Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16)
Leaders should extend their godly influence beyond church walls, promoting godliness in their relationships, businesses and vocations to positively impact communities and challenge godless norms.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 10: Godly Character Differs From The World (Rom. 12:2)
Tue. 11: Godly Character Defends Christ’s Name (Prov. 22:1)
Wed. 12: Godly Character Depicts God’s Elect (Col. 3:12-15)
Thu. 13: Godly Leaders Exhibit The Spirit’s Fruit (Gal. 5:22-26)
Fri. 14: Godly Leaders Abhor Evil Association (1 Cor. 15:33)
Sat. 15: Godly Leaders Walk In Integrity (Prov.10:9)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Your lifestyle directly or indirectly affects and influences others.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: GENESIS 41:37-45; 42:25; 47:14-20; EXODUS 3:1-10; RUTH 1:16-17; ESTHER 4:14; DANIEL 1:8; 6:1-4; MATTHEW 5:13-16; JOHN 17:16; ROMANS 12:2; PHILIPPIANS 2:14,15; COLOSSIANS 3:23:1 PETER4:9
We express gratitude to God for guiding us through last week’s lesson, titled: “BIBLE STUDY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT”,
where we explored how Ezra exemplified leadership growth through personal Bible study. We learnt that merely reading, teaching, or quoting the Bible isn’t sufficient, we must also live according to its teachings to foster our spiritual development.
This week’s lesson focuses on, “Maximising Leadership Influence Beyond the Church Walls.” Christian’s engagement in secular affairs is crucial to both God and humanity. While believers are distinct entities in this world, we are called to live godly lives amidst its darkness and perversity. Let us glean insights from biblical characters on navigating this journey.
LESSON OUTLINE
- CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN THE SECULAR SPHERE
- BIBLE FIGURES SET APEX GEAR
LESSON EXPOSITION
CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN THE SECULAR SPHERE (Matt. 5:13-16: Jn. 17:16;Rom. 12:2; Php. 2:14,15; Col. 3:23; 1 Pet. 4:9)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matt. 5:16)
a) Jn. 17:16: As believers, although we are born into this world and interact with its people daily, we are not defined by its values or standards. Our priority is to live godly lives everyday.
b) Matt. 5:13-16: Christian leaders in secular spheres should be salt and light, showing others God’s Kingdom values and reflecting Jesus teachings in their actions.
c) v. 16: Believers’ good deeds show Christ’s light to the world, just as Jesus did good to everyone (Acts 10:38).
d) Rom. 12:2: Christian leaders are called to renew their minds according to God’s will and bring His purposes into secular settings by applying Kingdom principles. Are you ready for that?
e) Php.2:14,15: Do all things without complaining and disputing (arguing NIV; grumbling NASU; fault-finding AMP; questioning ESV). Christian leaders display integrity and faithfulness, serving as ethical role models, striving to embody qualities such as blamelessness, innocence and purity in all circumstances (cf. Gen. 17:1; Dan. 1:8,10; Job 1:1,8;2:3;Prov.11:5,20; 28:18; Lk. 1:5-6).
f) Col.3:23: They excel in their work, reflecting God’s glory, representing Christ and attracting others to Him. They bring glory to God with their exemplary lives (Prov. 22:29; Php. 4:9; 1 Pet. 2:12)
g) 1 Pet. 4:9: Christian leaders should show kindness to everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, without showing bias or grumbling This shows the kindness of the God they serve.
BIBLE FIGURES SET APEX GEAR (Gen. 41:37-45; 42:25; 47:14-20; Exod.3:1-10; Ruth 1:16-17; Est. 4:14; Dan. 1:8; 6:1-4)
So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.
(Dan. 6:4)
a) Gen. 41:37-45: Joseph’s rise to power, despite being unjustly jailed, demonstrates his integrity and wisdom in faithfully serving Pharaoh.His leadership benefited all Egyptians, and by extension, the whole world in the end.
b) 42:25; 47:14-20: His actions here in dealing fairly with his brothers and managing Egypt’s resources responsibly further ilustrate his honesty and integrity in leadership. Christians can hold public offices without succumbing to corruption.
c) Exod. 3:1-10: Moses, through his leadership in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, showed boldness and faith in God’s promises, setting the apex gear for future leadership.
d) Ruth 1:16-17: Ruth’s courageous loyalty and dedication to Naomi reveals servant – leadership and the importance of selflessness in Influencing others positively. This stresses the impact of genuine care and dedication to others.
e) Est.4:14: Esther’s courage in speaking to the king to rescue her people showed leadership by taking risks for a noble cause and standing up for what is right, inspiring others to do the same.
f) Dan. 1:8. Daniel’s obedience to God’s laws in Babylon shows leadership with honesty and sticking to what the Bible teaches even in a foreign land, where he stood out because of his good and godly character.
g) 6:1-3: He became one of 3 governors under King Darius. His outstanding leadership qualities prompted King Darius to intend promoting him further. It caused discontent among the other governors (cf.2 Tim. 3:10ff).
h) v.4: They closely watched Daniel, but found no offence (cf. Jer. 20: 10). Unlike the dishonest Christian officials today, Daniel exemplified honesty and diligence in his duties, showing that Christians can serve in public roles while remaining faithful to God and their duties.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Believers should prioritise doing good work for all, as it brings glory to God.
- Follow the examnles of Rible characters who have exemnlified faithful and truthful Christian leadership styles in public office.
QUESTIONS
- Mention the characters required of a Christian leader in public office.
- Point out Daniel and Iosenh’s characters as discussed in this lesson.
