Servanthood and Stewardship: True Leadership in Christ

 

Summary

In our journey through 1 Corinthians, we come to a profound realization about leadership within the body of Christ. Leadership is not about titles, positions, or the applause of men; it is about servanthood and stewardship, about knowing who we belong to and being worth imitating in Christ.

I shared my personal journey into ministry, which began unexpectedly when I was voted to lead a high school Bible study. This experience taught me that leadership in God's kingdom is not about our plans or ambitions but about God's sovereign call and equipping. Every believer is called into ministry in some capacity, regardless of gifts or temperament. Our lives are to be centered around the Gospel, and in doing so, we are all called to lead in the unique ways God has designed us.

A Christ-centered leader knows who they belong to. We are servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. As servants, we are the lowest form of servant—an under-rower on a ship, not steering or making decisions but following the Captain's commands. As stewards, we manage what belongs to the Master, not claiming ownership but faithfully administering His resources. This perspective frees us from the fear of man and aligns us with the fear of the Lord, the only One to whom we ultimately answer.

Moreover, a Christ-centered leader is worth imitating. Paul boldly invites the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ. This is not arrogance but a reflection of a life so surrendered to Christ that it becomes a model for others. We all need spiritual fathers and mothers, mentors who exemplify Christ to us. I am grateful for those who have been such figures in my life, and I encourage each of us to be and find those worth imitating, leading others closer to Jesus.

In summary, leadership in the church is not about personal glory or human approval. It is about knowing who we belong to—Christ—and living lives that are worth imitating because they point others to Him. It is about being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us and serving with the humility of an under-rower, content to follow the Captain's lead.

Key Takeaways:

- A Christ-centered leader embraces the role of a servant, understanding that true leadership in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and obedience to the Master. This leader does not seek the approval of people but serves with an eye toward God's commendation. [14:43]

- The identity of a Christ-centered leader is rooted in belonging to Christ. This leader is not swayed by the fear of man or the desire for human accolades but is driven by a desire to please God and steward His gifts faithfully. [18:15]

- Being worth imitating is a hallmark of Christ-centered leadership. When our lives reflect Jesus, we provide a model for others to follow, impacting their spiritual growth and walk with God. This influence extends beyond words to the very essence of our conduct and character. [37:58]

- Spiritual mentorship is vital in the body of Christ. As we have been shaped by those who have gone before us, we too are called to be spiritual fathers and mothers to the next generation, guiding them in their faith journey and pointing them to Christ. [39:09]

- Every believer has a sphere of influence and is called to lead in some way. Whether through formal ministry roles or everyday interactions, we are to use our gifts and opportunities to lead others to Jesus, making His name famous in our communities and beyond. [06:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (ESV)
> This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

#### Observation Questions
1. What two roles does Paul use to describe a Christ-centered leader in 1 Corinthians 4:1? How do these roles shape our understanding of leadership in the church? [09:19]
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Paul being an "under-rower" and a "steward"? How does this imagery help us understand his perspective on leadership? [10:01]
3. How did Paul’s personal story of being unexpectedly voted to lead a high school Bible study illustrate the concept of God’s sovereign call and equipping for ministry? [01:55]
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "It is the Lord who judges me" in 1 Corinthians 4:4? How does this perspective influence his approach to leadership? [14:43]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that a Christ-centered leader knows who they belong to? How does this knowledge impact their leadership style and decisions? [08:39]
2. How does Paul’s analogy of being an "under-rower" challenge common perceptions of leadership? What does this teach us about humility and obedience in leadership? [10:01]
3. In what ways does Paul’s statement, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1), set a standard for spiritual mentorship and leadership within the church? [37:22]
4. How does Paul’s focus on God’s judgment rather than human judgment free him from the fear of man? What implications does this have for our own lives and ministries? [14:43]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see yourself as a servant and steward in God’s kingdom? How can you embrace these roles more fully in your daily interactions and responsibilities? [09:19]
2. Paul’s story of being unexpectedly called into leadership highlights the importance of being open to God’s plans. Have you ever experienced a similar unexpected call? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? [01:55]
3. Consider the concept of being an "under-rower" in your current roles and responsibilities. Are there areas where you struggle to follow the Captain’s commands? How can you cultivate a heart of obedience and humility? [10:01]
4. Paul’s confidence in God’s judgment rather than human approval is a powerful example. How often do you find yourself seeking the approval of others? What steps can you take to shift your focus to pleasing God instead? [14:43]
5. Think about someone in your life who has been a spiritual mentor or role model. What qualities made them worth imitating? How can you embody those qualities to be a mentor to others? [37:22]
6. Paul’s call to be worth imitating challenges us to live lives that reflect Jesus. Identify one specific area of your life where you can better reflect Christ’s character. What practical steps will you take this week to grow in that area? [37:22]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of spiritual mentorship. Are you currently mentoring someone or being mentored? If not, what steps can you take to seek out or become a spiritual mentor in your community? [39:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Servanthood: The Heart of Leadership

True leadership in God's kingdom is not about seeking personal glory but embracing the role of a servant with humility and obedience. This perspective challenges the conventional view of leadership, which often focuses on power and status. In the kingdom of God, however, leadership is about being the least, serving others, and prioritizing the needs of the community over personal ambition. It is about embodying the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This servant leadership is not passive; it requires active listening, empathetic understanding, and a willingness to act for the benefit of others. It is a leadership that finds its strength in dependence on God and seeks to reflect His love and grace in every interaction. [14:43]



"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4 ESV



Reflection: How can you demonstrate servant leadership in your current context, and what might be the first step in adjusting your approach to leadership to align with this biblical model?



