A Study of Biblical Leadership

A Study of Biblical Leadership
(Characteristics for the Highest Quality)

Compiled by Matt Chroninger and Dave Menzel.

Introduction

Why study this subject?

The need is great. (Prov. 13:25; Rom. 2:21; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; Heb. 5:12-14)

The quality of our leaders is very important. (Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 119:9-16; Mal. 2:7)

Preventative teaching leads to success. (1 Cor. 4:14-16; Col. 1:28; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:14; Titus 3:10; Jonah 4; Acts 24:1-27; 1 Tim. 4:16)

What is the essence of leadership?

Character: who am I when alone (Jer. 23:24; Matt. 6:3-6, 16-18; Eph. 5:11-13)

Spirituality: do I always seek God’s will (John 7:17; Acts 22:14-15; Rom. 2:18-20; Prov. 9:9-10)

Motive: to further His cause – not to serve my own (2 Tim. 2:15; Psalm 119:41-48; Phil. 4:17; Heb. 13:7, 17)

Where do leaders come from?

Born (Ecc. 1:9; Isa. 51:1)

Made (1 Tim. 4:13-15; 2 Tim. 2:22ff)

From within the church or without

Personal Evaluation

Give careful consideration and reflective thought to each answer. Doing so will express your opinion soundly.

How important is the study of leadership?

What do you know about leadership?

List the five most important leadership qualities needed within the church (without enumerating 1 Tim. 3:1-7).

What are the major hindrances to leadership in the church today?

What areas of leadership do you need or want to improve most in? (Write out a short answer to each point.)

  • More knowledge
  • More courage
  • Getting people to follow
  • An opportunity to serve
  • More experience
  • Learning to say no
  • More training
  • More self-confidence
  • A good job description
  • To be a better example
  • Maturity as a Christian
  • More patience
  • Make sharp decisions
  • Develop willpower
  • Gain more Bible knowledge
  • More faith in God’s promises
  • Other areas of interest

Are leaders born or made? (Discuss each.)

How does attitude relate to leadership growth?

How do you rate your self-confidence on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best)?

Discuss the following, confirming or denying each statement:

  • I know exactly where I am going.
  • I think; I plan; I act.
  • I refuse to listen to/repeat gossip.
  • I have a deep interest in learning new things.
  • I believe I can learn a great deal from the lives of biblical leaders.
  • I am afraid of what other people may think.
  • I let my zeal show.
  • I don’t worry about defeat.
  • I face up to my problems.
  • I like and get along with other people.

Jethro – The Priest of Midian (Exodus 18:1-27)

Spotting a problem [v 14] (Eph. 5:15-17; James 4:13-17; 1 Peter 5:8)

Directness in giving solutions [v 17] (Heb. 12:4-13; 1 Peter 3:15)

Always have a positive and kind attitude (vs 15-22) (Eph. 4:29, 32)

The proper solution must be given to a problem [vs 20-23] (Eph. 6:10-18)

Be sure the advice fits the problem [v 23] (James 2:16; Matt. 7:9-12; 1 Cor. 6:2, 4)

Lessons for discussion:

  • Always keep your eyes open, walking circumspectly. (Eph. 5:2, 15-16; Col. 4:5-6)
  • Expect advice from unexpected sources and be willing to listen. (Prov. 15:22; 20:18)
  • We all need advice, even the aged/mature. (1 Tim. 5:1; 2 Peter 3:17)
  • Don’t be afraid to identify sin (Rev. 21:8) and faulty judgment (James 4:17; Matt. 18).
  • Rebuke, where necessary. (2 Thess. 3:13, 15; 1 Thess. 5:14)
  • Speak from a position of knowledge. (Col. 1:9; 2 Peter 1:3, 5, 8)
  • Determine if the advice fits. (Judges 20:1-7 – story of the Levite’s concubine)
  • Utilize social networks, family, friends, brethren and other respected acquaintances. Jethro heard beforehand of God’s great works being accomplished through Moses.
  • Love the Lord and His truth. (Matt. 22:37; Eph. 1:13, 4:15; 2 Thess. 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:22)
  • Be positive and kind; doing the will of God with the fruit of the Spirit. (Matt. 5:13-16; Gal. 5:22ff)

Discuss the following:

