Leadership 4/17/16
I Samuel 16:1-13, John
20:24-29
Members of Christ’s body by
faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
Members of a congregation,
specifically, Presbyterian understanding
Definition of the word: (Merriam-Webster)
A position as a leader of a
group
The time when a person holds
the position
The power, ability, capacity
to lead other people
To guide on a way especially
by going in advance
To direct on a course or in a
direction
One of the Spiritual gifts
defined in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12
“if it is to lead, then do it
diligently”
Elder, Deacon, Teaching Elder
(Pastor)
Everyone in a congregation,
when using their spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, demonstrates
leadership. We are moved into a deeper
relationship with God and community by the Holy Spirit.
The Story of David Becoming King
Saul was the first king of
Saul does not obey the
instructions that God gives him, and the word comes to Samuel “I regret that I
have made Saul King”. Out of this
background, today’s reading emerges.
Some lessons we learn from Samuel about Leading:
It is the job of a leader to
do the will of God. (16:1)
The Lord calls Samuel out of
mourning. In this case, God had rejected
Saul, and now God was sending him to ordain the next king that he had chosen.
It is the job of a leader to
think biblically and godly (16:6-7)
We are to place our thinking
and understanding before God, so that his plans and ways are honored. The Lord tells us he has a very different way
of looking at the world, and at human beings.
God tells Samuel to start thinking more like God.
It is the job of a leader to
ask the right questions (16:11)
Jesse provided all of the
information he had wanted to do, to the prophet. But Samuel then asks, Do you have any other
sons? Leaders can ask thoughtful and
creative questions, which move toward solution and fulfilling God’s will.
It is the job of leaders to
rise and anoint when God’s word comes.
Maybe not literally, but in
this case, when God calls to Samuel and makes his command Samuel obeys. In those times when leaders are to lead, they
do so as a response by faith, to where they feel God is leading them.
John: Our
Response to Jesus Christ
All of us can lead when we
use the spiritual gift the Spirit has put within us. For all the gifts testify to the Lord. They all announce, in their own ways, the
glory of God.
The Disciples Announce: We have seen the Lord.
Yet so often, the gut
reaction by Thomas prevails: “Unless I
see, I will not believe”
The Living and Risen Jesus Christ:
He gives peace, making us right
with God. “Peace be with you”
He tells the truth, silencing
our objections. “Put your finger here,
reach out your hand”
He invites us to life: “Stop doubting, and believe”
Scripture reminds us “a
little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). We might often be surprised by who God puts in our lives to direct his will into our hearts.
If we are paying attention,
everyone will lead when they display their spiritual gift. Definition was “to direct on a course or
action”
