NCMI

TRAINING MANUAL

THE LEADERSHIP MODEL

By Dudley Daniel,

Adapted by Leschenne D. Honiball

This document may be duplicated whole, or in part, in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) without express written permission, providing it is not used for commercial purposes.

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PREFACE TO THIS COURSE Leadership! The word conjures up so many different connotations dictatorship, authoritarianism, charismatic superstar, and promotion. However, whatever our own interpretation is, it must be compared with Scripture. Is our own interpretation true? Is it Biblical? Undoubtedly leadership is one of the most misunderstood ministries in the body of Christ. Some clamour and grasp for it, others shun it like the plague. In order for us to get on with the great privilege of ‗church planting‘ and bringing the saints to maturity, we need to see a great ‗crop of leaders‘ come forth. So many present leaders are disillusioned and hurt because their energy and efforts have seemed to produce so little. Many do not know whether they are truly called to the task, and are not sure how to equip and release new leaders to help them. I trust that this manual will help to clarify and bring into focus Biblical principles and truths that will encourage us to ‗teach others to teach others‘. It goes forth with my prayer that God will ‗water it and bring forth the increase‘.

It would seem that one of God's major solutions to the churches' problems today is a leader who will commit them self radically and whole-heartedly to "build according to the Biblical pattern." Although Scripture doesn't give us a step-by-step procedure, it certainly leaves us with no doubt as to what is required of us as leaders, and what will bring the Kingdom of God to the fore. We need to boldly, unapologetically, filled with faith and dependent upon the precious Holy Spirit, give ourselves to doing it God's way. We need to radically repent of the man-made rules, regulations, traditions and legalism that have robbed God's people of the joy, liberty and effectiveness that are through Christ.

Any attempt to put in writing the things that burn in your heart will be diluted as they are transferred from the heart, through the pen, and on to paper; and yet surely the Holy Spirit can and will empower, equip and enable those who come with a teachable and flexible attitude.

Pray that some of those "David-hearted" leaders, who may still be hiding in the caves of Abdullum out of fear of the "Saul-hearted" leaders who have been so strong in themselves, will be strengthened and encouraged to dare to do it God's way at every level! May you, as you read and study this, be one of them? Oh, for a crop of fearless, God-honouring, Bible-obeying, Spirit-led and dependent, revival-generation leaders!

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The following symbols will be seen throughout the course to draw attention to specific points:

This will indicate a specific ―Insight‖ into a matter.

This indicates a ―Characteristic‖. It will ―Flag‖ a point.

This will indicate an ―Example‖ given or ―Concept‖ that need attention.

This symbol represents a ―Priority‖ set forth to consider.

This symbol indicates a ―Distinctive‖ that should be remembered.

This will reveal a ―Cause‖ of the heart in Unit 5.

This will symbolize ―Becoming‖ in the process of the leader.

This symbol indicates a certain characteristic of Christ.

This will indicate different phrases used for the ―Church‖.

This will indicate ―Purpose‖ of the Body of Christ in Unit 10.

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UNIT ONE

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP Numbers 11:1-28

Learning Outcome: After completing this study unit you should be able to:

(1) Understand the Biblical principles regarding leadership. (2) Distinguish some good characteristics of Biblical leadership. (3) Identify key techniques in maintaining leadership principles.

1.1 DEFINING LEADERSHIP 1.1.1 Truths to be Considered in Numbers 11

Leadership is one of the most misunderstood offices and ministries in the Word and the Church. Some people think it means ―Dictatorship‖ – lording it over the people, as opposed to being an example (See 1 Peter 5:1-6). Others think it means ―Promotion‖ for them and therefore grasp at it, rather than seeing it as a service to the people, (See James 3:1). Finally, there are those who see it as a way to be the ―Servant of the People‖ and therefore never exercise their authority, (See Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 3:5). Our desire to be accepted and loved can cause us to try to be everyone‘s friend and thereby undermine and weaken true Biblical leadership, (John 12:43). Consider these points concerning leadership:

1. God‘s desire is to spread the burden and responsibility of leadership, 11:17.

2. The leader must also desire and be willing to see the workload shared, 11:29-30.

3. God may anoint someone that we have not considered, 11:26-28. 4. He/she must also be anointed with the Spirit of God, 11:24-25.

1.1.2 A Biblical Definition

Stop and answer: Read and research the following verses; Numbers 27:16,17; Isaiah 55:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7,17; 1

Peter 5:1-3. Come up with a clear and concise definition of a leader.

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A Christian leader is one who the Lord appoints, by His will, to establish and administer His commands by exhorting and teaching His people. We cannot be self-appointed or chosen by the church. This becomes important in order to exercise authority. One must be under the Lord‘s authority in order is exercise authority, being an example in one‘s conduct, word, spirituality and maturity. 1.1.3 Insights Regarding Good Leadership

Insight 1: God uses people to look after His creation – Psalm 8:6 God‘s three main 'channels' are: His Spirit His Word His Man This takes place consistently throughout His Word. Genesis 1:2,26, ―…God said, let us make man…he will have dominion over…‖ God channels the working and operation of His Spirit through His creation, both man and nature. We may often underplay the significance that God places upon human instrumentality. It is people that depict His work and kingdom here on earth. In most instances, God chooses to use His people as His representatives, to display His power and mercy through us (read 2 Corinthians 5:19c-20).

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Stop and consider: Questions you can answer regarding your leadership. Give

Scripture references to support your answer. 1. Are you appointed? Colossians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1 2. Are you a leader? 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12

3. Are you an example? 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:1-3

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Insight 2: People need leadership People are like sheep and need to be led, Luke 24:50; Acts 7:36. Without proper leadership they cannot function together in order (as a united group), rather, they revert back to 'chaos', Zechariah 13:7, ―…smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.‖ That is why, if the leader will not lead, then the sheep will make their own leader.

Insight 3: Leaders must re-learn and teach their people to do the same

We have ―standards‖ that are very often no longer valid or useful, some of which may have worked in the past, but now God has moved the church on and revealed more of His purposes and ways. Leaders are generally too busy as a result of the wrong standards that are set and also because they feel threatened by capable people and try to do all the work themselves. It is important that leaders choose to delegate and share the burden of leadership, as seen in Numbers 11. Equipping others to do the work will relieve and share the burden, Ephesians 4:11,12.

Stop and consider: Read Exodus 32. Here we find the children of Israel impatient concerning Moses‘ descent from Mount Sinai. They approach Aaron to make gods for them to worship. In your opinion, was this a case of failure in leadership? Why or why not? Do you think Aaron was aware of his leadership role? Give reasons for your answer. Do you consider yourself a leader, perhaps not by title but through recognition?

Why or why not?

Stop and reflect: Leaders must be able to motivate others and impart vision that God reveals to us. Read 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. In what way does Paul motivate the church to give from their hearts and to share the responsibility of giving?

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1.2 SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

Characteristic 1: TRUSTWORTHY – Exodus 18:21 A leader must be accountable and able to be counted upon. He needs to display strong leadership and his life must be in line with God‘s Word. Judges 5:2 says, ―The leaders took the lead and the people offered themselves willingly.‖ We must grasp the extreme importance of good leadership and trustworthiness within the church. There is so much left undone. Rather than a building being built, the Church is like a pile of bricks on a building site, this building, of course, being the dwelling place of God. 1 Peter 2:5 says ―…you also, like stones are being built into a spiritual house…‖ cf. Ephesians 2:20-22. What are God‘s people doing in order to build the house of God? Most pastors are trying to gather more bricks to add to the pile, or they are busy 'keeping' the pile they have already collected – seeing to it that no one steals them. Very few are really building, establishing or coordinating an effort to see their congregation grow spiritually. Paul referred to himself as ―a master builder…‖ 1 Corinthians 3:10, with others building upon his work, all in the great scope of God‘s design. However, there are also warnings, to take heed as to how each one of us builds on God‘s foundation. We are not called to ―Do the work of the ministry‖ but to ―equip them to do it‖, Ephesians 4:12. This takes coordination, inspiration and good leadership ability. It also takes a trustworthy individual to do the task at hand, being accountable for the lives left in one‘s care.

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Stop and answer: There are a number of good leadership characteristics that should be acknowledged. Research the following

leaders and give a list of their best leadership qualities.

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Example:

Develop a Team. This necessitates friendship, trust, co-operation, participation etc. All of these demand time spent together. Delegation and job description: Numbers 3:1-4:49; Numbers 4:49 says, ―At the Lord‘s command through Moses, each was assigned his work…‖. Numbers 7:1-8:26; Numbers 8:26 ―…this, then is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.‖ • Make sure each one knows what is and is not expected of them. • Draw up a clear job description. • Don‘t be vague. • Then go through it with each leader. • Make sure they understand it.

Characteristic 2: A HARD WORKER

Leaders must be self-motivated and not afraid of hard work. Leaders are to be humble and must serve the needs of others. Much can be accomplished within the church with leaders who are self-motivated, who care for the needs of others and who can harmoniously work together to accomplish set goals. Consider Nehemiah as he returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah 4:6 says ―So built we the wall and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof, for the people had a mind to work.‖ There was unity and focus toward one common goal.

Characteristic 3: SHOULD BE OBEYED AND OBEDIENT Do people follow you? If no one is following you, you are not a leader. If you need to manipulate in order to keep people following or obeying you, then you are not a leader. Do you inspire people? Do they want to go further with God because of God‘s life living through you? Jesus is able to draw people unto Himself when we are living in

Stop and consider: Research the sin of laziness. Identify and explain the outcomes of a lazy lifestyle. Here are some verses to help you get started,

Proverbs 13:4; 10:4; 19:15; 12:24.

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obedience to His will and ways. By lifting Jesus higher we glorify Him. ―Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.‖ Matthew 5:16

A leader‘s life should motivate others to follow his/her example: To reverence God To appreciate His people and look out for their best interests To honour His body – the Church To praise and worship To witness and win souls To work hard To be obedient To give sacrificially To pray without ceasing

Characteristic 4: SACRIFICES FOR OTHERS

1 Peter 5:1-3 ―…be shepherds of God‘s Flock that is under your care…‖ We are to be those who care for sheep; those who seek to serve and sacrifice for the good of the sheep. Many times we need to give of our time, resources, abilities and finances (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). Are you moved with compassion when you see the sheep facing life‘s problems? Matthew 9:36,37 • Do you encourage? • Admonish? • Pray for? • Visit? • Rejoice with? • Weep with? • Bear their burden? Leadership is serving, as well as leading. 1 Peter 5:2,3 says, ―…serving as overseers – not because you must but because you are willing and eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you…‖.

Characteristic 5: SERVANT

One of the key principles of leadership is a willingness to be a servant even throughout hardship, 2 Corinthians 6:3,4. All of us will be given opportunities by God, to choose to avoid, or to be trained through various situations that will sometimes require us to perform very menial and mundane tasks. However, our service is not to man but to God, for the good of others.

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When we are found faithful and trustworthy, then greater responsibility and privileges will follow, (Luke 16:10-12). When we serve others, they too will learn the importance of service.

Characteristic 6: FULL OF FAITH AND ACCOUNTABLE Numbers 27:18 ―take Joshua...a man in whom the Spirit dwells...‖ Consider Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:26-30, they were men of faith. They were able to look beyond the situation to see what God saw. They remained faithful to the cause of God. There were no giants that would keep them from entering the Promised Land. Do you see 'The Giants' or 'The Lord' (Numbers 13:31-33)? We need to be positive. Guard your thinking and your talking. Surround yourself with positive people. The activity of faith brings God‘s mighty power into life‘s situations. Hebrews 11:6 ―But without faith it is impossible to please God…‖. A Christian leader must be faithful in all things. He is not only accountable to his fellow leaders, the congregation but more importantly to God. Leaders are to give an account for the souls that have been entrusted to them. Their faith must be infectious, a faith that others want to imitate. Hebrews 13:7 says, ―Remember those who rule over you and consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith…‖ If you are negative you may cause others to feel comfortable because they too are negative. They will eventually leave you in the lurch and not walk with you for long. Faith releases the oppressed, heals the sick, brings the victory and takes back what was lost to the Devil.

Characteristic 7: SPEAKS THE WORD IN TRUTH

Hebrews 13:7b says, ―…your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you…‖

Stop and consider: Read Micah 6:8. This verse teaches us a great deal about what God requires of His people. It reinforces the Old Testament viewpoint that religious ritual without a life of total allegiance to a sovereign Lord is worthless. How

does this viewpoint affect your outlook on ‗servanthood‘?

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People do not need to hear what you think or feel, but what God says, 1 Corinthians 2:4,5. Look at what Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:10 ―…the words I say to you are not just My own….‖ He uttered what God gave Him.

Characteristic 8: EVANGELISTIC WITNESS

Isaiah 55:4 ―See, I have made Him a witness to the peoples, a leader and a commander of the peoples.‖ The primary responsibility of a witness is to report what he has seen, heard or experienced. John began his first letter by saying in 1 John 1:1,3 ―That…which we have heard…seen…handled…we declare unto you….‖ No court will accept hearsay as evidence. We must experientially know God, His Word, works and ways.

Stop and consider: In order to speak the Word of God, you must become acquainted with the Bible. Read 2 Timothy 2:14,15. What benefits will result when one ―presents oneself‖ approved‖?

What benefits have you seen in your own life as you speak the Word of God?

Stop and consider: Read Acts 1:8. Jesus said that we would

be His witnesses. What is the ‗power‘ of which Jesus speaks? Research and identify this power. Support your answer with

Scriptural references.

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1.3 FURTHER LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES 1.3.1 David, as an example of leadership – taken from 2 Samuel 23:1-5

1. We must be anointed to lead, vs. 1 ―…the man anointed by the God of Jacob…‖

2. We must not be self-exalting, but exalted by God, vs.1 ―…the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High…‖

3. We must be “Singers of Songs”, vs. 1 ―…Israel‘s singer of songs…‖ Not so much having a good voice or the ability to keep a tune or write songs, as a person of praise, a worshipper speaking well of God and His Church.

4. The Spirit is expressed through us, vs.2 ―The Spirit of the Lord spoke

through me…‖ 5. When walking closely with God His Word (both Logos and Rhema) is

on your tongues, vs.2 ―…His word was on my tongue…‖ 6. We show the way in righteousness, vs.3 ―…when one rules over men in

righteousness…‖ We are to live a righteous life-style based on the Word of God, with no compromise or secret sins.

7. We lead in the fear of God, vs. 3 ―…when he rules in the fear of God…‖

a) ―The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom‖ Psalm 111:10.

b) We lead out of awe and respect for God, not carnal fear.

c) We are not governed and motivated by the opinions and desires of men.

The Results (outcomes of leading this way), vs.4 ―…he is like…‖ ―The light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning‖ • Clear, clean and fresh – sparkling. • A blessing, as this kind of morning always is. • Giving and creating a desire or a zest for life. • Creating expectation of good things to come. ―The brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth‖. • Refreshing • Sparkling • Fruitful, as a result of the 'soil' being soft, prepared and well watered.

Stop and reflect: God‘s faithfulness is from everlasting. We are

constantly reminded of that throughout His word. Read Psalm 89:30-37. Consider God‘s faithfulness to David. What impresses you the most? What humbles you to know that this same faithfulness applies to you? In what ways are you faithful toward God?

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1.3.2 Looking to the early church as an example of prioritising – Taken from Acts 6:3,4

Priority 1: Prayer!

Prayer is vitally important in any role of ministry and must be a daily practice within one‘s schedule. We see that from the early church they gave themselves continually to prayers. Let us use the example of Jesus in Luke 5:15-16, ―...so He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.‖ We need to pray concerning: • The sheep (congregation) • Our country – those in authority etc. • The nations – missions • Current events etc. • Personal matters • Our family – each by name for specific things

Priority 2: Ministry of the Word

1. Primarily to you personally

2. Then through you to others – in that order!

Read: 1 Timothy 4:4-6, 13-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Timothy 4:2; Psalm 1:1-3; Joshua 1:8. Write down the important verbs in each scripture. Notes: ____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How do we begin praying? Here is one model:

Adoration – the act or worshipping

Confession – the act of confessing

Thanksgiving – the act of giving thanks

Supplication – the act of petitioning

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Write a brief statement on the importance of ministering in God‘s Word. Include the benefits we receive by knowing His Word. Notes: _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do not just preach the prophetic, not just the practical, not just the doctrinal, but a combination of all three. 1.3.3 Train people through your teaching – Taken from Titus 2:1-15 Most of the things stated here have more to do with behavioural „impartation‟ rather than academic or intellectual „information‟. We are to train people in ―sound doctrine‖, Titus 2:1. What is ―sound doctrine‖?

Be temperate Be worthy of respect Be self-controlled Be sound in faith, love and endurance Be reverent in the way they live

Older Men Older Women Younger Women Younger Men - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In what areas are you living a ―reverent lifestyle‖?

Stop and answer: Read Titus 2:1-15. What does living a ―reverent

lifestyle‖ mean? Make a list below of all the areas in which each one

must be reverent and have self-control.

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It is very important that you are able to trust the person you are in the process of teaching or training. We are to hold him/her accountable as much as possible so that they may be faithful to hold on to true doctrine, Luke 16:10-12. 1.3.4 Our Reasonable Service – Romans 12:1 1. Personal Discipline When we are regarded as a leader we are to be disciplined in all areas of our

lives, 2 Timothy 3:10-11; 1 Timothy 4:6. Areas in which discipline is essential are:

Prayer

Study: of the Word of God and in educating yourself through books, tapes etc.

Message preparation.

Tidiness!

Punctuality!

Serving

Finances

Faithful in your appointments, dates and commitments.

Visiting the flock

Accountability – work in a team!

Fasting

One-on-one witnessing. 2. Family Discipline - 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

Caring

Consistent

Taking seriously the Biblical requirements: a) Regarding your wife Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7 b) Regarding your children Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:20 3. Prove what is Good and Prosper in our “doing”.

Deal with the ―Poverty Mentality‖, i.e. ―Will we ever grow?‖, ―When will it all fall apart?‖ Remember Job 3:25, rather live in Jeremiah 29:11; Joshua 1:8; and Philippians 4:8-9.

Read Psalm 1. It deals with the ways of the righteous and ungodly very clearly. What principles are given in this Psalm that will help us in our own path toward righteousness and also in our path toward leadership? Notes: ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Take some time to do the Self-test on the next page.

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Self-Test

1. What four truths in Numbers 11:1-28 are to be considered regarding the definition of leadership? 2. List three insights concerning the importance of good leadership. 3. What are eight characteristics of good leadership? 4. What are some results of proper leadership according to 2 Samuel 23:1-5? 5. Give two priorities needed within every leader‘s lifestyle found in Acts 6:3,4. Check your answers with mine on the next page.

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Self-Test 1. What four truths in Numbers 11:1-28 are to be considered regarding defining leadership?

2. List three insights concerning the importance of good leadership. 3. What are eight characteristics of good leadership? 4. What are some results of proper ruling according to 2 Samuel 23:1-5? 5. Give two priorities needed within every leader‘s lifestyle found in Acts 6:3,4.

1. God‟s desire is to spread the burden and responsibility of leadership, 11:17. 2. The leader must also desire and be willing to see the workload shared, 11:29-30. 3. God may anoint someone that we have not considered, 11:26-28

4. Leaders must also be anointed with the Spirit of God, 11:24-25.

Insight 1: God uses people to look after His creation. Insight 2: People need leadership.

Insight 3: Leaders must re-learn and teach their people the same.

Characteristic 1: Trustworthy Characteristic 2: Hard Worker Characteristic 3: Should be obeyed and obedient Characteristic 4: Sacrifices for others Characteristic 5: Servant Characteristic 6: Full of Faith and Accountable Characteristic 7: Speaks the Word in Truth

Characteristic 8: Evangelistic Witness

The Results (outcomes of ruling this way), vs.4 “…he is like…” “The light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning” • Clear, clean and fresh – sparkling. • A blessing, as this kind of morning always is. • Giving and creating a desire, a zest for life. • Creating expectation of good things to come. “The brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth”. • Refreshing • Sparkling

• Fruitful, as a result of the 'soil' being soft, prepared and well watered.

Priority 1: Prayer

Priority 2: Ministry of the Word

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UNIT TWO

THE NEW BREED OF LEADERSHIP Joshua 1 – 23

Learning Outcome: After completing this study unit you should be able to:

(1) Understand the concept of possessing our land. (2) Determine what is necessary for accomplishing the task of possessing the

land. (3) Identify the ‗New Breed‘ leaders. (4) Identify more characteristics of good leadership. (5) Discover the leadership capabilities of Joshua and learn to apply them in

possessing what is ours. 2.1 GO INTO THE LAND

Joshua 1:1-5 "After the death of Moses…the Lord said to Joshua…'Moses My servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend

from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country, to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you..."

Insight 1: WHAT WE GET SENT "INTO" IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN

WHAT WE GET TAKEN "OUT OF"!

No matter how bad our "past" has been, our "future" down here on earth can be glorious if we find a local church that is radical and yet relevant, "kingdom" and yet kind, aggressive yet not arrogant, powerful yet not proud, or simply, more "Word-based."

All of us know that God is going to have to raise up a totally ―different generation" of believers in order to present to His Son a "bride" that is without spot, wrinkle or blemish. This "different generation" has had different "tags" applied, all seeking to describe and challenge people towards what God desires in His end-time church. Some of those tags are: a Joshua Generation; Davidic Deliverers with Davidic Domination; Gideon Gladiators; Moses Motivators; New Breed, etc.

From the beginning, the Gospel has been a "going" not "gathering", "sending" not "staying" message and lifestyle. Abraham was sent, and went! (Genesis 12:1-14; Galatians 3:6-9). Jesus was sent by God and He went! (John 4:34). The apostles went as well! (Acts 13:4). The word "sent" is used approximately 30 times in the New

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Testament. Today's church has, by and large, turned the message into a "coming", "gathering" or "staying" message. "Now that you are saved, stop mixing with the heathen". The result of that kind of lifestyle is an ineffective church.

No matter how dynamic our conversion, if we settle into a "gathering", "staying" church, our lives and ministries will be far less effective than if we had been reaching out instead.

Insight 2: THE ONLY WAY TO FULFIL THE GREAT COMMISSION IS TO

PLANT NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES IN EVERY VILLAGE, TOWN AND CITY OF EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD (MATTHEW 28:18-20)

Some of the models of churches that we presently have within our community are pastoral, in the sense that they end up more concerned about the "bleating of the sheep" than God's voice and His Word; the priestly church, which normally ends up so spiritual and in another world that they don't amount to much here on earth; the phantom church, comprising of hurt, disillusioned and cynical believers whose main reason for fellowship is to discuss their hurts and criticise those who are at least attempting to do something for Jesus Christ; and the prophetic churches, which comprise of those who see, prepare for and become the future.

Insight 3: THE NEW ADMINISTRATION SUITABLE FOR THE KINGDOM OF

GOD (MATTHEW 9:16, 17) We find in so many churches today an inflexible church structure. We are seeking a new administration that is flexible, adaptable and willing to let go of the past traditions that are not Biblical. Strategies, structures and methods that are no longer valid must be left behind. The Holy Spirit is a key player in the development of a new flexible administration. The more of the Holy Spirit‘s truth that is restoring and adding to the church (John 16:12-14; 14-26), the more His creativity is reached within a fuller expression as the church moves towards maturity. We cannot just reject things we do not understand. Rather, we need to test them against God‘s Word with the help and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The "mandate" of the church is to "go into all the world." The "mission" is to "disciple all nations." The five "keys" to discipling nations are:

Radical converts

Trained, equipped and commissioned key leaders, operating as a team

Planting and establishing New Testament churches with the new converts

Planting bases from which to operate

Taking cities (areas) for Jesus through evangelism and spiritual warfare

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2.2 POSSESSING OUR LAND (DEUTERONOMY 1:1-8) 2.2.1 Attitudes must be Changed

In order to possess our land, attitudes and outlook must be changed. The children of Israel had become "settlers" or "maintainers" and were no longer "pioneers" breaking new ground. Many of us keep slipping back into this same mode. Far too many of God's leaders have settled down into the false belief that their legacy is their local church. All of their planning, strategizing, dreaming, praying, effort and energy is directed solely at their church. They can't see anything beyond it. A global vision is therefore required.

2.2.2 Action is demanded

With glorious prospects, promises and opportunities ahead, action is demanded (Deuteronomy 1:7-8). They all knew about their inheritance but 40 years later still had not possessed the land! We will only begin to possess as we move out, ―break camp‖, and stop going around the same old mountain. We must advance and reach out further into God's purposes for us. 2 Corinthians 10:13-16 is a clear indication that we will only possess more as we begin to succeed in each new place that we break camp, ―Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in regions beyond you..."(v.15). We must reach out further afield, succeed there and then reach out even further. This must become both vision and lifestyle. We cannot just restrict ourselves to our small locality forever. We must go beyond. However, we cannot run around "doing" things everywhere if what we are doing isn't working or isn‘t in the right place. 2.3 WHAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO POSSESS THE LAND Deuteronomy 1:9-18 reveals three vital "ingredients" needed in order to possess the land: 1. The first is the RIGHT ADMINISTRATION (vs. 9-18), and this incorporates shared, anointed and co-operative leadership.

Stop and discover: Read Psalm 2 and John 17. God is passionate about His creation. He has given to Jesus the inheritance of all nations. Because of Jesus‘ love for His people, He has commissioned us to the work of ‗going into all the nations‘ and claiming them for Christ. Cross reference to discover exact ways in which this can be done.

