Wednesday Service | Lessons From God’s Leaders – Part 3: Jesus | Jordan Brawner

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

[1] If we are going to lead like Jesus… we must him

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

John 8:12 (ESV)

¹² Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

• We are imitating because that’s how humans

• We learn well and we learn faster through imitation… but imitation isn’t where we … its simply the best way to

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

• Jesus followers step into leadership when they the character of Christ

James 5:17-18 (Easy-to-Read Version)

¹⁷ Elijah was a person just like us. He prayed that it would not rain. And it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! ¹⁸ Then Elijah prayed that it would rain. And the rain came down from the sky, and the land grew crops again.

1 Timothy 1:15 (NIRV)

¹⁵ Here is a saying that you can trust. It should be accepted completely. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner of all.

[2] Jesus built a

Mark 6:7 (ESV)

⁷ And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

• Jesus built a team… and he sent them out in teams… because Jesus believes in

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

• The question every believer needs to ask themselves is… who am I with?

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)

¹⁴ Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

• Who we team up with matters as much as who we do

[3] Jesus taught a leadership ethic specific to how is exercised

1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT)

² Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ³ Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

NLV – Do not be bosses over the people you lead.

NIRV – Don’t act as if you were a ruler over those under your care.

ESV – Not domineering over those in your charge,

Matthew 20:25-26 (NIV)

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

Mark 10:45 (NIRV)

⁴⁵ Even the Son of Man did not come to be served. Instead, he came to serve others. He came to give his life as the price for setting many people free.”

• Jesus taught… if you want to be great… don’t seek out people to serve you, be their servant

• If you want to serve well… develop your

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)

¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

[4] Jesus taught … if you want to lead like him… you must be led by the

Acts 15:28 (NLT)

²⁸ “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…

• Jesus wants us to prioritize our with the Holy Spirit

John 16:12-15 (NIRV)

¹² “I have much more to say to you. It is more than you can handle right now. ¹³ But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own. He will speak only what he hears. And he will tell you what is still going to happen. ¹⁴ He will bring me glory. That’s because what he receives from me he will show to you. ¹⁵ Everything that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said what the Holy Spirit receives from me he will show to you.”

• Walking with the Spirit means we must become