. Our leadership must be rooted in a life that aligns with biblical principles. [13:50]
4. The Role of Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual disciplines are like a trellis that supports and guides a vine towards maturity. These practices help us grow in the likeness of Christ, making our progress evident to all. Disciplines such as personal devotion, discipleship, and fellowship are crucial for effective leadership. [23:24]
5. Taking Inventory of Our Relationship with Jesus: Regularly assessing our daily relationship with Jesus is vital. This involves examining our personal devotional life, discipleship relationships, fellowship, church involvement, and witness to the world. By doing so, we can identify areas for growth and seek God's guidance to improve. [32:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction to Self-Leadership
[09:57] - Personal Journey in Ministry
[10:51] - Jesus' Example of Leadership
[12:16] - Abiding in Christ (John 15:4-8)
[13:50] - Aligning Life with Scripture (James 1:22-25)
[15:20] - Systems for Godly Leadership
[16:56] - Paul's Advice to Timothy
[18:28] - The Importance of Practice
[20:27] - Oswald Chambers and Dallas Willard Quotes
[21:43] - Leading Like Jesus
[23:24] - Spiritual Disciplines as a Trellis
[24:47] - Antioch Practices
[26:18] - Personal Devotional Life
[27:43] - Life-on-Life Discipleship
[29:26] - Church Gathered
[30:32] - Witness to the World
[31:55] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[32:58] - Taking Inventory of Your Relationship with Jesus
[34:05] - Closing Remarks and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:4-8
2. John 5:19
3. James 1:22-25
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:4-8, what is the relationship between the vine and the branches, and what does it signify about our relationship with Jesus?
2. In John 5:19, what does Jesus say about His actions and their connection to the Father? How does this relate to the concept of self-leadership?
3. James 1:22-25 talks about being doers of the Word. What analogy does James use to describe someone who hears the Word but does not act on it? [13:50]
4. What are the spiritual disciplines mentioned in the sermon, and how are they likened to a trellis? [23:24]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does abiding in Christ, as described in John 15:4-8, impact our ability to lead effectively? What does it mean to "remain" in Jesus in practical terms?
2. Jesus' statement in John 5:19 emphasizes His dependence on the Father. How can this model of dependence influence our approach to leadership and decision-making?
3. James 1:22-25 urges believers to be doers of the Word. How can we ensure that our lives align with Scripture, and what are the consequences of failing to do so? [13:50]
4. The sermon mentions various spiritual disciplines. How do these practices help us grow in the likeness of Christ, and why are they essential for effective leadership? [23:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily relationship with Jesus. Are there specific areas where you feel disconnected from Him? What steps can you take to improve your abiding in Christ? [32:58]
2. Jesus faithfully obeyed the Father and invited the right people into His mission. How can you apply this principle in your own leadership or personal life? [10:51]
3. James 1:22-25 challenges us to be doers of the Word. Identify one biblical truth you know but struggle to live out. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with this truth? [13:50]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of spiritual disciplines. Choose one discipline (e.g., personal devotion, discipleship, fellowship) and set a specific goal for how you will incorporate it into your routine this month. [23:24]
5. Consider the systems you have in place for your spiritual growth. Are they effective in helping you achieve the results you seek? What changes can you make to improve these systems? [15:20]
6. The sermon mentioned the practices of the Antioch family of churches. How can you engage more deeply in these practices within your church community? [24:47]
7. Reflect on the concept of self-leadership. How can you lead yourself more effectively by following Jesus' example? What specific actions will you take to grow in this area? [09:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Leading by Following Jesus
True leadership starts with leading oneself by following Jesus' example. Jesus faithfully obeyed the Father and invited the right people into His mission, which led to a multiplication of His impact. We must first be followers before we can be effective leaders. Jesus' leadership was not about exerting authority but about serving and obeying God. By following His example, we learn that true leadership is rooted in humility and obedience to God's will. Reflect on how Jesus led by example and consider how you can emulate His approach in your own life.
John 5:19 (ESV): "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you can better follow Jesus' example. What steps can you take today to align your actions with His teachings? [10:51]
Day 2: Abiding in Christ for Fruitful Leadership
John 15:4-8 teaches us that we can produce no fruit unless we remain in Jesus, the true vine. Our leadership is the fruit of our relationship with Him. Without abiding in Christ, our efforts are in vain, and we risk withering away spiritually. Abiding in Christ means maintaining a close, personal relationship with Him through prayer, reading Scripture, and living out His teachings. This connection is essential for any form of leadership, as it ensures that our actions are guided by His wisdom and strength rather than our own.
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today? Identify one specific practice you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you abide in Him more consistently. [12:16]
Day 3: Aligning Life with Scripture
James 1:22-25 urges us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. This means living out the truths we know and allowing Scripture to judge and guide our lives. Our leadership must be rooted in a life that aligns with biblical principles. It is not enough to simply know what the Bible says; we must actively apply its teachings to our daily lives. This alignment with Scripture ensures that our decisions and actions are grounded in God's truth, making our leadership more effective and authentic.
