Lesson 14: Godly Leadership

1. Lesson 14: Godly Leadership Hi everyone, my name is Jason and tonight we will be continuing in our study in the book of 1 Peter Chapter 5:1-4, where we will be covering Godly Leadership. When I think about Godly leadership, the first thing that comes to mind is the 12 Apostles. So doing a quick Google search, this was one of the first images to pop up. Shown here is a mural painting of the "Last Supper" created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century in Milan, Italy. The painting depicts Jesus and the 12 disciples as described in John 13:21. By the late 1970's, dirt, pollution and two misguided restoration attempts in the 18th and 19th century, had taken its toll and this fine work of art was in great danger of fading away into history. So in 1978, Pinin Brambilla Barcilon led a major restoration effort to save the painting. Using infrared reflectoscopy and original hand drawings stored in the Royal Library of Windsor Castle, Barcilon painstakingly reconstructed the mural over a period of 21 years and on May 28th 1999 he presented the painting as da Vinci originally envisioned. When it was unveiled considerable controversy was aroused by the dramatic change in colors, tones and even some facial shapes. I personally think it was an improvement, but what do I know, I'm an engineer, not an artist. What does this have to do with today's lesson? Nothing really, so let's begin with prayer...Hi everyone, my name is Jason and tonight we will be continuing in our study in the book of 1 Peter Chapter 5:1-4, where we will be covering Godly Leadership. When I think about Godly leadership, the first thing that comes to mind is the 12 Apostles. So doing a quick Google search, this was one of the first images to pop up. Shown here is a mural painting of the "Last Supper" created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century in Milan, Italy. The painting depicts Jesus and the 12 disciples as described in John 13:21. By the late 1970's, dirt, pollution and two misguided restoration attempts in the 18th and 19th century, had taken its toll and this fine work of art was in great danger of fading away into history. So in 1978, Pinin Brambilla Barcilon led a major restoration effort to save the painting. Using infrared reflectoscopy and original hand drawings stored in the Royal Library of Windsor Castle, Barcilon painstakingly reconstructed the mural over a period of 21 years and on May 28th 1999 he presented the painting as da Vinci originally envisioned. When it was unveiled considerable controversy was aroused by the dramatic change in colors, tones and even some facial shapes. I personally think it was an improvement, but what do I know, I'm an engineer, not an artist. What does this have to do with today's lesson? Nothing really, so let's begin with prayer...

2. Introduction Think about the bosses that you have worked under. What makes a good leader or a bad leader? (read slide)(read slide)

3. Scripture Verse In tonight's lesson, Peter is addressing the "elders" in the church. In the 1st century, elders were older and wiser men who provided direction and rule over a body of younger men. This was a cultural norm that was established in the Old Testament and was repeated throughout Jewish history up to and beyond the time of Jesus. Thus there were "elders" of the Sanhedrin as well as elders of the local synagogues. The institution of eldership was adopted by the early Christian church. The book of Acts, 1 Timothy and Titus illustrated how the Apostle Paul had planted churches with elders to ensure that the congregations would survive and thrive. Although Peter was talking to the elders specifically, the text of tonight's lesson can be applied to anyone in the church who finds themselves in a leadership position, not just older people, but anyone who serves others. In other words, small-group leaders, Sunday school teachers, worship team singers and musicians, and even pastors: This message is for you. But for those of you who are not leading, you should pay attention too because someday you might be called to lead and it would help if you knew what you were getting yourself into. Can I have a volunteer read tonight's text please? (pick someone).In tonight's lesson, Peter is addressing the "elders" in the church. In the 1st century, elders were older and wiser men who provided direction and rule over a body of younger men. This was a cultural norm that was established in the Old Testament and was repeated throughout Jewish history up to and beyond the time of Jesus. Thus there were "elders" of the Sanhedrin as well as elders of the local synagogues. The institution of eldership was adopted by the early Christian church. The book of Acts, 1 Timothy and Titus illustrated how the Apostle Paul had planted churches with elders to ensure that the congregations would survive and thrive. Although Peter was talking to the elders specifically, the text of tonight's lesson can be applied to anyone in the church who finds themselves in a leadership position, not just older people, but anyone who serves others. In other words, small-group leaders, Sunday school teachers, worship team singers and musicians, and even pastors: This message is for you. But for those of you who are not leading, you should pay attention too because someday you might be called to lead and it would help if you knew what you were getting yourself into. Can I have a volunteer read tonight's text please? (pick someone).

