Leading the Jesus Way: Humility, Service, and Growth

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound impact of leadership in various aspects of life, from our homes and workplaces to the church. Leadership is a critical component that influences the growth and well-being of any group or organization. Reflecting on Jesus' teachings, we delved into the concept of leading "the Jesus way," which is characterized by humility, service, and a commitment to nurturing others.

Jesus used the parable of the mustard seed to illustrate how something seemingly insignificant can grow into something substantial and life-giving. This growth is not just organic but also structured, much like the church, which thrives under healthy leadership. The essence of leading the Jesus way is to follow His example of self-denial and service. Jesus invites us to take up our cross daily, embracing a life of sacrifice and service to others.

We also discussed the importance of serving within the church and the broader community. Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts meant to contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. Serving others is not just a duty but a privilege that allows us to experience the joy of making a difference in the lives of others.

Furthermore, effective discipleship requires Christ-like leadership development. This involves a commitment to nurturing and equipping others to lead, following the model set by Jesus and His disciples. The process of discipleship is akin to the compounding effect of a small investment that grows exponentially over time. By investing in others, we multiply the influence of the gospel and ensure the continued growth of the church.

In conclusion, leading the Jesus way involves stewarding and multiplying the gospel influence entrusted to us. It is about serving with humility, developing others, and creating a context where everyone can thrive. As we step into new opportunities for leadership and service, we are called to follow Jesus' pattern, trusting that our small contributions can have a significant impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership's Impact: Leadership is crucial in shaping the well-being of any group, whether at home, work, or church. Good leadership creates a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive and grow, much like a mustard seed that grows into a large plant. [00:54]

2. Following Jesus' Example: Leading the Jesus way begins with following Him. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow His example of humility and service. This path, though challenging, is the best choice for a fulfilling life. [15:23]

3. Serving Others: Serving others is a fundamental aspect of following Jesus. Every believer is gifted with unique abilities to contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. Serving is not just a duty but a joy that brings fulfillment and purpose. [20:30]

4. Discipleship and Leadership Development: Effective discipleship requires intentional leadership development. By investing in others, we multiply the influence of the gospel, ensuring the church's growth and vitality. This process mirrors the compounding effect of small investments that grow over time. [35:32]

5. Stewarding Gospel Influence: Leading the Jesus way involves stewarding and multiplying the gospel influence entrusted to us. It is about serving with humility, developing others, and creating a context where everyone can thrive, much like the mustard seed that grows into a life-giving plant. [47:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:54] - The Importance of Leadership
- [02:24] - The Mustard Seed Parable
- [06:55] - Healthy Leadership in the Church
- [08:23] - Leading the Jesus Way
- [10:35] - Principle 1: Following Jesus
- [11:44] - Jesus' Ministry and Leadership
- [15:23] - Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross
- [16:27] - The Cost of Following Jesus
- [18:38] - The Pattern of Following Jesus
- [19:29] - Serving as Jesus Served
- [20:30] - Principle 2: Serving Others
- [22:08] - Redefining Greatness
- [26:14] - Opportunities to Serve
- [28:37] - Principle 3: Leadership Development
- [35:32] - Multiplication in Discipleship
- [37:32] - The Power of Small Offerings
- [39:29] - Encouragement to Serve
- [45:29] - Leadership as Multiplication
- [47:52] - Stewarding Gospel Influence
- [50:03] - Invitation to Serve and Lead
- [51:08] - Closing Prayer and Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 4:30-32 (The Parable of the Mustard Seed)
2. Luke 9:23 (Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross)
3. Matthew 20:26 (Greatness Through Service)

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Observation Questions:

1. In the parable of the mustard seed, what does Jesus illustrate about the nature of growth in the kingdom of God? How does this relate to leadership? [02:24]

2. According to Luke 9:23, what are the three actions Jesus calls His followers to take? How do these actions define the path of discipleship? [11:44]

3. In Matthew 20:26, how does Jesus redefine greatness for His followers? What does this imply about the nature of leadership in His kingdom? [22:08]

4. What examples of effective leadership were mentioned in the sermon that helped individuals grow within the church context? [06:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the parable of the mustard seed challenge our understanding of what is significant or impactful in leadership? What does this suggest about the potential of small acts of service? [02:24]

2. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross daily in the context of modern-day discipleship? How might this look different from the cultural norms of leadership? [15:23]

3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20:26 about servanthood contrast with contemporary views of leadership? What might be the challenges of adopting this mindset in today's world? [22:08]

4. The sermon mentioned the compounding effect of small investments in discipleship. How does this principle apply to the development of leaders within the church? [35:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced growth under effective leadership. What qualities did that leader exhibit, and how can you incorporate those qualities into your own leadership style? [06:55]

2. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-denial, and how can you begin to address it this week? [15:23]

3. Serving others is a key aspect of following Jesus. Identify one person or group you can serve this week, and plan a specific action you will take to serve them. [20:30]

4. Consider the opportunities for service mentioned in the sermon. Is there a specific area within the church or community where you feel called to serve? What steps can you take to get involved? [26:14]

5. The sermon emphasized the importance of leadership development. How can you invest in someone else's growth this month, and what resources or support might you need to do so effectively? [35:32]