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God's desire is to share the burden and responsibility of leadership. (Deuteronomy 1:15-17; Numbers 11:1-17). The leaders must also desire and be willing to see this workload shared (Deuteronomy 1:12,13; Numbers 11:29,30). To desire is not enough; we must "give" some of it away.

a. A vital factor regarding the right administration is having ANOINTED LEADERS, Deuteronomy 1:15; Numbers 11:17. It is essential for "new breed" leaders to be anointed because they are to be "deliverer leaders" – bringing deliverance to God's people in every area of living. Moses delivered Israel out of Egypt; Joshua delivered them into the Promised Land. This is confirmed in Isaiah 61:1-4 and its New Testament parallel in Luke 4:18,19. Moses prays for a "new breed leader" (Numbers 27:15-17) who must be:

(1) God-appointed (2) A Ruler (3) An example (4) One who will lead them (5) A Motivator

b. COOPERATIVE AND SUBMISSIVE LEADERS, who recognise

God's chain of command. Deuteronomy 1:17 declares that those who Moses was to "appoint to have authority..." were to be co-operative, impartial, courageous and must know when to submit to Moses.

Stop and reflect: In these verses, 1 Corinthians 4:7-13 and 2 Corinthians 1:8-

11; 6:3-13, Paul gives us some honest insights into suffering. What is the benefit of persevering through difficult ministry? Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-5; 10:1-11:1-33. Sometimes leaders are wounded. How are we to view our suffering in light of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18?

Reflect on one of the periods in your ministry life. What view of suffering did you have? How was that displayed in your lifestyle? What changes did you make or

will you make in order to have a Biblical view of suffering?

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2. RIGHT STRATEGY is the second vital "ingredient" needed to enable us to

possess our land, Deuteronomy 1:19-26. This involves four things:

a. Examining the task (Deuteronomy 1:22): We need a report, that is, detailed knowledge of what we are undertaking to do. Joshua understood this truth (Joshua 2:1-24). Nehemiah also used this as part of his strategy (Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:11-15). It is worth noting how Nehemiah asked questions about the state of the City of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-4). He then went to Jerusalem to examine for himself (Nehemiah 2:11-15). We, too, need to know as much as we can about the task.

b. Understanding what you are to accomplish: Ask questions, Why? Where? How? When? What?

c. Understanding what you are up against: This would include natural obstacles, as well as supernatural opposition. Who is going to resist you? What spirits control those areas?

d. Understanding what you will need: Man power – how many

people? What gifting, maturity level, etc? What strategy for war? What strategies for establishing a bulkhead or base?

3. The third vital "ingredient" is a RIGHT ATTITUDE, a willingness to go and a

confidence in God. We must "move". We must start to embrace the vision by beginning to truly, realistically become involved. Too many of us stay at home, burying our heads in our church. We cannot see beyond our church. Others begin to become involved in and around Southern Africa. Still a few others go off to other parts of the world on "hit" and "miss" excursions. But how many are truly involving themselves in our shared vision? What about joining a team about to plant a church? Familiarising yourself with the task? What about "freeing" yourself to relocate if God were to speak to you?

Become one of those people who require an unshakeable confidence, unwavering faith in God's abilities and faithfulness. Look at the response of so many who were meant to go in and "possess the land", Deuteronomy 1:25-40, in spite of the "good news" reported! There was grumbling (vs. 27), unbelief (vs. 28,32), fear and intimidation (vs. 28,29). This is all regarded by God as unwillingness to go and becomes sin (vs.26).

Stop and answer: Read Deuteronomy 1:13,39 and Numbers 11:16-

17. These Scriptures give us some qualifications for leadership. Identify these qualifications and give a reason why they may be important.

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2.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE „NEW BREED‟ Over the last ten years we have often heard mention of the 'new breed', the Joshua Generation, etc. But what is this 'new breed'? How can we recognise it? Are we part of it? If we are, what should we be? If we aren't, how can we join? God is going to call together an "end-time" army, a new breed, a Joshua Generation, Davidic Deliverers, etc., those who are:

1 Chronicles 12:1-39, NB vs. 8, 19 - "defectors"

1 Samuel 22:1-20 - "in distress, debt and discontented" But they will not remain like this. They will become those of whom Isaiah speaks in Isaiah 33:14-16: ―Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?' He who

walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil - this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied and water will not fail him.‖ We can say that Joshua was the Old Testament equivalent to Jesus and therefore what God is establishing is a Jesus generation!

Messianic

Redemptive

Expressing the true characteristics of Jesus

Doing what He did

Being what He was 2.4.1 JOSHUA'S EARLIER PREPARATION

In the land of bondage he must have experienced the hurt, humiliation, abuse and intimidation of Egypt. He must also have witnessed the great miraculous deliverance of God - the plagues and the opening of the Red Sea, the drowning of Pharaoh and his army. He chose to allow the blessings and power of God to be predominant in his life - not the suffering and rejection!

Christ in Joshua

Although there are no direct messianic prophecies in the book, Joshua is clearly a type of Christ. His

name (“Yahweh Is Salvation”) is the Hebrew equivalent of the name Jesus. In his role of

triumphantly leading his people into their possessions, he foreshadows the One who will bring “many

sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2

Corinthians 2:14; see Romans 8:37). Joshua succeeds Moses and wins the victory not reached by

Moses. Christ will succeed the Mosaic Law and win the victory unreachable by the Law (see John 1:17;

Romans 8:2–4; Galatians 3:23–25; Hebrews 7:18–19).

The “Commander of the army of the LORD” (5:13–15) met by Joshua may possibly be a pre-incarnate

appearance of Christ (cf. 5:15 with Exodus 3:5).

Rahab’s scarlet cord (2:21) portrays safety through the blood (Heb. 9:19–22); and amazingly, this

gentile woman is found in Christ’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5).

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In the Wilderness he was under a great general, Moses, God's general. He shaped his life more than the charismatic, eloquent, easier-going Aaron. Aaron had the "gift of the gab" (Exodus 4:10-16) so God gave Moses Aaron to be his mouth. Joshua did not allow obscurity to make him a "status seeker" or "self-promoter." For the most part of the wilderness wanderings little is heard of Joshua - just occasional bits and pieces. However, these little occurrences tell us so much.

Exodus 17:8-13 -warrior and emerging leader

Exodus 24:13 -faithful supporter, Moses‘ assistant

Exodus 33:11 -interceding

Numbers 14:6-10,30 -courageous spy

Numbers 27:18-23 -Moses‘ successor, proven leader Joshua began his career as second to Moses. J Oswald Sanders says: "He had no sooner begun to succeed Moses as leader than he was summoned to surrender his command and become second to the Captain of the Lord's hosts (Joshua 5:14). Not everyone is big enough to rejoice in being superseded in leadership but Joshua preferred to be second-in-command of the Lord's army to commander-in-chief of his own. Very few Christian leaders pass this test with distinction." Joshua served as a model for all of Israel‘s future kings. He was a leader possessing the Lord‘s spirit and with prophetic authority (Numbers 27:18,22). He was both a military genius and spiritual giant. He stirred up the faith of his army by ceremony (4:1-7), word (10:25), and life (24:15). He demanded of them exact obedience to the Lord‘s Word (8:35; 23:6). 2.3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOSHUA GENERATION

For some of the following characteristics look up the Scripture reference given and briefly define each characteristic. Encourager (Exhorter) - Joshua 8:34-35; Numbers 14:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:1; Hebrews 10:25; Hebrews 3:13; Isaiah 35:3-4. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Edifier - Romans 14:19; Romans 15:1-4; Joshua 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24. The word "edify" means "the act of building and promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual growth or progress as the result of patient labour." What does the Bible have to say about how we can be built up and build up others?

The Word of God builds up – Acts 20:32; 1 Peter 2:2.

The Holy Spirit builds us up – Jude 20.

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Faith edifies – Jude 20.

Love builds up – 1 Corinthians 8:1.

Encouraging one another builds up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Putting my brother or sister first builds up – 1 Corinthians 10:24; 2 Corinthians 12:19b.

Participation builds up – Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 14:26.

The "Ascension Gift Ministries" builds up – Ephesians 4:12-16.

Receiving the prophetic word builds up – 1 Corinthians 14:3, 5.

Singing and music builds up - Ephesians 5:18,19. Exalter (Extoller) - Joshua 8:30-31; 5:14-15; Isaiah 26:5; James 4:6; Matthew 23:12; Isaiah 33:5-6,10; Joshua 4:14. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Effective - 1 John 3:8; Luke 19:10; Colossians 2:15; Luke 4:18-21; Acts 2:41; Acts

5:12-16; Acts 17:6; Matthew 11:12. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Expectant - Numbers 14:5-9; Joshua 3:5; Joshua 10:12-15; Joshua 4:8; Joshua 1:16-18; Judges 17:6; 21:25. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Explorer - Numbers 13:1,8,16; Deuteronomy 1:37, 38; Numbers 14:30, 38; 26:65.

Joshua was adventurous, daring, and desirous of exploring, tasting and experiencing the promises and preparation of God for them! He had that pioneer mentality, the desire to break new ground and go where others hadn't yet gone! Joshua inherited because he was wholehearted! (Numbers 32:12) Experimenter - Joshua 6:1-6, 15-20; 8:18-28. Joshua was prepared to "get out on a limb" related to what God said! He was willing to put his reputation on the line and give God allow Him the opportunity to display His power! The Joshua Generation is unpredictable, adventurous and willing to put God first, allowing Him to display His power.

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For Example: We need to experiment in the area of healing. The Spirit led Jesus into creative ways of healing:

Healing the blind: John 9:1-7; Matthew 9:27-31; Mark 8:22-26;

Mark 10:46-52.

Leprosy: Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 17: 12-14.

Fever: Matthew 8:14.

Deliverance: Matthew 8:16; Matthew 8:28-34; Matthew 17:17-

18; Mark 1:25.

Paralysed: Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 13:10-13.

Raising the dead: Matthew 9:18, 23-26; Mark 5:41; Luke 7:14;

John 11:1-43.

The issue of blood: Matthew 9:20-22. Examiner - Numbers 11:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Philippians 1:10; 1 Corinthians

14:29; 1 John 4:1; 1 Chronicles 12:32; Acts 17:11; 1 John 2:27; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Isaiah 30:21. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Emancipator - Joshua 1:2; Isaiah 61:1-7; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 8:1-6;

Romans 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:2; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 8:10; Philippians 4:4-8. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Eradicator - Joshua 7:6, 19-26; 1 Corinthians 9:27. Joshua dealt radically with sin and compromise. When Joshua confronted Achan with his sin, he then implemented discipline. There is a need for personal discipline and public discipline when leaders sin and people become divisive. "Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly so that the others may take warning" (1 Timothy 5:19-21; Titus 3:10).

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Enjoyer - Joshua 3:5-10a.

Crossing the Jordan with such excitement and anticipation. Very few believers know how to "examine, emancipate and eradicate" without it becoming "heavy weather." The Joshua Generation will! It will do all these things and enjoy it, and also enjoy the blessings and presence of God. People need to see that church is worthwhile! God is to be enjoyed, not endured (Psalm 103:1-18; 37:4; 101:1; 40:8; 100:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:17b). "God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Early starter - Joshua 3:1; Joshua 6:12. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Enthusiastic, Eager and Earnest Enforcer - Is 37:30-32, Titus 2:14 and Revelation

3:19. He was never 'half-hearted' or 'hard done-by' but radically, enthusiastically obedient! This is shown in his destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:1-8, 18-29), how he dealt with Achan's sin (7:14-15; 25-26), in the crossing of the Jordan (3:7-4:1), the destruction of Jericho (6:2-27) and in the circumcision of the Israelites (5:2, 3). The Bible speaks of the 'zeal of the Lord'. Endurer - Luke 9:62; Romans 15:5; 2 Corinthians 6:3-8; Colossians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 2:2; Revelation 1:9. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Employable (equipped and available) - Joshua 8:1-17. Equipped - Joshua 5:13-15 Many people offer themselves for tasks that they aren't equipped for - mentally, spiritually, morally, relationally or practically! Joshua was to learn that the spiritual equipping was as necessary as the physical ability. Joshua accepts the leadership of the Man with the drawn sword. One personal victory gained in secret can turn the fortunes of a whole nation. Available - Luke 10:25-3; Ephesians 4:1-3, 11-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 12-27 Joshua is in the tent waiting. He holds up Moses' hands – not too glamorous or glorious a job! He gets involved without any excuses. We need to be available for whatever job God has in store for us.

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Exterminator - Joshua 10:7-11; 28-42; 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:15; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19; Ephesians 3:7-11. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Empowered - Numbers 11; Joshua 1:5, 9; Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:8; 2 Peter

1:4; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23; Joshua 1:1; 3:7; 4:1-3, 15; 7:10; 8:1; Romans 10:17. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Let‟s try the Self-test on the next page.

Can you equate yourself with that of a ‗New Breed‘, Joshua Generation, Davidic Deliverer, etc., leader? Why or why not? If God appointed you as a leader for this next generation, what title would you

give this generation? Why? Give Scriptural evidence to support your answer.

Stop and answer: Out of all these characteristics, what would you

identify to be the most important? Why?

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Self-test

1. What we get ―into‖ is far more important than what we get ―out of‖! 2. The ―mandate‖ of the church is to The ―mission‖ of the church is to 3. What four ―models of the churches” are given in this unit that we presently have within our community? 4. What must be changed in order to possess our land? 5. What three vital ―ingredients‖ are needed in order to possess the land? 6. Give an example of where Christ may be found in the book of Joshua. 7. Joshua stirred up the faith of his army by , and . 8. There were 17 characteristics of the Joshua Generation given in this unit. How many can you name?

1. 2.

3.

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9. Give the definition for the characteristic of Explorer. 10. Give the definition for the characteristic of Employable. Compare your answers with mine on the next page.

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Self-test

1. What we get ―into‖ is far more important than what we get ―out of‖! 2. The ―mandate‖ of the church is to The ―mission‖ of the church is to 3. What four ―models of the churches” are given in this unit that we presently have within our community? 4. What must be changed in order to possess our land? 5. What three vital ―ingredients‖ are needed in order to possess the land? 6. Give an example of where Christ may be found in the book of Joshua. 7. Joshua stirred up the faith of his army by , and .

sent

taken

go into all the world

disciple all nations

pastoral, priestly, phantom and prophetic

Our attitudes and outlook must be changed.

1. Right Administration 2. Right Strategy

3. Right Attitude

Christ in Joshua: Although there are no direct messianic prophecies in the book, Joshua is clearly

a type of Christ. His name (“Yahweh Is Salvation”) is the Hebrew equivalent of the

name Jesus. In his role of triumphantly leading his people into their possessions, he foreshadows

the One who will bring “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). “Now thanks be to God who always

leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14; see Romans 8:37). Joshua succeeds Moses and

wins the victory not reached by Moses. Christ will succeed the Mosaic Law and win the victory

unreachable by the Law (see John 1:17; Romans 8:2–4; Galatians 3:23–25; Hebrews 7:18–19). The “Commander of the army of the LORD” (5:13–15) met by Joshua may possibly be a pre-

incarnate appearance of Christ (cf. 5:15 with Exodus 3:5).

Rahab‟s scarlet cord (2:21) portrays safety through the blood (Heb. 9:19–22); and amazingly, this

gentile woman is found in Christ‟s genealogy (Matthew 1:5).

ceremony

life

word

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8. There were 17 characteristics of the Joshua Generation given in this unit. How many can you name? 9. Give the definition for the characteristic of Explorer. 10. Give the definition for the characteristic of Employable.

Encourager Explorer Enjoyer Exterminator Edifier Experimenter Early Starter Empowered Exalter Examiner Enthusiastic Effective Emancipator Endurer

Expectant Eradicator Employable

Explorer - Numbers 13:1,8,16; Deuteronomy 1:37, 38; Numbers 14:30, 38; 26:65

Joshua was adventurous, daring, and desirous of exploring, tasting and experiencing the promises and preparation of God for them! He had that pioneer mentality, the desire to break new ground and go where others hadn't yet gone! Joshua inherited because he was wholehearted! (Numbers 32:12)

Employable (equipped and available) - Joshua 8:1-17

Equipped - Joshua 5:13-15

Many people offer themselves for tasks that they aren't equipped for - mentally, spiritually, morally, relationally or practically! Joshua was to learn that the spiritual equipping was as necessary as the physical ability. Joshua accepts the leadership of the Man with the drawn sword. One personal victory gained in secret can turn the fortunes of a whole nation.

Available - Luke 10:25-3; Ephesians 4:1-3, 11-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 12-27

Joshua is in the tent waiting. He holds up Moses' hands – not too glamorous or glorious a job! He gets involved without any excuses. We need to be available for whatever job God has in store for us.

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UNIT THREE

EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP 1 Samuel 9

Learning Outcomes: After completing this study unit you should be able to: (1) Discuss the qualifications of the Caleb-spirited leaders. (2) Understand the poor leadership skills of Saul.

(3) Know how to avoid becoming disqualified leaders. (4) Understand the need for the anointing power upon the leader.

3.1 CONSIDERING GOOD LEADERSHIP 3.1.1 The Caleb-Spirited Leaders Numbers 14:24 says, "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." Caleb had a "different spirit."

He grew stronger as he grew older! (Joshua 14:11-12). Even though Caleb

was getting older in years, his strength had not failed him. He knew the source of his strength and relied upon the Lord to work through any obstacles he may have had to face.

He never stopped growing bigger, in spiritual stature. Caleb grew with

great confidence toward God. He believed that God would even help them to drive out the Canaanites, Joshua 15:13,14; Judges 1:20.

He was a man of tremendous character. Crisis may sometimes reveal what

is inside. For Caleb, the "crisis" began when he was chosen to spy the land. He was a leader, Numbers 13:2. The Promised Land was his goal and he set his eyes on the promises and capabilities of the Lord rather than his own.

He was a man of courage. He stood alone against popular opinion (Numbers

13:30). He didn't crave fame.

He was a man of faith, no matter the size of the opposition. His faith

flourished in the midst of pessimism – even when he was about to be stoned! (Numbers 14:6-10). He saw God when everyone else saw the giants.

He remained positive all his life. We must develop a positive attitude

because of the promises of God within the Bible.

Life's events help develop qualities of

character.

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He remained co-operative. When Joshua was chosen to replace Moses,

Caleb did not suffer rejection or cause a rebellion. Rather, he submitted to Joshua's leadership, asking for permission to "take a mountain!" (Joshua 14:6-13).

3.1.2 The Priority of the Caleb Spirit

What was his focus? He waited upon the Lord and his hope was in what God had

said, Joshua 14:6, 9, 12, 13. He wholly followed the Lord (Joshua 14:8,14). Moses attested to this truth, "Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God" (Joshua 14:9). God had proclaimed the same of both His servants, Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 32:11d, 12.

In summary, Caleb had:

No divided loyalties.

No secret agendas.

Consistent obedience to all light received.

Uncomplaining acceptance of God's will.

He awaited God's timing – no matter how long it took for God to fulfil His promise.

No short cuts.

No self-promotion.

No grasping.

Character Sketch

Moses chose Caleb as Judah’s representative to evaluate

the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:6). Among the 12 spies

only he and Joshua returned with a favourable report.

Accordingly, only Caleb and Joshua were permitted to

survive (v. 38), because they “followed the LORD”

(Numbers 32:12; Deut. 1:36; Josh. 14:9). Still living for

God at the age of 85, he asked for and received the city of

Hebron as his special inheritance based on the promise of

God and Moses (vv. 6-14).

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3.2 THE QUALIFICATIONS, OR DISQUALIFICATIONS, OF A LEADER 3.2.1 Crisis Reveals Character

1 Samuel 9:1-3 "... He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites – a head taller than any of the others." (Also 1 Samuel 9:14-22).

The story of Saul occupies most of 1 Samuel (chapters 9-31). "Head and shoulders above his brethren, a man whose personal courage matched his physique, kindly to his friends and generous to his foes, Saul was the man chosen by God to institute the monarchy, to represent within himself the royal rule of Yahweh over His people." That is a good description of a leader in the church of God today. Saul was the result of Israel rejecting the spiritual leadership of Yahweh, mediated through the prophetic ministry of Samuel. Under the pressure of Philistine domination the Israelites came to think that only a visible warrior-leader could bring deliverance. It didn't take Saul long to show his bravery and how capable he was. Nahash, the Ammonite, put Jabesh-Gilead under siege and offered its inhabitants a few cruel terms of surrender. Saul summonsed the people and with a raised army won a great victory (1 Samuel 11:1-15). His natural abilities and strengths carried

Stop and consider: Caleb developed wonderful characteristics that all Christians

could strive towards especially Christian leaders. Explain the importance of being courageous within a leadership position. Read Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 27:14. Add several of your own scriptural references to include in your answer.

Would you consider yourself to be a courageous person? Why or why not?

Character Sketch Saul was the first king of Israel. He had several admirable qualities

suitable for a king of Israel during such turbulent times. First, he was a

tall, attractive man. Second, he was from the tribe of Benjamin,

situated on the border of Ephraim and Judah, and so had credibility

with both the northern and southern tribes. Third, he was a capable

military leader, as his early victories demonstrate. But it was soon

apparent that Saul had a rebellious nature and would not share his

power and popularity. Saul was rejected as a king by God (15:26), and

wasted the remainder of his years in fruitless attempts on David’s life.

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him and gave him credibility – for a while! However, we are warned, as leaders in God's church, that we are not to lead as a "warrior-king" (1 Peter 5:1-3). It took two years for Saul‘s character flaws to emerge (1 Samuel 13:1-14). It took crisis and pressure to bring these flaws to the forefront. When everything is going our way we may appear to have it all together. But pressures and crises have a strange way of bringing out the hidden things. Not that there is anything seriously wrong with those flaws surfacing. It's what we do with them once they appear. David had flaws but he brought them to God and dealt with them. God was looking for a certain quality in his leader – a man after His own heart. That is part of the reason why David had such long-lasting effectiveness and success (1 Samuel 13:14). Saul is an object lesson in the essential difference between the carnal and the spiritual leader. He did not have to end up committing suicide he chose this path. God gave him opportunity after opportunity to repent and ask for help. Each time Samuel rebuked him, he was still King! If God wanted Saul destroyed, it could have happened many times before as there were many times when David could have killed him. 3.2.2 The Good Traits of Saul

Let's look at the earlier characteristics of Saul:

1. Good Background - He was the son of a mighty man of power (1 Samuel

9:1). His name 'Saul' means 'asked of God'. His father must have known God. When people struggle to have children and then they succeed, they grow up appreciated.

2. Handsome - 1 Samuel 9:2.

3. Generous, Merciful and Humble - He was a generous man. He wanted

to give something to God's servant for his service (1 Samuel 9:7). He was

Stop and explore: Read 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1. There are some discrepancies surrounding the death of Saul. What conclusion would you come to in light of Scripture?

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merciful and didn't take advantage of the situation when he rescued the city Jabesh from the Ammonites while some men rejected his leadership (1 Samuel 10:27). Saul spared them and showed them mercy when he could have returned evil for evil. He was humble – he came from the smallest tribe (1 Samuel 9:21) and when Samuel was looking for him, he was found hiding in the baggage! (1 Samuel 10:10-23). He was chosen by God and anointed (1 Samuel 10:1, 10-13).

4. Self-Controlled - Initially he seemed to be in control of his emotions (1

Samuel 10:27) when aggravated by others. 3.2.3 The Bad Traits of Saul

1. He was not a worshipper - Saul was consumed with himself and

depended too much on his natural looks and abilities. He wanted forgiveness so that he might be free to worship (1 Samuel 15:25, 31). Things were different with David. We find him "dancing before the Lord with all of his might" (2 Samuel 6:14). The Psalms are full of worship. When David was in trouble and under pressure, he worshiped! (Psalm 57:4-11; 56:12; 59:16,17).

2. Greedy - 1 Samuel 15:9. Saul killed most of the Amalekites but spared the

best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, lambs and all that was good. Paul writes that a leader must have dealt with greediness before he enters into a leadership position (1 Timothy 3:3, "not greedy for money"). The love of worldly wealth has been the downfall of many of God's leaders. We must learn to be content with whatever we have (Philippians 4:11).

3. Disobedient - 1 Samuel 15:1-3. The command of God was to spare

nothing. Saul did 'most' of what God said, and thought that was good enough! (1 Samuel 15:8, 9). But it wasn't (1 Samuel 15:10,11, 13-23). It disqualified him from leadership! It might seem small in our eyes but to God it is disobedience. The affair of the Amalekites, though a military success, was a spiritual failure. We may appear successful in the eyes of

Stop and answer: To be trustworthy is to be worthy of being trusted; honest, reliable, or dependable. This is a needed characteristic for today‘s church leaders. Read Philippians 2:12,13; Titus 1:7; and 1 Timothy 1:12. Identify and explain the importance of this leadership characteristic in light of Scripture. Would you consider yourself trustworthy? Why or why not?

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people but if we resort to carnal means and methods of achieving success, we have failed.

4. A Man-Pleaser - 1 Samuel 15:24c. He wanted to look good in their eyes

even if it meant compromising the commands of God! Cf. Galatians 1:10.

5. Insecure - Saul felt threatened when others could do things better than he could and as a result received more recognition (1 Samuel 18:6-9). He allowed these insecurities to motivate him to action against David instead of running to God for help (1 Samuel 22:6-19). His insecurities eventually became paranoiac fears (1 Samuel 22:6-8). They eventually opened the way for treacherous traitors to get close to him (1 Samuel 22:9).

6. Desperation - Divine delays caused him to become desperate and violate

God's commands (1 Samuel 13:5-14). Some people began to hide in caves, others crossed over the Jordan and Saul "waited seven days", but Samuel did not come to Gilgal. Divine delays should never cause us to violate God's commands.