4. (thank the reader)(thank the reader)

5. What's Your Motivation? As I was putting together today's lesson, one reoccurring theme kept reoccurring. No I don't work for the Department of Redundancy Department, I'm over qualified, but here's the theme: WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION? See the cat? The cat is very well motivated. Psychologists define motivation as: A psychological concept with no single universally accepted definition, but which organizational sociologists aver concerns the determinants of intent, effort and tenacity, factors that push or pull us as individuals to behave in a particular manner. I define it as, "Why am I doing this?" This is a question that many leaders in the church are too busy to ask themselves. Yet in tonight's verses, Peter wants us to stop for a moment and ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?" What is my motivation for serving? Peter does not give us the answer to this question because it is different for each person. But he does give us a vision of what motivation should look like. Let's dig into tonight's verses.As I was putting together today's lesson, one reoccurring theme kept reoccurring. No I don't work for the Department of Redundancy Department, I'm over qualified, but here's the theme: WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION? See the cat? The cat is very well motivated. Psychologists define motivation as: A psychological concept with no single universally accepted definition, but which organizational sociologists aver concerns the determinants of intent, effort and tenacity, factors that push or pull us as individuals to behave in a particular manner. I define it as, "Why am I doing this?" This is a question that many leaders in the church are too busy to ask themselves. Yet in tonight's verses, Peter wants us to stop for a moment and ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?" What is my motivation for serving? Peter does not give us the answer to this question because it is different for each person. But he does give us a vision of what motivation should look like. Let's dig into tonight's verses.

6. What's Your Motivation? To Elders and Young Men ��� 1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Charge~Paraggello military word: to order or command Appeal~Parakaleo (read text) Peter addresses his coworkers in a surprisingly gentle way. When he says he is a "fellow elder", he's really understating his position. He's not just a "fellow elder". He is "the elder", appointed the Apostle to the Jews 5 years before Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Peter was an eye witness to the life, death and resurrection of Christ and was also guaranteed to share in the glory of Christ's return. For all intensive purposes, Peter had the right to command his coworkers to obey him. The Apostle Paul did this in 1 Tim 6:13 where he charged Timothy to keep the faith. The word Charge~comes from the Greek word Paraggello which is a military word meaning to order or command. But Peter uses a similar sounding word that has a softer meaning: The word Appeal~comes form the Greek word Parakaleo Which means "To call to one's side" This gives an image of a parent coming along side a child to exhort, comfort, and encourage. So Peter says to his co-leaders, "hey, come here, let me encourage, Parakaleo, you" (read text) Peter addresses his coworkers in a surprisingly gentle way. When he says he is a "fellow elder", he's really understating his position. He's not just a "fellow elder". He is "the elder", appointed the Apostle to the Jews 5 years before Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Peter was an eye witness to the life, death and resurrection of Christ and was also guaranteed to share in the glory of Christ's return. For all intensive purposes, Peter had the right to command his coworkers to obey him. The Apostle Paul did this in 1 Tim 6:13 where he charged Timothy to keep the faith. The word Charge~comes from the Greek word Paraggello which is a military word meaning to order or command. But Peter uses a similar sounding word that has a softer meaning: The word Appeal~comes form the Greek word Parakaleo Which means "To call to one's side" This gives an image of a parent coming along side a child to exhort, comfort, and encourage. So Peter says to his co-leaders, "hey, come here, let me encourage, Parakaleo, you"

7. What's Your Motivation? 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers�not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; Shepherd~Poimaino John 21:15-19~ Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, Follow me. Spiritual/Physical Care (read verses) Peter uses a word picture of a shepherd taking care of a flock of sheep. This illustration was very easy for his audience to grasp because the care of livestock was prevalent in the 1st century. But us city folks may have a bit of trouble grasping what it means to be a good shepherd. The word Shepherd~comes from Poimaino. It's full meaning can be drawn from Christ's reinstatement of Peter after the resurrection: From John 21:15-19~Jesus asked Peter 3 times, "do you love me?" Each time Peter said yes, but Jesus countered with a command: Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, Follow me. This means to be a good shepherd, one must look after the spiritual and physical care of those who they oversee. This means teaching them the word of God, taking care of any needs that they have and also to lead them by following Christ. (read verses) Peter uses a word picture of a shepherd taking care of a flock of sheep. This illustration was very easy for his audience to grasp because the care of livestock was prevalent in the 1st century. But us city folks may have a bit of trouble grasping what it means to be a good shepherd. The word Shepherd~comes from Poimaino. It's full meaning can be drawn from Christ's reinstatement of Peter after the resurrection: From John 21:15-19~Jesus asked Peter 3 times, "do you love me?" Each time Peter said yes, but Jesus countered with a command: Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, Follow me. This means to be a good shepherd, one must look after the spiritual and physical care of those who they oversee. This means teaching them the word of God, taking care of any needs that they have and also to lead them by following Christ.

