Christian Leadership

Introduction

Aesop’s fable of the frogs epitomizes the world’s view of leadership.

1. Frogs pestered Jupiter for a leader. Jupiter gave them a log. Frogs were happy.
   • They realized they could jump up  and down on the log and run all over him.
   • The log offered no resistance. It did not have any direction or purpose.
   • The frogs wanted a “strong leader.”
2. Frogs complained to Jupiter and asked for a stronger leader. Jupiter gave them a stork.
   • Frogs were happy.
   • Stork towered over them and stalked around the pond, making noise and attracting attention.
   • The frogs happiness soon turned to panic because the stork began to eat its subordinates.
3. The Lord does not want His leaders to be like logs or storks.

Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that God sent him to be a Christian leader through his testimony and personal example.

Thesis: Christian leaders lead by personal example.

How do Christian leaders lead by personal example? To whom is this message addressed?

The text suggests four principles of Christian leadership through personal example. This message is directed to the lay leaders of the Ephesian church.

A Christian Leader Models the Christian Life for the Believer

A. Exegesis

1. Humility = teachable, flexible, v. 19
2. Openness of Proclamation, v. 20
3. Inclusive Witness, v. 21

B. Illustration–Difference between a Boss and a Leader

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 blames; 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 people; a leader leads people by example.

A Christian Leader Prepares Believers for His Absence

A. Exegesis

1. Compelled by the Holy Spirit through certainties and uncertainties, vv. 22-23.
2. Complete the task of testifying of God’s grace, v. 24.
3. Proclaim the Whole Council of God, vv. 25-26.

B. Illustration

In the Myceanean Empire and the Empires of the 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, ordered the execution of the artisans.

C. Argumentation–>Ephesians 4:11-12 and Philippians 2:12-13

A Christian Leader Oversees the Spiritual Health of the Believers

A. Exegesis

1. Watch Yourselves, v. 28
2. Watch the Flock

B. Illustration–>Be Shepherds

1. Savage wolves from outside come to disperse and to devour the flock, v. 29.
2. Insiders who will distort the truth to draw disciples away, v. 30.

C. Argumentation–>1 Timothy 4:11-16

A Christian Leader Is Committed to God and the Word of God

A. Exegesis

1. The Word of God is able to build you up, v. 32.
2. The Word of God can give you an inheritance among the saints, v. 32.
3. The Christian leader is concerned with working hard to help the weak, not to help himself, vv. 33-35 & Colossians 1:28-29.

B. Illustration

Henry Ford is credited with saying, “Cut your own wood and you warm yourself twice.” The man who chops his own wood enjoys the warmth of the fire and the physical exercise.

C. Application–>Study your own Bible.

Conclusion

Christian leaders lead other Christians to grow spiritually and to grow by making disciples by modeling the Christian life, by preparing others to do the work of the ministry, by overseeing the spiritual maturity of the believers, and by being committed to God and His Word.

Paul’s message was addressed to the lay leaders of the Ephesian church. His message is also addressed to every Christian. We can be Christian leaders by our example; we can make disciples; we can oversee and encourage the spiritual growth of others; and we can “cut our own wood” from God’s Word. We can become Christian leaders whom God can use to accomplish His Kingdom’s work.

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