Group Notes | September 27
Portrait of a King : Foundation of Godly Leadership
September 27, 2015
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Usually one thinks that being a leader sounds like a big position. But if you are a parent, you are a leader! Or volunteering in a classroom. Can you give other examples that you have not considered as a “leadership” position?
We are continuing our study on leadership: what its foundations and truths really are. We are focusing on the life of King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. Last week conclusion showed how pride can destroy effective leadership. Today we will see how a humble heart can create a godly leader.
Discuss:
Knowing God
- Read I Kings 3:5-11. If God were to appear to you with this question, what would your answer be? Who benefits from the answer?
- What did this passage show of Solomon’s heart attitude?
- Read Phil. 3:9, 10. How can we know God as we know a friend? Why is this important?
Embracing His Promises
- Read 1 Kings 2:4, and 3:6b. What did Solomon remind God of?
- Read Num. 23:19. The promises of God must be able to be believed—that is a foundational truth. What are some of His promises that you can think of?
Embracing Your Own Inability
- Read verse 7 again. How did Solomon express his helplessness?
- Can you give an example of asking for God’s help, but then getting in His way when He didn’t act as you wished? How hard is it for you to let God work alone?
Trusting Him
- Read Proverbs 3:5, 6. Think back to the promises of God that were discussed. How is it possible to fully trust God if we are taking control or manipulating a situation? Is it possible to rely on His promises without complete trust?
Close:
As you break into small groups ask yourself in all honesty if you want to be the godly leader God has planned for you to be. Some of you may feel you are not leader material, but as you saw in the opening, everyone has an influence—for good or for bad—over someone. Discuss what may be holding you back from taking a role of leadership in any area where God’s conviction tells you He is leading. The church has many small groups to encourage and help you in your walk! Pray as you close that you can surrender your heart to Him fully, in humility and need, and then rely on His promises!
Memory Verse: Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
Ponder:
The model for Christian leaders:
- Christ-centered in all aspects of life (a voluntary servant of Christ);
- Committed to serve the needs of others before their own;
- Courageous to lead with power and love as an expression of serving;
- Consistently developing others into servant leaders;
- Continually inviting feedback from those they want to serve in order to grow toward the ultimate servant leader, Jesus Christ.