Prov. 23:22-23

2 Tim. 2:2

James 1:2-6, 20-21

2 Tim. 2:15

Moses – Chosen Leader of Israel (Ex. 3:10-22; Heb. 11:24-29; Ex. 11:3; Rev. 2:10)

Leaders will be tested (James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Pet. 1:6-9, 4:12-13, 5:9-10)

Leaders must work with all manner of people (Eph. 4:29; Rom. 12:9-21; Acts 13:8; 2 Tim. 2:24-26, 3:1-8)

Love must exist for followers if leaders expect success (Ex. 12:37-38, 32:11-14; Deut. 1:9-10)

Testing can come from unexpected sources (Ex. 32:1-6, 21-24, 14:11-12, 15:24, 16:2)

Testing produces strength for future, and even greater, testing (1 Pet. 5:9-10; Acts 4:19-20; Rom. 5:3-5)

Lessons for discussion:

  • Every leader will be tested, so be prepared. (Matt. 4:1-11; Heb. 2:17-18, 4:1-16)
  • God’s will for you may be one of your greatest tests. Will you follow it or not? (Josh. 24:15; Ec. 12:13-14; James 1:13-15)
  • Testing may come from unexpected sources: friends, family, and even fellow leaders. (1 Cor. 15:33; Acts 20:28-31)
  • God will provide the strength you need and we must rely on it. (1 Pet. 5:10; Heb. 13:21; 2 Thess. 2:16-17; 1 Cor. 10:13)
  • Failure may come, but don’t let it defeat you. (Luke 22:31-32, 54-62; Rom. 8:1, 28, 38-39; Psalm 145:14, 37:23-24)
  • Tests exist to strengthen you, therefore “consider it all joy, my brethren.” (Heb. 12:11; James 1:2-3; Job)
  • Satan wants you to fail! If he can take leaders, others will follow. (Matt. 4:1-11; 1 Pet. 5:8)
  • Not every test is bad; work at seeing the higher purpose in the testing. (1 Cor. 10:13; James 1:12)
  • An untested leader is an unproven leader. For this reason, endure, and value being tested. (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Acts 6:2-4)
  • With every testing, comes a sweet fruit, yielded by the discipline of the Lord. (Heb. 12:11; 2 Tim. 4:7-8)

Discuss the following:

Acts 7:25

Joshua – Wholehearted Toward God (Num. 13:16; Josh. 1:1-9; Num. 27:18, 20, 14:6-9)

Every leader will need to be replaced sooner or later. (Prov. 22:6; 2 Tim. 2:1-2, 3:14-16, 4:1-8)

Leaders need to get up early. (Prov. 10:5, 6:6-11, 19:15)

A good reputation is invaluable. (Acts 5:34, 6:3; 1 Tim. 5:10; Prov. 22:1; Ecc. 7:1)

Your family must not be neglected. (Josh. 24:15; 2 Tim. 1:5-6, 3:14-16)

There is danger in delaying the replacement of a leader. (Ex. 32:1, 7, 11; 2 Tim. 2:2)

Lessons for discussion:

  • Every leader will one day be replaced (due to natural causes or impropriety). (1 Sam. 28:17-18; 1 Kings 2:2-3, 16:6-20; 1 Tim. 5:17-20; 2 Tim. 4:6; 1 Cor. 4:2)
  • Special training (grooming) is very beneficial for a person who will one day be a “leader.” (Luke 2:41-52; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:16-17; Prov. 22:6)
  • God will be with you as He was with His leaders in the Bible. (Josh. 1:5-9; Heb. 13:5; 2 Cor. 4; Gen. 28:15; Psa. 121:8; Isa. 43:2; Deut. 20:1)
  • Reputation must be guarded by faithful life. (Josh. 7:1, 11, 13, 19-26; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 2 Cor. 8:20-21; 1 Thess. 5:22; Prov. 4:23)
  • There is danger in delay; don’t hesitate to do what is right. (Rev. 3:15-16; Acts 22:16, 24:25, 26:28)
  • Lazy leaders are poor leaders:
  • Be efficient with the time you are given. (Ecc. 10:18, 11:6; Prov. 24:30-34; Matt. 25:1-13; Rom. 13:11-12; Heb. 6:10-12) [Find OT examples]
  • Be wholehearted. (2 Kings 10:14-19; 2 Kings 25:2, 20, 27)
  • A leader must not neglect his family nor the saving of others. (Psa. 107:41-42; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:19, 21)
  • Followers that remain faithful after you have passed on should be a major goal. (1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:2; Phil. 1:27)
  • The spiritual welfare of God’s people is your primary concern. (Acts 20:27, 31-33) Remember Jesus on the cross. (Rom. 5:15, 19; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:9)
  • God’s people must never be without leadership. (Josh. 1:1-9; Judg. 2:8-13, 3:9-12, 4:1) Without leadership, man reverts to evil ways. (Judg. 17:6)