7. Impatient - He became impatient and could not wait for Samuel (1 Samuel

13:8-10). Building God's way can sometimes be slow and tedious. Waiting for God's timing can be very trying. To become impatient is inevitable, but to give in to our impatience is trouble. If you have made a mistake, acknowledge it and get back to patient faith (Romans 5:3,4; 15:4,5; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:3,4; 5:4,7,10; Revelation 2:2,19; 3:10).

8. Arrogant - 1 Samuel 13:5-9. He thought he could take the place of the

priest because of his authority as king. We must remember that our authority has boundaries. To go outside of those boundaries would place us in the area of presumption, not faith – a very dangerous place to be in.

Study the following passages of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 and Philippians 2:1-5. What example does Paul give us to follow? People are supposed to follow us as examples of Christ. In what ways are you an example to those around you? When they imitate you, are they imitating Christ in you? Give an explanation for your answer.

Stop and consider: Principles Related to Being Examples 1. Being a Godly example is not an option; it is a command in Scripture. 2. We have no choice in being an example of some kind and having an

impact on those around us, but we do have a choice in the kind of witness and impact we provide.

3. We need Christian maturity that provides people with real examples of authentic Christ-like living.

4. Mature Christians and leaders have a responsibility to maintain a consistent example.

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9. "Double-tongued" - He was not a man of his word. He promised David his daughter Merab to be his wife but didn't keep his word (1 Samuel 18:17-19; cf. 1 Timothy 3:8).

10. Jealous - He became jealous and gave into his jealousy (1 Samuel 18,

19). Saul was jealous of David's fame and God's blessing upon him.

11. Depressed - Saul became prone to bouts of depression. We should learn

how to keep our thoughts centred upon the positive (Philippians 4:4-9). We have to be more careful what we allow to fill our minds and hearts. "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Psalm 4:23; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Matthew 12:35, 36; Luke 6:45).

12. Impulsive (1 Samuel 14:24-45) - He was impulsive and made decisions

and statements hastily, without giving due consideration to their outworking.

13. Selfish - Instead of developing and releasing other strong leaders he

'suffocated' them, using them selfishly for personal gain! This is how 'Saul-hearted' leaders rule. Eventually, those leaders who have been used desert their leader and often work against him/her, becoming their enemy (1 Samuel 14:52b; 18:2).

14. Proud - 1 Samuel 15:30. He would not deal with his pride. It eventually got

the better of him, which resulted in his downfall and death. We must humble ourselves, otherwise face humiliation. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of God and He will lift you up." (cf. 1 Peter 5:5, 6). Be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility. (See Luke 18:14; James 4:6, 7; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 57:15).

Stop and consider: Read Philippians 4:8,9. There is a great emphasis on exemplary leadership. Paul presents himself as an example of good leadership. In what things are we to be commended? What will result if this example is followed? In what areas do you find yourself excelling?

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3.2.3 How can we resist becoming a “Saul”? We must constantly allow God to give us "His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). God will give you His heart if you really want it, if you ask for it and if you will serve His people. Take John 21:15-17 prayerfully before the Holy Spirit.

Become a true worshipper. The Psalms are a good example of worship in

good and bad times. Take and use them to sing to God (Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always"). Worship Him daily, all day! Lift up your heart to Him in praise and adoration. Cultivate a life of worship.

Learn to be content with whatever you have (Philippians 4:11). Just

belonging to Him and enjoying His presence and promises should satisfy you.

Don't get too big or important in your own eyes (1 Samuel 15:17). Keep

humble – totally dependent upon God.

Remember that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Build

according to the Biblical model – even if it is a little slower and more painful.

Acknowledge your sin and failures, accepting the blame.

Deal with your insecurities as they arise. Take them straight to God. Do

not attack or criticise those that seem to be doing better than you. Praise God for those people – even when it's hard.

Deal with your impatience. Seek help, counsel and prayer when you are

battling.

Keep yourself encouraged – don't allow depression to rule over you. No

matter how hard – rejoice!

Stop and consider: Let us dive into the area of ambition. The difference between a worldly or Godly ambition is nature of the ambition (fame, power, prestige, position, effective service, God‘s glory, etc.) and the motives behind ambition. Read 1 Timothy 3:1; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 22:24-30. What was wrong with the disciples‘ nature and motives concerning their ambition? Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. What is good leadership characteristic modelled for us in the life and ministry of Paul and his associates?

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Love and serve – don't threaten and manipulate the sheep. Serve them out

of love, care and concern.

Don't fight for your rights (1 Corinthians 9:1-18, 27).

Stay within your anointing, i.e., Saul was king, not a priest.

Give yourself to changing! (Matthew 9:16, 17).

Trust God even when people turn against you or desert you. Jesus did!

"He opened not His mouth." He was denied and forsaken, etc., Isaiah 46:10,11.

3.3 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ANOINTING 3.3.1 For what the Anointing is Used

1. It is used in order to consecrate an object or person for a special and specific work. Everything used in the service of God was to be consecrated, Exodus 30:22-28; Exodus 40:9-16.

2. It is the equipping for service by the special enabling and empowering of

the Holy Spirit and is often associated with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The disciples needed to be empowered, Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8. Jesus had to be filled with the Spirit before He commenced His public ministry, Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 3:21-23; 4:1, 18-21.

For Example:

King Saul - 1 Samuel 10:1-12 David - 1 Samuel 16:13 Jesus - Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38 Believers - Acts 1:8; 1 John 2:20,27; Acts 2:4; Acts 4:7,8,31; Zechariah 4:1-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21,22.

An Example for Others to Imitate… David was brave, genuine and a leader, not because of his great abilities but because of his ability to be great humbly, Psalm 55. Ruth was a woman who is accounted as faithful in all things. She was a leader among women whose heart was upright and pure, not self-seeking, Ruth 2:10-13. John was a humble leader. His Gospel displays Christ as Messiah and emphasises His deity, giving Christ the exalted position, John 1. Peter was down to earth and easy to relate to. He was a leader close to his followers and sought to glorify God in all things, Acts 3. Jesus is our perfect example of righteous daily living. He sought to do nothing more than to honour and obey His Father in heaven.

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3. It is used for healing – Isaiah 61:1-7; Luke 4:18-19.

4. It is used to bring joy – Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9; Luke 10:21.

5. It consecrates a true priesthood – Exodus 40:15

6. It brings wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the Lord through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – Isaiah 11:2-3.

3.3.2 How the Oil was Used

1. ―Pour it on his head…‖ Exodus 29:7 This covers and affects:

(a) Thought life (b) Hearing (c) Sight (d) Speech

2. ―Pour it all over his garments…‖ Exodus 29:21; Psalm 133:1,2. This covers and affects his heart -

(a) Desires (b) Goals (c) Will (d) Emotions

Stop and consider: No Old Testament king or priest could take up his

leadership role and function without first being anointed. To illustrate this point look at the following examples and write a brief description of each experience of anointing. Include the differences and similarities there are in each circumstance. Aaron and his sons, Exodus 30:30-33. King David, 1 Samuel 16:1, 12-13. King Saul, 1 Samuel 10:1, 6-9.

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3.3.3 How the Anointing is Received

1. Call of God to a task.

2. Calling upon the name of the Lord, Acts 2:21.

3. Commission of the Church. This confirmation of the church is always an encouragement to faith.

3.3.4 How the Anointing is Maintained

1. Communion with the Holy Spirit, John 15:4-7.

2. Cooperative with the Father, John 8:28,29.

Let‟s try the Self-test on the next page.

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Self-test

1. Numbers 14:24 says, ―But because my servant Caleb has a and

I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.‖ 2. What seven (7) qualities of the Caleb-spirited Leaders are given in this unit? 3. Saul is seen as having four (4) good traits can you list them? 4. Why was Saul‘s insecurity considered a ―bad trait‖? 5. We must constantly allow God to give us (1 Samuel 13:14). Compare your answers with my answers on the next page.

_________ ________ __________ ______ ______________

―_______ ________ __________‖

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Self-test

1. Numbers 14:24 says, ―But because my servant Caleb has a and I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.‖ 2. What seven (7) qualities of the Caleb-spirited Leaders are given in this unit? 3. Saul is seen as having four (4) good traits can you list them? 4. Why was Saul‘s insecurity considered a ―bad trait‖? 5. We must constantly allow God to give us (1 Samuel 13:14).

Different Spirit Follows me wholeheartedly

He grew stronger as he grew older!

He never stopped growing bigger, in spiritual stature.

He was a man of tremendous character.

He was a man of courage.

He was a man of faith, no matter the size of the opposition.

He remained positive all his life.

He remained healed and cooperative

Good background

Handsome

Generous, Merciful and Humble

Self-controlled

Saul felt threatened when others could do things better than he could and as a result received more recognition (1 Samuel 18:6-9). He allowed these insecurities to motivate him to action against David instead of running to God for help (1 Samuel 22:6-19). His insecurities eventually became paranoiac fears (1 Samuel 22:6-8). They eventually opened the way for treacherous traitors to get close to him (1 Samuel 22:9). Insecurities

that are not dealt with will cause one to control people who threaten him/her.

“ His own heart ”

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UNIT FOUR

MATURITY IN LEADERSHIP Ephesians 4:13

Learning Outcome: After completing this study unit you should be able to: (1) Learn the distinct qualities of Christian maturity. (2) Understand the characteristics set forth as mature leaders. (3) Develop a standard for maturity. (4) Grasp the importance of Christ‘s leadership formed within the believers. (5) Learn to reach full maturity by understanding Christ‘s humility. 4.1 CHRISTIAN MATURITY

4.1.1 The Distinctives of Christian Maturity and Leadership

Before actually considering the qualities that should characterize mature Christians and Christian leadership, it would be well to consider its uniqueness. It is hoped that in doing so it will focus us on the supernatural element involved and how Christian maturity and leadership is to find its source in a personal relationship with the living Christ through the Holy Spirit and in the light of the special revelation of God, the Holy Bible. The following is a summary of six distinctives.

Distinctive 1: Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of a leader‟s position as a servant, as opposed to the viewpoint of the secular world. (See Luke 22:24-27; Mark 10:35-45). Regardless of one‘s position in the home or the church, the Biblical principle is that there is only one who is ―number one,‖ and that is Christ Himself. It is He who is to be pre-eminent in the life of the church. Submission to Christ‘s authority and leadership is one of the hallmarks of leadership.

Stop and reflect: Read John 13:13; Colossians 1:18

and Ephesians 1:22,23. Describe the position of Christ within the church and within the believers‘ life.

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Distinctive 2: Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of its character requirements. While the secular and corporate world may speak of the need of moral character, it will lack certain qualities of character that are strictly Christian in nature like submission to the Lordship of Christ, complete trust in the tenets of Scripture, and those characteristics listed in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:7-9.

Distinctive 3: Christian maturity and leadership is distinct as to its source. In Scripture, the special ability to be a Christian leader is explicitly declared to be the product of the gift of the Spirit. While all Christians have a responsibility to lead in certain capacities – as parents, Sunday teachers, and as members of society – the Holy Spirit, the giver of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7), gives a special gift of leadership as described in Romans 12:6-8.

Distinctive 4: Christian maturity and leadership is distinct as to its enabling. The Christian character required to be a Godly leader, biblically speaking,

has its source in a personal abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. It is to be the product of a Word-filled, Spirit-filled (controlled) life (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18) that results in the life changed by Christ.

Distinctive 5: Christian maturity and leadership is distinctive as to its ambition and motivation. An ambition is a strong desire to accomplish something or reach a specific goal. The difference between a worldly or Godly ambition is the nature of the ambition and the motives behind the ambition. Read 1 Timothy 3:1. The desire to be a leader is defined as a ―fine work‖. This takes the focus off the idea of position and places it on the function or responsibility that goes with the job. But

Read 1 Timothy 2:2. Like Nehemiah, our church and community leaders must make difficult decisions in the face of complicated situations everyday. Ask God to give those in authority over you the wisdom to know what is best and the courage to do what is right. Pray for as many of them as you can by name and then pray for yourself, that you would be a Godly example of leadership.

Stop and explore: Read Nehemiah 6:10-15. Nehemiah‘s enemies

tried to frighten him into hiding out in the Temple, which could‘ve cost his life. What decisions have you made that could‘ve cost not

only your life but also your reputation as a Godly leader?

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as noble as it may be, if one‘s motives are wrong then the ambition becomes tainted and wrong. Selfish motives that do not truly spring from Spirit-produced love, lead to some of the most destructive behaviours in the body of Christ. Thus, a true mark of maturity that is needed in Christian leaders, is purity of motives, as is modelled for us in the life and ministry of Paul and his associates.

Distinctive 6: Christian maturity and leadership is distinctive as to its authority. A Christian leader‘s authority comes from Christ, but in his responsibility as a leader, he is a servant in a two-fold way:

1. He is a servant of Christ and operates under the authority and leadership of Christ.

2. The Christian leader is to function as a servant to those he leads, 2

Corinthians 4:5. In the context of the nature of Christian maturity and the distinctiveness of Christian leadership, certain qualities have been briefly touched on like the leader as a model, the source of enablement, and the servant concept. Now a more detailed discussion will follow concerning the marks of spiritual maturity which are naturally also the marks or characteristics of Christian leadership.

4.2 BIBLICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MATURITY 4.2.1 Setting the Standards for Maturity Important Scriptures to keep in mind:

James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Ephesians 4:12-15 "…to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants...instead...we will in all things grow up into Him..."

Hebrews 6:1-3 "…go on to maturity…"

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:

if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;

he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence;

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:6-8

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Hebrews 5:11-14 "You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant...but solid food is for the mature..."

An important principle to remember is that maturity will result in involvement without imposition. To explain, children need to be told what to do. They are not mature enough to sift through relevant information and make a wise decision regarding certain requirements or involvements. As they grow older and mature, you share or suggest certain things to them, and then stand back and allow them to make a decision. If you are still telling a twenty-year old to brush his teeth, something has gone wrong! Without maturity we will become either licentious or legalistic. If we aren't allowed to mature and are always told what to do we will become legalistic and allow ourselves to be in bondage. If we don't mature or are allowed these choices too young or early, we will become licentious. Maturity brings liberty. The 'standards' set forth in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13 are not exclusively for leaders but for all believers. They are characteristics of maturity in which all understand the responsibility of growing up and maturing. Consider the following characteristics as a result of studying these Scriptures:

CHARACTERISTIC 1: ENTHUSIASTIC – 1 Peter 5:2,3

Contrary to what is often accepted as a sign of maturity, true maturity results in enthusiasm. We falsely attribute enthusiasm to immaturity. "You will quiet down and mellow out when you mature!" This is very sad. The more mature we become the more enthusiastic we should become about:

1. God - As you discover more about Him in His Word, in life, etc, the more

you are encouraged to greater heights. God is exciting, interesting and worthy of our attention and devotion.

2. His people - The church. As you see the potential in your brothers and

sisters, the more excited you will become. Look at the early church in Acts 4:32-35; 5:13-16; 2:42-47. Catch their excitement and enthusiasm.

3. What God is doing - Maturity enables us to see and understand what

God is doing and become enthusiastic in our participation. Encouraging others to help in His work.

ma+tur+ity n. 1. the state of becoming mature. 2. full development adj. 1. relatively advanced physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.; grown-up.

2. (of plans, theories, etc.) fully considered; perfected.

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CHARACTERISTIC 2: CARING – 1 Peter 5:2

Ezekiel 34:1-18 shows us what God means about mature care! Read it before you continue reading this chapter. True care results in strengthening the weak (vs. 4), healing the sick, binding up the injured. It includes seeking and bringing back the lost, treating them gently, not harshly or brutally (vs. 4). We are to place them and their needs above our own (vs. 2,3). Paul says that a mature person will be "hospitable", 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8. We need sheep that will invite others around for coffee or a meal, visit them, pray for them, support, encourage and stand by them, who will hold them accountable. Immaturity leaves it to the leaders and/or others. True maturity gets involved. Describe ways in which you could be hospitable, caring for the needs of others? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHARACTERISTIC 3: INTERESTED – Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 5:2

We need people who are interested, not anxious. Interested about the church (Ezekiel 34:17-24), the way they live, speak, their faith, life, etc. Interested about the glory of God and obedience to His Word. Leaders are needed to pray into different situations and do something about them. Until we are caring, concerned and interested we will not properly protect the new converts that God gives into our care. They will come in and then be lost again to the world if we leave them in the care of immature leaders who are not interested in the development of the Flock.

Look at some of the words in the New Testament that describe enthusiasm:

Zeal (Greek zelos) – for the house of God (John 2:17), for God Himself (Romans 10:2) Zealousness (Greek zelotes) – towards God (Acts 22:3), spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:12), of good works (Titus 2:14) Fervent (NIV deeply) – loving each other fervently (1 Peter 1:22; 4:8), in prayer (James 5:17; Acts

12:5), witnessing (Acts 18:25), concern for others (2 Corinthians 7:7) Eagerness – to help (2 Corinthians 9:2)

Earnestness – about Christian living (2 Corinthians 7:11)

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CHARACTERISTIC 4: KINGDOM-MINDED – 1 Peter 5:3,4; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:2; Acts 4:12 In order to be Kingdom-minded, that is, His Kingdom before any other, we have to place truth before tradition, consistency before comfort and become flexible, teachable, Jesus-orientated and decisive.

Truth before tradition - This was one of the many problems with the

Pharisees as they had conformed to so many traditions set around the religion of Judaism that they neglected the truth and simplicity of God‘s Word.

Consistency before comfort - Kingdom-minded people are those who

are willing to have their "comfort zones" stretched. They are people who will pay the price of "inconvenience", "go the extra mile", "turn the other cheek", and strive to be like Jesus. People who are growing and maturing daily in their walk with Him.

Flexible and teachable - We are to be conformed to the image of

God‘s Son, Romans 12:2, this is a process that does not occur overnight. Leaders need to be flexible and willing to change, especially where we are wrong. Growing to be more like Jesus gives us the opportunity to be flexible and allowing Him to work in and through us.

Jesus-orientated - Those who believe in the Kingdom of God will triumph, they believe in God‘s word as truth, knowing they are ―more than conquerors…‖ Romans 8:37-39 and understand that nothing could ever separate us from the love of God. Their focus, fulfilment and foundation is in Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, Hebrews 12:2.

Decisive - Maturity results in the ability to make decisions with wisdom

after taking into consideration all the available information, circumstances, ramifications, other peoples' perspectives and feelings, etc. It is not influenced by the desires or opinions of compromise no matter how rich or influential but their focus is on seeking after the righteousness of God and making decisions based upon His word alone.

Bodily exercise is all right but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too. This is the truth and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe it, for our hope is in the living God who died for all, and particularly for those who have accepted his salvation. Teach these things and make sure everyone learns them well. Don’t let anyone think little of you because you are young. Be their ideal; let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts. Until I get

there, read and explain the Scriptures to the church; preach God’s Word. 1 Timothy 4:8-13

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CHARACTERISTIC 5: FAITHFULNESS – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 In both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 it speaks of being "the husband of one wife." One of the main thoughts here would be that one must be faithful in his/her commitments. The leader must be able to be depended upon at every point including their relationship with God, their relationship in marriage, their relationship with the other leaders of the church, and their relationship with the sheep. Faithfulness means you have no hidden or secret agendas. Putting personal needs before God and/or the needs of others is a sign of immaturity. God wanted the immature removed before the army went to war. See Judges 7:1-5 and Deuteronomy 20:1-9. Jesus said in Luke 14:25-35 that we were to count the cost before we embark on a task so that we don't discredit the Kingdom by quitting. Maturing perseveres because it is committed. Faithfulness expresses itself in leaders being an example. We must live our message. In what ways are you living the message of Christ? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Stop and consider: Read Genesis 44:16-34. Joseph carefully plans a whole chain of events to make it appear as if Benjamin had stolen the Pharaoh‘s cup. He wanted to find out if his brothers would stand up to protect their younger brother or abandon him as they had done to Joseph years before. Describe the differences between the Judah willing to sell his brother into slavery and the man that appeared before Joseph now. What changes were seen in Judah? In what ways can your family see you changing and growing into what God wants you to be?

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CHARACTERISTIC 6: RESPECTED – 1 Timothy 3:2,8 A leader is to be respected, spoken well of, well thought of, someone who one would want to follow as an example because of his/her integrity and Godly lifestyle. The following are areas in which one should be respected:

Teacher - A leader ought to hold God‘s Word in high esteem and his/her teachings must be clear and doctrinally sound.

Trustworthiness - Here we are loyal to truth, the leaders, the sheep

and even the goats. Our word is our word. If we say we will do something it is as good as done.

A Team Person – Respected leaders often hold the opinions of others

in high regard. They are people who take their position seriously and will seek to listen, care and appreciate each member of their team as individuals and as God‘s children. Mutual respect is very important.

We want those who can work with others, who can relate well to others, are sensitive to the feelings and desires of others, who are considerate in their assessment, attitudes and decisions. They are strong about what they stand for but not insensitive and abrasive.

Leadership

The marks of a leader include a willingness to take on serious responsibilities and a determination to keep one‘s commitments no matter what the cost. In difficult situations, do you tend to sit back and wait for others to act, or do you take the initiative? In what ways can your family count on you to fulfil your responsibilities? Think of one unpleasant responsibility or task in your home or church that no one else seems eager to do, what is it?

Go and do that today.

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CHARACTERISTIC 7: CLEAR CONSCIENCE Paul states it so clearly in Titus 1:6,8, with words like "blameless...loving what is good..." In 1 Timothy 1:5-11 he says that the "goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." We may make mistakes. These seem inevitable. But we need to know that they were mistakes and not exaggeration, deception or the like. One of the wonderful aspects of Christ's finished work on our behalf, which is part of our inheritance in Jesus, is "a purged conscience" (Hebrews 9:14). The Flock of God is looking for leaders who don't have any selfish motives or hidden pasts that may come back to discredit them and the Flock of God. Take a moment and think of anything that could be hindering you from your full potential in leadership. List those things and pray about each individually. Ask God to give you wisdom and the ability to get out from under that bondage. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4.3 UNTIL CHRIST BE FORMED IN LEADERS 4.3.1 Understanding Christ Christ must be formed in us until we live nothing but Christ, think nothing but Christ and glory in nothing but Christ. Galatians 4:19 ―My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…‖ Because of this we must understand the humility of Christ. HE is our example and whom we are to emulate. There are some characteristics of Christ that need to be formed in the believer so that he/she is able to reach proper maturity in Him. Our priority must be that of Christ, to honour the Father.

Stop and reflect: Scripture has much to say about what is truly

important in life. Consult these references: Micah 6:8; John 15:7-12; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:10-20. What do you live for? Develop your own list of priorities and set them as goals for you and your church.

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KENOSIS [keh NOE sis] — a theological term used in connection with the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine. The word comes from a Greek verb meaning “to empty” (Phil. 2:7). The NASB translates this passage, “He emptied Himself,” but the KJV and NKJV express it, “He made Himself of no reputation.”

The Bible teaches that our Saviour was both fully divine and completely human during His earthly life. But nowhere does Scripture explain exactly how Jesus’ two natures coexisted. Theologians have struggled for years to explain this mystery. In the 1800s certain scholars formulated the Kenosis theory, which asserts on the basis of Philippians 2:7 that God’s divine Son laid aside, or “emptied Himself,” of certain divine attributes when He became human. However, orthodox Biblical scholars have rejected these theories of Jesus’ incarnation. Such views usually boil down to statements that when He became a man, Jesus stopped being God, or that He was first God, then became a man, and finally returned to being God after His resurrection.

Grammatically, Paul explains the “emptying” of Jesus in the next phrase: “Taking the form of a servant and coming in the likeness of men.” He does not say that Jesus stopped being God or that He gave up any divine attributes. Although John 17:5 shows that Jesus’ glory as God’s eternal Son was veiled during His incarnation (Ex. 33:18, 20; 1 Tim. 6:16), we should take the phrase, He emptied Himself, in a figurative sense as a reference to Christ’s humility and willingness to “partake of flesh and blood” (Heb. 2:14). While not ceasing to be God’s Son, Christ also became God’s Servant.

4.3.2 Christ‟s Mission (Mandate) He had a vision and a destiny that motivated Him, John 12:27, ―Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.‖ He moved from place to place as a pioneer, not a settler. He had so many opportunities to set up a comfortable kingdom, when they waved palm branches, shouting ―Hosanna…‖ when He healed, when He cast out demons, when He fed the multitudes, etc. But He moved on, motivated by the sense of His calling and the priority of obeying His Father. The “I came” of His Mission

To save – Luke 19:10; Matthew 5:13; Matthew 1:21.

To seek – Luke 19:10.

To sacrifice – Matthew 20:28; Matthew 10:34-29; Luke 12:49-52.

To serve, not to be served – Matthew 20:25 – 28.

To give life – John 10:10.

To bring light – John 12:46.

To testify to the truth – John 18:37.

To the nations – John 3:16; Matthew 28:19.

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4.3.3 Christ‟s Ministry – in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Identify and explain each of the following attributes of Christ‘s ministry accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit. Cross-reference and add your own Scripture to support your answers. Full of Grace – John 1:14; Luke 2:40 Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Full of Truth – John 1:14

Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ With Authority – Matthew 7:28,29 Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ With Gentleness – Matthew 19:13-15

Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

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With Wisdom - Luke 2:40-52 Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Servant-hearted – Matthew 20:26-28

Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 4.3.4 Christ‟s Message – The Kingdom of God Jesus started His ministry with this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near…” Matthew 4:17

He constantly preached His message, Matthew 4:23; 9:35.

The end of the age is contingent upon the message being preached, Matthew 24:14.

When tempted to establish His own kingdom – NOW – He resisted. John 6:14,15; Luke 19:38.

The phrase ―Kingdom of God‖ is used over 150 times in the Bible. Try the Self-test on the next page.