6. Reflect on the idea of stewarding and multiplying the gospel influence entrusted to you. What is one practical way you can share your faith or encourage someone in their spiritual journey this week? [47:52]

7. The sermon mentioned the importance of being a good steward of the gospel influence. How can you ensure that your leadership or service is aligned with the values of humility and service exemplified by Jesus? [47:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Leadership
Leadership is a vital force that shapes the well-being and growth of any community, whether at home, work, or church. It creates an environment where individuals can thrive, much like a mustard seed that grows into a large plant. Good leadership nurtures and supports, allowing for the flourishing of those under its care. In the context of the church, leadership is not just about authority but about fostering a space where spiritual growth can occur. The parable of the mustard seed illustrates how something small and seemingly insignificant can grow into something substantial and life-giving, emphasizing the potential impact of effective leadership. [00:54]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a leader in your life who has positively influenced you. How can you emulate their qualities to create a nurturing environment for others today?


Day 2: Embracing the Path of Humility and Service
Leading the Jesus way begins with following His example of humility and service. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This path, though challenging, is the best choice for a fulfilling life. It involves a commitment to self-denial and a willingness to serve others, reflecting the heart of Jesus' ministry. By embracing this path, we align ourselves with the values of the kingdom of God, prioritizing the well-being of others over our own desires. This approach to leadership is transformative, both for the leader and those they serve. [15:23]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can practice self-denial and service today. What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example in this area?


Day 3: The Joy of Serving Others
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of following Jesus. Every believer is gifted with unique abilities to contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. Serving is not just a duty but a joy that brings fulfillment and purpose. When we serve, we participate in God's work, experiencing the joy of making a difference in the lives of others. This service extends beyond the church to the broader community, where our actions can reflect the love and grace of God. By using our spiritual gifts, we contribute to the growth and vitality of the church, fulfilling our role in God's plan. [20:30]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve someone in your community today?


Day 4: Multiplying Influence Through Discipleship
Effective discipleship requires intentional leadership development. By investing in others, we multiply the influence of the gospel, ensuring the church's growth and vitality. This process mirrors the compounding effect of small investments that grow over time. Discipleship is about nurturing and equipping others to lead, following the model set by Jesus and His disciples. As we invest in others, we create a ripple effect, expanding the reach of the gospel and strengthening the church community. This multiplication of influence is essential for the continued growth and impact of the church. [35:32]

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can invest in spiritually? What practical steps can you take to begin this discipleship journey with them?


Day 5: Stewarding and Multiplying Gospel Influence
Leading the Jesus way involves stewarding and multiplying the gospel influence entrusted to us. It is about serving with humility, developing others, and creating a context where everyone can thrive, much like the mustard seed that grows into a life-giving plant. As we step into new opportunities for leadership and service, we are called to follow Jesus' pattern, trusting that our small contributions can have a significant impact. By focusing on the growth and development of others, we ensure the continued influence and expansion of the gospel message. [47:52]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What small contribution can you make today that could have a lasting impact on someone else's spiritual journey? How can you be intentional about stewarding the influence God has given you?

Quotes

"Everything rises and falls on leadership. The well-being of an organization, the well-being of a group depends on the health, the excellence, the effectiveness of those leading. That group. And if you start to think about it, he's got a lot right in that statement." [00:00:13] (24 seconds)


"God's design for his church is that good leadership will help his church grow just like a mustard seed would grow. You know, Jesus told his followers his followers were trying to figure out Jesus what does the kingdom of God act like what does it look like if it's not the same as you know our current Old Testament religious system." [00:02:24] (27 seconds)


"God's design for his church is for leadership to be effective and create a healthy context for growth. And so we've got to ask the question, just as the disciples asked Jesus what the kingdom of God was like, we've got to ask the question, what does leading the Jesus way look like?" [00:07:17] (23 seconds)


"Jesus chose for himself, as a part of his design of salvation history, he chose for himself death on a cross. The most brutal. The most brutal, embarrassing, painful way to die. Jesus chose that, and he said, I want to invite you to take up your cross as well. It's going to be a challenge, but it's the best path for you." [00:15:45] (28 seconds)


"Jesus has called us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Another way to say that would be to serve them. So principle two for us is that following Jesus includes serving others, sometimes through leadership." [00:20:30] (22 seconds)


"Lord Matthew chapter 20 he said yeah the world has this way of leading it's a way of being domineering of puffing yourself up elevating yourself and using your power for your own advantage but Jesus says in verse 26 whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant Jesus says that greatness in his kingdom looks like servant." [00:22:08] (33 seconds)


"There is an incredible amount of impact that happens through consistent multiplication. God knew that. That's why he built his church the way that he had. You may feel like what you have to offer to God is only pennies. You may feel like you have something that's so small, you don't even want to bring it up to God." [00:38:31] (25 seconds)


"Leading the Jesus way stewards and multiplies, I'm going to add a word in here, the gospel influence God has entrusted to you. If we're going to lead in a way that honors the pattern that Jesus set for us, it's one that steward, God's entrusted the gospel to us. He's entrusted influence, gospel influence to us." [00:47:52] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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