8. What's Your Motivation? 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers�not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; Not must, but willing Why do you serve? guilt, obligation, tradition You want to! Willing: As God wants you to be: If you serve for the wrong reason, change your reason God wants willing obedience, not sacrifice. (read verses) This is the first part where Peter questions your motivation: Not must, but willing. For those of you who help out in the church, here's my question to you: Why do you serve? Do you do it out of guilt, obligation, or tradition? A lot of people in the church serve because of these things. Or do you serve because You want to! You see, any great things you accomplish for the fellowship, small group or even kitchen duty only matter if you are Willing: As God wants you to be: If you serve for the wrong reason, change your reason. God wants willing obedience, not sacrifice. Serve because you want to or don't serve at all.(read verses) This is the first part where Peter questions your motivation: Not must, but willing. For those of you who help out in the church, here's my question to you: Why do you serve? Do you do it out of guilt, obligation, or tradition? A lot of people in the church serve because of these things. Or do you serve because You want to! You see, any great things you accomplish for the fellowship, small group or even kitchen duty only matter if you are Willing: As God wants you to be: If you serve for the wrong reason, change your reason. God wants willing obedience, not sacrifice. Serve because you want to or don't serve at all.

9. What's Your Motivation? 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers�not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; Not for what you can get but eager to serve Eager~Prothumos Before the fire Passionately on fire (read verses) Not for what you can get but eager to serve. Let me give you a bit of context here: In the 1st Century, eldership was a paid position in the church. And there were some who were in it strictly for the money. Today, eldership is a volunteer position, but some people still receive payment in the form of gifts, and/or public adoration. But once again, serving for what you can get does not count with God. God wants you to serve because you are: Eager~Comes from the Greek word Prothumos which is a compound word "Pro" meaning Before, and "Thumos" meaning thermal or fire. In modern speak we would say Passionately on fire for. Shown here is a picture of Indianapolis Colt fans who are cheering the win of their team at the Super Bowl. Aside from being drunk out of their skulls, they are passionately on fire, prothumos, for their team. God wants us to serve him because we are eagerly on fire for him, the same way we passionately follow some sports teams. (Indianapolis Colts fans celebrate at Jillian's in downtown Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, following the Colts 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl.)(read verses) Not for what you can get but eager to serve. Let me give you a bit of context here: In the 1st Century, eldership was a paid position in the church. And there were some who were in it strictly for the money. Today, eldership is a volunteer position, but some people still receive payment in the form of gifts, and/or public adoration. But once again, serving for what you can get does not count with God. God wants you to serve because you are: Eager~Comes from the Greek word Prothumos which is a compound word "Pro" meaning Before, and "Thumos" meaning thermal or fire. In modern speak we would say Passionately on fire for. Shown here is a picture of Indianapolis Colt fans who are cheering the win of their team at the Super Bowl. Aside from being drunk out of their skulls, they are passionately on fire, prothumos, for their team. God wants us to serve him because we are eagerly on fire for him, the same way we passionately follow some sports teams. (Indianapolis Colts fans celebrate at Jillian's in downtown Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, following the Colts 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl.)

10. What's Your Motivation? 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 2 Ways to Rule: Lording it over~Kata (down from) +kurieuo (rule) Lead by example~Tupos (a pattern to trace) (read verses) Peter just established that he wanted shepherds to be passionate for their ministries: Optimistic, focused, driven. But great care must be taken in how you wield this passion: There are 2 ways to rule: Lording it over~which comes from the compound word Kata (meaning down from) and kurieuo (meaning rule). This is the modus operandi of the tyrant. Sadly, many leaders in the world and even in the church want to be the king. But Peter says that this is the wrong motivation. Instead you should want to Lead by example~Tupos (meaning a pattern to trace). In other words, lead because you want to follow the king, not because you want to be the king. Peter is speaking from experience. After all, this is how Jesus himself taught the disciples: He was willing to obey the Father, eager to serve others, and wanted to be an example for others to follow.(read verses) Peter just established that he wanted shepherds to be passionate for their ministries: Optimistic, focused, driven. But great care must be taken in how you wield this passion: There are 2 ways to rule: Lording it over~which comes from the compound word Kata (meaning down from) and kurieuo (meaning rule). This is the modus operandi of the tyrant. Sadly, many leaders in the world and even in the church want to be the king. But Peter says that this is the wrong motivation. Instead you should want to Lead by example~Tupos (meaning a pattern to trace). In other words, lead because you want to follow the king, not because you want to be the king. Peter is speaking from experience. After all, this is how Jesus himself taught the disciples: He was willing to obey the Father, eager to serve others, and wanted to be an example for others to follow.