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James 1:4: _______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ephesians 4:12-15: __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hebrews 6:1-3: _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hebrews 5:11-14: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Self-test

1. Fill in the blanks: 2. Identify and explain the importance of each scripture as it relates to maturity. 3. List three things that mature leaders are to be enthusiastic about. 4. How does faithfulness express itself in the life of a Christian leader?

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of the leader‘s ________________ as a servant, as opposed to the viewpoint of the secular world.

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of its _________________ requirements.

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct as to its __________________,

__________________, ___________________, ___________________, and

__________________.

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5. Identify and explain three of the areas in which a leader is to be respected. 6. List the eight ―I came‖ statements of Christ‘s Mission given in this unit. Compare your answers with mine on the next page.

Teacher: Trustworthiness:

A Team Person:

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James 1:4: _________This is a personal reflection question. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ephesians 4:12-15: __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hebrews 6:1-3: _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hebrews 5:11-14: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Self-test

1. Fill in the blanks: 2. Identify and explain the importance of each scripture as it relates to maturity. 3. List three things that mature leaders are to be enthusiastic about. 4. How does faithfulness express itself in the life of a Christian leader?

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of the leader‘s position as a servant, as opposed to the viewpoint of the secular world.

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct because of the nature of its character requirements.

Christian maturity and leadership is distinct as to its source ,

enabling , ambition , motivation , and authority .

God

His people

What He is doing

Faithfulness expresses itself in Christian leaders being an example.

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5. Identify and explain three of the areas in which a leader is to be respected. 6. List the eight ―I came‖ statements of Christ‘s Mission given in this unit.

Teacher - A leader ought to hold God‘s Word in high esteem and his/her teachings must be clear and doctrinally sound. Trustworthiness - Here we are loyal to truth, the leaders, the sheep and even the

goats. Our word is our word. If we say we will do something it is as good as done. A Team Person – Respected leaders often hold the opinions and feelings for others carefully. They are people who take their position seriously and will seek to listen, care and appreciate each member of their team as individuals and as God‘s children. Mutual respect is very important.

The “I came” of His Mission

To save – Luke 19:10; Matthew 5:13; Matthew 1:21.

To seek – Luke 19:10.

To sacrifice – Matthew 20:28; Matthew 10:34-29; Luke 12:49-52.

To serve, not to be served – Matthew 20:25 – 28.

To give life – John 10:10.

To bring light – John 12:46.

To testify to the truth – John 18:37.

To the nations – John 3:16; Matthew 28:19.

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UNIT FIVE

A HEART FOR LEADERSHIP

1 Samuel 30:1-30 Learning Outcomes: After completing this study unit you should be able to: (1) Understand the importance of the heart attitude of a leader. (2) Learn characteristics of heartfelt leadership. (3) Gain insight to the quality requirements for the heart of the leader. (4) Identify spiritual heart qualities within your own life. (5) Learn the characteristics of the servant heart of leadership. 5.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAN 5.1.1 God‟s Mighty Men ―After removing Saul, he made David their King. He testified concerning him: ‗I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.‘‖ Acts 13:22, cf. 1 Samuel 30:1-30. David was one of the greatest of God‘s servants and kings. He achieved great ―heights‖ and plunged to deep ―lows.‖ He didn‘t just arrive at being what he became; there were certain qualities that had to be developed and nurtured. He had to go through the ‗school of God.‘ David was, or became, the preferred choice (1 Samuel 16:12-14). We are to learn something concerning the differences between David and others who could have been chosen for the leadership position. In both listed lineages of Jesse‘s family only three names were mentioned (1 Samuel 16:6-9; 1 Samuel 17:12-14), namely Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah.

Eliab – ―whose Father is God‖

Looking at 1 Samuel 16:7,8, we can see that he must have been a very impressive man. Samuel, a prophet, was very impressed. ―Surely the Lord‘s anointed stands before the Lord.‖ His appearance and height, his natural endowments seemed to impress people. However, these very ―strengths‖ appeared to be the cause of his rejection! In 1 Samuel 17:28, he is sarcastic and critical even criticising David in areas of his own sin. We normally criticise qualities most strongly in others that we suspect are lacking within ourselves.

The lesson to be learned here, although God is our Father, is that if we depend upon our natural abilities, we will be rejected.

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Abinadab – ―of nobility‖; ―the father is generous‖

Abinadab came from an impressive lineage and his father had a good reputation. The lesson to be learned is that our pedigree does not always qualify us the position of leadership. We can come from a

family of millionaires, university professors, or pastors, and still be passed by if we depend upon them to qualify us!

Look at Paul‘s pedigree: ―Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers…‖ (Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:3-6). Paul‘s attitude toward these qualities was that of indifference in comparison with knowing Christ, Philippians 3:7-9.

Shammah – “waste, desert”

Shammah is that which is unfruitful. If we are going to despise God‘s blessings and not produce fruit from that which He pours in and upon us, then we will be passed by! If Shammah is joined with the Hebrew name for God, Jehovah-Shammah, it means that His presence will enable us to become fruitful. The lesson to be learned is that if you waste God‟s blessings you will be passed by, but joined to Jehovah, you can become fruitful again.

5.1.2 Qualities Needing to be Developed and Nurtured in the Life of the Leader David was one of the great servants and Kings. He was the only one who had the privilege of having Jesus called ―the Son of David‖.

Becoming a Leader of Purpose – 1 Samuel 17:26b, 45

By becoming a leader of purpose one would need to ask some questions regarding one‘s goal.

1. Firstly, a leader must know his objectives:

What is my purpose? David knew what he wanted to achieve every time he tackled something. There was nothing vague about his approach to life

and its tasks. He knew his calling. When he pursued the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:1-30) he knew what his purpose was and understood his objectives. We too must know what we want to achieve.

2. Secondly, a leader must count the costs involved:

What is needed to accomplish the objective? David knew exactly what it was going to cost. He counted the

cost before tackling a project. To marry Saul‘s daughter would cost him one hundred Philistine foreskins (1 Samuel 18:24-27). He knew

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the steps he would have to take in order to achieve these purposes. Remember the words of Jesus regarding counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33; Luke 9:62). We too must count the cost and know our strategy for achieving our purposes.

3. Lastly, leaders must know and understand the effects of their objective:

What will happen as a result of achieving the objective? David knew what the outcome would be when he killed Goliath,

he knew the reward (1 Samuel 17:25). David understood what this victory would mean to the entire nation of Israel. What made David such a great king was his ability to understand the importance of trusting God in various situations.

Becoming a leader of purpose emphasises the underlying fact that the leader is already focused on knowing and doing the will of God. In all things David sought to honour and glorify the God of Israel. Those who did things for their own self-glorification were destroyed. Our purpose and objectives must always have the pre-condition that these are primarily God‘s objective. Read Isaiah 55:8-12; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Philippians 1:6; John 17:3-5; and Luke 19:10. Simply put, what are the purposes of God? Cross reference to add to your answer. Notes: _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Becoming a Leader of Prayer – 1 Samuel 30:7,8; 1 Samuel 23:24; 2

Samuel 2:1; 1 Chronicles 14:8-10; 14-17.

David knew the lesson of Proverbs 3:5 ―…not leaning unto your own understanding.‖ He sought God. Over and over again, we find David in prayer (Psalm 34:4-7; 63:1; 61:1-8). Leaders need to become people of prayer by cultivating fellowship with the Holy Spirit and learning to depend upon Him in all that they do.

Read John 17. Identify the motive and power of Jesus‘ prayer

life.

PRAYER

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Leaders must be willing to wait upon the Lord. Read Isaiah 55:8-12; Proverbs 16:9; and Psalm 37:23. One must understand the importance on waiting on God. Too often leaders will run ahead of what God is doing, excited for the task but make mistakes in the process because of their presumption and impatience. Read the Scripture verses above. Perhaps you have faced a similar situation concerning God‘s timing. What are your reactions to the delay in God‘s answering? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Take a moment to thank and praise God for bringing all good gifts in their perfect time, Isaiah 40:31.

Becoming a Leader of Power

Physical Power and Strength – Isaiah 40:29-31

―But David found strength in the Lord his God‖ (1 Samuel 30:6). ―Give us aid against our enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we shall gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies‖ (Psalm 60:11,12). Power develops and grows stronger physically by dependence on the Lord and seeking His face. We are made strong in His power, which enables us to be victorious when we face battles. He enables our bodies with power and strength to do the task at hand and persevere. Spiritual Power and Strength

Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) – The Word of God has great power. It

helps us uncover, understand, and deal with our thoughts and desires. The Bible is no ordinary book; it is God‘s Word – living and active, powerful and effective. All leaders need to remember that the Bible holds more authority and power than they will ever have; they need to take advantage of that. That doesn‘t mean they should use the Bible as a club or a weapon; rather it should be allowed to speak for itself.

Spirit of God (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:17-20) – God‘s Holy Spirit is power.

It was the power that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead. That same power lives, works and abides in us as we abide in Him.

Notes: ________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

POWER is the ability or strength to perform an activity or deed. Power is sometimes used with the word authority. If power suggests physical strength, authority suggests a moral right or privilege. One can have power to perform a task but no authority to do it. Jesus Christ had both power and authority (Luke 4:36), and He bestowed these upon His followers (Luke 10:19). Explain the difference between Power and Authority. Use Scripture to support you answer.

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. Becoming a Leader of Worship – Psalm 103

The Psalms are full of expressions of praise and worship in all sorts of situations and circumstances. David is quick to worship God for his victories, even with dancing and leaping! (2 Samuel 6:1-5, 14-23; 1 Chronicles 15:25-29). The act of worship is defined as ―…to show profound religious devotion and respect to; adore, honour…‖ 5.2 THE HEART OF THE LEADER Leadership in the Kingdom of God is filled with some of the most awesome possibilities; it presents us with rich and rewarding opportunities. As a leader there is an enormous potential to serve God and work with Him as He builds His Church. 5.2.1 After God‟s Heart It is an honour to serve the King in any capacity. To serve Him as a leader implies a call to lead His people with humility, grace and the knowledge that we have been given care of that which is most dear to Him – His people. Too often this is forgotten and, as a result, leading God‘s people becomes a burden; a drain on one‘s energies and a pain-filled responsibility. This should never be the way leadership is experienced or approached, Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 4:7-9. There is definitely potential to become frustrated as a leader, but there is never any justification for allowing this to happen. A leader must turn aside from preoccupations and attitudes that focus on the difficulties of leadership. In spite of the challenges of leadership, it will always be a privilege to carry this responsibility in the service of the King. Leadership is an honour that one should never take for granted. It is an exciting responsibility that a leader should seek to carry with thankfulness, and a determination to fulfil to the best of his/her ability. The focus should always remain firmly fixed on the King and on what He has called one to do. The preoccupation should always be to bring forth that which skilful

Give your attitude toward worship? Are you an example in your attitude toward worship? In what ways?

Stop and answer: Worship is a lifestyle and should be incorporated into our daily routine. God wants us to be prepared when we come to worship Him. Read Leviticus 11:24-25; Exodus 15:1-19; 1

Thessalonians 5:17-19. What was Moses‘ purpose for worshiping God?

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leadership can produce in the Church, rather than on the difficulty of the task. A leader would do well to learn from David‘s leadership in this regard. When I look to the Scriptures there are three testimonies that I find striking and inspiring. The first is of Enoch who walked with God, the second is of Abraham who was called the friend of God, and the third is the one about David that he was a man after God’s own heart. The testimony of David is one that every leader in the Kingdom of God should consider and emulate. His example of leadership is one of the most profound examples that I know. I wonder what testimony would be attached to my name, or what would be attached to yours? How wonderful it would be if God could say of us what He said of David. David‘s life models the kind of leadership that I believe God wants in the Church today. He had Godly character, anointing and skill as a leader. Here is a man

whose life is candidly exposed in the Scriptures for us to learn from. We see his strengths and weaknesses; his successes and failures; his joys and his sorrow. Throughout he is a man who, in spite of his weaknesses and failures, is characterised in the Bible as a ―man after God‘s own heart.‖ 5.2.2 Separated by God

Anointing is also important; it is the evidence and power of God‘s presence with us, and we should never presume to lead God‘s people without this. No matter how powerful a warrior he was, David never relied only on his own skill or past successes and victories. He generally desired to seek the counsel and presence of God. He wanted to know what God had to say about a matter. David thought he knew the anointing of God had come upon him when Samuel first came to anoint him as king, he did not presume that this gave him the liberty to do whatever he thought was good. He had a burning desire for the abiding presence of

Stop and reflect: Read Acts 6:2-4. When the early church decided to delegate jobs, the apostles were not implying that they were too important to do menial tasks. They simply recognized that people are usually happiest when they are free to do what they do best. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? What would your response be to a leader who asked you to do a task you felt incapable of doing? How would you counsel a person under your leader who felt incapable of doing a simple task?

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God and pursued a relationship with God and a leadership style that reflected this desire. He was a man who had committed himself to develop the skills of leadership that enabled him to govern effectively and to guide his people toward their destiny in God. The church needs leaders like this; leaders who have ―skilful hands‖. Yes we need leaders who have Godly character and anointing, but we also need leaders who are skilled in the ways of Biblical leadership. David is a good example of this and we will be examining some of these skills in his life. Later in this book we will also look at leadership skills in the life of Joseph. The various aspects of leadership cannot really be separated when we are talking about Biblical leadership. Character, anointing and skill are all necessary. The heart of a leader who has made a commitment to lead God‘s way recognises this and gives time to developing a full-bodied leadership. No amount of skill will, on its own, produce servant leadership, but when integrity of heart, anointing and skill come together, leaders that please God emerge. 5.3 QUALITIES OF THE HEART 5.3.1 Spiritual Heart Qualities The qualities of a leader‘s heart are very important to God. God is continually trying (Deuteronomy 8:2), searching (Jeremiah 17:10) and pondering (Proverbs 21:2) the hearts of His leaders. It is a leader‘s responsibility to maintain a pure heart before the Lord (James 4:8). What‘s the condition of your heart? In large part, that will be determined by your reaction to the Lord, to people and events around you. When you see a big need in someone‘s life, do you have a willing heart to help? Or do you have a hardened heart that says, ―this just can‘t be fixed‖? When the Lord confronts you with your own sin, do you have a tender heart? Or do you have a hypocritical heart that says, ―Please, Lord, not now. I‘m in the middle of something important now. Could we just straighten it out later‖? When you hear an inspiring Scriptural truth in a good sermon,

Stop and consider: Read Numbers 24:10-14. Balaam was not always a model of

pure motives and integrity, but in this instance he did what was right. Though tempted by Balak‘s offer of wealth and honour, Balaam refused to speak falsely in God‘s name. Have you experienced the temptation to put a selfish goal or reward above God‘s truth? How? In light of Scripture, what have you learned in regards to your integrity and

leadership role? How would you better handle a situation that could arise now?

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do you have a retaining heart that makes plans to implement the truth later in the week? Or do you have a double heart, which enjoys the thrill of discovering a new idea, but fails to follow through with action? What is the present condition of your heart? Explain your answer. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ This chart of ―Spiritual Heart Qualities‖ contains a list of heart qualities, with Bible verses, describing both the positive and negative sides to each quality. This is an excellent tool for evaluating the condition of your own heart. Through the Spirit and the Word, God can use it to help you pinpoint and adjust any unhealthy conditions in your spirit. If you are or desire to be a leader, it should be part of one‘s ―spiritual programme‖, to daily evaluate the state of one‘s heart. Moreover, anyone will profit by reading and praying through the list. The list of positive qualities is a refined inspirational message from God‘s Word.

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5.3.2 Guarding the Heart Biblically speaking, a leader has at least three reasons to guard his/her heart.

Cause 1: The first reason why the leader must guard his/her heart is because it is the very source of all his/her attitudes and actions. Read Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:7. In these passages, the leader is exhorted to guard his heart as a soldier guards the city gate. The leader must watch over his affections, to prevent an invasion of foreign values. He must maintain the alertness and discipline of one who guards over a camp or castle to protect one‘s king within.

Cause 2: The second reason a leader must guard his/her heart is because it is the source of all that he/she ministers or speaks. Consider Matthew 12:34b, 35; and Psalm 19:14. What are you storing up in your heart? Do you find yourself speaking words that edify or condemn? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Every leader must ask them self if he/she is proud of the contents of the storehouses of the heart. From there, he/she must feed and protect the people of the Lord. Spiritual leaders must store in their hearts the Word of God, the joy of the Lord, the anointing of the Spirit and the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Cause 3: The third reason that leaders must guard their heart is to prevent it from causing spiritual defilement to themselves or to God‘s people. You can see

this in the words of Jesus in Mark 7:14-23. The Lord Jesus Christ said that the unguarded heart of a leader can become the source for a long list of terrible things: base and wicked thoughts, sexual immorality,

Stop and consider: After reviewing the chart above state the positive and negative qualities of the condition of your heart.

What comforts or considerations do you find from the verses given?

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murders, stealing, covetous desires, dangerous and destructive wickedness, unrestrained and indecent conduct, an eye that looks for evil, an abusive mouth that slanders and makes malicious misrepresentations, a heart that is uplifted in pride against God and man, and a reckless love of folly. It is the tragedy of the Church that at some periods in its history, this list of shame has become the agenda for some of its most influential leaders. What went wrong? Both the leaders and those who followed them left their hearts unguarded. Instead of shepherding God‘s flock, these leaders were foremost among those who ―like sheep have wandered away.‖ Grazing from one pleasure to another, they have lost all track of God‘s will for the Church. Do the Self-test on the next page.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strength

and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

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Self-Test 1. What does Eliab mean?

2. What lesson is to be learned from looking at Abinadab? 3. What are the three (3) questions, given in this unit, which one should ask in respect to becoming a Leader of Purpose? 4. Where does our Spiritual Power and Strength come from according to the lesson in becoming a Leader of Power? 5. To serve God as a leader implies a call to lead His people with , and the that we have been given care of that which is most dear to Him – 6. David‘s life models the kind of leadership that I believe God wants in the church today. He had , and as a leader.

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7. It is a leader‘s responsibility to before the Lord. 8. What are the three (3) reasons, given in this unit, why a leader must guard his/her heart? Compare your answers with mine on the next page.

_____________ ____ __________ _________

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Self-Test 1. What does Eliab mean?

2. What lesson is to be learned from looking at Abinadab? 3. What are the three (3) questions, given in this unit, which one should ask in respect to becoming a Leader of Purpose? 4. Where does our Spiritual Power and Strength come from according to the lesson in becoming a Leader of Power? 5. To serve God as a leader implies a call to lead His people with , and the that we have been given care of that which is most dear to Him –

“Whose father is God”

The lesson to be learned is that our pedigree does not always qualify us the

position of leadership.

1. Firstly, a leader must know his objectives: What is my purpose? 2. Secondly, a leader must count the costs involved: What is needed to

accomplish the objectives? 3. Lastly, leaders must know and understand the effects of their objectives:

What will happen as a result of achieving the objective?

Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) – The Word of God has great power. It helps us uncover, understand, and deal with our thoughts and desires. The Bible is no ordinary book; it is God‘s Word – living and active, powerful and effective. All leaders need to remember that the Bible holds more authority and power than they will ever have; they need to take advantage of that. That doesn‘t mean they should use the Bible as a club or a weapon; rather it should let it speak for itself.

Spirit of God (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:17-20) – God‘s Holy Spirit is power. It was

the power that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead. That same power lives, works and abides in us as we abide in Him.

humility

grace knowledge

God‟s People

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6. David‘s life models the kind of leadership that I believe God wants in the church today. He had , and as a leader. 7. It is a leader‘s responsibility to before the Lord. 8. What are the three (3) reasons, given in this unit, why a leader must guard his/her heart?

Godly character anointing skill

maintain a pure heart

1: It is the very source of all his/her attitudes and actions.

2: It is the source of all that he/she ministers or speaks.

3: To prevent it from causing spiritual defilement to himself or God‘s People.

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Assignment One

Part One: The Character and Calling of a Leader

Using the headings as an outline, write an essay of 800 words on the following: (Be careful to number your headings correctly.)

1.1 Formulate a concise but comprehensive Biblical definition of leadership. 10 marks

1.2 How did Jesus go about choosing His leaders? What do you think he was looking for when He chose His apostles? (Give examples) 20 marks

1.3 What methods does God use to train and equip His leaders? 20 marks

Total Marks for this Section: 50 marks

Part Two: Biblical Leaders

Answer the following question in an essay of 500 words:

What is God looking for in a leader, in terms of character and gifting?

In your answer choose a well-known Biblical character and describe in detail the outstanding features of his/her life with particular attention to character and gifting. 50 marks

Total word count: approximately 1300 words

Total marks: 100

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UNIT SIX

THE CHRISTOLOGICAL BASIS FOR LEADERSHIP Matthew 20:25-27

Learning Outcomes:

(1) Establish a clear understanding of Christ as our example for leadership. (2) Develop characteristics that are Christ-like. (3) Learn the attitude of servant leadership. (4) Understand the importance of lifestyle leadership. (5) Learn and develop an understanding of sacrificial leadership.

6.1 CHRIST‟S EXAMPLE OF SERVICE 6.1.1 Serving the Disciples Jesus is our example for leadership in the whole essence of His person. Let us concentrate on three specific areas, firstly, His example in the area of Service. Jesus did a servant‘s work with kingly grace. Read the following Scripture passages: Mark 10:42-45; John 13:1-17; Mark 5:21-43; Mark 10:18; Philippians 2:1-5. There are many different aspects to service and servanthood that are necessary before grasping the entire message of serving.

Christ‟s Way was Service – Mark 10:42-45

A situation arose within the core of the discipleship concerning who would be the greatest in heaven. This gave our Lord the opportunity to make a radical statement concerning greatness in His kingdom. The Gentiles thought of greatness in terms of mastery and rule. In Christ‘s kingdom, greatness is shown by service. Whoever seeks greatness must become a servant, and whoever desires to be first must become a slave.

Jesus is the perfect example of lowly service. He came into the world not “to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. The whole purpose of the incarnation can be summed up in two words—serve and give.

It is amazing to think that the exalted Lord humbled Himself to the manger and to the cross. His greatness was made known in the depth of His humiliation. And so it must be for us. He gave His life a ransom for many and His death satisfied all God‘s righteous demands against sin. It was sufficient to put away all the sins of the entire world. But it is effective only for those who accept Him as Lord and Saviour.

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Christ‟s Way was Humble – John 13:1-17 In eastern lands, the use of open sandals made it necessary to wash one‘s feet frequently. It was common courtesy for a host to arrange to have a slave wash the feet of his guests. Here, in John 13:1-17, the divine Host became the slave and performed this lowly service. This dramatic scene of the foot-washing is a lesson in humility, and a clear portrayal of Christ‘s self-humiliation and highlighting Christ‘s coming to serve (Mark 10:45). Peter resisted allowing Christ to wash His feet because he saw it as an injustice, yet not to allow Him to do so would mean that Peter would not be cleansed. To resist meant to have no part with Christ, Peter than insisted Christ wash everything. He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet. Just as in the natural life a man who has bathed needs only to wash the dust off his sandaled feet when he returns home, so in the spiritual life a man who has been cleansed from sin need not think that all is lost when he sins in his walk through life. He need only confess these sins to be entirely clean again (1 John 1:9). When Christ commanded, ―you also ought to wash one another‟s feet”, He was emphasising the spiritual significance of the matter. Since the illustration has to do with forgiveness, this phrase means that believers ought to forgive one another and serve each other sacrificially (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:32).

Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Follow His Example (13:12–20)

The disciples had acknowledged Jesus to be their Teacher and Lord, and they were right in doing so. But His example showed that the highest rank in the power structure of the kingdom is that of servant.

Stop and reflect: Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Most people, especially leaders, will

struggle with questions of meaning and purpose. This passage tells us what we ought to do in life. It brings to the heart of the issue of why we are here, ―to do good works.‖ In what ways do you spend your time helping others? We are to follow Christ‘s example of washing each other‘s feet by spiritually looking out for the other person. When was the last time you washed your brother/sister‘s feet? How can you make a better effort to serve your brethren?

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If the Lord and Teacher had washed the disciples‘ feet, what excuse could they have for not washing one another‘s feet? Did the Lord mean that they should literally wash each other‘s feet with water? Was He here instituting an ordinance for the church? What are your thoughts on this event?

Notes: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus was telling His disciples that they should keep each other clean by constant fellowship through forgiveness and sacrificial service. The Lord had given them an example, an object lesson of what they should do for one another.

If pride or personal animosities prevent us from stooping to serve our brethren, we should remember that we are not greater than our Master. He humbled Himself to wash those who were unworthy and unthankful, and He knew that one of them would betray Him.

Would you minister in such a lowly way to a person knowing he/she was about to betray you for money? Why or why not? Be honest.

Notes: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Those who were sent (the disciples) should not consider themselves too lofty to do anything that the One who sent them (the Lord Jesus) had done.

To know these truths concerning humility, unselfishness and service is one thing, but one can know them and never practise them. The real value and blessedness lie in practising them!

Paul Teaches The Church to Follow Christ‟s Example (Philippians 2:1-5)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Paul holds up before

the eyes of the Philippians the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. What kind of attitude did He exhibit? What characterised His behaviour toward others? Guy King has well described the mind of the Lord Jesus as: (1) The selfless mind; (2) The sacrificial mind; (3) The serving mind. The Lord Jesus consistently thought of others.

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Christ is the model for Christian life and service because He thought first of others, not of Himself. Do you look out for the interests of others, or do you think only of yourself? Do you have the servant attitude of Jesus Christ, willing to sacrifice for others? Will you empty yourself that others might be filled?

Answer these questions as honestly as possible supporting your answers with Biblical references.

