Leadership by Example
Introduction
Christians often feel like we are drifting along with the currents, knowing all the while that the current can lead in the wrong direction. So we feel like we are either at the mercy of all leaders or we are distrustful of everyone. We do not know how to recognize a godly leader and what qualities and qualifications a godly leader has–much less whether he can be a leader.
Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that God sent him to be a godly leader through his testimony and personal example.
Thesis: Godly leaders lead by personal example.
The Bible gives 4 principles of godly leadership through personal example.
A Godly Leader Models the Christian Life for the Believer
A. Exegesis
- Humility = teachable, flexible
- Openness of Proclamation
- Inclusive in witnessing
B. Illustration
A boss creates fear; a leader creates confidence. Bossism creates resentment; leadership breeds enthusiasm. A boss says, “I”; a leader says, “We.” A boss fixes blame; a leader fixes mistakes. A boss knows how; a leader shows how. Bossism makes work drudgery; leadership makes work interesting. A boss relies on authority; a leader relies on cooperation. A boss drives; a leader leads by example.
A Godly Leader Prepares Believers for His Absence
A. Exegesis
- Compelled by the Holy Spirit through certainties and uncertainties.
- Complete the task of testifying of God’s grace.
- Proclaim the Whole Will / Counsel of God
B. Illustration–The Mycenean Empire and the Empires of Pharaohs had indoor plumbing, with running water and flushing toilets. After the works were installed, the emperors, determined that no one else should have these conveniences, they ordered the execution of the artisans.
C. Application: Ephesians 4:11-12 and Philippians 2:12-13
A Godly Leader Oversees the Spiritual Health of the Believers
A. Exegesis
- Watch yourselves
- Watch the Flock
B. Illustration–Be Shepherds
- Savage wolves from outside to disperse and to devour the flock.
- Insiders who will distort the truth to draw disciples away.
C. Application–1 Timothy 4:11-16
A Godly Leader Is Committed to God and to the Word of God
A. Exegesis
- The Word of God can build you up.
- The Word of God can give you an inheritance among the saints.
- The godly leader is concerned with working hard to help the weak, not to help himself.
B. Illustration
Henry Ford is credited with saying, “Cut your own wood and you warm yourself twice.” What he meant was that the man who chops his own firewood not only enjoys the heat from the logs burning in his fireplace, but he also gets physically warmed from the exercise involved in his labor.
C. Application
If you really want to enjoy your Bible and become a mature Christian leader, you should “cut your own wood”” by studying things for yourself. Check the cross references, look up the meaning of key words, and ask God to show you how the passage on which you are meditating applies to your life. The truth you discover for yourself in the Word will have a fresh, new flavor.