Discuss the following:

Acts 7:25

Matt. 28:20

Caleb – An Optimist (Numbers 13 [vs. 2, 6, 8, 16, 30], 14 [v. 24]; Deut. 1:35-36; Josh. 14:7, 10)

A leader is respected among the people (Num. 13:2, 6, 30; Mark 12:38; Luke 11:43; Acts 5:34; Heb. 12:9)

Have the ability to make a proper evaluation (Num. 13:19-20 vs. 27-28, 14:6-9)

Be an optimist in the midst of pessimists (Num. 13:30-31, 14:10)

Trust in God while others trust in themselves (Num. 14:8-9)

Serve the Lord, even as an old man (Josh. 14:7; 15:13-17)

Lessons for discussion:

  • One may be a leader, but not be able to be effective. (Consider the opposing ten spies or the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes of the New Testament)
  • Some leaders are courageous only up to a point (e.g. The ten spies were okay until it came to returning to the land to take it.). (Luke 22:47-62; 1 Sam. 9-13 vs. 14ff)
  • A leader must be faithful to God no matter what others may say or do. (Rev. 2:10; Joshua 24:15; 1 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Tim. 4:1-6, 11-12, 16; 2 Tim. 3:1-17)
  • Optimism is essential in God’s work (1 Sam. 17:36-37; Rom. 8:28-39; John 16:33). Pessimism leads to defeat (such as the case with Israel’s wandering in the wilderness for forty years, Num. 11:1-6, 13:31-33; Rom. 12:12).
  • A leader must not let his faithfulness depend upon the fruitfulness, or unfruitfulness, that occurs in doing the Lord’s work. (1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:1-7, 3:10-12, 4:2-5; Luke 13:6-9, 33; Rom. 15:4; Matt. 18:22; Gal. 6:9)
  • A leader must trust God; He will keep His promises. (Jer. 29:11; Lam. 3:25; Heb. 6:16-20; Tit. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:13; Num. 23:19)
  • The majority may be wrong. (Ex. 32:1-8, 21-24; Num. 20:2-13; 1 Sam. 8:5-7, 18-21)
  • Don’t let fear stop you. (Num. 13:30; Dan. 3, 6:1-28, 22-23; Psalm 23:4, 27:1-3, 118:6; Prov. 29:25; John 14:1, 27; Heb. 2:15)
  • The assurance for victory is trust in God. (Ex. 14:13ff; Psalm 37:3-5; Judges 6, 7; Isa. 26:4)
  • Reward is always received after a service. (Num. 14:24, 36-38; Judges 1:20; Phil. 3:10-15; 2 Tim. 4:7-8)

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
–2 Timothy 4:2

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
– Ecclesiastes 12:13

EVV 2026 Keeping the Faith — © 2026 Ed Rangel.

Discuss the following:

Prov. 3:27-28

Deut. 1:21-33

Negative examples of leadership:

The ten spies (Numbers 13 [vs. 2, 4-5, 7, 9-15, 31], 14 [v. 2-3]; Deut. 1:35)

Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-33, 14:22-30)

Jonah (id.)

Pessimism and negativity are powerful influence on others (Luke 6:39; Deut. 20:8; Num. 16:1-[2]-4)

People often rebel against leaders (Num. 14:1-4; Neh. 9:16-18)

Truth is not always popular with followers (2 Tim. 4:3-4; Acts 7). Though often it is (Neh. 8:5-9).

Often people try to manipulate leaders (Ex. 32:19-24; Matt. 16:21-23; 28:12-13)

There may exist a fear of success such as with Isaiah (Isa. 55:8-11) and Moses (Ex. 3-4).