Notes: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6.1.2 Serving the People

Christ‟s Way was Available – Mark 5:21-43 Seven times in the book of Mark alone Jesus asked people who had seen a miracle not to tell anyone. He was protecting Himself from the crush of crowds that flocked to Him when word of His miracles spread – as it usually did, despite His orders – and from the opposition forces that were already following Him. However, Jesus also recognized the need to be available to people. Take for instance Jarius‘ dying daughter. Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue, came running up to Jesus. His little daughter was dying. Would Jesus please go and lay His hands on her so that she might be healed? The Woman The Lord responded and started for the home. A crowd followed, swarming Him. It is interesting that immediately following the statement of the crowd‘s swarming Him; we have an account of faith touching Him for healing. A distracted woman intercepted Jesus on the way to Jairus‘ home. Our Lord was neither annoyed nor ruffled by this seeming interruption. How do we react to interruptions? Can you think of the last time you were interrupted while doing something important? How did you react?

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat-drops

of blood for mine.

- Charles H. Gabriel

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Notes: _____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This woman had suffered with chronic bleeding for twelve years. The many physicians she went to had apparently used some drastic forms of treatment, drained her finances, and left her worse rather than better. When hope of recovery was all but gone, someone told her about Jesus. She lost no time in finding Him. Easing her way through the crowd, she touched the border of His garment. Immediately the bleeding stopped and she felt completely well.

Her plan was to slip away quietly, but the Lord would not let her miss the blessing of publicly acknowledging her Saviour. He had been aware of an outflow of divine power when she touched Him; it cost Him something to heal her. So He asked, ―Who touched My clothes?‖ He knew the answer, but asked in order to bring her forward in the crowd. The Lord took this interruption and used it to honour and glorify God the Father as well as to build up the faith of this woman. Jesus had to be available to this woman so that her faith could be perfected in her and her trust firmly planted in the Lord. He spoke words of assurance to her soul. Open confession of Christ is of tremendous importance. Without it there can be little growth in the Christian life. As we take our stand boldly for Him, He floods our souls with full assurance of faith. The words of the Lord Jesus not only confirmed her physical healing, but also the great blessing of salvation. The Daughter Jesus had not forgotten the purpose of his going to Jarius‘ house. However, by this time, messengers had arrived with the news that Jairus‘ daughter had died. There would be no need to bring the Teacher. The Lord graciously reassured Jairus, and then took Peter, James, and John to the house. They were met by unrestrained weeping, some of it by hired mourners. When Jesus assured them that the child was not dead but sleeping, their tears turned to scorn. Undaunted, He took the immediate family to the motionless child, and taking her by the hand, said in Aramaic, ―Little girl, I say to you, arise.‖

―While He was still talking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus‘s home with the news that it was too late – his daughter was dead

and there was no point in Jesus‘ coming now. But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, ―Don‘t be afraid. Just trust Me. ―

Mark 5:35,36

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Immediately the twelve-year-old girl got up and walked. The Lord forbade their publicising the miracle. He was not interested in the popular acclaim of the masses. We should not overlook the interruptions in our life but make ourselves available to the needs of the people.

Christ‟s Way was Welcoming – Mark 10:13,14

This passage concerns the children coming to Jesus and is a lesson on discipleship (cf. 8:34–38). The disciples (then and now) need to understand that greatness is found in serving others and not in self-advancement. To be a selfless servant is only to follow the example of Jesus, who served others and made the ultimate sacrifice of His life (cf. 10:45). Serving others meant serving the least of these, which were seemingly insignificant children. The children with their sincere, simple trust serve as a striking contrast to the Pharisees. Children exhibit sincerity, eagerness, a trusting attitude, and total dependence on their parents. Thus childlikeness is a fitting comparison for the qualities a disciple should have.

Stop and consider: Read Nehemiah 3:1-32. The world‘s definition of greatness is very different to that of God‘s. Jesus himself said as much in Mark 10:42-43. Nehemiah and the leaders of the people provided a vivid example of servant leadership. God‘s work required strong, bold, hands-on servant leadership. Would you be described as that kind of a leader? Why or why not?

List some ways in which you could improve your leadership abilities.

Stop and answer: How friendly are you? Do you go out of your way to be kind to others? Do people feel comfortable approaching you? Rate yourself on a scale of one to ten, ten being the most friendly.

1-------2-------3-------4-------5-------6-------7-------8-------9-------10 What adjustments can you make to be friendlier to others? Support your answer with Scripture.

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In Jesus‘ day it was common for mothers to ask famous rabbis to bless their children. With Jesus, however, they sought more than a blessing; they wanted the touch of this Rabbi (Mark 10:13). No doubt the power of His touch had become well known. Mark did not explain why the disciples tried to keep the children away. Perhaps they viewed the little ones as ritually unclean, or, like most of society, unworthy of an important man‘s attention. But Jesus rebuked the disciples and invited the children into His arms (10:16). The way that He spoke to them and embraced them must have shocked those who stood by. Such tenderness and respect were rarely given children in that society. The disciples evidently felt that children were too insignificant to be allowed to interrupt the work of Jesus. The indignant response of Jesus shows that no one is too insignificant for the loving attention of Jesus, and He gladly welcomed the children with open arms. The kingdom of God is only for those who come to Jesus in the humble dependence and trust of little children. The kingdom of God belongs to them, not because of merit, but because God wills to give it to the humble, and the apparently insignificant or unimportant. Jesus welcomes all into His kingdom, ―…For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost‖, Luke 19:10, no matter how great or how small, Jesus is welcoming to everyone.

Christ‟s Way was Forgiveness – Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5 No religious book except the Bible teaches that God completely forgives sin (Psalm 51:1, 9; Isaiah 38:17; Hebrews 10:17). The initiative comes from Him (John 3:16; Colossians 2:13) because He is ready to forgive (Luke 15:11-32). He is a God of grace and pardon (Nehemiah 9:17; Daniel 9:9).

Stop and reflect: Children are a heritage from the Lord. Read Psalm 127:3-5. Compare today‘s view of having children with that of the Lord‘s. What similarities or differences are there? What is your attitude toward children? Explain your answer.

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The crowd that watched Jesus heal the paralytic responded enthusiastically to His dramatic display of power (Matthew 9:8). But they overlooked His more significant ability to forgive sins—a power that deeply troubled the scribes (9:2–3).

The power of forgiveness is immeasurable. Jesus challenged us as His followers to forgive others who have wronged or hurt us (6:14–15; 18:21–35). That may seem like a simple act, but anyone who has struggled with pain and anger knows that it takes enormous power to sincerely forgive—to lay aside one‘s hurt and reach out to an offender with one‘s willingness to forgive. On the other side, forgiveness can release the wrongdoer from paralysing guilt and even turn around the course of that person‘s life (James 5:19–20). Forgiveness is as powerful and liberating as the healing of a paralytic. And it is a power that Jesus has delegated to His followers (John 20:23). We are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. This may be difficult to do in light of being hurt, however, as leaders and examples of God‘s Word, we are to follow Jesus‘ example of absolute forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). 6.2 CHRIST‟S EXAMPLE OF LIFESTYLE 6.2.1 Righteous Living Jesus has given us a perfect example of righteous living in many areas; however, let us concentrate on the areas of holiness, relationship with the Holy Spirit, and obedience to God the Father. However, before considering the holiness of Christ, we must accept Him as our perfect example, not as divine but rather, human. Let‘s look at Philippians 2:5-11.The reality of the incarnation is expressed in the complete self-renunciation of Christ as He made Himself of no reputation. He veiled the appearance of deity and

assumed real humanity. Coming in the likeness of man suggests that Jesus was really a man. His humanity was genuine, yet His being was still divine. Identify from Scripture some of the divine attributes of Christ. Notes: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stop and pray: Read Psalm 51:1-7. David did not rationalise away his sin but called it evil and blameworthy. God will forgive any confessed sin, even the sin of adultery, not because of anything inherently deserving in us, but wholly because He is merciful. Confess your sins to

God and let his forgiveness motivate you toward change.

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Therefore, let us look at an example. As ordained by God for a foundation of their faith, the Jewish nation in Exodus 19:5,6 has been separated to be God‘s chosen people. As a holy nation they were consecrated to God‘s service, outwardly marked as His by the symbol of circumcision and inwardly identified by purity and holiness. Christians have been similarly marked, as to our outward symbol, the circumcision of the heart and inwardly by the same holiness and purity of heart.

Holiness The Hebrew word translated ―holiness‖ comes from a root meaning ―to separate or cut off.‖ The primary meaning of holiness implies God‘s positive quality of self-affirming purity; the secondary meaning implies separation, particularly separation from sin. The holiness of God means He is absolutely pure and absolutely separate from (and above) all His creatures, and is also separate from sin and evil.

Because God is holy, all sin is offensive to Him. For this reason He had to break fellowship with His own Son when Jesus became our sin-bearer (cf. Matthew 27:46). Only through the identification of Christ with our sin as our sacrifice can we be reconciled to God. When the Scriptures mention the holiness of God, they also stress the personal holiness of His people. Only because Christ lived a holy life can we even attempt to live a holy life.

Circumcision

Circumcision began as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17). Its practice, however, had been in suspension for 40 years, most likely as another sign of apathy and disobedience to the Law. The cutting away of the foreskin of the male sex organ was to mark them as a people in covenant with God. This outward sign was meaningless, however, unless coupled with an inward severing of fleshly deeds or ―circumcision of the heart‖. Circumcision of their hearts (v. 6), was a reference to the Messianic covenant when God would deal with man‘s spiritual problem through an internal transformation.

Stop and consider: Read Ezekiel 43:12. God told Ezekiel that the basic law of the Temple was holiness: God is holy; his Temple is holy; the place where His Temple sits is holy. What does that mean for you and your congregation? When God lives among us, He sets us apart for His service. Are you – in your activities, goals, and relationships – set aside for God to use? Explain your

answer.

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Relationship with the Holy Spirit - Matthew 3:16, 17

From the time of Jesus‘ baptism we can see an intimate relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In the process of His baptism, the descending of the Spirit of God fulfilled the predicted sign to John in order to indicate that Jesus is the true Messiah (cf. John 1:33, Isaiah 11:2). The dove was a symbol of innocence and

purity (cf.10:16) and served as an ideal symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit. The voice from heaven is that of the Father, giving His verbal approval to the ministry of His beloved Son and the anointing over His ministry. There can be no doubt that all three persons of the Trinity are actively involved here as distinct persons of the Godhead. The Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and the Son is baptised. Jesus is also filled with the Holy Spirit as He is led into the wilderness to be tempted (Luke 4:1). He claims to be anointed by the Spirit of the Lord in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18–19). During His ministry, Jesus refers to the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28–29; Luke 11:20) as the power by which He is casting out demons, thereby invading the stronghold of Beelzebub and freeing those held captive. Accordingly, the Spirit works with the Father and Son in realizing the redeeming power of the kingdom of God. God‘s kingdom is not only the reign of the Son but also the reign of the Spirit, as all share in the reign of the Father. Jesus speaks extensively concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 14-16. This emphasizes the power and anointing of the Spirit‘s work within His ministry. The Spirit is the One through whom the person of Christ will receive the power, help, strength and conviction to do His work.

Stop and explore: Read John 15. Reflect on the teaching of Jesus concerning the command to ―love each other‖. However, he commanded us to copy His example – to love as He loved. Define the love that Jesus is talking about here. Support your answer with Biblical references.

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Obedience to the Father – Romans 5:12–21

In the New Testament, the obedience of Christ stands in contrast to the disobedience of Adam. The disobedience of Adam brought death, but the perfect obedience of Christ brought grace, righteousness, and life. Jesus‘ obedience to the Father is characterised by the relationship He had with His Father. He sought only to honour and glorify the Father, John 17:1. Jesus was not selfish; His desire was to glorify the Father. To glorify Him is to make Him known. Jesus would soon be manifested as the Saviour of the world through His atoning death. Believers in Him will know God and thus possess eternal life. Jesus‘ desire to be obedient to the Father came from a right relationship with Him. This is characterised in the amount of time Jesus spent with Him in prayer, as well as a complete knowledge of the Scriptures.

Jesus‟ Prayer Life – Luke 11

Both Jesus (Luke 18:1) and Paul (1 Timothy 2:1) emphasised the importance of prayer, noting that people ought always to pray. Luke shows how important prayer was to Jesus. Jesus prayed often: after being baptised (3:21), before choosing the disciples (6:12), before asking his disciples who they thought He was (9:18), and before giving up His life on the cross (23:34,46). Jesus had direct communication with the Father and because of this constant communion the Lord knew always the Father‘s heart, He gained, insight, direction, wisdom and understanding from His time spent with His Father.

Jesus knew the Scriptures – Luke 2:40

In the areas of teaching, (Matthew 13:53-54; John 6:59; Mark 6:2), and temptation, (Matthew 4:1-13; Mark 1:12,13), Jesus knew the authority, power and the wisdom of the Word.

Stop and reflect: Read Luke 11:5-9; 18:1-8, 9-14. We

learn of three stories that Jesus told to teach about prayer. What are they? List the important values He emphasised in the area of prayer in each instance.

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6.2.2 Sacrificial Living If we look into John‘s Gospel we find Christ sharing with His disciples. He spends time with them, teaching them, exhorting them, and training them. John 15:13 depict Christ‘s ultimate sacrifice for His friends and brethren. The highest expression of His love was a self-sacrifice that would spare not life itself (see 1 John 3:16). The most a person can do for his friend is to die for him; such a death is a clear demonstration of love. Jesus demonstrated His love by dying for His friends, those

who obey Him. Abraham was called God‘s ―friend‖ (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8) because he obeyed God. Like close friends, Abraham and God communicated well with each other (cf. Genesis 18:17). Jesus taught them in John 15 that a servant does not have a close relationship with his master, as friends do. Normally, a slave does what he is told without understanding his master‘s mind or business. Since Jesus had opened Himself to His disciples, the title ―slave‖ did not fit their relationship. (When Paul spoke of himself as ―a servant of God‖ [Romans 1:1], he had a different idea in mind. He meant he willingly and humbly served and obeyed God.) Jesus called His disciples friends because He had disclosed His Father‘s revelation to them.

Identify some practical outcomes that would result in spending time with God

daily. Use Scripture to support your answer.

Stop and answer: Read Luke 4:42; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12. When we become busy and clamoured with jobs to do, our last thought is to spend our precious and little time with God. Jesus, on the other hand, looked for opportunities to slip away and pray. How often do you spend time with the Lord? What priority do you set on spending time in God‘s word?

“I love thee, Lord,

but with no love of mine, For I have none to give;

I love thee, Lord; but all the love is thine,

For by thy love I live. I am as nothing, and rejoice to be

Emptied, and lost, and swallowed up in thee.”

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Jesus reminded the disciples that contrary to the common practice of disciples picking a teacher, Jesus had chosen them (cf. John 15:19). The purpose of His choosing was so that they would produce lasting fruit. He chose them for a mission, and His Father would answer their requests in order to accomplish that mission. Friendship with Jesus involves the obligation of brotherly love (John 15:12) and a sacrificial heart (John 15:13). There are many things that we neglect to sacrifice on the altar of friendship and duty. Too often our lives are spent worrying about our needs and our ambitions. There is very little effort concentrated on the needs and ambitions of others. The Christian leader is a servant: a servant of God and a servant of the people. The Lord Jesus was the greatest leader of all time. He is the Lord of all, yet He humbled Himself and took the posture of a servant and even died shamefully on a cross in sacrificial love for us (Philippians 2:5–8). He never considered Himself too good to mix with common people, to touch a leper, to wash His disciples‘ feet. Church leaders should demonstrate that same Spirit of Christ today. A Christ-like attitude of gentleness and the disposition of humility should be exercised in practical service that helps to heal the hurts of broken humanity. Christian leaders are not celebrities, but servants. God uses humble servants who are willing to sacrifice self and prideful pursuits for the sake of God‘s people. God‘s servants lead with love and by faithful ministry toward those in need. Try the Self-test on the next page.

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Self-test

1. Fill in the blanks: 2. Complete the phrase, ―Christ‘s Way was…‖ 3. The disciples had acknowledged Jesus to be their and . 4. Guy King has well described the mind of the Lord Jesus as the following: 5. How does Christ exemplify the way of humility?

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be _________________, but to _________________, and to give _________________ a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45.

.

(1) (2) (3)

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6. How are leaders to be an example in forgiveness? 7. Why is a relationship with the Holy Spirit important in the life of the leader? 8. The Christian leader is a servant: a servant of and a servant of the 9. Jesus knew the and the of the Word. 10. Give an example of how to live sacrificially. Compare with my answers on the next page.

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Self-test

1. Fill in the blanks: 2. Complete the phrase, ―Christ‘s Way was…‖ 3. The disciples had acknowledged Jesus to be their and . 4. Guy King has well described the mind of the Lord Jesus as the following: 5. How does Christ exemplify the way of humility?

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served , but to serve , and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45.

Service – Mark 10:42-45

Humble – John 3:1-17

Available – Mark 5:21-43

Welcoming – Mark 10:13,14

Forgiveness – Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5

Teacher

Lord

(1) The selfless mind.

(2) The sacrificial mind.

(3) The serving mind.

This dramatic scene of the foot-washing is a lesson in humility, and a clear portrayal of Christ‘s self-humiliation and highlighting Christ‘s coming to serve (Mark 10:45). Peter resisted allowing Christ to wash His feet because he saw it as an injustice yet not to allow Him to do so would mean that Peter would not be cleansed. To resist meant to have no part with Christ, Peter than insisted Christ wash everything. When Christ commanded, ―you also ought to wash one another‟s feet”, He was emphasising the spiritual significance of the matter. Since the illustration has to do with forgiveness, this phrase means that believers ought to forgive one another and serve each other sacrificially (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:32).

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6. How are leaders to be an example in forgiveness? 7. Why is a relationship with the Holy Spirit important in the life of the leader? 8. The Christian leader is a servant: a servant of and a servant of the 9. Jesus knew the and the of the Word. 10. Give an example of sacrificial living.

We are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. This may be difficult to do in light of being hurt, however, as a leader and an example of God‟s Word we are to follow Jesus‟ example of absolute forgiveness,

Colossians 3:13.

Jesus speaks extensively concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 14-16. This emphasises the power and anointing of the Spirit‟s work within His ministry. The Spirit is the One through whom the person of Christ will

receive the power, help, strength and conviction to do His work.

God

people

authority power

wisdom

The highest expression of Christ‟s love was a self-sacrifice that would

spare not life itself, but a giving of His life entirely.

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UNIT SEVEN

A LEADERSHIP MANUAL FOR CHURCH ORGANISATION “So that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself.”

1 Timothy 4:13

Learning Outcomes:

(1) Understand the importance of knowing the sheep in your congregation. (2) Learn why the sheep need God‘s Word in their lives. (3) Learn to develop a team. (4) Learn how to deal effectively with deception. (5) Understand the importance of being a Godly example. 7.1 GIVE ATTENTION TO THE CHURCH Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to the young Timothy, who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging:

False doctrine must be dealt with and erased.

Public worship must be safeguarded.

Mature leadership must be developed.

Paul talks about:

The conduct of the church.

The conduct of the minister.

Stop and reflect: Read 1 Timothy 4. If Paul told Timothy to

be loving but Paul‘s conduct toward others is unloving, Timothy would have a problem: Must he do what Paul says or do what he does? Explain your answer.

Do you follow by example or do you set standards? How?

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Timothy must be on guard lest his youthfulness become a liability, rather than an asset. The letter is loosely structured around five charges:

1. Charge concerning doctrine – 1 Timothy 1 2. Charge concerning public worship – 1 Timothy 2 3. Charge concerning pastoral motives – 1 Timothy 3 4. Charge concerning false teachers – 1 Timothy 4 5. Charge concerning church discipline – 1 Timothy 5

In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul exhorts Timothy to “give attention” to three things:

Reading – what you read and study.

Exhortation (Encouragement) – what you do and say.

Doctrine – what you believe. 7.1.1 Shepherd your Sheep

The whole epistle covers caring for the sheep, 1 Timothy 1:12; 4:6; 5:17. As a leader one must make sure that the sheep are being cared for.

We need shepherds who know the sheep by name (John 10:3). To know someone‘s name in Bible times, meant that you knew them, their character, personality, etc.

1. We need to feed the sheep – ―should not the shepherds feed the flock?‖

Ezekiel 34:2

Strengthen the weak, vs.4.

Charge concerning doctrine: Charge concerning public worship: Charge concerning pastoral motives: Charge concerning false teachers:

Charge concerning church discipline:

Stop and answer: Review the list of charges given above. Read the reference provided and give a brief definition of each. Include the

importance of each charge.

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Heal the sick, vs.4.

Bind up the broken, vs.4.

Bring back what was scattered, vs.4.

They should be healthy and contented, vs.4.

Teaching should counsel the sheep. Sheep normally need so much counselling (inner healing, deliverance, etc.) because of a lack of personal study of the Word of God in their life.

2. ‗Counsellors‘ need to be provided who are available day and night. Too

many ‗counsellors‘ are not available when the sheep need them. They are either too busy with other duties, or too busy pursuing their own interests.

3. The leadership team needs to see that the sheep are being visited.

Develop a system whereby one can keep check on how often they are visited, examine their condition, etc.

Put an elder in charge of this ministry and be sure he is held accountable.

7.1.2 Train Teams – 1 Timothy 3:1-16

When selecting potential leaders one must be convinced that God desires him/her to be a part of the leadership team and be able to identify their role.

1. Elders are usually listed in plural in the New Testament – Acts 11:30; 14:23; 20:17,28; James 5:14; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:1-2.

2. Elders must meet the Biblical requirements – 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:5-9; 1

Peter 5:1-4.

Stop and consider: Read 2 Timothy 2:11-18. False teachers surrounded Timothy and threatened to harm his congregation with their pleasant-sounding (but deceptive) ideas. Because of this Paul exhorted Timothy to study God‘s Word diligently, that he might know the truth from what is false. How can you help your congregation become more competent in handling God‘s Word? Give practical answers.

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How is a team developed?

1. There should be ‗like-minded‘ men on the team - Amos 3:3; Matthew 18:19. People who have a different vision and different values are not needed. Those who are quick to discern and understand the heart of the Father are required.

2. Be prepared for what and who is needed through prayer and revelation from God.

3. Find those who are anointed for the task and those who are faithful to the task.

4. Establish the authority of the leader. There can be only one presiding leader amongst a plurality of elders. With more than one ‗head‘ there is a monster.

5. Establish clear lines of communication amongst the team members/leader. Be direct; do not go through others to get a message across.

6. Take care of problems quickly. It is better to confront than to put the situation off.

7. Prayer is vital as a foundation for growth as a group. 8. Hold the team members accountable for their responsibilities. 9. Make decisions based on God‘s Word and fact, not on emotions. 10. Avoid times together that are spent dealing with problems only. There

must be proper fellowship amongst all members. Also avoid mini-teams being formed that could divide the leadership.

Stop and consider: Would your church benefit from the establishment of a leadership team? Why or why not? Would the leadership team benefit from having you on that

leadership team? Why or why not?

Development

Stop and answer: Read the Scriptures listed above. List the qualities needed for

elders.

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7.1.3 Dealing with Deception – 1 Timothy 4:1-11

Seducing spirits (―Deceiving‖ KJV). What is seduction? To ―seduce‖ is to entice, to draw one away from, and to cause unfaithfulness. It offers a pleasant reward but always produces bondage and ends up tasting bitter instead of sweet! What is deception? To lead astray.

Danger of seduction within the church, Romans 12:2.

Seduction is subtle. We grow dull of hearing simply through the daily activities of life and our preoccupation with legitimate responsibilities. We end up seduced or deceived. Mark 4:19 says, “…but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Seduction and deception emphasise rules and laws, in other words, keep your people free from laws (legalism). Rather keep them in the true grace of God (liberty) through true, accurate, anointed preaching and prayer. Do not allow legalistic people amongst the flock. Be careful of the ―liberated‖ people among your flock, they are normally ‗licentious‘ with their rules.

7.1.4 Maintain certain Examples – 1 Timothy 4:12-16

1. We are to be an example to the believers, as Paul exhorted Timothy in verse 12.

Word – both ‗what‘ and ‗how‘ you speak.

Conduct – your behaviour.

Love – pure, sincere.

Spirit – attitudes, actions and reactions.

Stop and reflect: Read Ephesians 4:20-25. What are

the dangers and drawbacks of deception? Does God just ―look the other way‖ when we lie? What

happens?

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Faith – confident of God‘s faithfulness and ability.

Purity – in every area of life, void of ‗tainted‘ motives.

3. We are to be examples in our study, verse 13. Caution must be taken concerning what we allow to fill our minds, whether reading, listening to the radio or watching television.

4. We are to be examples in our exhortation, verse 13. Our speech and

conduct have a potentially great influence over the people within our congregation and therefore we ought to always consider the purity of our lifestyle.

5. We are to be examples in our doctrine, verse 13. Doctrine is very

important. Alexander Hamilton once said, ―Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.‖ Paul warned Timothy many times to be careful of false teachers and false doctrine because those who were not grounded in the true doctrine would easily fall prey to false teachers. We are, at all times, to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us. Giving attention to the true teachings of Scripture we can be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

6. We are to set an example in our visions and dreams, verses 14,15.

Meditation concerning one‘s calling and future.

Stop and consider: Discipline is not a lovely thought on anyone‘s mind.

However, it is a necessity in everyone‘s life. Read Proverbs 22:15; 31:13; 29:15,17. What are the results on no discipline among the members of your congregation?

What are the benefits of discipline? Support your answer with Biblical references.