Day 2: Identity Rooted in Christ

A Christ-centered leader's identity is deeply rooted in belonging to Christ, which shapes their approach to leadership and decision-making. This leader is not driven by the fear of man or the desire for human accolades but by a profound desire to please God and steward His gifts faithfully. Understanding that their worth and calling come from God, they lead with confidence and integrity, knowing that their ultimate accountability is to Him. This identity in Christ also provides a sense of purpose and direction, guiding leaders to use their influence for God's glory rather than personal gain. It is a liberating way to lead, free from the pressures of societal expectations, and focused on eternal significance. [18:15]



"But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." - 1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV



Reflection: In what ways might the fear of man be influencing your decisions, and how can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval above all else?



Day 3: Living a Life Worth Imitating

Being worth imitating is a hallmark of Christ-centered leadership. When a life authentically reflects Jesus, it becomes a powerful model for others to emulate, impacting their spiritual growth and walk with God. This influence extends beyond words to the very essence of one's conduct and character. It is about living in such a way that others can see Christ in every aspect of life, from the way one handles adversity to the manner in which one treats others. This kind of leadership is not about perfection but authenticity and a continual striving to align one's life with the teachings of Jesus. [37:58]



"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV



Reflection: Consider your daily life and actions. In what areas could you grow to better reflect Christ so that others might be encouraged to imitate your faith?



Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Mentorship

Spiritual mentorship is vital in the body of Christ. Just as many have been shaped by spiritual fathers and mothers, so too are individuals called to guide the next generation in their faith journey, pointing them to Christ. This mentorship involves sharing wisdom, providing support, and living out a genuine faith that inspires others. It is about investing in relationships that foster spiritual growth and maturity, creating a legacy of faith that spans generations. Through mentorship, believers can pass on the truths of the gospel and the lessons learned from their own walk with God, equipping others to navigate their spiritual paths with confidence and grace. [39:09]



"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17 ESV



Reflection: Who has been a spiritual mentor to you, and how can you begin to mentor someone else in your community, offering guidance and support in their walk with Christ?



Day 5: Leading in Your Sphere of Influence

Every believer has a sphere of influence and is called to lead in some way. Whether through formal ministry roles or everyday interactions, individuals are to use their gifts and opportunities to lead others to Jesus, making His name famous in their communities and beyond. This calling is not limited to those with specific talents or personality types; it is a universal call to all who follow Christ. By living out the gospel in every aspect of life, believers can have a profound impact on those around them, drawing others to the love and truth of Jesus through their words and actions. [06:49]



"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 is one specific way you can use your unique gifts and opportunities to lead someone closer to Jesus this week?

Quotes

- "A Christ-centered leader knows who they belong to and is worth imitating." [08:39] (Download | )

- "Paul is saying don't look at the under-rower, don't boast in the under-rower; we boast in the Captain and the owner of the ship." [11:08] (Download | )

- "Paul is like listen, I'm a pastor and I want to serve you well, and yeah, you're gonna have your opinions and yeah, I'm gonna do my best to serve you, but here's the end of the day, this is who I really work for. I'm an under-rower to my commander, my captain." [18:15] (Download | )

- "A Christ-centered leader is not built on a certain personality or charisma but rather on a life that points others to Christ." [05:47] (Download | )

- "We need leaders, men and women, to step up and help point others to Jesus. This can't be a church where it's just the staff or the pastors leading others." [06:49] (Download | )

- "Paul's like yeah, you've got incredible gifts, you got talents, you got money, but here's the thing I want you to know, it's not yours. It's not yours." [29:32] (Download | )

- "Everything that they have been given was a gift and the Church of Corinth was an incredibly gifted and talented Church... but here's the thing, it belongs to the Lord." [28:55] (Download | )

- "Paul's like hey, you really want to look up to me? This is what it cost. I belong to Christ, he is my king, he is my Lord. I am an under-rower, I am a servant." [32:05] (Download | )

- "Paul can say 'be imitators of me as I am of Christ' because it's obvious who he belongs to. He belongs to Christ, and so he's confident in that." [37:22] (Download | )

- "I would not be here today if I didn't have some of those people in my life to imitate and even in my life now, as a 44-year-old, I'm constantly looking for other people to imitate who are following Christ." [40:07] (Download | )

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Transcript
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