Lessons for discussion:

  • Be careful not to trust your own understanding. (Deut. 29:29; Prov. 3:5, 28:26; Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 9:23-24)
  • Be sure to keep your mind on things above. (Matt. 16:23; Col. 3:1-2; Phil. 4:8; 1 John 2:15)
  • The way one states the message may make the difference in acceptance or rejection. (Eph. 4:29; Ecc. 10:12-14; Prov. 10:32; Luke 4:22)
  • Be cautious in accepting advice from others. (Num. 31:16; Prov. 1:1-8; Rom. 14:23)
  • When the majority is wrong, you are left standing alone. (1 Kings 22:6; Dan. 3:10-12; consider the spies and Christ’s trial)
  • Given the same facts and circumstances, different men will reach different conclusions. Be guided by the scriptures (1 Pet. 1:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10)
  • Do not be afraid or ashamed to call upon God. (1 Kings 18:24; Psa. 86:7; Jon. 1:7-10; Rom. 1:16; 1 Pet. 3:15)
  • Consider God’s omnipresence. (Num. 22:23; Psa. 139:7-12; Prov. 15:3; Jer. 23:23-24)
  • Never reject the responsibilities given to us by God for fear of success. (Ex. 4:13; Jer. 1:6-[8]; Jon. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:6ff)
  • You must speak the truth at all cost. (Acts 20:27; Rev. 1:1-3; 6:9-11)

Discuss the following:

Jeremiah – The Weeping Prophet (Jeremiah 1-2, 3:11-14, 4:21-22, 5:1-3, 23-25, 30-31, 7:9-11, 8:4-7)

Leaders may have to lead through perilous times (2 Kings 17:28-41; Acts 15:26; 2 Tim. 3:1)

Pseudo-religion should not be discouraging (Matt. 15:8-9; John 4:22-24; Acts 17:22-30)

Leaders must be optimistic (2 Chr. 32:7-8; Prov. 17:22; Psa. 1:1-3; Jer. 17:5-8)

It is human to be discouraged (1 Kings 19:1-21; Neh. 4:1-4; Job 3:1-3; Heb. 3:12-13)

Discouragement must not be turned into defeat (Psa. 37:1-7, 23-40; 1 Cor. 10:1, 9-10; Numbers 20:1-13; Gen. 22:1-10; 1 Pet. 1:6-9; Isa. 41:10)

Lessons for discussion:

  • God’s people do not always do what’s right and this means that leadership will be faced with many challenges. (Ex. 32:19-24, Num. 32:13-15; 1 Cor. 1:10-12; Gal. 1:6-7)
  • Even the best leaders get discouraged; don’t allow yourself to be overcome when it happens. (2 Cor. 4:7-12; Neh. 6:7-9; 1 Thess. 5:19)
  • God’s will must be done in spite of people, their attitudes, or your discouragement. (Acts 13:22; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 15:58)
  • One person with God on his side can meet and defeat all obstacles. (Acts 9:10-15; Gen. 6:8ff; Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:9-12)
  • God will vindicate His cause and His people, so have patience. (Isa. 55:11; Rev. 12:10-11; Psa. 25:3, 37:9-22; 2 Cor. 7:10-11)
  • Never give up; remember Jeremiah continued for forty years without a response. (1 Cor. 9:24-27, 16:13; Rev. 2:10b, 3:11; Dan. 10:12)
  • We must always let God’s word guide us. (Psa. 25:5, 119:105; Prov. 3:6; Jer. 10:23-24)
  • Actions must accompany our words. (Jer. 13:1-10, 14:11-12, 16:1-4; 1 Cor. 2:4; James 2:17-20)
  • Don’t quit even when other leaders do not do their work or even hinder you. (Hananiah, Jer. 28:[13]; Num. 16; 1 Kings 13:11-22; Gal. 2:11)
  • Never let discouragement turn into defeat. (Heb. 3:12-14, 4:1-2; Rom. 8:38-39)

Discuss the following:

Why was Jeremiah called “the weeping prophet?” (Jer. 13:17; see Lamentations)

Daniel – A Man Stands Alone (Daniel [1:8-16, 2:21-22, 5, 6:19-24, 9:1-23])

Leaders may be called upon when young

Daniel (Dan. 1:10)

David (1 Sam. 17:42, 56; 2 Chr. 34:3)

Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12)

A leader must have a willing spirit (Lam. 3:27; 2 Cor. 11:23-29; 1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:10-12; James 1:25)