Give yourself diligently to the memorisation of Scripture, so that you are able to give a reason for the hope that is in you. Begin with these verses:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God‟s will, to suffer for doing good

than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17

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7.1.5 Waging Warfare – 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (Prophetic Power)

1. Use the prophecies given over you, 1 Timothy 1:18.

Keep them before yourself, God and the devil.

Give attention, serious attention, to both private and corporate prophecy.

2. Show your people by example how to wage warfare (utilising spiritual

authority).

Binding and loosing, Matthew 18:18; 12:19.

Using the Name of Jesus, Acts 16:18.

Putting on the armour of God, Ephesians 6.

Using our spiritual weapons, etc., 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

3. Do not just teach others about warfare get involved personally.

Stop and consider: Read 1 Timothy 6:2-5. Doctrines are key principles of

Biblical truth. There are many doctrines that are debated and criticized. However, fundamental doctrines concerning God‘s love and goodness are true and basic to Christian understanding. Reflect on the basis of your beliefs. What do you know to be true about God in your experience of Him? Find key verses that your beliefs are based upon.

Helmet of Salvation:

Belt of Truth:

Breastplate of Righteousness:

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace:

Shield of Faith:

Sword of the Spirit:

Stop and explore: Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Paul exhorts the brethren in Ephesus to gird themselves with the Armour of God. Identify and explain the importance of each piece of armour.

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7.1.6 Public and Pastoral Prayer – 1 Timothy 2:1-15.

In order for you to ‗lead‘ in public prayer you must ‗learn‘ in private prayer.

1. Pray for those in authority over us – verse 2.

Be careful that you do not create ‗holes‘ in the protection God has provided for believers through leadership.

If one constantly criticises those in authority and does not pray for them, it erodes one‘s protection and that of those in authority.

2. Pray that we may live peaceably one with another.

Take a moment to PRAY before starting the Self-test on the next page.

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Self-test

1. In Paul‘s epistle to Timothy he talks about:

The conduct of the

The conduct of the 2. Why should Timothy be on guard concerning his youthfulness? 3. What five (5) Charges are given in this unit concerning 1 Timothy? 4. A leader must make sure that the are being

for.

5. Why is it that the sheep are usually in need of counselling? 6. Complete the verse:

7. Can you quote1 Peter 3:15-17 from memory? Yes No Compare your answer with mine on the next page

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth but be an example in _______________, in

_______________, in ________________, in _______________, in

_______________, and in ________________.

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Self-test

1. In Paul‘s epistle to Timothy he talks about:

The conduct of the

The conduct of the 2. Why should Timothy be on guard concerning his youthfulness? 3. What five (5) Charges are given in this unit concerning 1 Timothy? 4. A leader must make sure that the are being

for.

5. Why is it that the sheep are usually in need of counselling? 6. Complete the verse:

7. Can you quote1 Peter 3:15-17 from memory? Yes No

church

minister

Timothy must be on guard lest his youthfulness become a liability, rather

than an asset.

1. Charge concerning doctrine – 1 Timothy 1 2. Charge concerning public worship – 1 Timothy 2 3. Charge concerning pastoral motives – 1 Timothy 3 4. Charge concerning false teachers – 1 Timothy 4 5. Charge concerning church discipline – 1 Timothy 5

sheep

cared

Sheep normally need so much counselling (inner healing, deliverance, etc.)

because of a lack of personal study of the Word of God in their life.

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth but be an example in word , in

conduct , in love , in spirit , in

faith , and in purity .

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UNIT EIGHT

BUILDING THE CHURCH “So I tell you, you are Peter. On this rock I will build my church,

and the power of death will not be able to defeat it.” Matthew 16:18

Learning Outcomes:

(1) Understand the nature of the local and universal church. (2) Discover Biblical synonyms for the church. (3) Explore the different names given to the people of God. (4) Expand your knowledge concerning truth. (5) Learn about the basis and boundaries of the local church.

8.1 THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH 8.1.1 What is the Church?

The word ―Church‖ means different things to different people. Before we can ―build the church,‖ we must understand what the Church is all about – its life and ministry. In order to clear up some of the confusion let us look at the word ―Church‖ and words that refer to it, or are synonymous with it, in the New Testament. Church – from the Greek word ecclesia meaning ―the called out ones‖. It is not a building or denomination, but a Body of Believers (Acts 7:48). The Church comprises a body (assembly) of people called out from the world to be Christ‘s. We are still in the world, but not of the world (John 17:9-19; NB vs. 9,15,16). The Church comprise of people who are born again by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. They have:

Repented – turned from their sin and self-centeredness to Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3).

Put their faith and hope in Christ alone. They are:

Obeying Christ‘s commands, becoming disciples by being baptised in water, and receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:2).

Two expressions of the Church in the New Testament are:

The universal ecclesia – all born again believers who have ever lived, are now living and will ever live (Hebrews 12:1,23; Revelation 5:9; 6:9-11; 7:9-14; Matthew 16:18).

The local ecclesia – born again believers in a given locality (Matthew 18:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 14:4,12,26).

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Sometimes the Scriptures include both universal and local ecclesia (1 Corinthians 5:12; 15:9; Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 5:23). In summary, the word ―church‖ can mean the born again believers either in a local situation or the universal body. 8.1.2 Synonyms for the Church

Church 1: The Body of Christ

The Scriptures often refer to the people of God being the Body of Christ of which He is the Head (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28; Ephesians 1:23; Ephesians 4:12,16; 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24; 2:19). What my body is to me, the Church is to Jesus Christ. We are ―members‖ of His body (1 Corinthians 12:12,14; Ephesians 3:6; 4:25; 5:30; Colossians 3:15). What Jesus was while on earth, we are to be. We are His hands, feet, ears, eyes, etc.; His activity on earth today usually takes place through us by His Spirit. ―I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father‖ (John 14:12). Jesus did these ―things‖ as Man, totally dependent upon the Spirit, and not as God – otherwise He could not have told us, who are human, to do these works. What He did here on earth we are to do. He did these things as Man, in total dependence upon the Father and the Spirit (John 5:30; 8:28). ―Now the body is not made up of one part but of many‖ (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). All members of His body are useful.

Stop and consider: Read Acts 2:44-47. These verses describe a family, of course: God‘s family called the church. Today churches have the same Spirit, the same risen Lord, and the same God, as did early believers – and the same reasons to carry on praising God. How can you help encourage God‘s family this week? In what ways are you encouraged when going to your church? Go to church with the goal of being a part of the fellowship; do it with smiles,

heartfelt greetings, affirmations, and songs.

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Church 2: The Bride of Christ – Ephesians 5:24-33 This thought of the people of God being a bride is seen in the Old Testament, Isaiah 62:5 ―As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.‖ The Church is in union with Christ as she is being prepared (2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4; 1 Corinthians 6:15-17). Just as a bride would prepare herself for that great day, so the Church is to prepare herself for the Bridegroom – Jesus (Revelation 19:7; 21:2). She does this, not in her own strength, but in union with the Bridegroom.

Church 3: Building – God‟s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:9,10; Ephesians 2:21,22) The Church (believers) is the dwelling place of God, not a building (Acts 7:48; 1 Peter 2:5).

Stop and reflect: Consider this figure to represent your church.

Where would you see yourself fitting in? Put an ―X‖ on that spot and indicate exactly what it is and what it does.

Commit to Memory: 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

―…But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.‖

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In the Old Testament the Tabernacle and Temple (the buildings) were for God – His ―Place of Rest,‖ where His Name would dwell (1 Chronicles 28:2,3; 2 Chronicles 6:18-21). His dwelling place is in heaven. In the New Testament our bodies are His temple or ―dwelling place‖ (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 7:48). During the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, ―the Lord descended on it in fire‖ (Exodus 19:18). There was fire above the roof of God‘s building during the inauguration of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38; Numbers 9:15-16). When Solomon was inaugurating the Temple, ―fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering…‖ (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). When the Lord empowered the Church (Acts 2:3), ―fire comes down and settles on the believers‘ heads – God‘s new building! In the Old Testament, buildings were for God; in the New Testament, buildings are for us, for our comfort and convenience, as a meeting place. The church has something to do with building itself up. ―From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work‖ (Ephesians 4:16). ―But each one should be careful how he builds…‖ 1 Corinthians 3:9-17.

Church 4: Temple of God

We are to take care of His temple. ―If anyone destroys God‘s temple, God will destroy him; for God‘s temple is sacred, and you are the temple‖ (1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:20-22).

Stop and reflect: Read Psalm 84:1,4,10. The psalmist was faint with longing to be in God‘s presence, in His Temple. Most of us have never felt that extreme, but how do you feel about gathering to worship with God‘s people? Explain your answer. Our body language and tone of voice says a lot to people about how we feel about going to church. Do you communicate boredom, obligation, and resentment – or joy, longing, and expectancy? Give reference to your answer.

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Church 5: Family of God

We become part of His family by ―receiving‖ Christ (John 1:12).

We have been adopted into His family by His Spirit and through His Son, being made joint heirs with Christ by His blood. (Romans 8:15)

We become heirs through adoption, with full rights to all the family inheritance (Galatians 3:29; 4:5,6; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 6:17).

The family is to be a well managed, healthy, communicative, and a maturing unit:

Accountable

Enjoying the benefits

Secure

Stable

Mature

Church 6: The Flock

Once we were ―sheep gone astray‖ (Isaiah 53:6), but now we are the sheep of His flock (Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 10:12-26; 15:24; 25:33; 26:31; John 10:3; Acts 20:28,29. Sheep are to be cared for, led into green pastures and beside still waters (John 10:3,4; Psalm 23:2,3). Pastors are under-shepherds (Jeremiah 3:15; 1 Peter 5:2). Remember that sheep are led and must never seek to lead the shepherds (Hebrews 13:7,17).

―…Anyone who does not do what is right is

not a child of God; neither is anyone who

does not love his brother.‖

1 John 3:10

Stop and explore: New Testament Names for the People of God

There are a number of names for the people of God in the New Testament each of which emphasize different aspects of the relationship that believers have with God and with the world.

The term Christian was first applied in New Testament times, but the believers were more commonly referred to as saints because of the righteousness that was theirs by faith, or as the brethren (brothers) as a sign of their belonging to the family of God.

They are God‘s children by adoption, the elect or chosen ones. They are the beloved of God, a royal priesthood and servants of God. As God‘s flock they are under the care of Christ, the Chief Shepherd of the sheep; while remnant contrasts the relatively small number saved by the gospel from the midst of unbelieving Israel. Pilgrim highlights the fact that believers are sojourners in the world, but they are not of it.

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Church 7: Children of Light We once walked in darkness but now we are of the light and must have nothing to do with darkness. We are to walk in openness, honesty and truth (1 John 1:7). There should be no ‗dark‘ areas in our lives or relationships. Read Luke 16:8; John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11. Describe how we are to be children of light. Is this a command or an exhortation? Explain your answer. Notes: _____________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Church 8: A Holy Nation

The Church is the Holy Nation of God, 1 Peter 2:9, ―But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God‘s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

The Church is the Israel of God, (Galatians 6:12-16; Hebrews 12:18-24; Romans 2:28,29; 9:6-8). God does not have two people but one; we are Abraham‘s children – the people of promise. As such we are destined to be blessed and to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2,3; 18:8,9; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Acts 3:25; Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:8,9,16,29).

Church 9: The Pillar and Foundation of Truth

―If I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.‖ (1 Timothy 3:15) We must build on truth alone. God is a God of truth.

His words are trustworthy and true – 2 Samuel 7:28

He is forever faithful – Psalm 146:6

He is true – Romans 3:4

It is impossible for Him to lie – Hebrews 6:18

God only blesses truth – Romans 10:2; Zechariah 4:6

His Spirit is the Spirit of Truth – John 16:13

His judgement is based on truth – Romans 2:2

God‘s Word is Truth – John 17:17

Truth sets free – John 8:31,32

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Error must be dealt with in the light of truth – Galatians 2:14

Truth must be the basis of all that we are involved in and are building upon – Matthew 7:24-27

We are to practise the truth, to live by it – 1 John 1:6.

Church 10: The Army of God

Although we are not specifically called an ―army‖ in Scripture, it is a well known and taught metaphor. The world is a ‗battlefield‘, not a playground and we are exhorted to ‗fight the good fight of faith‘ within this world (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7). We are also encouraged to ‗put on the whole armour of God‘, implying that we protect ourselves from the schemes and evils of this world (Ephesians 6:10-20). Of course this battle is not literal, we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the evils of the wicked one. 8.1.3 Conclusion To sum up the matter, all of these words, synonyms and comparisons give us

some idea of what God is building, and that He is calling us to be co-labourers together with Him to build. Let us make sure as we study God‘s Word and build His Church with Him, that we do it His way, in accordance with His Word lest we build in vain (Psalm 127:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). What God calls His people:

His body

What is Truth?

It is the conformity to fact or actuality, faithfulness to an original or to a standard. In the Old and New Testaments, truth is a fundamental moral and personal quality of God. God proclaimed that He is ―merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth‖ (Exodus 34:6). He is a ―God of truth . . . without injustice‖ (Deuteronomy 32:4). Furthermore, all of His paths are ―mercy and truth‖ (Psalm 25:10). Frequently in the psalms, God‘s mercy and His truth are joined together (Psalm 57:3; 89:14; 115:1). All of God‘s works, precepts, and judgments are done in righteousness and truth (Psalm. 96:13; 111:8). Truth is a moral and personal characteristic of God: He is ―the God of truth‖ (Isaiah. 65:16). The psalmist declared, ―Your law is truth‖ (119:142), ―all Your commandments are truth‖ (119:151), and ―the entirety of Your word is truth‖ (119:160). Because of His perfect nature and will, God has to speak and act in truth; He cannot lie (1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 6:18; James 1:17–18). Jesus is the Word of God who became flesh, ―the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth‖ (John 1:14). All Jesus said was true, because He told the truth He heard from God (John 8:40). He promised His disciples that He would send ―the Spirit of truth‖ (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13)—a Helper who would abide in Christians forever (John 14:16), testify about Jesus (John 15:26), guide Christians into all truth (John 16:13), and glorify Jesus (John 16:14). God is truth; the Spirit is truth; and Jesus is truth. Jesus said, ―I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me‖ (John 14:6). Jesus and the revelation the Spirit of truth gave through His apostles are the final, ultimate revelation and definition of truth about God, people, redemption, history, and the world. ―The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ‖ (John 1:17).

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The apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8)

Jewels (Zechariah 9:16)

A crown of splendour (Isaiah 62:3)

A royal diadem (Isaiah 62:3)

My treasured possession (Malachi 3:17)

His flock, which is precious (Acts 20:28)

His bride (Isaiah 62:5; Revelation 19:7)

Family of God (Ephesians 3:15)

Heirs of God (Galatians 3:29; 4:7)

Friends (John 15:15) Do not confuse your value with your performance or what you deserve:

We deserve nothing, and hell (Romans 6:23)

We deserve only what He gives us (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 62:3,7,10) What God says about us:

Nothing can separate us from Him (Romans 8:31-39)

No weapon formed against us can succeed (Isaiah 54:17).

We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)

All that happens to us will work for our good (Romans 8:28)

The Greater One lives within us (1 John 4:4)

We will not be dismayed (Isaiah 28:16)

He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11)

We are made to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2-3)

Receive the truth (Matthew 13:10-17)

Repent of sins (Matthew 4:17)

Renew our minds (Romans 12:2)

Reckon us to resurrection life (Romans 6:11-14)

Stop and consider: Read the following verses. Identify and explain

each command given and the importance of each.

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8.2 THE BASIS AND BOUNDARIES OF THE CHURCH

The church is the Body of Christ, Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23. This means that there is only one church, as Christ only has one body of which He is the Head, Acts 20:28. Then why does the Bible speak about ‗churches‘? 1 Thessalonians 2:14 8.2.1 Distinguishing between the Church „Universal‟ and the Church „Local‟ The Church Universal - The word ―Church‖, we have noted above, means called

out ones in the Greek.

1. Jesus spoke of building the Church universal in Matthew 16:18.

2. Paul spoke about the Church universal in 1 Corinthians 10:32; Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 5:26.

Both Jesus and Paul were speaking of the church which comprises of all the saved, without reference to time or space, colour, country or class. Therefore worldwide Christian individuals represent the church universal. The Church Local

The local Church refers to the immediate body of believers within a locality. The Church universal is made up of all the local churches scattered throughout the world. Paul addressed the local churches often, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:5. The ―Church‖ is invisible – the churches are visible. The ―Church‖ has no organisation – the churches are organised. The ―Church‖ is spiritual – the churches are spiritual and yet physical The ―Church‖ is purely an organism – churches are organisms, yet at the same time they are organised, which is seen by the fact that elders and deacons hold office there.

Stop and pray: Consider Matthew 28:19-20. There are those within the church ‗universal‘ that suffer daily for their beliefs. Take a moment and pray for the church universal and for those who are making decisions daily concerning their life of faith. Choose a country and commit to praying for that country this week.

Country: ____________________________

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8.2.2 The Basis of the Local Church

Locality is the only basis for division of the Church into churches. How then can the one united Church become the ‗churches‘?

We cannot all live in one place, because we are scattered throughout the world.

It is essential for us to come together; therefore the local church is established.

No name denomination, dynamic, charismatic personality, or doctrine should be the basis for division.

The local Church should be ‗all the believers‘ in a given locality. 8.2.3 The Boundary of the Local Church What is the limit or sphere of the local church?

1. ‗Cities, towns or villages‘ are the limits of a local church. Not denomination, country, province, culture, etc. Nothing but the ‗city‘ limits, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1.

2. ‗Cities‘ are the boundaries. God‘s purpose is for elders in each ‗city‘ – which is a local church, Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5, to evangelise that city.

3. No church is to extend beyond the limits of a ‗city‘ or less than a ‗city‘. 4. Countries and provinces are usually referred to as the ‗churches‘.

Therefore a ‗local church‘ (singular) is smaller and must becomes a city, Acts 15:41; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Galatians 1:2.

8.2.4 The Autonomy of the Local Church Each local church is responsible for its own business. Elders of the local church are the highest human authority. No council, apostle, man or men can dictate or direct the local church; only the elders are appointed to have that authority, always subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to find God‘s will, direction and strategy and bear our own responsibilities, assigning leadership responsibilities and instituting good organisational skills.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1

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8.2.5 The Unity of the Churches

The local churches are not to be united by organisation and constitution, or assemblies and councils, but only by relationship and mutual consideration in love. No local church is organisationally responsible to another. However, there should be respect and honour for the other local body of believers. All decisions and actions should take other local churches into consideration. Another local church can overrule the decision of one local church if it feels it was wrong, although this must be done with care. Relationships must be cultivated and maintained between local churches, but not at the expense of our autonomy. No outside figure or organisation may exercise authority or control in any official capacity over a local church. The church does not belong to the one who ―founded‖ it; it belongs to the locality and must be relinquished appropriately. Even the mission or organisation that is represented must not claim the church or attach its name thereto. In conclusion, then, churches are to be Christian by declaration and function (lifestyle). Apostolic teams should link Cities, not by a national eldership, or a form of heavy authoritarian organisation. Try the Self-test on the next page.

CITY ELDERSHIP

CONGREGATIONAL ELDERSHIPS

AOG CONGREGATION

BAPTIST CONGREGATION

NCC CONGREGATION

ETC.

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Self-test

1. Church from the Greek word ‗ecclesia‘ means

2. The word ―church‖ can mean the born again believers either in a or the 3. List the 10 synonyms given in this unit that describe the church. 4. Consider the ‗Family of God‘. What assurances does one have of being a part of God‘s family? 5. Give a definition of truth. 6. Both Paul and Jesus spoke of the church universal. Give a definition of the church universal.

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7. us the only basis for division of the church into churches. 8. The local church should be in a given locality. 9. The local churches are not to be united by organisation and constitution, or assemblies and councils, but only by 10. Complete the verse: Compare your answer with mine on the next page.

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 He did this to make ________________ of the body ___________________

smoothly, with each part _______________________. If one part of our body

_________, we ______________. If one part of our body is ____________,

the whole body will be ____________. Together you are the

_________________. Each one of you is part of His ______________.

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Self-test

1. Church from the Greek word ‗ecclesia‘ means

2. The word ―church‖ can mean the born again believers either in a or the 3. List the 10 synonyms given in this unit that describe the church. 4. Consider the ‗Family of God‘. What assurances does one have of being a part of God‘s family? 5. Give a definition of truth. 6. Both Paul and Jesus spoke of the church universal. Give a definition of the church universal.

“the called out ones”.

local situation universal body.

1. The Body of Christ

2. The Bride of Christ

3. Building – God‟s dwelling place

4. Temple of God

5. Family of God

6. The Flock

7. Children of Light

8. A Holy Nation

9. The Pillar and Foundation of Truth

10. The Army of God

We become part of His family by “receiving” Christ (John 1:12).

We have been adopted into His family by His Spirit and through His Son, being made joint heirs with Christ by His blood. (Romans 8:15)

We become heirs through adoption, with full rights to all the family inheritance (Galatians 3:29; 4:5,6; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29;

Titus 3:7; Hebrews 6:17).

It is the conformity to fact or actuality, faithfulness to an original or to a

standard.

Jesus and Paul were speaking of the church which comprises of all the saved, without reference to time or space, colour, country or class. Therefore worldwide Christian individuals represent the church universal.

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7. is the only basis for division of the church into churches. 8. The local church should be in a given locality. 9. The local churches are not to be united by organisation and constitution, or assemblies and councils, but only by 10. Complete the verse:

Locality

„all the believers‟

relationship and mutual consideration in love.

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 He did this to make all parts of the body work together

smoothly, with each part caring about the others . If one part of our

body hurts , we hurt . If one part of our body is honoured , the

whole body will be happy . Together you are the body of

Christ . Each one of you is part of His body .

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UNIT NINE

GOD‟S HEALING COMMUNITY “…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy

priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4,5

Learning Outcomes:

(1) Discover some of the characteristics associated with God‘s healing community. (2) Understand the importance of utilising Spiritual gifts. (3) Learn when it is important to utilise Spiritual gifts. (4) Identify the Biblical Spiritual gifts needed within the body of Christ.

9.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD‟S HEALING COMMUNITY 9.1.1 Describing a Successful Christian Life

What is a successful Christian life? What is it all about? Why is it important? What are the characteristics or ‗signs‘ of a true Christian? To some it is power, or prayer, or praise, or prosperity, or professionalism, or popularity or simply a programme. They church, however, is not just characterised by one word, it is characterised by many things. We are to see the church as a body of people, namely those that make up the church body, locally and universally (cf. Romans 12:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 5:29,30; Hebrews 10:5-7). We find that the sign of a true Christian is love. John 13:35, says that we are known disciples of Jesus by the love that we have for Him and for our fellow brethren. Acts 2:24-27 gives us a beautiful picture of primitive church life: simple, pure, faithful and loyal. These characteristics are like a hedge around a field in which the Holy Spirit can work. They are safeguards for growth. As a church grows, it has the potential to become impersonal (people feel uncared for), insensitive (to the deep needs of people) and impractical (professional, machine mentality).

Stop and consider: Read Acts 28:1-10. When Paul and his companions were shipwrecked the people on the island where very hospitable to them. There was an outpouring of love and support toward these victims. In what ways could you

offer help to people in need?

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Church is about caring, loving and bringing God‘s healing power to people (Matthew 22:34-40). God usually cares for people through people. The church has excelled in praise, warfare, faith and growth, but have often been lacking in their love, care and giving to others. 9.1.2 Establishing God‟s Healing Community

Characteristic 1: Forgiveness within the Healing Community Forgiveness is a choice and must be exercised even in the most difficult of circumstances, Matthew 18:21-22. We are to forgive others as part of our daily lifestyle (Matthew 5:23-26; Luke 6:27-42). True forgiveness must come from the heart (Matthew 18:25), and must be willing to put the past feelings of anger and guilt behind us. Forgiveness requires us to face the truth about sin (Luke 6:41,42). We often find it difficult to forgive because we fail to see the awfulness of our own sin in God‘s sight. We fail to see how often we have done to others the very thing we are so hurt about having been done to us. Calvary gives us a glimpse of the horror of sin in God‘s sight. Unity is the place where God can work (Psalm 133:1). A lack of forgiveness is an expression of division and disharmony. Unity is ―pleasant‖ to God, to us and to others.

1. Unity is pleasant to God – He is the God of ―love and peace‖ (2 Corinthians 13:11). He is not ―the author of confusion but of peace,‖ (1 Corinthians 14:33). He delights in unity. Jesus‘ prayer in John 17:11, “that they all may be one” refers to unity of Christian character. As the Father and Son are One in moral likeness, so believers should be united in this respect – that they are like the Lord Jesus.

2. Unity is pleasant to us – Unity releases a sense of well-being in us and also allows us to be in communion with God (1 Corinthians 7:24).

3. Unity is pleasant to others – A church that is walking in unity and trusting fellowship becomes appealing in this world where there is so much conflict. Unity among brethren is a sight to behold. However, unity does not require that they see eye to eye on everything. On matters of fundamental importance they agree. On subordinate matters there is liberty for differing viewpoints. In all things there should be a spirit of love. All the members of the human body are different, but as they function in obedience to the head, there is a glorious unity. There can be unity without unanimity; God never intended that everyone should agree on matters of minor importance. It is enough to agree on the basics. On everything else we may disagree as long as we can do it without being disagreeable. The real enemies of unity are jealousy, gossip, backbiting and lovelessness.

