MEMORY SCRIPTURE
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
(Proverbs 1:5)
Education empowers leaders with knowledge, skills and mindset to navigate challenges, inspire others, and drive meaningful change.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 8: Wisdom: The Beauty Of A Leader (Prov. 19:8)
Tue. 9: Wisdom Outfits A Man (as.3:13)
Wed. 10: Wisdom Comes From The Lord (Prov. 2:6)
Thu. 11: Wisdom Costs A Lot (Prov.4:7)
Fri. 12: Wisdom Commands Humility (Pro. 11:2)
Sat. 13: Wisdom Is Better Than All Pearls (Prov. 16:16)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Education equips future leaders with essential skills for their roles.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Proverbs 1:5-7; 9:9; Philippians 3:10-16; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 5:12ff
Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, for His wonderful works in our recent lesson on Leadership Development in the Workplace. We learnt how Mordecai exempliffed godly principles in his workplace and was subsequently promoted and honoured. Similarly, Bezalel created an environment conducive for leadership development. As we continue, let us strive to cultivate encouraging godly principles for honing our leadership skills.
Today, we embark on a new lesson: Equipping Leaders Through Education. This lesson lays the groundwork for nurturing effective, adaptable and discerning leaders. Knowledge and education play pivotal roles in leader development, and God reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey. May the Lord, in His mercy and wisdom, illuminate our hearts with His Word, advancing His kingdom here on earth. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE ROLE OF SECULAR EDUCATION
- THE ROLE OF CONTINUOUS PURSUIT OF WISDOM
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION (Proverbs 1:5-7;2 Tim.3:16)
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
(Prov. 1:5)
a) Prov. 1:5: The …increase learning, and …attain wise counsel here implies education–formal, informal and semi-formal.
b) vv. 5,6: Education, be it formal or informal, is pivotal for acquiring knowledge, skills and wisdom, essential for leadership development (Prov. 13:20; 24:3-4).
c) v. 7: Godly education provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the fear of the Lord, preventing leaders from becoming fools.
d) 2 Tim. 3:16: The Scripture is the ultimate and perfect source of education for leadership development: provides godly principles (doctrine) for living and leadership, rebukes and corrects the
erring, and affords continuous instruction (Psa. 119:99,130; Jn.15:5).
e) Jesus is the ultimate and perfect Model for leadership, education and development (Lk. 6:40; Isa. 54:13; Prov. 9:10; Acts 4:13; 7:15-16). We must follow His pattern in our Christian educational programmes-seminaries, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc, (2 Tim.2:15; Acts 22:3)
f) Remaining under tutelage is vital for leadership growth (Gal. 4:1-2; 3:24; 2 Kgs. 9:1-13; 5:20-27; Est. 2:20). Learning through experience (Rom. 12:2c), empowered by the Holy Spirit (Psa. 32:8; Jn. 7:15-16; 14:26), enhances effectiveness.
g) Moses (Acts 7:22), Daniel (Dan. 1:7), the sons of Issachar (1 Chro. 12:32), Paul (Acts 22:3; 20:7-12; 26:24), Tim. (2 Timothy 3:15-16), and numerous others acquired leadership skills by God’s grace and education.
THE ROLE OF CONTINUOUS PURSUIT OF WISDOM (Proverbs 9:9; Php.3:10-16;Heb.5:12ff)
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
(Prov.9:9)
a) v. 9a: Give instruction to a wise man: Wisdom is not a static thing but a lifelong journey of growth and development that the leader must pursue through sound education (Prov.18:15).
b) v. 9b: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning: A righteous persons willingness to learn and desire for knowledge help him become a skilled leader (1 Kgs.3:9;Prov.25:4-5).”
c) God Himself is infinite and eternal. So, He cannot be exhausted educationally (1 Cor. 1:25). He is new every morning (Lam. 3:23). We must tap into His inexhaustible wealth educationally.
d) Php.3:10-16:This passion to know more and more of the Lord and His way is worth emulating (1 Cor. 11:1). However, it takes the educationally disciplined to attain to such height (1 Cor. 9:24ff).
e) Heb. 5:12ff: These Christians who were expected to have been leaders were still sadly babyish, hence the charge to move from “elementary to higher grounds (6:1ff).
LESSONS DERIVED
- Scripture-based education is an important tool for developing leadership skills.
- Wisdom is a continuous journey of growth and development rather than a fixed state.
QUESTIONS
- Does a Spirit-filled Christian leader need education?
- At what level should someone stop learning?
