Memory Scripture
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety
(Proverbs 11:14)
God’s people thrive under the guidance of godly leaders who exemplify His wisdom, compassion and unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 20: Biblical Virtues Define Christlike Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1-7)
Tue. 21: Leaders Reflect Christ, Guiding Confidently (Php. 4:8)
Wed. 22: Upright Leaders Inspire Spiritual Well-Being (Heb. 13:17)
Thur. 23: Unity Thrives Under Godly Leadership (Php. 2:2)
Fri. 24: God’s Wisdom Guides Godly Leaders (Jas. 3:17-18)
Sat. 25: Wise Leaders Foster Spiritual Growth (Eph. 4:11-13)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Christlike leaders promote harmony, navigate challenges with divine wisdom, and inspire believers’ spiritual growth through biblical virtues.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Proverbs 11:14; Acts 6:1ff; 1 Thessalonians 5:12- 13; 1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
We thank God for how He graciously dealt with us in the first lesson of this series, titled GOD: THE ULTIMATE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP. The study took us through the rich collection of scriptures and unveiled the multifaceted nature and attributes of our God. We hope that we have so far gained the insights that enrich our understanding of God and inspire a renewed perspective on His leadership in our lives.
Here, we come to lesson 2. In it, God will be helping us to delve into the vital role of godly leadership for the well-being and growth of God’s people. Starting with the significance of seeking counsel from godly leaders, we recognise their wisdom in guiding decisions and fostering Church harmony. Exploring God-expected leadership qualities, we uncover timeless virtues crucial for effective leadership. The study aims to reveal the contemporary relevance of godly leadership, inspiring trust, fostering unity, and ensuring the spiritual health of God’s people. May it prompt reflection on personal leadership roles and a commitment to godly virtues in guiding God’s people. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE IMPORT OF GODLY LEADERS
- THE QUALITIES OF GODLY LEADERS
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE IMPORT OF GODLY LEADERS (Prov. 11:14; Acts 6:1ff)
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety
(Prov. 11:14)
a) Prov. 11:14 shows godly leaders as a wellspring of wisdom, making seeking their counsel strategic for wise decisions. Grounded in biblica principles (cf. 3:5-6), they provide direction in harmony with God’s will, to foster spiritual well-being and growth (1 Cor. 1:25).
b) Heb. 13:7; cf. Php. 3:17-19: Godly leaders significantly influence the spiritual health of God’s people. Their presence encourages believers to live in line with God’s principles in a spiritually enriching environment.
c) Acts 6:1ff: When the early Church faced challenges of growth and diversity (vv. 1-7), the need for godly leaders arose, to maintain order, foster unity and sustain the people’s growth (cf. 1 Tim. 3:13).
d) . 3: The spiritual and practical qualifications highlighted here show that the apostles knew the import of appointing godly leaders in the wellness and growth of the Body. No wonder Paul left Titus behind in Crete (Tit., 1:5) and Peter charged those elders to be up and doing (1 Pet. 5:1-3).
THE QUALITIES OF GODLY LEADERS (1 Thess. 5:12-13;1 Tim. 3:1- 7;Tit. 1:5-9)
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you
(Tit. 1:5).
a) 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9: The qualities of godly leaders are crucial in fulfilling the divine mandate to guide and care for God’s people (Heb 13:17;1Pet.5:2-3).
b) What qualifies someone to be a godly leader that the NT provides, (cf, Php. 4:8; 2 Pet. 1:5-7) is not arbitrary but aligns with moral, spiritual and relational virtues
c) These timeless virtues (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; Php. 3:17) enhance a leader’s capacity to offer wise counsel, uphold order, and promote unity in the Body.
d) Leaders should embody both spiritual depth and practical virtues (Gal. 5:22-23; Jas. 3:17-18), demonstrating not only spiritual maturity but also effectiveness in their roles
e) 1 Thess. 5:12-13: Leaders with these qualities that reflect Christ’s character (Eph. 5:1-2) stir trust and confidence among God’s people as a reliable source of guidance on their spiritual journey.
f) 1 Tim. 4:12: Leaders with these qualities are the very need of the hour-contemporary relevance (Tit. 2:7-8).
LESSONS DERIVED
- God’s people need qualities godly leaders for guidance, edification, growth and maturity.
- The qualifications the Scripture gives leaders show God’s high standard for leadership in His Church. Never you fail Him!
QUESTIONS
- What is the importance of seeking counsel from godly leaders in the Christian community?
- In what contemporary ways do the qualities of godly leaders remain relevant for guiding and caring for God’s people in today’s world?