Be willing and accept being tested (Dan. 1:5, 8-16, 3:10-12, 27; James 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 4:12-13)

A leader must have a burden for his work and the people who follow him (Dan. 9:1-21; Acts 20:19-21, 31; more)

Speak the truth no matter the consequence (Dan. 3:16-[18]; Amos 5:10; John 21:15-19; Acts 7; Gal. 4:16)

Lessons for discussion:

  • God uses young and old to do His work. (Joel 2:28; John 21:18; Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:[2-3, 6])
  • If we are faithful to the Lord, we will suffer. (Acts 14:22; Phil. 1:29; 2 Timothy 1:8, 3:12; 1 Peter 3:14, 5:9-10)
  • Righteousness will always be confronted by unrighteousness and evil. (Malachi 3:18; Eph. 6:10-18; Matt. 4:1-11; 1 Pet. 4:8)
  • A leader will make decisions based on God’s will over his own. (Psa. 1:1-2, 32:8-11; Prov. 3:6-7; Matt. 7:21, 26:39; Mark 3:35; Luke 12:47)
  • A man who fears God and obeys Him will always prosper. (Deut. 6:1-2; 2 Kings 17:39; Prov. 1:28-29; Ecc. 12:13-14; 6:3-4, 22; Heb. 10:26-31)
  • A man doesn’t have to be unfair and mistreat others to get ahead. (Prov. 29:27; Jer. 17:11; Matt. 18:22-35; 1 Cor. 6:1-8)
  • A leader must never abandon his people. (Ruth 1:15-18; Acts 8:1, 20:18-[31]-38, Heb. 13:5-8, 17) Neither did Moses abandon Israel (Deut. 32-34).
  • A faithful man can survive no matter how terrible things are around him. (Psa. 23; Matt. 4:1-11; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 2:5-10; Rev. 2:10)
  • Moses in Egypt: Ex. 2:15, 3:9-10, 5:4, 22-23
  • Moses in the wildernesses: Ex. 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3, 32:1, 20, 33:3; Num. 11:1-6, 14:1-4, 16:1-3, 31-33
  • David pursued by Saul: 1 Sam. 19-23
  • Truthfulness will always be rewarded. (2 Sam. 12 (Psalm 51); Jer. 17:10; Eph. 5:9 (Gal. 5:22-23); 2 Thess. 2:9-13; Rev. 22:12-15) Ex. 18:21-23; Psa. 15:1-[2]-5; Matt. 5:37; John 4:20-[24]; 1 Cor. 4:1-6; Gal. 4:16
  • It is better to obey God rather than men. (Rom. 2:5-8; Gen. 3:17; 1 Sam. 15:22-24; Acts 4:19-20, 5:27-[29]; 10:34-35; Rom. 6:16-17)

Discuss the following:

1 Pet.1:[17]-19

Micaiah –A Courageous Leader (1 Kings 22:5-28)

Resist the urge to follow the crowd (Prov. 16:25;Matt. 7:13-14; Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 4:18)

Courage prayerfully seeks to communicate the truth (James 1:5, 3:17)

Courage guards your reputation (Rom. 12:1-2, 9-21, 13:1-14)

There is the possibility of removal (Gal. 2:11-14; 1 Tim. 5:19-20)

There are blessings even in the darkest hours (James 1:17-18) such as salvation resulting from the darkness of Jesus’ crucifixion and the turmoiland despair (of the apostles) duringthose few hours.

Lessons for discussion:

  • The majorityis sure to be right; how can so many bemisled? (Ex. 23:1-2;2 Chr. 32:7-8;Matt. 7:21-23;2 Tim. 3:1-7)
  • Those in authority may not want to hear what youhave to say. (Matt 13:15-16;Acts 7:57, 24:25-27)
  • You must speak the truth at all cost. (Rom. 8:35-39; Gal. 4:16; 1 Pet. 3:15;Est. 7:3-4; John 18:33-37,19:18,21)
  • You may even have to bear some hostilities. (Amos 5:10; John 15:18-21; 2 Tim. 3:12)
  • Never compromise the truth. (Prov. 17:16, 23:23;Acts 4:19;Gal. 1:6-10)
  • Guard your reputation, but to what extent? (1 Pet 2:12, 3:16;Rom. 12-13)
  • Your relevance may be questioned. (Ex. 32:1;Matt. 13:10-17; more)
  • John the Baptist (Matt. 17:10-13; John 3:30)
  • Why was Micaiah unpopular? (1 Kings 22:8, 13-14;Acts 9:23-27;2 Pet. 2:5, 3:5-6)
  • Find God’s help and blessings in such difficult situations. (Luke6:22-23;James 1:2-3;1 Pet.1:6-7,4:12-13)
  • Even though you are but one person, stand and grow! (Job;Prov. 11:9-11;1 Cor. 15:58;2 Tim. 4:14-18)