Then Peter came to Him and asked, ―Lord, how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven

times?‖ ―No!‖ Jesus replied, ―Seventy times seven!‖ Matthew 18:21-22

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Characteristic 2: Friendship within the Healing Community

The Greek word phileo involves the idea of ―loving as well as being loved‖. The other Greek word for friendship is hertairos and it means ―a comrade, companion or partner.‖ True friendship is a special bond between people that has no selfish desire to get something out of the other or seeks its own rewards. There are some people who want to be friends with certain ‗prestigious‘ people for wrong motives. They think it will make them important for instance to be the pastor‘s friend. It will give them credibility or a special place in the life of the church. It may be stepping-stone to prominence or a future ministry. However, true friends just like to be together, they enjoy one another‘s company. The Collins English Dictionary defines friend as ―a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty; an intimate‖. There is no goal or gain in mind. They love, accept and enjoy each other. The world is craving true and trustworthy friendship.

Characteristic 3: Feeling with and for Others within the Healing Community

Jesus had compassion on the multitudes (Matthew 20:29-34; Matthew 14:13-16). When the widow‘s son died, Jesus‘ heart went out to her and He said, ―Do not cry.‖ We must feel the joy and pain of others. We must rejoice with those who rejoice; and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:14-15).

Stop and reflect: What does the Bible say about friendship? Read John 15:13; Proverbs 17:17; and Proverbs 27:6. In your own words describe the characteristics of your true friend.

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Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26. What are the church‘s responsibilities toward the people of God? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Characteristic 4: Supplying for the Needs within the Healing Community

We are to be a covenant family. The covenant family was carried on into the church (Acts 4:32-37; James 2:14-19; Matthew 25:31-46). ―Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need‖ (Acts 2:42-47). ―Pure and faultless religion is this; to look after widows and orphans in their distress‖ (James 1:27). The purpose of ‗joints‘ in the body is to hold us together – these represent relationships with one another. We touch each other‘s lives through relationships and the stronger our relationships, the stronger our joints become. They are also channels of nourishment, ―having nourishment ministered and knit together‖ Colossians 2:19 (KJV); that which the Head supplies passes from one member to the other through the joints. If these channels are kept clean and functional, the total needs of the body will be met (Acts 4:34).

Stop and discover: Read 2 Samuel 24:10-25. David‘s refusal to offer as sacrifices animals received as gifts, provides a model of Biblical giving. One cannot profess to be making sacrifice when the thing being offered has cost them nothing. In what areas of

your life are you able to sacrifice for the needs of others?

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Characteristic 5: The Cost involved within the Healing Community

In order to be a healing community there are costs involved. It demands a costly love, a willingness to be inconvenienced, to ―turn the other cheek‖, to go the extra mile and to not quit. We need understanding and patience (Romans 12:15). We must be gentle and gracious. We must make room for people‘s discouragements and failures. We must bear one another‘s burdens (Galatians 6:2; Romans 15:1). We are called to encourage one another (Hebrews12:7-12), and extend hospitality toward others. In all this we are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good (Hebrews 13:16). But, as part of the body, we must be willing to receive hospitality. Allowing people to love and minister to us are just as important as being willing to minister to others.

Characteristic 6: Fellowship within the Healing Community

Someone has said ―Fellowship is two fellows in the same ship!‖ For two fellows to live in the same ship for any length of time they must love each other and be united. It has to be more than our organised meetings on Sundays or home cells. There must be fellowship after the meetings and visiting each other in the home. Doing things together will form intimate friendships (John 13:25; 21:12,13). Read Galatians 5:13; and Matthew 20:28. What do these verses tell us about service to one another? How important is fellowship in your congregation? Notes: _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9.2 THE GIFTS AND CALLINGS OF GOD‟S HEALING COMMUNITY 9.2.1 The Purposes of God‟s Healing Community 1 Peter 4:10 says ―Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God‘s grace in its various forms.‖ God‘s desire and purpose for us is ―to enlarge our sphere of influence‖, or as the NIV reads, that ―our area of activity…will greatly expand‖ (2 Corinthians 10:15). God has ―assigned to us a field…‖ (2 Corinthians 10:13), that is, individually; corporately as a church – broken down through home cells, families and individuals; and through apostolic teams.

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What do we mean by being God‘s healing community? Healing is health and wholeness, incorporating every area of life:

Physical

Emotional

Recreational

Spiritual

Financial

Relational

Material God‘s healing community means we make ourselves available to God and each other, for God to create an environment conducive to the Holy Spirit to be able to operate. Jesus, Himself, could not ―do many might words‖ in certain places (Matthew 13:58), because the ―environment‖ was not right! What we experience inside the four walls of the auditorium must be translated into practical life out there in the world. The New Testament opens with Jesus healing, feeding, delivering, forgiving and restoring the people (Luke 4:18). The outworking of His redemption is to be continued and outworked through us, His body, today. The New Testament church lived and healed (Acts 4:32-35). ―And there were no needy people among them…and much grace was upon them all.‖ They made themselves, as well as their possessions, totally available for God to use as He wanted. Each of those people saw themselves as part of God‘s healing community. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible begins and ends with restoration and wholeness on every level. ―On

each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse…‖ (Revelation 22:1-3,17). This has become revelation knowledge to us – we must become God‘s healing community. However, for this to occur we, ourselves, need to be healed in certain areas:

1. Past sins and their effects on us now. 2. Past hurts and disappointments from others. 3. Past habits and behavioural patterns. 4. Past approaches and attitudes to ‗church

life‘. 9.2.2 Using the Gifts given you to Serve Others God has given each person special gifts to minister to the body of Christ and we ought to be diligent in our ministry to others. In order for this to happen we must develop a keen sense of awareness of people‘s individuals needs. Ask God to make you sensitive to other‘s hurts and needs. Also, develop your own ability to receive. If someone determines to give you something and you turn it down, they may never try again. Seek the good of others and not your own (1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1).

Use whatever you receive to serve others, faithfully

administering God‟s grace in various

forms.

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Put others first, before yourself. Important Scriptures to remember:

1. 1 Corinthians 13:5, ―Love…is not self-seeking.‖ 2. Romans 15:1,2, ―We who are strong ought to bear with the failing of the

weak, to build him up.‖ 3. Philippians 2:3,4 ―Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in

humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.‖

9.2.3 Administering Gifts in Various Forms The manifold grace is a many-coloured grace. As when a ray of flight breaks into a spray of many hues, so each of us receives God‟s grace at a different angle, and flashes it back broken into some fresh colours. In some it is speech; in others service; in others giving. – FB Meyer „Grace‟ is a word that:

Strikes a chord of hope in the heart of the sinner, lost in his sin, separated from God (1 Peter 1:20,21).

Helps us to rest in the love and acceptance of our Father who embraces us and pours out lavishly upon us of His rich benefits and provision because of Jesus (Romans 5:1,2).

Stimulates a desire to serve out of sheer gratitude toward God because He ―loved us while we were yet sinners‖ and ―gave His Son for us‖ (Romans 5:8).

Assures us that God is in control; God cares and understands even when we fail (1 Peter 5:7).

Pardons all our sins, no matter how terrible, as we look unto Jesus (Romans 5:17).

Lifts us up when we fall, are distressed, discouraged or disillusioned and urges us to press on (Philippians 3:12).

Stop and answer: Read Romans 15:1-6. Paul urged those in the Roman church to live in complete harmony with each other so that they could praise God with one voice. Congregations may go through periods of difficulties and trials which do not make it easy to live in harmony. How does your congregation handle challenges and crises?

How do you handle challenges and crises in your own life?

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We are to minister the gifts God has given us through His love and divine purpose. How wonderful to extend His love and mercy to His children so that He may be glorified (Matthew 5:16). It is the understanding of God‘s amazing grace that spurs us on to bless others. His gift of grace toward lost and sinful mankind is so unmerited, yet in all of God‘s wisdom He knew the need for this grace within us. As we are to minister our gifts, in like manner, there is a great need for God‘s people to be ministered to, even if we don‘t feel like ministering or feel it is deserved, our attitude should be that of serving the body of Christ. 9.2.4 The „Speaking‟ and the „Serving‟ Gifts ―If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone serves, let him do

it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen‖ 1 Peter 4:11. These two words cover the broad diversity of ministry. There are ―speaking‖ and then there are ―serving‖ gifts; both are equally important to the church and operating in the church.

1 Corinthians 12:1-13:1 Ephesians 4:11-13 Hebrews 2:4; 13:20-21

Consider 2 Timothy 1:6. What gift has God given to you for ministry?

Stop and discover: The following verses have much to say about

Spiritual gifts. Read the verses below. Identify the Spiritual gifts within context.

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Speaking – Ministering the Word If you are teaching, make sure you know how to handle God‘s Word, ―rightly dividing the word of truth‖ (2 Timothy 2:15). The beginning of the verse is vitally important, ―study to show thyself approved unto God….‖ We are only able to minister God‘s Word once we have reverently studied it and prayed over our learning so that the Word of God may indeed be real and alive in our lives. Then we are able to effectively handle and minister His Word. Service

―If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides.‖ Whatever gift, whatever power of doing good is given to us, we should minister with all our hearts. Not everyone is called to preach and teach, but those ―behind the scenes‖ ministries help make the public ministries possible and credible. Practical service stems from grace (Ephesians 4:7-12). True grace motivates me to want to see God‘s name glorified (1 Peter 4:11). True grace motivates me to service beyond the confines of walls and behind the scenes. 9.2.5 Where to Use the Gifts

1. Speaking “life-giving” words – Of Jesus, Luke 4:22 says, “all spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips”. Colossians 4:6 says that our conversation should always be full of grace, and seasoned with salt. Our words can bring life and encouragement to one another. We must learn to speak well of others, to honour people and spend time focusing on the truth.

2. Love one another – This is given to us as a command, and must be

exercised with all patience and perseverance (1 Corinthians 13). Loving another person may not always be the easiest thing to do yet in doing so we display the heart of God when we love without condition.

3. Restoring fallen believers – Galatians 6:14, ―Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently…carry each other‘s burdens and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.‖ When we minister to those who have, we believe that the can rise to greater heights then when they fell.

4. Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-9) – ―God loves a cheerful giver.‖ When a church is not spiritual, it is not generous so Paul wanted to rectify this situation. He knew it would be difficult to get the Corinthians to participate in giving, so he lifted his appeal to the highest Spiritual level possible – love. Paul indicates that there are a number of evidences that appear when our giving is motivated by love:

We give in spite of circumstances (v.1-2)

We give enthusiastically (v.3-4)

We give as Jesus gave (v.5-9)

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We give willingly (v.10-12)

We give by faith (v.13-24)

5. Caring for the poor and needy (Galatians 2:6-10) – The heart of God is

to remember the poor. This is all that the apostles wanted Paul to do, ―all they asked was that we should remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do‖ (v.10). This is all part of ministering the grace of God in its various forms to the aged, the incapacitated, the orphans, widows, the unemployed and the prisoners (Isaiah 58:6-12).

6. Giving Hospitality – human hospitality is a reflection of God‘s grace to us.

Jesus enjoyed hospitality when he was on earth. So did His apostles (Acts 28:7; Philippians 2:2). Abraham was hospitable to three strangers and discovered that he had entertained the Lord and two angels (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2).

Living in harmony (1 Peter 3:8), preaching (Ephesians 3:8,9), calling people to the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5), the gifts of the Spirit, singing with grace (Colossians 3:16) and imparting something spiritual to make them strong (Romans 1:11) are all part of administering the love and gifts of God in various ways.

Try the Self-test on the next page.

Stop and reflect: Read Philemon 1:7. The ministry of hospitality is as important as any organised church ministry. As much as possible, consider how you can make your home a shelter for wounded people.

―But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…‖

2 Peter 3:18

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Self-test

1. We are to see the church as a body of 2. We find that the sign of a true Christian is 3. List the six (6) characteristics within God‘s healing community given in this unit. 4. A lack of forgiveness is an expression of 5. What are the purposes of ‗joints‘ within the body of Christ? 6. List the four (4) areas, given in this unit, where we are in need of healing in order to become God‘s healing community. 7. What two words cover the broad diversity of ministering gifts? 8. In which six (6) areas are we to use the Spiritual gifts?

Compare your answers with mine on the next page.

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Self-test

1. We are to see the church as a body of 2. We find that the sign of a true Christian is 3. List the six (6) characteristics within God‘s healing community given in this unit. 4. A lack of forgiveness is an expression of 5. What are the purposes of ‗joints‘ within the body of Christ? 6. List the four (4) areas, given in this unit, where we are in need of healing in order to become God‘s healing community. 7. What two words cover the broad diversity of ministering gifts? 8. In what six (6) areas are we to use the Spiritual gifts?

people

love

1. Forgiveness

2. Friendship

3. Feeling with and for Others

4. Supplying for the Needs

5. The Cost Involved

6. Fellowship

division and disharmony

The purpose of the „joints‟ in the body is to hold us together.

1. Past sins and their effects on us now. 2. Past hurts and disappointments from others. 3. Past habits and behavioural patterns. 4. Past approaches and attitudes to „church life‟.

speaking and serving

1. Speaking “life-giving” words 2. Love one another 3. Restoring fallen believers 4. Generosity 5. Caring for the poor and needy 6. Given to Hospitality

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UNIT TEN

BUILDING LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE CHURCH “…and He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good

pleasure…to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ…” Ephesians 1:9-10

Learning Outcomes: (1) Understand the purposes of the body of Christ. (2) Learn the importance of building leadership within the church. (3) Discover the significance of evangelism. (4) Identify key principles needed for leadership within the local church. 10.1 BUILDING THE CHURCH 10.1.1 Purposes of the Body of Christ

Purpose 1: To Exalt God Westminster Confession: Man‘s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Consider the following verses: Psalm 34:1-3; 99:1-5, 9; 103:1-2; 118:28; John 12:28; 17:1. The Biblical writers place a great deal of emphasis on praising and exalting the Lord God in many different circumstances. What emphasis do you place on exalting God in your life? Notes: _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose 2: To Enjoy God

―O, taste and see that the Lord is good‖ Psalm 34:8. God is to be enjoyed; He is not a God of bad gifts (Matthew 7:11), because His desire is for His children. God created everything before he created man, partly for man to enjoy all His blessings. Our attitudes and actions should show people we are enjoying God, even when we have to offer the ‗sacrifice of praise‘ (Hebrews 13:15) during the difficult times.

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Purpose 3: To Establish His Kingdom on Earth

The message we are to preach is called the ―Gospel of the Kingdom‖ in Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mark 1:14,15; Acts 8:12; 20:25; 28:31. We are called ―children of the Kingdom‖ in Matthew 13:38 and we are told to ―seek first His kingdom‖ in Matthew 6:33. The church is the agency through which the Kingdom will come on earth. The church itself is not the Kingdom. The Kingdom is much bigger than that of the church. Through the church, the Kingdom should come into the different sectors of society, i.e., financial, political, media, arts and sports. Wherever a believer finds himself, there the Kingdom should come.

Purpose 4: To Enthrone Him as King ―But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever‖ Psalm 102:12,15. In order for there to be a Kingdom, we need:

A King – Jesus is Lord, our King, our Supreme Master and Owner (1

Corinthians 6:19,20; Revelation 19:16; Revelation 1:5).

Subjects – We are like His subjects (servants) as well as sons. We are

to do what He tells us (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

He is the head and we are to be members of His body. Ultimately, He is ―head over all‖ (Ephesians 1:20,22).

Stop and consider: Read Psalm 37:4; Psalm 40:8; Psalm 100:1-5; 103:1-18; 1

Timothy 6:17. Describe ways in which you enjoy God‘s company and fellowship.

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Purpose 5: To Exemplify Christ In Ephesians 1:14 we read ―For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…‖ God is concerned that the Church follows Christ‘s example in all that it does. The church is to be like Jesus was, when He walked this earth in human form. It is His body. We are to be an example to the world. Jesus came to show us what the Father is like (John 1:1-3,14; 14:8-9). Every word He spoke, every act He performed, said, ―This is what God is like‖…healing the sick, touching the lepers, forgiving sins, and feeding the multitudes. We too should manifest His authority, power, love and forgiveness to a lost world. But before we can do this, we must be united as a body and available to each other. The potential is seen in Song of Solomon 5:1 – see how Jesus views us. We belong to Him by virtue of the fact that He made us and purchased us, we are His garden, sweet and precious (Song of Solomon 4:13-15).

Purpose 6: To Enhance Life by Influencing the World We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13,14). We are to bring a quality of life, not just quantity. We often speak of ―eternal life‖ as though it were only everlasting. Eternal life has to do with quality as well as quantity. The promise of Jesus (John 10:10) is ―life more abundant.‖ He spoke of being thirsty and hungry no more (John 4:14; Isaiah 49:10; 55:1,2). Quality of life is a result of being rightly related to God (John 17:3). He is our Father (Matthew 6:9), and we are His children. We enjoy all the benefits of being heirs (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:3-14; Galatians 3:26-29). Because of this we have ample reason to bless others and influence the world.

Purpose 7: To Eradicate the Works of the Devil We must work out what God works in us (Philippians 2:12,13). Jesus works through us His power to war against the devil and the kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 1:18-23; 2:10,22; 3:10,20). Too often Satan is viewed only in his role as tempter (1 Corinthians 7:5). Actually,

the Scriptures ascribe to him a variety of evil activities.

He is also ―the accuser,‖ discouraging and weakening believers by reminding them of forgiven sin, and accusing unbelievers to the extent that they despair of possible forgiveness.

Satan perverts the Scriptures (Gen. 3:4, 5; Matthew 4:6),

Hinders the gospel (Matt. 13:19; 16:23).

Appears as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14; cf. Acts 5:3).

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Performs miracles in order to deceive (Revelation 16:14).

Opposes God‘s work (John 8:44; 13:2, 27; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). Despite all of his power, Satan is neither omniscient, nor omnipresent, nor omnipotent (cf. Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). He is limited to the power that God temporarily allows him (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13) and can even be used by God for good (2 Corinthians 12:7). However, he is assisted by a host of other wicked spirits, who add to the effectiveness of his work. Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). In fact, it was the death of Christ that was pre-eminently the fatal blow to Satan (Genesis 3:15; John 12:31–33; Colossians 2:14, 15; Hebrews 2:14). The work begun at the cross, which is the beginning of the end for Satan, culminates in Satan‘s destruction at the close of the millennial age (Revelation 20:10). 10.1.2 The Importance of Building Leadership within the Church

1. Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-16) – There is a great emphasis that needs to be placed on preparing God‘s people for works of service. Our gifts are to help each other and prepare one another for His work. This preparation (equipping) takes place in two ways:

Study so that the Word of God becomes familiar.

Service so that the Word of God becomes alive.

2. Edify the Body (Ephesians 4:12) – We are to be a part of the edifying or

‗building up‘ of the body. This is done through:

Encouragement

Stop and reflect: Read Isaiah 8:16. God told Isaiah to write down the words of the Lord and preserve them. God has gone to great lengths to give us His Word so that we are able to know His will and do it. How can you help the young people of your congregation learn its message? In what ways are you able to ‗live out‘ and apply God‘s Word to your life?

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Comfort

Recognising the gifts and abilities of others

Correction (discipline)

Carrying one another‘s burdens

Praying for one another

Rejoicing with one another

Financial support

Fellowship 10.2 LEADERSHIP IS THE KEY TO GROWTH, SECURITY AND STABILITY Leaders are to be part of the solution to problems within the church. They are available to provide stability to difficult situations and also to bring wisdom in times of doubt. Leaders are expected to be examples to the members of the congregation (Hebrews 13:7). They are to be consistent in their love and discipline toward the sheep of the congregation. 10.2.1 Bringing Growth to a Church Leaders are to be examples in their evangelism. It is also important to be creative in their recruiting people to the church. To know the heart of the Father is to have a heart for evangelism and to bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:11). We too must bring the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Matthew 9:37. What can we do to make our evangelising more effective? Notes: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Consider this simple plan of salvation.

Step 1: Romans 3:23 – All have sinned. Step 2: Romans 6:23 – Explain the penalty for sin and God‘s desire for us. Step 3: Luke 13:3 – Repentance is necessary. Step 4: John 1:12 – God gives us power to become Christians, understand the

difference between believing in Jesus and knowing Him. Step 5: Revelation 3:20 – Tell the person how to receive Christ into your life.

If a person is willing to accept Christ into their lives and acknowledge Him as their Saviour, ask them to pray with you. Then help them to find a good church so that they will be able to grow in God‘s Word.

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Write a prayer for salvation in the space provided. Pray for an opportunity and the courage to share God‘s love with another person. 10.2.2 Bringing Security to a Church When a leader is seen to be secure in his/her life, family and position, a sense of security develops within the congregation. A leader must be able to be trusted. Consider the following characteristics, each of which brings some security to a church:

1. Priority – A leader‘s priorities should include God, spouse, children and the local church. A leader must keep them in that order. If God and one‘s relationship with God are placed below that of the church, problems arise. A leader must know God before serving Him and his/her relationship with God must be a priority.

2. Family –The church is to be seen as family, not an organisation or

institution. Our understanding of church must be rooted in family and lifestyle.

3. Unity – Psalm 133; Ephesians 4:3. More than one vision spells ‗di-vision‘.

The leadership of the church must hold to the same vision for the church. If there are different or conflicting goals there is no unity or harmony within the leadership and this can lead to a split in the church.

4. Authority – Luke 7:1-10. Authority provides protection, peace, and

purpose. A stable leadership that displays authority provides stability for the congregation. There must be mutual respect and confidence amongst the leadership that will allow for good communication and the proper perspective of authority over the congregation.

5. Responsibility – When people are enlisted for leadership they need to be

taught how important they are to the church as a whole. They need to know the importance of their gifts and how to recognise the gifts of others. It is important to keep leaders motivated so that they are able to motivate others.

Pray this prayer…

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6. Accountability – Elders must hold the home cell leaders, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, etc., accountable to their tasks. Faithfulness is the essential quality for greater responsibility and authority (Luke 16:10-12). When a person is found to be trustworthy with little, more will be given him/her. Faithfulness bring blessing (Proverbs 28:20).

10.2.3 Bringing Stability to a Church

1. Honesty – There is a great need for honesty among leaders. Building bridges in relationships can carry truth from one to the other. We are to be honest about our potential, limitations, qualifications, expectations and effectiveness, and also about everyone else‘s.

2. Empathy – Do not sympathise with others as much as empathise. We are

to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Leaders must understand the needs of others, encourage when heartache sets in and restore one to another.

3. Harmony – The leader and his family must be in harmony (Ephesians

5:21-6:4). A husband is to ensure that his wife and children are secure. There ought to be harmony and cooperation within the home so that the church may follow that example.

4. Victory – God wants us to be successful (Jeremiah 29:11), He has good

plans for our lives. It is often difficult to change our thinking from negative to positive. However, in order to live a victorious life, there must be a transformation and understanding of our position in Christ. We are to walk in the light of God‘s Word and the knowledge of what He has accomplished for us in Christ.

Stop and consider: Read Deuteronomy 19:2-7. God told to the people to create

Cities of Refuge, where a person accused of a crime could be safe until he/she was determined guilty or innocent. Where do you find refuge? Do the people within your congregation feel they can find refuge within the church?

Explain your answer.

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5. Conformity – Romans 12:2 says, ―…and be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…‖. We are to be truly and radically Word-based people. Our conformity should be to that of Christ. He is our model, our example of righteous, Word-based living.

6. Loyalty – Leaders are to show loyalty by their conversation (words) and

commitment to God and His Word, even when they are criticised or misunderstood. Leaders are to be loyal to one another and other believers, not manipulating or playing one against another, but faithful in all things. We are to be faithful in prayer and faithful in meeting the needs of our congregation.

10.3 BUILDING YOURSELVES "But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, `In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in

your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Jude 17-21 Be careful where you look! "Where you look determines where you live!"

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or

persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written: „For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as

sheep to be slaughtered.‟ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us.”

Romans 8:36,37

LOOKING UPWARD?

Looking forward? looking inward?

Looking Downward? LOOKING BACKWARDS?

LOOKING OUTWARDS?

Stop and consider: Where are you keeping your focus and

energy? Why?

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Your focus and direction can either enhance or damage your leadership and ministry. Read Matthew 13:1-17, NB vs. 13-17; Hebrews 12:1-3. What do these verses tell us about our focus? Where are we to be looking? Notes: ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Where is your Vision and Focus? By answering this question you will be able to determine:

1) Who you are? 2) Where you are going? 3) What you will achieve?

Notes: ______________________

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ Vision is a mental picture of where you want your church to go. It gets you out of your own backyard. It keeps you from settling down and sinking into the cushions of past accomplishments. A church without a vision is like a holiday without a destination. It may move but we don‘t know where or why. Vision enables us to expand our horizons. It stops us from spinning our wheels. So don‘t be afraid to dream. And never stop evaluating. There are six places that the Christian can look (see with his spiritual eyes, fill his vision with). Some of them are good, some bad. These are:

LOOKING NEGATIVELY LOOKING POSITIVELY

Inward Look Downward Look Backward Look

Outward Look Upward Look Forward Look

10.3.1 INWARD LOOK The benefits of looking inward are that it allows for an honest assessment of personal feelings, personal growth and development, personal aspirations, personal discipline, personal failures and personal victories.

Pray and make a list of leadership goals, both for yourself and for your church leadership team that you would like to achieve in the next 3 years.

Myself Leadership Team

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The New Testament invites you to "Examine yourself":

"A man ought to examine himself before he eats and drinks..." (1

Corinthians 11:28) "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians

13:5) "First take the plank out of your own eye…" (Matthew 7:5).

We are to constantly and consistently evaluating ourselves. When God‘s Word becomes our focus and we have a clear understanding of who we are in Christ, it is needful to evaluate our speech, actions, and example or leadership. Looking inward allows us to ask:

Am I growing?

How am I doing?

Am I praying enough?

Am I reading my Bible enough?

