MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
(Ezra 7:10)
How much you study the Bible directly impacts how well you lead God’s people.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 3: God’s Word Perfects (Psa. 19:7)
Tue. 4: God’s Word Brings Blessing (Psa.119:1)
Wed. 5: God’s Word Saves (Psa. 119:92)
Thur. 6: God’s Word Brings Hope (Rom.15:4)
Fri. 7:God’s Word Enlightens (Prov. 6:23)
Sat. 8: God’s Word: Meditate On It Daily (Psa. 119:97)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
The depth of your personal engagement with God’s Word will reflect in your leadership performance.
INTRODUCTION
Praise be to God for enabling us to complete last week’s lesson, titled “Aquila and Priscilla Mentor Apollos.” it’s important to acknowledge that many have failed in their duties to mentor individuals like Apollos, while some Apollos’s of this generation struggle to accept mentorship to improve in their God-given roles. May God help us emulate the attributes of Aquila and Priscilla as we mentor others, and may we demonstrate humility and patience in learning, just as Apollos did, which proved beneficial.
Our focus this week is on “Bible Study and Leadership Development.” A key aspect of effective leadership development is personal Bible study, which transforms lives and enables individuals to lead others effectively. May this lesson encourage both individuals and the Church to take personal Bible study seriously, recognising its importance in nurturing effective leaders.
LESSON OUTLINE
- EZRAS EXAMPLE
- EMPOWERED BY THE WORD INTAKE
LESSON EXPOSITION
EZRA’S EXAMPLE (Ezra 7:6,10)
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
(Ezra:10)
a) v 6: Ezra’s growth stemmed from his love for God’s Word, becoming a skilled scribe even in Babylon. He focused on the Law of Moses,not Babylonian writings. Unlike some believers today. studying God’s Word wasn’t burdensome for him.
b) He was raised by God instruct His people in the Law as a skilled scribe. Are vou ready and equipped for God’s purpose?
c) Ezra agreed that studying the Law reveals God’s purpose and changes people’s lives (cf. Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:10). By investing time in the Word, he listened to God and spoke as inspired by Him. All believers, including ministers, should follow Ezra’s example.
d) v.6b: The king granted all of Ezra’s requests because God favoured him for his dedication to His Word. This favour enabled him to gain the king’s support and fulfil his role as a leader and teacher of God’s Law.
e) v.10: Ezra consistently sought and obeyed the Law of the LORD with a prepared heart. His obedience wasn’t occasional; he continually practised its teachings in his life. Simply reading, studying, or teaching the Bible without living by its principles leads to spiritual stagnation, evident in some Church leaders, today.
f) And to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. By immersing himself in God’ Word, Ezra grew spiritually, guiding others to follow suit. He applied God’ Word in his daily life, becoming highly proficient in teaching and action – an impactful leadership approach.
POWERED BY THE WORD INTAKE (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim. 3:16 – 17).
a) 2 Tim. 3:16a: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The Bible not only contains God’s Word; it is God’s inspired Word, His very utterance. This underscores its divine origin, making it entirely consistent, reliable and authoritative.
b) Acts 17:11a: The Bereans’ testimony: …they received the word with all readiness (eagerness RSV). To grow, one must be willing to listen and receive God’s Word, reflecting a deep love for it, a trait worth emulating.
c) v. 11b: ..searched the Scriptures daily. The Bereans’ dedication to searching the Scriptures is invaluable. Their daily commitment to God’s Word sets a remarkable example worth following.
d) …to find out whether these things were so (true NIV); (truth NLT). God’s Word empowers us to grasp the truth. It is essential to follow the Berean pattern of studying the Bible to avoid deception. It significantly aids in preparing leaders to understand and uphold God’s Word truthfully.
e) 2 Tim. 3:16: …is profitable for doctrine… It empowers believers and leaders with sound principles, reflecting God’s wisdom for living and teaching in every aspect of life.
f) for reproof, for correction. God’s Word refutes and rebukes error, combats heresy, and helps resist temptation (Matt.4:3-11). It convicts and indisputably shows the Truth, guiding towards righteousness (Eph.4:28;5:33; 1 Cor.7:2; 2 Tim. 2:15).
g) For instruction in righteousness… Godly living can be achieved through adhering to biblical teachings. It reveals details on how to live a godly life (Psa. 1:1-6; Matt. 5:2f.
h) v.17: God’s Word empowers believers to mature and be fully equipped for every good work, including leadership, fulfilling the purpose of our salvation (Eph. 2:8-10).
LESSONS DERIVED
- To grow meaningfully, one must view reading and studying the Bible as more than just intellectual and spiritual exercises; it should be lived out daily.
- Consistent growth in daily Bible study empowers believers for every good work, leadership inclusive.
QUESTIONS
- How does personal Bible study affect the growth of believers?
- What is the importance ofthe Scripture to the believer?