11. What's Your Motivation? 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Crown~Stephanos Olympic wreath Never fade~Amarantinos made of amaranth (read verses) Crown~comes from the Greek word Stephanos, which refers specifically to an wreath that was given to the winner of the Olympic games. However, unlike the earthly wreaths that were made of withered parsley, Peter says that we will receive a crown that will Never fade~which comes from the word Amarantinos, which means made of amaranth, a flower that symbolized eternity because it would always revive when soaked in water. Now what is this crown? No one knows. Scripture says very little about it is but it does say it will be glorious and eternal. I think the Bible is silent about the crown because it should never really be our motivation to serve, rather it is an indication that God appreciates our efforts to serve Him faithfully. (read verses) Crown~comes from the Greek word Stephanos, which refers specifically to an wreath that was given to the winner of the Olympic games. However, unlike the earthly wreaths that were made of withered parsley, Peter says that we will receive a crown that will Never fade~which comes from the word Amarantinos, which means made of amaranth, a flower that symbolized eternity because it would always revive when soaked in water. Now what is this crown? No one knows. Scripture says very little about it is but it does say it will be glorious and eternal. I think the Bible is silent about the crown because it should never really be our motivation to serve, rather it is an indication that God appreciates our efforts to serve Him faithfully.

12. Application To the leaders: What is your motivation for serving? Not because you must, but willingly Not for what you can get, but eagerly Not lording it over but lead by example To the rest of you: What is your motivation for not serving? All believers have at least one gift Why are you not willing to serve? What will you do to change your heart? To the leaders: What is your motivation for serving? Not because you must, but willingly: As God wants you to be. Not for what you can get, but eagerly: Serve God with the same passion you place on you favorite sports team. Not lording it over but lead by example: Lead because you want to follow the King, not because you want to be the king. Those of you who lead or serve the church, I want you to take the time and answer the question, "Why am I doing this?" If you can't say you are willing, passionate and want to follow Christ, you need to rethink your motivation. To the rest of you: What is your motivation for not serving? All believers have at least one gift. In Romans 12:6, the Apostle Paul clearly states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." I believe that God calls all believers to use their gifts to build up the church and glorify Him. But only some bother to respond to His call. For you believers who are doing nothing for the Kingdom of God I want you to take the time and ask: Why are you not willing to serve? What will you do to change your heart?. In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul writes, "godliness with contentment is great gain." And you can never be content as a believer unless you are using your spiritual gifts. So I challenge those of you who are sitting on the sidelines right now, to take a step out in faith and answer God's call to service with, "Lord, here am I?" To the leaders: What is your motivation for serving? Not because you must, but willingly: As God wants you to be. Not for what you can get, but eagerly: Serve God with the same passion you place on you favorite sports team. Not lording it over but lead by example: Lead because you want to follow the King, not because you want to be the king. Those of you who lead or serve the church, I want you to take the time and answer the question, "Why am I doing this?" If you can't say you are willing, passionate and want to follow Christ, you need to rethink your motivation. To the rest of you: What is your motivation for not serving? All believers have at least one gift. In Romans 12:6, the Apostle Paul clearly states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." I believe that God calls all believers to use their gifts to build up the church and glorify Him. But only some bother to respond to His call. For you believers who are doing nothing for the Kingdom of God I want you to take the time and ask: Why are you not willing to serve? What will you do to change your heart?. In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul writes, "godliness with contentment is great gain." And you can never be content as a believer unless you are using your spiritual gifts. So I challenge those of you who are sitting on the sidelines right now, to take a step out in faith and answer God's call to service with, "Lord, here am I?"

13. Lesson 15: Humble Yourself next time..next time..