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. Did it align with Scripture? How can you ensure that your future decisions are more consistently guided by biblical principles? [13:50]
Day 4: The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are like a trellis that supports and guides a vine towards maturity. These practices help us grow in the likeness of Christ, making our progress evident to all. Disciplines such as personal devotion, discipleship, and fellowship are crucial for effective leadership. They provide the structure and support needed for spiritual growth, helping us to stay focused on our relationship with Jesus and to develop the character and skills necessary for leadership. By committing to these disciplines, we create an environment in which our faith can flourish.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline do you find most challenging to maintain? How can you create a plan to incorporate this discipline more consistently into your life? [23:24]
Day 5: Taking Inventory of Our Relationship with Jesus
Regularly assessing our daily relationship with Jesus is vital. This involves examining our personal devotional life, discipleship relationships, fellowship, church involvement, and witness to the world. By doing so, we can identify areas for growth and seek God's guidance to improve. Taking inventory helps us stay accountable and ensures that we are continually growing in our faith. It also allows us to make necessary adjustments to our spiritual practices, ensuring that we remain connected to Jesus and effective in our leadership.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to assess your current relationship with Jesus. What is one specific area where you feel you need to grow? How can you seek God's guidance to improve in this area starting today? [32:58]
Quotes
1. "I believe that true leadership starts with yourself. You can't expect from others what you don't do. So like, I was thinking, and whenever I started doing ministry, I've been doing ministry since I was like 1920, so like not long for me still. I got really obsessed. Like I would read a lot about leadership. I would listen to a lot of leadership podcasts. And I thought of myself as a leader. And that's great. I am. You are. But I started to filter things through. But I started to filter things through being a leader, instead of being a follower." [09:57] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We see this theme through biblical leadership that Paul's not leading the way Jesus is leading the way but he's following the father I'm not leading the way Dave's not leading the way we're following Jesus and we want to follow the the example of Paul as he's following the example of Jesus when we're leader leading something we're leading to something as well and I want to lead to Jesus so today we're going to start with two questions I'm a big question guy this one you don't have to answer out loud first does my life align with scripture do I know something that I'm not living which if we're honest probably everybody in this room has something in their life that they know that they're not living up to but this is what Jesus is telling us to do we're going to start" [13:50] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If I want to lead people to Jesus I should probably start with the question am I close to Jesus how is my time with Jesus and you might immediately say well like yeah I am close to Jesus to that I have this analogy is we they use this uh example a lot in businesses do you have the system that's in place for the results that you're looking for I think of it with my marriage okay I want to grow my marriage but I only talk to Hannah on Sundays it's not how it works the same is true it's it's easy to treat and relate to God as an idea because he's so big so vast so so beyond our understanding but in reality God is he relates to us like a person which means if we're going to be close to him we need to spend time with him" [15:20] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I can't be peaceful or patient with my kids if I don't get that from Christ, if I'm not practicing that in all facets of my life. Whenever I deal with a difficult person, Christ isn't going to come out if I'm not spending time with Christ. I'm not going to lead like Jesus when leading is hard if I'm not abiding in Jesus. And that's the problem is I think sometimes leaders of all shapes, sizes, and ages were focused on leading rather than what, like, where is Christ in this moment? If we're connected to Christ, he will give us the wisdom." [21:43] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The best way we can lead ourselves is the way Jesus led. While he was here on earth, like, seriously, think of a Bible story or go read your Bible and find out the way he dealt with not only, like, the disciples, the people he was leading, but everyone around him is astounding. He was interruptible. He was patient. He was truthful. He was loving. He was compassionate. I don't know about you guys, but I hope when it's all said and done, at least three of those can be said kind of about me. The only way that happens, though, is discipline." [21:43] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Disciplines are meant to grow us in the likeness of Christ. Back to 1 Timothy 4.15. He says, practice these things and be committed to them so that your progress may be evident to all. When you plant a vine, even if it's by a trellis, you don't see, when it grows up the trellis and it, it's attaching to the right things, it becomes evident to all. All I'm saying is, is disciplines are like that. If we put these things into practice and we follow these disciplines, the ways of Jesus, Jesus did all these things, we'll grow into the likeness of Jesus." [23:24] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Nobody is made to live life alone. Nobody is made to live life alone. That's that simple, that, I could, I could stop life groups right there. But, if you know, like, me, my family, we got four kids. It's stressful. What makes it less stressful is going to a house where everybody else has kids too. And it's like, wow, God doesn't have it out for me sometimes. This is normal. This is normal. I can love Jesus and still lose it with my kids sometimes. So, that's just been the comforting part." [27:43] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Witness to the world. This is our mission. This is our why. Our sole purpose is to love God and love others. But this is the how we do both of those. This should be our base or at least our target mode of operation is showing Jesus to the lost. We can't get here or do this if our spiritual strength or character isn't strong enough. And that's not a shameful thing to say. I'm just saying if we put the things in practice to strengthen ourselves, we can change the world. Like this is God's plan." [30:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God wants to use me and you to bring his world back to him. He's put various treasures and gifts in each one of us. I have something that Linda doesn't. Linda has something that I don't. I truly believe it is something I dedicate myself to is to make sure that behind living life with Jesus as closely as I possibly can, that I leave it all on the table, that I don't use one thing that he put inside me unused. I want it all. I want to give my life to Jesus. I want to disciple everybody he's put in front of." [31:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Take inventory of your daily relationship with Jesus. I know I have a young family. Sometimes it's not daily. But what your regular day with Jesus. What does that look like? Take inventory of where you're at in each of these areas. We're going to have another worship song. I really want you to spend time on this. Jesus, where am I not close to you? Jesus, where do I need to? Maybe I get in a life group. Maybe I come to church more than I do now. Maybe I ask somebody to disciple me." [32:58] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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