Verses on Leadership

NIV Text, Comments by Glenn Kaiser

Glenn on Leadership

1. "Leadership" is a spiritual gift, a gift given by God via His Holy Spirit. It is not simply an office or a position or a career choice. Not all have it, not all function well in the responsibility of the gift/calling/service of leadership.

   Romans 12:8 If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

2. The word "diligently" actually means "speedily". In other words, we cannot procrastinate- a leader must ultimately act on the need at hand.

   Leviticus 4:22 "'When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the commands of the LORD his God, he is guilty.

3. We are responsible, and will answer to God for our lives and for the function of leadership that we have offered. Unintentional sin is sin still.

4. Scripture leads us to believe leadership is an "appointment" by God. It constantly shows that people who choose a leader, pay the price for their own choices.

   Numbers 14:4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt."

5. Interesting that when the people choose, rather than God appoints a leader, people such as Saul end up enthroned.

   I Samuel 9:16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me."

6. Sadly, God sometimes gives us what we want... that we might be taught a lesson in what we actually needed:

   I Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?

   I Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD'S command."

   I Kings 14:7 Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I raised you up from among the people and made you a leader over my people Israel.

   I Kings 16:2 "I lifted you up from the dust and made you leader of my people Israel, but you walked in the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin and to provoke me to anger by their sins.

   Nehemiah 9:17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,

7. Over and over we see that even God's appointed leaders failed and fail. It is clear that a leader is no "better", no more "special" than anyone else in the family of God. Sin is a universal problem. This is why no one, not even leaders- should be considered the "ultimate authority" in anything. The Bible which is the Word of God given by God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit- is far superior in wisdom, judgement and holiness than ANY human leader. No human being is infallible. God IS.

8. Yet, leaders are to be respected and their advice and counsel acted upon AS IT IS BIBLICAL and appropriate to the situation at hand:

   Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

   Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

9. Perhaps Paul's words regarding his own leadership provide some of the most practical insight on leadership:

   Romans 15:18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done--

   A. Jesus accomplished it, Paul knew it, Paul told the story accordingly
   B. Jesus got the glory for the work that was done through Paul ,br> C.He was a leader under Jesus' own leadership- and one should notice how often Paul quotes the Word of God (Old Test.) and Jesus Himself as Paul had heard His words from the other apostles
   D. He knew his primary "mission field"- the gentiles- and both in Paul's Words and Deeds, to lead them toward OBEYING God through those words and actions was the fulfilling of the Great Commission.

10. Jesus HAD authority because of who He was. His character, His actual standing with God, His humility, His love, His complete willingness to do "the will of Him Who sent me". He knew He was fully human, yet the exact representation of God on earth. He is and remains God the Son as well, but humanly speaking, His authority came from His relationship with God the Father, and in the complete obedience to God's Word, and sacrifice of His very life. See Phil. 1.29-2.21 for further details on this. Very important reading!

    Matthew 7:29 Because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

11. Jesus says that no one in Israel at the time has the same amount of "faith" as this Roman (gentile!) officer. Amazing. And why? He trusts Jesus, trusts God fully, and understands not only being In authority, but Under it. There is a powerful word here about accountability:

    Matthew 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

12. In fact, God grants to ALL Christians authority, and the responsibility to obey Him in the use of that authority. He tells us what to do with it, and in what attitude.

    Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

13. And it ALL ultimately comes from God...

    Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

    Mark 6:7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

    Luke 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

    Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

    Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

    Romans 13:2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

    Romans 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.

14. BUT... Paul makes a clear statement we must apply to ourselves in functioning as leaders:

    II Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

    II Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

15. It is for other's spiritual Up-building, for their good, for their welfare (and not simply our own) that God has called and gifted individuals in leadership.

16. Again, JESUS has THE final authority in the church and in all creation

    Ephesians 1:21 Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

    Colossians 2:10 And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

    I Thessalonians 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

    I Timothy 2:2 (praying) For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

17. Written by Paul to Timothy, a young church leader:

    Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

    Basic verses dealing with leadership in the churches:

    Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18. Notice that leaders "must give an account." Fear and tremble with the responsibility of your calling and office. These gifts are His, not our own. We will answer to God for how our leadership affected the lives of those who followed our example and teaching.

    I Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,

19. Warnings about false prophets who will not yield to God's appointed authority:

    II Peter 2:10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;

    Jude 1:6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.

    Jude 1:8 In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.

20. Here is a wonderful and complete statement all church leaders ought to refer to often- on pastoring, from Peter. There is so much truth and balance in these verses that I don't even want to start commenting on it. Just meditate on the key words and truths here. It is fabulous stuff:

    I Peter 5:1 To 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:

    I Peter 5:2 Be 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;

    I Peter 5:3 Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

    I Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

    I Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

    I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

    I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

    I Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

    I Peter 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

    I Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

    I Peter 5:11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

    I Peter 5:12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

21. And finally, one of the most important statements on leadership ever given to mankind. He understood His calling, the cost, and the way to deal with it. And He took all of this suffering on Himself for those He was called to serve, in serving the Father:

    Matthew 20:18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death

    Matthew 20:19 And will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

    Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

    Matthew 20:21 "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

    Matthew 20:22 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered.

    Matthew 20:23 Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."

    Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

    Matthew 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.

    Matthew 20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

    Matthew 20:27 And whoever wants to be first must be your slave--

    Matthew 20:28 Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

22. If we function as servants of our brothers and sisters in the church, we lead biblically. If we do not consider the incredible responsibility of serving those we lead, in encouraging them toward living out God's Word with better heart attitudes, we are not biblical leaders but "hirelings" to use the old King James Version term.

As Peter so clearly puts it, to take the office, to move in the gift and calling of leadership only for personal gain is sin. Period. It is the worst case scenario in a church always in need of more who will "lay their lives down", in need of more who will say, mean and demonstrate, "He must increase, and I must decrease".

John the Baptist was an influential leader. He didn't mince words. He doubted. He was a "strange duck". But he knew his place under Jesus Christ. And he gladly served Israel under God even to the point of losing his own life. Sobering, isn't it? We are only stewards of the gifts of God. Let us serve Him and those He calls us to serve accordingly.

Posted 04/13/01