The Absence of Leadership

The Demise of a Congregation (Pt. 3)

2003003

Subject: leadership; Joshua

Introduction:

A.    Talking about demise of congregation.

1.    last week, discussed need to move with conviction.  Does this describe us?

2.    Talked also about forgetting to evangelize the lost.

B.    Today…talk about importance of leadership.

1.    Harry S Truman Facts (see handout)

C.   Leadership is an essential element within a congregation today.

1.    Need those who willing to stand up & be counted on.

a)    men who understand that leadership not easy – but are willing to go the extra mile; point the way; be an example.

b)    It’s when a congregation is full of those who refuse to step up in a leadership role – that they begin a descent toward demise. (Here you do it for me; that’s not my job.”

2.    Commend Southside as it plans for the future by studying subject of elders.

a)    we need men who stand up & feed the flock; tend to spiritual illness; and seek/restore the lost.

b)    Need men who will be servant leaders.  Not rule w/an iron fist.  But serve w/love of Jesus & the congregation.

D.   God expects all Christians to be a leader in certain ways.

1.    We point the way to Christ through our righteous example!

2.    We need leaders in our homes – making sure our families serve God – go down the right path.

3.    Indeed, we all play a role in being the light of the world.

4.    Yet, there must be those win a congregation who will step up and make a difference for God.

E.    When it comes to leadership – there are many examples – David; Noah; Paul; Elijah; Moses.

1.    Think also of Joshua. 

2.    Had a tremendous influence over his generation – Josh 24:29-31.  Note esp 24:31.

3.    We know much of his influence was due to God being with him – and doing some great works.

a)    remember – parting of the Jordan; fall of Jericho; day the son/moon stood still.

4.    But…we know Joshua was faithful to God from the very beginning!  Josh 1:1-9; 1:6; 1:9.

F.    Joshua stands before us as an example of what it takes to be a great leader.

1.    Every generation needs a great leader – good leadership in times of struggle & doubt.

2.    For those who lead – or might one day lead – Joshua serves as a role model.

3.    For those who follow – he serves as an example of what we should look for in a leader.

G.   Congregations that are full of men who are leaders & serve Jesus from the heart will grow and prosper!

H.   What kinds of leaders are being cultivated w/in our congregation?

 

I.  We need men of humility.

A.  Before he was a leader – he was willing to serve.

1.    IN wilderness – 40 years.

2.    Ex. 24:13; 33:11 – called Moses’ assistant/servant.

3.    Great leaders are people who have no problem with serving others, if that is their lot in life.

4.    This is a quality that can help prepare men to lead.

B.    Even as a leader – he was willing to serve.

1.    God exalted him – Josh 3:7; 4:14

2.    But yet, he still willing to serve One greater than himself – 5:13-15.

3.    Great leaders do not let praise go to their head – they possess the knowledge to know when it is time to serve again.

 

II. We need men of faith & trusting of God.

A.    Num. 13:25-28 – unfaithful report of 10 spies.

B.    Imagine peer pressure – but Joshua/Caleb demonstrated their faith in God by giving a faithful report.  Num. 14:6-9.

C.   Think of how his faith was demonstrated in the fall of Jericho.

1.    6:1-5.

a)    you want me to do what?

b)    Unconventional means of overtaking a city!

2.    Yet…this mentioned in Heb. 11:30 as a great testimony of faith!

3.    Clearly, there is no doubt Joshua possessed great faith!

D.   Great leaders are those who trust in God above all else.

1.    Rather than placing faith in man – they place it in God.

 

III. We need men full of God’s word.

A.    Josh. 1:7-8 – fulfill the law; meditate on it.

B.    Expected others to live up to this responsibility!  1:12-15

1.    taught the law to all the people – 8:30-35.

2.    nothing left undone when it came to the law – 11:15

3.    So Christians must do today!  Phil. 2:15; Col. 3:17

4.    Consider his final address to the people of Israel – 23:6; 14-16.

C.   Rom. 10:17 – how can a man be a man of faith without being a man of God’s word?

1.    Consider Paul’s writing to Timothy!  1 Tim. 4:13-16

2.    This scripture applicable to all!  But esp. to those who lead!

3.    True leaders will lead by their example & not take a do as I say not as I do approach.

 

IV. We need men of prayer.

A.    Josh. 7:6-9 prayer following defeat at Ai.

1.    Imagine the down feeling after such an overwhelming victory at Jericho.

2.    After defeat at Ai – Joshua & elders pleaded with God on behalf of Israel.

B.    Prayed in midst of warfare 10:9-14

1.    This going on in midst of a rout.

2.    Shows they were trusting in power of God!  They looked to God for help!

C.   What if Joshua had not been a man of prayer?

1.    Would God have helped?

2.    When leaders need all the help they can get – they need to be men of prayer!

 

V.  Finally, we need men who will put God first.

A.  Put God first – even when other things are important.

1.    Josh 8:30-35.  Calls people together in midst of war to read the law.

2.    What are enemies doing at this time?  9:1-2

3.    How many would have argued – we’ll worship later – let’s finish that battle/war first.

a)    worship treated the same today!

b)    Spiritual service treated the same today!

c)    God is in control!  He will help w/our needs!

B.    He made it clear he would serve God.

1.    Do you think he cared what others thought as to his serving God?  24:14-15

2.    This strong stand influenced others for good!  24:16

C.   A leader is someone who will stand up for what is right – even if there are few who stand with him!  Many did at first, but following his death – majority turned against God.

1.    Jud. 2:11-12

 

Conclusion:

A.    A congregation will find itself on the demise if it is not earnestly working to build up and develop leadership in the kingdom of Christ.

B.    Men, how many of you are willing to develop yourself into the kind of person to where you can serve in a capacity where you can make the greatest difference?

1.    Remember Harry Truman – although he had to be talked into a job he did not want initially – it gave him an opportunity to be a great leader in the history of this country!

C.   How many here understand there is NOTHING more important than serving the living & true God?

1.    Mt. 16:24-26

2.    Note also, one leads in the church by serving!  Mt. 23:10-12

3.    Have you made the decision to serve Jesus?

D.   Obey the gospel today!

E.    I N V I T A T I O N