Discuss the following:

Compromise (Gal. 1:6-12; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Jn. 9-10)

Using your talents correctly (Matthew 25:14-29)

Nehemiah – The Builder (Nehemiah 1-13)

Prayer is a must for leaders (Neh. 1:4, 6, 2:4, 4:4, 9, 5:19, 6:14)

Encouragement is the work of leadership (Neh. 1:4-6, 2:10)

Foresight is essential (Neh. 2:8; Phil. 3:12-14; 2 Tim. 4:8)

He was courageous (Neh. 6:11; Prov. 28:1; 1 Thess. 2:2)

A leader cannot be a respecter of persons (Neh. 5:7; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 2:11; 1 Tim. 5:21; James 2:1-13)

Lessons for discussion:

  • What was Nehemiah’s position? (Neh. 1:11; Gen. 40:21; Heb. 5:14)
  • Why pray; what does it accomplish? (Luke 21:36; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:17; James 5:13-18)
  • Why do leaders need foresight? (2 Kings 20:1; Prov. 21:5; Matt. 24:42-47; Rom. 8:24-25; 2 Cor. 4:17-18)
  • How do you develop courage? (Deut. 20:1, 31:6; Psa. 27:14; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 13:5; 1 Pet. 5:6-10)
  • How do you inspire (i.e. motivate) people? (Rom. 15:1-4; 1 Cor. 2:1-5, 10:13; Heb. 10:19-25, 11:1-40, 12:1-13)
  • Can a person organize too much? (Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:16-21; 2 Tim. 3:7; James 4:13-16)
  • Is listening to others important? (Prov. 9:9, 11:14, 12:15)
  • How did Nehemiah use government contacts? (Heb. 2:8; 7:1-4; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
  • How can you identify leaders? (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 5:16-25; 2 Pet. 1:8; James 3:17)
  • What are the results of leadership: Godly or worldly quality? (Matt. 7:16, 13:8; John 15:2, 8)

Discuss the following:

Having position, without responsibility (Mark 12:38-40; 1 Pet. 2:9; Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; James 1:9-11, 2:1-4)

John the Baptist – Laying the Groundwork (Matt. 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:5-25, 39-80, 3:1-20; John 1:6-7, 15, 19-34, 3:22-36)

His work was ordained of God (Isa. 40:3; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:6-7; Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-30)

He was a man of humility (Matt. 3:4, 11, 14; Mark 1:6-7; Luke 3:16; John 1:20, 3:28-31)

He taught and preached (Matt. 3:1-3; Luke 3:3-6, 11:1; John 3:27-36)

He was bold and honest (Matt. 3:7, 14:3-4; Luke 3:10-18; Acts 4:13; Eph. 3:12)

He suffered persecution and death (Matt. 14:1-12; Heb. 12:1-2)

Lessons for discussion:

  • In any work, sound foundations must be laid
  • Creation/Nature (Rom. 1:20, 8:28 ~ all things; Col. 1:16-17)
  • Redemption (Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 1:3-5)
  • Eternal Salvation (Acts 2:16-[23]-33, 3:12-[18]-26, 4:11-12, 7:2-[52]-53)
  • Church Organization (1 Cor. 12:27-28)
  • Similarly, the work for God (19:3-5; Eph. 2:20, 3:9-12; 1 Cor. 3:9-14) as opposed to man’s foundations (Matt. 15:6-9; Col. 2:20-23)
  • You need not be noticed (Matt. 6:1-4, 16-18; 23:5-7; 1 Cor. 12:14-18)
  • Every task deserves your best effort (Matt. 22:37; Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:23; Eph. 6:5-8)
  • Humility is a must (Psalm 138:6; Prov. 16:19, 29:23; Isa. 2:11-12, 66:1-2; Matt. 23:12; Luke 17:10; James 4:6-11; 1 Pet. 5:5-6)
  • Be bold and stand even when your stand is unpopular (Acts 4:1-3, 19-20, 7:51-60, 14:14-19; 1 Cor. 15:58)
  • How do we measure success in the Lord’s work? (Matt. 7:16, 20; John 8:31, 13:35, 15:8; 2 Cor. 9:12-13; James 2:22-26, 3:18; 1 Pet. 4:11)
  • What is the ultimate goal of any work in the church? (1 Cor. 14:12; Eph. 3:20-21; 4:12-16; 1 Thess. 5:11; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:9; Jude 1:20)
  • How do Mal. 4:5-6 and Matt. 17:10-13 apply? (cf. 2 Kings 1:8)
  • What was John’s fleshly relationship to Jesus? (Distant cousin via seed of Abraham: Matt. 1:1; Luke 1:5, 36)
  • We must be faithful unto death. (Prov. 14:32; Mark 13:13; Acts 15:26; Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Heb. 11:35-12:4; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10)

Discuss the following:

General appearance is irrelevant to God (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9)

Peter – The Rock (1 Peter and 2 Peter)

He was a responsive man (Luke 5:5) and followed orders (Acts 1:4, 8, 12; 2:1-4)

He was an honest man (Prov. 10:9, 28:13; Luke 3:12-13; 2 Cor. 4:2, 13:8; Matt. 16:15-16, 26:31-35; 2 Pet. 1:12-15, 19-21)

He was compassionate (Acts 3:1-11; more)

He was bold and courageous (Matt. 16:21-22; John 21:15-19; Acts 2-5)

He was impetuous at times (Matt. 17:4, 26:31-35; John 18:10)

Lessons for discussion:

  • To obey is better (1 Sam. 15:22; Matt. 7:21-25; Mark 7:7-9; Acts 4:19, 5:29; Rom. 6:17; Heb. 5:8; 1 Pet. 1:22)
  • Admonish the unruly and rebuke sin (Mark 8:32; Luke 17:3; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Thess. 5:14; Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Pet. 2:16)
  • Expose false teachers (Eph. 5:6-13; Gal. 1:6-12; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 6:3-5; Tit. 1:9-16; 2 Peter 2:1-2)
  • Be willing to change (Acts 10-11, 18:24-28; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 3:3-11; Heb. 12:5-6)
  • Be willing to ask questions where needed (Matt. 13:10-17; 18:21-22; Acts 1:6; more)
  • Be a motivator of others with the word of God (Heb. 10:23-25; 1 Pet. 1:3-5, 2:11-25; 3:15; more)
  • How can we deny our Lord? (Matt. 26:69-75; Luke 9:23; Matt. 7:20-26, 10:33; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-4)
  • Do we allow our trials to strengthen us? (Luke 21:19; Acts 4:18-22, 5:41; Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7)
  • What can we learn from (1 Pet. 5:1-10)? … The characteristics of leaders
  • What do we see from Peter in the first chapter of 2 Peter? … Assurance of God’s Message

Discuss the following:

Peter as “the rock.”

Paul – A Successful Minister to Those Who Listen (Col. 1:23, 25-27; 2 Tim. 4:5-8)

Christianity is a continual process (Acts 9:22; 1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 4:11-16; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Thess. 1:3-7; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Pet. 3:14-18)

Set goals and work them out (Luke 14:28-31; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:12-13, 3:13-14; Remember Nehemiah, other examples)

Don’t dwell on past failures (Acts 9:20-21; Rom. 6:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:20-24; Phil. 3:8)

Paul was a dynamic leader: “I press on” (Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-4, 21:13, 22:[3-4]; 2 Cor. 11:22-28; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:4-6, 14)

He never doubted that God was with him (Psa. 118:6; Rom. 8:31; Phil. 4:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 3:14; 1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Lessons for discussion:

  • Never lose sight of the priorities (Gen. 22:1-18; Heb. 11:13-[19]; Ecc. 12:8, 13; Matt. 6:33-34; Luke 2:46-49; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; James 5:8; 1 Pet. 1:13)
  • Have a deep appreciation for what God has done for you (John 3:27; Rom. 1:8-10, 5:1-11, 6:23; Eph. 1:3-12; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; James 1:17-18)
  • Remember that we are but a servant (Isa. 64:8; John 12:26; Rom. 1:1, 12:11; Gal. 1:10)
  • Be considerate of other people (1 Cor. 8:13, 10:24, 33; Phil. 1:21-24; 2 Tim. 1:3-9)
  • Learn to be content (Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:6; Heb. 13:5)
  • Boldness is sometimes needed (Acts 4:13; Eph. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 11:21; Gal. 2:3-10; 1 Thess. 1:5, 2:2)
  • Be disciplined (Acts 20:24; Rom. 8:18; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Tim. 4:7-8)
  • Grasp the true victory in Christ (1 Cor. 15:54-58; 2 Tim. 4:18; 1 John 5:4)
  • Obtain and show your joy in Christ (Rom. 15:32; 1 Pet. 1:6-9, 3:15; more)
  • Why do some leaders lose their desire and how can this be prevented? (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:16, 13:5; Gal. 6:9; Phil. 1:21-26; Col. 3:10; 1 John 2:15-17; Eph. 4:20-24; Heb. 12:1-3)

Discuss the following:

How do we rely on Godin order to thrive? (Isa. 54:17; Jer. 20:11)

Apollos – An Eloquent Man (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor. 1:12, 3:4-6, 4:6; 16:12)

He was eloquent: marked by forceful, fluent and skillful expression; to be vividly expressive (as you hear, you can actually see it). (Prov. 10:20, 15:23, 25:11; Acts 18:24) Compare with the following examples:

Moses (Ex. 4:10; Acts 7:22),

Jeremiah (Jer. 1:6-7)

Paul (1 Cor. 1:17, 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 10:10, 11:6)

He was mighty in the Scriptures – how? (see Acts 18:24; Eph. 6:10, 17; Heb. 4:12)

He had been instructed “in the way of the Lord”, not men (see Acts 18:25, 9:2; Rom. 16:17-18)

He taught “accurately” and “boldly” (see Acts 18:25-26, 4:13, 19-20, 31, 5:29-32; 1 Cor. 4:1-6)

He did not give up (Acts 18:27-28; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23; 1 Thess. 5:21)

Lessons for discussion:

  • Where do I find eloquence, and obtain it? (Psa. 25:8-9, 32:8; Prov. 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:6-10; Col. 1:9-10)
  • Are eloquence and the education to obtain it necessary? (Prov. 2:5-7, 20:15; Acts 2:7, 4:13; 1 Cor. 2:1-6; 2 Pet. 1:3)
  • How does eloquence serve the speaker? (Prov. 15:23; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 13:54; Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12; Tit. 1:9)
  • How does one become mighty in the Scriptures? (Ezra 7:10; Psa. 1:1-2, 119:96-100; Isa. 50:5; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 4:12)
  • Who instructs me in the Lord’s ways? (2 Chr. 17:9; Psa. 25:12, 32:8, 71:17; Rom. 10:14, 17; 1 Cor. 2:16)
  • Where do I find boldness to preach the truth? (Acts 4:20, 26:22-26; Rom. 1:16, 5:1-2, 8:31-39, 10:14, 14:22; Eph. 3:7-12; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 10:19-22)
  • Does the Lord want me to be a teacher? (Eph. 4:11; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Tit. 2:1; Heb. 5:12; James 3:1)
  • How can I encourage others? (Rom. 12:1-21, 14:19; 1 Cor. 10:33; Eph. 4:12, 29; Phil. 2:12-16; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 3:13, 10:23-24, 13:1-16; 1 Pet. 4:8-10)
  • How did Apollos react to the incomplete message he was speaking? (Acts 18:25-28; Acts 9:1-22; Eph. 4:15; Tit. 1:9; James 5:19-20)
  • The apostles and Apollos travelled extensively; is this vital? (Matt. 28:20; Acts 1:8, 8:1, 11:19-21; Rom. 10:14-15; 16:25-27; 2 Pet. 3:9; Jer. 20:9)

Discuss the following:

“He is a good man, but he doesn’t have any knowledge of the bible.” (Matt. 23:27-28; Rom. 10:1-3; 1 Tim. 1:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:14-15, 3:6-7, 4:1-5; Acts 17:11; 2 Pet. 1:3, 3:18)

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