Do I give generously?

Most cultic practices are subjective! We have an objective faith - Jesus.

10.3.2 OUTWARD LOOK

Outward looking allows you to take your eyes off yourself and become sensitive to people and situations around you. If there are needs around you then go out and meet those needs, in His strength, as He leads.

―Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.‖ Luke 6:38

Let God move us with compassion (Matthew 9:36-38).

Become involved. ―God so loved the world that He gave...‖ (John 3:16).

Stop and reflect: Read Luke 6:35-38. When we give to

people who cannot possibly repay us or who are ungrateful, we reflect God‘s character. What could you give to those who cannot repay you or who would never even know of

your giving?

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10.3.3 DOWNWARD LOOK A downward look suggests that one is overwhelmed with burdens, discouragement and worries.

Are you overwhelmed by burdens you shouldn‘t be carrying?

Are you preoccupied with worries and fears?

Have you taken your eyes off the Lord? Consider the questions above and answer them. Then look to Scripture to counter with a positive response. Notes: ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The solution to looking down is clearly to look up. "My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember You…" (Psalm 42:6). 10.3.4 UPWARD LOOK - LOOKING TO GOD

―Look to Him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.‖ Psalm 34:5

Christianity is both objective and assertive - upwards and outwards. We need always to look to God, in every situation. We are invited not to glance or gaze heavenwards, but to "Fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2,3). Fill your vision with Him! At the stoning of Stephen, he did not ask, "What have I done wrong?" or "Where is the Church when I need it?" He looked up to heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. When practising a deliverance ministry or experiencing warfare, look to Jesus. The Israelites at the Red Sea are a good example of looking up.

The sea was before them and the Egyptians were behind them.

The mountain was on one side and the desert was on the other.

The hard ground was beneath them.

The only place to look was toward heaven! David had learned this secret. "I lift up my eyes to the hills..." (Psalm 121:1-8; Psalm 123:1; Psalm 125:1-2). Don't look to man, for that will bring disaster (Isaiah 31:1). Instead look to God and be saved. "Look unto Me and be saved..." (Isaiah 45:22 KJV).

When do you Look Up? _______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"It is wise to look to the Strong for strength."

Spurgeon

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In Prayers

O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up" (Psalm 5:3).

In Worship

God is the Object of our praise and worship, and we are to worship Him in Spirit and in trust, without distraction.

In Healing

"After that He put His hands again upon his eyes and made him look up; and he was restored and saw every man clearly" (Mark 8:25).

In Miracles

"...Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the bread. Then He gave them to His

disciples, and the disciples to the people" (Matthew 14:19).

In Witnessing

Look up to Him and expect Him to empower you and make you effective (Acts 1:8).

In Giving Our giving should be that of storing treasures in Heaven (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33).

In faith

Some have faith in their faith. Some have faith in the person praying. Some have faith in their church. "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5).

10.3.5 BACKWARD LOOK

The positive aspect of a backward look is to remember God's faithfulness in the past and to learn from previous mistakes. The children of God were continually reminded to "remember" – and to look back and reflect on God's faithfulness (1 Chronicles 16:8-22 NB vs. 11,12; Ps 77:1-20 NB vs. 10,11).

The negative aspect of a backward look is longing after the past. It‘s so easy to become nostalgic. It‘s so easy to long for the good old days. But there are things of the past we have to bury.

The Israelites became nostalgic after coming out of Egypt - the result was disastrous (Exodus 16:1-3).

Lot's wife looked back – the result was also devastating (Genesis 19:26). Do not live in past blessings (Isaiah 43:18,19).

Jesus warned about this when He said, "No-one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).

Never live in past failures or successes.

Consider: Lot and his family found it hard to leave their adopted home of Sodom, despite its immorality. When Lot‘s wife disobeyed and turned to look back she became a pillar of salt. For this she became a symbol of indecision. Jesus urges His followers to remember her example when their time of trouble comes (Luke 17:32).

“Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it,

and whoever loses his life for My sake, will save it.” Luke 17:33

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Forget and do not cling to the past. Past victories will not suffice for today‘s battles, past blessing will not be sufficient for tomorrow‘s challenges, remember God has something new for each of us (Philippians 3:12; Isaiah 43:18). 10.3.6 FORWARD LOOK Visionaries are always forward looking. They press on toward the goal and anticipate the results of God‘s great promises for His church and His people. They see and perceive what God is doing (Philippians 3:12-16). Believers look forward to their eternal reward, eternity with Jesus. This also must motivate believers to persevere. ―Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.‖ Hebrews 12:1,2 Try the LAST Self-test on the next page.

LOOK WITHIN YOU - How are you growing?

LOOK BEHIND YOU – What have you learnt?

LOOK AHEAD OF YOU – Where are you going?

LOOK ALONGSIDE OF YOU – What are the needs of those around you?

LOOK ABOVE YOU – What does God expect of you?

Stop and reflect: Consider the questions below and answer them

honestly.

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Self-test

1. List the six (6) purposes of the body of Christ, as given in this unit.

2. Quality of life is a result of being to God. 3. Christ came to destroy the (1 John 3:8). 4. What are the two (2) important principles of leadership within the body, as given is this unit? 5. List the five (5) steps in the plan of salvation. 6. How is Unity important to the security of the church?

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7. How does Harmony create stability within the church? 8. Leaders are expected to be examples to the (Hebrews 13:7). Compare your answers with mine on the next page.

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Self-test

1. List the six (6) purposes of the body of Christ as given in this unit. 2. Quality of life is a result of being to God. 3. Christ came to destroy the (1 John 3:8). 4. What are the two (2) important principles of leadership within the body, as given is this unit? 5. Write the five (5) steps given in the plan of salvation. 6. How is Unity important to the security of the church?

Purpose 1: To Exalt God Purpose 2: To Enjoy God Purpose 3: To Establish His Kingdom on Earth Purpose 4: To Enthrone Him as King Purpose 5: To Exemplify Christ Purpose 6: To Enhance Life by Influencing the World

rightly related

works of the devil

1. Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-16) – There is a great emphasis that needs to be placed on preparing God‘s people for works of service. Our gifts are to help each other and prepare one another for His work. This preparation (equipping) takes place in two ways:

Study so that the Word of God becomes familiar. Service so that the Word of God becomes alive.

2. Edify the Body (Ephesians 4:12) – We are to be a part of the edifying or ‗building up‘ of the body. This is done through:

Encouragement

Comfort

Recognising the gifts and abilities of others

Correction (discipline)

Carrying one another‘s burdens

Praying for one another

Rejoicing with one another

Financial support

Fellowship

Step 1: Romans 3:23 – All have sinned. Step 2: Romans 6:23 – Explain the penalty for sin and God‘s desire for us. Step 3: Luke 13:3 – Repentance is necessary. Step 4: John 1:12 – God gives us power to become Christians, understand the difference between believing in Jesus and knowing Him.

Step 5: Revelation 3:20 – Tell the person how to receive Christ into your life.

Unity – Psalm 133; Ephesians 4:3. More than one vision spells „di-vision‟. The leadership of the church must hold to the same vision for the church. If there are different or conflicting goals there is no unity or harmony within the leadership and this can lead to a split in the church.

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7. How does Harmony create stability within the church? 8. Leaders are expected to be examples to the (Hebrews 13:7).

Harmony – The leader and his family must be in harmony (Ephesians 5:21-6:4). A husband is to ensure that his wife and children are secure. There ought to be harmony and cooperation within the home so that the church

may follow that example.

members of the congregation

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Assignment Two

PART ONE 1.1 Worship and Prayer within the life of a Leader.

1.1.1 Formulate a concise but comprehensive Biblical definition of worship. 20 marks 1.1.2 Describe how a leader would go about developing a meaningful prayer life (which would include a lifestyle of personal worship). 30 marks

Your answer should be about 300 words in length.

1.2 You have just recently taken over the leadership of a church. You realise

that the church struggles with their worship. Prepare a teaching that will describe the Biblical pattern of worship and describe how you as a leader would help your church to establish a meaningful Biblical lifestyle of corporate worship. 40 marks

Include practical illustrations and Biblical references.

Your answer should be about 400 words in length.

Approximately 700 words in total Total marks for this section: 80 marks

PART TWO 2.1 Describe in detail the leader‟s role within the church (200 words). 20

marks. 2.2 Do some investigative study. How did leaders emerge in the ministry of

Jesus and throughout the New Testament? Support your answer with Biblical references. Your answer should be a approximately 200 words. 20 marks.

2.3 Relationships in the church are of paramount importance. Describe how

leaders should relate to one another. Give attention to teams working within the local church as well as the wider church. Paul‟s letters should give you many ideas of how leaders should and shouldn‟t interact. Your answer should be approximately 200 words and supported by Scripture. 30 marks

Approximately 600 words in total

Total marks for this section: 70 marks

Total marks for assignment: 150 marks

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APPENDIX ONE

Church Perspectives on the Future of South Africa Taken from “The Road to Rustenburg” David Bosch

Edited by Dr Louw Alberts & Dr Frank Chikane

According to my brief, I am supposed to help you see how the Reformed tradition has historically treated social and political issues, and also to indicate how this tradition may help shape the future of our country. I am not going to limit myself to the views and contributions of the Reformed and Presbyterian churches. Calvinism, in fact, forms the substratum of Anglicanism as well, as it does of other traditions, such as Methodism. It is therefore this wide and far-flung movement I wish to speak about. Unfortunately, because this is such a wide and complex subject, it will be impossible to bring out all the nuances. I will be forced to portray Calvinism in a rather oversimplified, even stereotyped fashion. I can only express the hope that fellow-Calvinists will recognise themselves in what I have to say, and that non-Calvinists will at least be intrigued by this much-maligned tradition. I will also be obliged, at some point, to draw comparisons between Calvinism and other traditions, particularly Catholicism and Lutheranism. I will do so, not by means of conducting a beauty contest in which my candidate is the most attractive, but simply to help you perceive the profile of the Calvinist view of life and the world. So please do not take my observations regarding other traditions as disparaging. You will note, more over, that I am in many respects critical of my own tradition. And, in any case, in recent decades there has been a remarkable convergence of ecclesiastical traditions, which means that Calvinists, Catholics and Lutherans are no longer as far apart as they used to be. I wish to speak, consecutively, about the features, the failures, and the future of Calvinism in South Africa. The Features of Calvinism

If Liberation Theology concentrates on the incarnation of Christ, Catholics on the significance of Christ‘s vicarious death on the Cross, the Eastern Orthodox on the glory of Christ‘s resurrection, Pentecostals on the coming of the Holy Spirit, and Adventists on the expected return of Christ, it could be said that Christ‘s ascension is of particular significance to Calvinists. The Ascension was, for John Calvin, the symbol of the enthronement of Christ, of His lordship over all life and reality. Small wonder, then, that in the Calvinist tradition it is the reign of God that is emphasised, God‘s dominion, now already, over all reality. Through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, God‘s reign has already been inaugurated. And the believers are called to make that reign more visible, more real, in the here and now. For Calvinists, this signifies a fundamental break with the medieval worldview, with Catholicism, but also with Lutheranism. The medieval vision of human life was essentially other-worldly. This physical world is not our home. We are aliens here,

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just travelling through. The real world is eternal, the immutable, the incorruptible, the imperishable. This earthly life is merely the anteroom of our ultimate destiny (Wolterstorff 1983 :4f). For Calvinists, by contrast, it is this world in which we are to exercise our calling. It is here that we are called to give expression to the reality of God‘s reign. Richard Marius, an American Lutheran, compares Calvinism and Lutheranism at this point:

Luther never tried to make much of this present world and a worldly age cannot make much of him. The Calvinists expected the world to endure, and they believed themselves instruments of God to convert it Calvinism has taught us that we are to make something of this world ... Calvinism has implanted in both the British and the American traditions a perpetual dissatisfaction with our successes and a restlessness with the ways things are. (Marius 1976:34)

H Richard Niebuhr comes to essentially the same conclusion and characterises the classical Lutheran position as one of ‗mere endurance in the expectation of a trans-historical salvation‘, while Calvin sees Christ as ‗the converter of man in his culture and society, not apart from these ...‘ (Niebuhr 1956:43; 217f). For Calvin, then, the involvement of believers in the world was not an addition to theology. Social ethics did not belong to a different category, divorced from theology. This is only one of several respects in which Calvinism and Liberation Theology converge. Both express concern for the victims of society in essentially the same manner: not by applying bandages, but by identifying the causes of the wounds inflicted on people and by seeking to effect change in respect of the structures of injustice (Wolterstorff 1983:65). Not that Calvin or the Reformation tradition reduces theology to politics. Rather, theology has to do with the knowledge of God and His glory. But precisely because Calvinists regard politics as one fundamental sphere within which God reveals His glory and should be worshipped, they lift politics into the realm of theology (Wolterstorff 1983: 10f; De Gruchy 1986:20f). The distinction between religious and non-religious components of life comes naturally to Lutherans (Troeltsch 1931:602; Wolterstorff 1983:10). Calvinists, by comparison, argue that, precisely because Christ is the Head of the Church, he is also the Lord of the world. More than other Christians, Calvinists believe that we live in a fallen world. The classical Calvinist notion in this respect is that of total depravity. It is important to note, however and this constitutes the second point of intersection between Calvinism and Liberation Theology that it is not only individual human beings who are considered to be fallen; rather, the very structures in which we find ourselves are fallen; the entire social order is corrupt (Walzer 1966:65, 319; Wolterstorff 1983:3, 9, 16f). And precisely as fallen structure, society is in need of reform, permanent reform. The corollary of the adage ecelesia semper reformanda (the church is always in need of reformation) is societas semper reformanda (society is always in need of reformation). At the centre of Calvinist social piety there are three foundational elements, gratitude, obedience and vocation. Our profound gratitude to God for what He has done by saving us, motivates us to obedience to His will, which is expressed in vocation (Wolterstorff 1983:15). Thus, believers are privileged, as well as obliged, to

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participate in the renewal of the face of the earth. ‗The saints,‘ says Michael Walzer, ‗were responsible for their world as medieval men were not and responsible above all for its continuous reformation‘ (Walzer 1966:12). For medieval people, God was in His heaven, the bishop in his chair, and the lord in his castle. This was part of the very nature of things the entire hierarchical array was God-ordained (Wolterstorff 1983:7). Every person should remain in the social and occupational position into which he or she was born. All of this was simply a given (Wolterstorff 1983: 16f). ‗Patriarchy, personal loyalty, patronage and corporation are the key forms of human relations,‘ says Michael Walzer (1966: 311), and he adds that ‗passivity is the normal political posture of common men‘. Each person had his or her appointed destiny, received from the hands of God (Troeltsch 1931:610). For the Calvinists, however, no societal structure was regarded as God-given or inviolable. They became ‗active enemies of the old order‘ (Walzer 1966:312) and Calvinism, ‗a political movement aiming at social reconstruction‘ (Walzer 1966:319). This is achieved inter alia by substituting vocation for occupation. In Catholicism, to this day, one uses the word ‗vocations‘ only in respect of the ordained ministry. In the Calvinist paradigm, however, not only the ordained minister is called, but everyone who, in gratitude and obedience, serves in the world. Tailors, merchants, and farmers respond to and live out a calling, a vocation, just as the ordained minister does. In the political arena, this meant that subjects had become citizens (Walzer 1966:9). The Calvinist worldview was, in this respect, an important building-block in the development of democracy. There is something distinctly modern about the Calvinist view of life. Since all of society has been ravaged by sin, there is no area into which the rays of the reign of God should not be cast. And the believers are called to participate in this ministry with total commitment. They are responsible for the structure of the social world in which they find themselves. ‗Everywhere,‘ says Ernst Troeltsch, Calvinism was led to ‗a systematic endeavour to mould the life of Society as a whole, to a kind of ―Christian Socialism‖‘ (193 1:202). Addressing the English House of Commons in 1641, the Puritan minister, Thomas Case, said:

Reformation must be universal ... reform all places, all persons and callings; reform the benches of judgment, the ... magistrates.... Reform the universities, reform the cities, reform the countries, reform schools of learning, reform the Sabbath, reform the ordinances, the worship of God. (Quoted in Waizer 1966:l0)

Case does not distinguish between so-called ‗religious‘ and ‗secular‘ duties. The enthusiastic and purposive activity of the Calvinists was part of their religious life, not something distinct and separate: ‗They acted out their saintliness in debates, elections, administration, and warfare‘ (Walzer 1966:12); indeed, ‗the band of the chosen confronts the existing world as if in war‘ (Walzer 1966:317). And since they have a total view of the new world, their project is a total one (Walzer 1966:319). I have quoted Walzer as saying that ‗the band of the chosen confronts the existing world as if in war‘. As a matter of fact, the concept of ‗war‘ has not always been used only in a metaphorical sense in Calvinism, as the history of the (white) Reformed Churches in South Africa attests (Borchardt 1975). This, then, is yet another area in

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which the difference between Calvinism and Liberation Theology is not as absolute as some would have it. It has become customary, in some circles, to construe, on the basis of Calvinism, an absolute antithesis between reform and revolution. From the records, however, it seems the matter was never quite that simple. Scottish and English Calvinists, for instance, have argued that it is not only permitted, but on occasion even obligatory, to actively resist a tyrannical government (Wolterstorff 1983: 143f). The Failures of Calvinism Ever since the 1840s, when David Livingstone suggested that it was the Afrikaners‘ Calvinism that was the ideological source of the injustices perpetrated by them against the blacks, Calvinism has had a bad press in South Africa and at least in some circles elsewhere. This interpretation was, at least in part, unjustified. Still, it contained an element of truth. Like every other system, religious or otherwise, Calvinism also had its weaknesses. This appears particularly to have been the case in South Africa. Let us look at some of its failures in our situation. First, Calvinism‘s penchant for advocating a total strategy of reform has often degenerated into a form of totalitarianism. Calvinists frequently attempt to remake the world into their own image and often fail to think about how they might live together with those with whom they disagree (Wolterstorff 1983:22). I would like to suggest that the introduction and imposition of the policy of apartheid in South Africa is an example of such totalitarianism. With extraordinary self-assurance and daring, and in the name of Calvinist ‗principles‘, the architects of apartheid set out, methodically and systematically, and at the same time self-righteously, to do what they perceived to be God‘s will for South Africa. And since, as I have already argued, politics and religion are not to be divorced from each other in the Calvinist paradigm, those who differed from the ‗official‘ view particularly if they were themselves members of one of the Reformed Churches were considered to be not only politically unorthodox but also theologically heretical. Second, in spite of Calvinism‘s intrinsic world-transforming quality, it often, and perhaps incongruously, manifested itself as conservative rather than transformative in particular contexts. Instead of orientating itself forward, to the future ultimate triumph of God and the full eruption of God‘s reign, it orientated itself backward, to the beginning, to the ‗creation ordinances‘, which now, all of a sudden, became sacrosanct and the divine yardstick for the shaping of society (Wolterstorif 1983:59). Its emphasis on obedience and order, its interpretation of ethnic diversity as a creation ordinance and its marriage with nationalism, made it easier for Calvinism in South Africa to excuse government violence than the violence of resistance. Instead of attacking and transforming society, it legitimated and defended the status quo. Reformers changed into diehard conservatives. Third, and related to the point just made: In the Calvinism of the last century or so, Calvinists, particularly where they belonged to the privileged sections of the population have sometimes adopted a strategy which enabled them to sound progressive and relevant, while salvaging something, but only something, of the semblance of social justice. They did this by positing ‗principles‘ of justice which now

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only had to be ‗applied‘ to specific situations, and they saw their task as being limited to formulating these principles, not to work them out in society. In a sense, this was an escape mechanism, a form of self-justification, an approach that enabled them to speak about justice in theory without getting involved, to make only general statements about justice, without taking upon themselves the risk of identifying particular policies and actions as evil and others as commendable. The Future of Calvinism

After this highly stereotypical, if not idiosyncratic portrayal of Calvinism, let me finally turn to the future and reflect, very briefly, on the future of Calvinism in our country and the contribution it may be able to make. First, I believe that Calvinism will cease to play a dominant role in the South Africa of the future. Many Calvinists will not find this easy. Historically, Calvinists were at their best where they were in a position of authority. They have often experienced difficulty with a minority status. And yet, Calvinists may be privileged to play a significant role in the South Africa of the future. It can, for instance, be demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that the modem ecumenical movement, particularly its emphasis on the believer‘s calling in respect of the structures of society, is profoundly indebted to the Calvinist tradition. Also, the future South African society will reap the benefits of this tradition. Concretely, this means that we can move beyond merely attacking apartheid and lamenting the past and, precisely because Christ wishes to reign over all of reality, reflect on what we might do in respect of specific issues, such as the desperate situation regarding, among others, education, the homeless, and AIDS. Second, and related to the above, when Calvinists are indeed a minority, without much say or direct influence, one option is excluded if they wish to remain Calvinists: they cannot withdraw from public life into the privacy of the soul and of ‗religion‘. If they wish to remain true to their roots, they will continue to contribute to the welfare of the city. They cannot now, when they lose their position of privilege, suddenly amputate political ethics from theology. Because of the Calvinist doctrine of common grace and the belief that God uses not only Christians to execute his will, but all of humanity, Calvinists will continue to adopt a basically positive but sober attitude toward the civil realm. They will neither view any particular manifestation of the sociopolitical order as God‘s kingdom on earth, nor regard what they consider to be falling short of the ideal as a manifestation of the Beast. History is the arena of God‘s activities; therefore, to opt out of civil society or to set up little Christian islands, is to subscribe to a truncated and disjunctive understanding of God‘s work. Third, Christians will only be able to contribute to society if they cease to be prescriptive and dogmatic. We may indeed, with confidence, point to God‘s revelation in Jesus Christ and faith in Him as the sure way to salvation. But we cannot, with the same confidence, impose blueprints on society (Nicol 1990:4f). This does not mean that we should limit ourselves to the formulation of principles. Rather, we should risk saying what we believe to be right and what we believe to be wrong. We should not do it in an apodeictic way. Practical politics leads us into the area of the contingent and the relative, where Christians will differ about the answers, but

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will nevertheless have to make choices and share with those who do not consider themselves Christians in open debate on socioethical issues. Where people are experiencing and working for justice, freedom, reconciliation, unity, and truth, in a spirit of selflessness, we may dare to see God at work, and say so. Wherever people are being enslaved, enmity between humans is fanned, and mutual accountability denied in a spirit of individual or group self-centrism, we may identify the counterforces of God‘s reign at work, and say so. We have to be as specific as the Old Testament prophets, who did not limit themselves to enunciating principles. Fourth, Calvinists should guard against the temptation of trying to regain a kind of quasi-established position by allowing itself, once again, to be co-opted by the State, a political party, or an ideology. Even while giving credit where credit is due, it should never legitimate the policies of the Government or any political party. It best serves the Kingdom of God and the people, and therefore the wellbeing of the State, by being prophetic and critical‘ (De Gruchy 1986:27). Fifth, Calvinists will have to channel Calvinism‘s latent penchant toward revolution in the direction of working for peace. For far too long we have participated in war-talk. God also speaks to us through the contingent events of history, and I believe that what God is saying to us at this juncture of our history is that violence, both the violence of the system and of the oppressed, has been so destructive, so catastrophic, that we are compelled to look for alternatives. One of the major social sins that has to be opposed now is militarism from above and from below. Many of us have, for years, used the slogan ‗No peace without justice‘. While continuing to subscribe to this motto, we should supplement it with its corollary: ‗No justice without peace‘. Last, and perhaps most important: the future South Africa will be far more pluralistic and secular than anything we have known. This South Africa can, however, only survive it if can rely on the assumed virtue of its citizens. It can only succeed if certain controls and morals have been implanted into its citizens. In a sense, then, a pluralist and secular South Africa will remain dependent upon the existence of believers, that is, of persons whose integrity and good conduct can be relied upon. It is only a shared moral vision that can hold society together (Walzer 1966:302f De Gruchy 1986:27). If Calvinists can continue to contribute to this vision, their ministry will be a blessing to all citizens of our country. Since they know of the reality of sin in individual and corporate life, they will remain anti-utopian, sober, and watchful, not fooling themselves into believing that we shall build the ideal society here on earth, nor losing hope when there are setbacks, when the social and political fabric remains fragile and under pressure. They will remain determined to do their utmost for the peace of the city. In this way, Calvinism can call people to true conversion, a conversion that includes social responsibility and a moral vision for society.

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References Borchardt, CFA. ‗Die Afrikaanse Kerke en die Rebellie 1914-15‘, in Teologie en Vernuwing, edited by IH Eybers, A Konig and CFA Borchardt (University of South Africa: Pretoria, 1975) pp. 85-116. Bosch, DJ. ‗Dissension among Christians: How do we handle contentious issues?‘ in Healing in the Name of God, edited by PGR de Villiers (University of South Africa: Pretoria, 1986) pp 1-8. De Gruchy, John W. ‗Christ and/or Caesar? The Challenge to the Christian in South Africa from a Reformed perspective‘, published in Orientation No 41, 1986. pp 14-36. Marius, Richard. ‗The Reformation and Nationhood‘, published in Dialog, Vol 15, 1976. pp. 29-34. Nicol, Willem. ‗The Role of the Church in the Context of Transition: Theological Perspectives‘, published in grape Vine, No 29, September 1990. pp. 3-9. Niebuhr, H Richard. Christ and Culture. (Harper & Brothers: New York, 1956). Troeltsch, Ernst. The Social Teaching of the Christian Churches. (Macmillan: New York, 1931). Waizer, Michael. The Revolution of the Saints: A Study in the Origins of Radical Politics. (Weidenfeld and Nicolson: London, 1966). Wolterstorif, Nicholas. Until Justice and Peace Embrace. (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1983).