The Law of Buy-In: Examples Beat Exhortation (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul wanted desperately to challenge the Thessalonians regarding their lifestyle. He instinctively know the Law of Buy-In - that people buy in to the leader before they buy in to his words. Consequently, he reminds them of the model that he and Silas left them. He knows that example is always stronger than exhortation. So, before he exhortsthem to work hard, he reminds them of how hard his team had worked while among them (2 Thess. 3:7,8). Consider Paul's argument:

The Issue Paul's Example Paul's Exhortation
1. Discipline 1. We're not undisciplined (v.7) 1. Some are undisciplined (vv. 11,12)
2. Work 2. We worked hard (v.8) 2. No work, no food (v. 10)
3. Burdens 3. We weren't a burden (vv. 8,9) 3. Don't be a burden (vv. 11-13)

PAUL: A Different Kind of Leader (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Godly leaders tend to have a strong passion and a deep optimism about the future. Their attitude springs from their sense of purpose and from the assurance of their ultimate destination.

The apostle Paul was just such a leader.

Paul led a Thessalonian church full of young believers who expected the soon and imminent return of Christ. Add to this expectation the persecution and hardship the church faced, and you might expect to find great confusion and anxiety. It got to the point where many of the Thessalonians not only stopped working, but attempted to thwart others from doing so.

Paul knew he needed to speak some sense to these erring brothers and correct some misperceptions about the second coming of Jesus. He told them that Christ wouldn't return until certain things had taken place, events that had not yet transpired. He also instructed them to continue working as though Christ would not return for a very long time.

Effective leaders have reason for Paul's kind of passion and optimism. They know that if Jesus returns tomorrow, all believers will share in the joy of being with Him in person. On the other hand, they know that if he tarries, believers have all the more time to work to bring others to Him. Who could ask for a better no-lose situation?

The Man of Sin (2 Thessalonians 2:1-11)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

The "man of sin" (or the "son of perdition," 2 Thess. 2:3) will be an extremely influential leader with international fame. He will be powerful and prideful, and will usurp a divine place in the world. Other biblical texts call him the "AntiChrist" or the "Beast."

This evil leader reminds us that it is possible to be a great leader, but not a good one. God calls his leaders to be both great and good. Note why both great and good leadership is necessary:

Great Leadership Good Leadership
1. Has to do with our competence 1. Has to do with our character
2. Makes us effective in our work 2. Makes our work constructive
3. Enables our cause to progress 3. Enables us to choose the right cause.
4. Means we have good heads 4. Means we have good hearts
5. Ensures our skills will influence 5. Ensures our service will impact.

Encouragement: Paul Knew How to Boast About His People (2 Thessalonians 1:3-6)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul; everyone needs it ans they perform better when they get it. Paul understood this fact, so in this letter he tells his friends how much he boasts about them all over Asia.

God leaders liberally hand out encouragement. It costs little to affirm others, yet pays great dividends. In this text Paul capitalizes on the power of encouragement and teaches us a few things along way. Encouragement should be ......

1. Personal (v. 3).

He told them personally how much he believed in them.

2. Pointed (v. 4).

He told them specifically what he appreciated about them.

3. Public (v. 4).

He told all his other churches how much he thought of the Thessalonians.

4. Purposeful (vv. 5, 6).

He had a goal he was shooting for in their lives - their motivation and vindication.

2 THESSALONIANS: Develop a Life of Integrity

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

SUMMARY

Lessons in Leadership

• Even followers who catch your vision need midcourse corrections and reminders.
• Leaders must communicate confidence and assurance.
• Good leaders practice reverse gossip: They applaud/affirm individuals behind their backs.
• Leaders who show the way succeed faster than ones who simply share the way.

Vision: Paul Was a Futurist (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

As he closes his letter, Paul turns his attention to the future and the day of the Lord. Every leader can count on Christ's return as the one certain future event. Bacause of this, Paul casts vision for the future and communicates his convictions about this great event.

Like all good leaders, Paul understood the power of vision. He purposely closed this letter with encouraging words that would motivate his readers for years to come. He knew that when there is no hope for the future, there is no power in the present. By communicating his vision, Paul accomplished the following:

1. Comfort for those who had lost loved ones (4:13-15).
2. Assurance for those who believe (4:16-18).
3. Warning for those who might forget (5:1-5).
4. Direction for those who needed it (5:6-11).

The Law of Solid Ground: Paul Built Respect (1 Thessalonians 4:11,12)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

If the Thessalonians were to win their city for Christ, they would have to commit themselves to excellence. They needed to lead a peaceful life, pay their bills, and work with integrity. When we gain the respect of others by leading our own lives well, we gain the opportunity to lead others.

The Law of the Inner Circle: Paul's Team Represented Him (1 Thessalonians 3:2-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul found it diffidult to send Timothy to Thessalonica; he would rather have returned himself. If he had, however, he might have been killed. The religious leaders remianed on the lookout for him, ever since they ran him out of town. So Paul sent one of his key players, Timothy, a member of Paul's inner circle.

Paul's potential multiplied because of individuals like Timothy. Timothy did just what Paul would have done had he been present:

1. Provide - He gave them strength and encouragement (v. 2).
2. Protect - He worked to rescue those who might fall away (v. 3).
3. Preserve - He fought to ensure their work had not been in vain (vv. 4,5).
4. Promote - He motivated them and cheered them on to grow (vv. 6,7).
5. Present - He reported to Paul how their faith had flourished (vv. 6-8).
6. Pray - He led the way in praying for what they still lacked (vv. 9,10).

Accountability: Paul Sent Timothy to Support and Report (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Leaders understand the power of accountability for the purposes of support and challenges. Accountability provides a cure for situations like the one Paul encountered in Thessalonica, where the Jews ran him out of town after only three weeks of work. CURE stands for the four gifts of accountability: Correction, Update, Reminders, and Encouragement.

The Law of Connection: Paul Mentors His Children (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Although Paul had met with this young church only on three Sabbaths, he longed for them like a parent longs for a child. As Paul mentored his "children", he developed a parental, coaching relationship with them. Note how he describes this relationship:

1. We were like a gentle, nurturing mother (v. 7).
2. We shared not only the good news, but also our very lives (v. 8).
3. We worked hard not only to burden you with our needs (v. 9).
4. We strove to be an example while among you (v 10).
5. We dealt with you as a father deals with his children (v. 11).
6. We encouraged you to live up to your potential as God's children (v. 12).

Relationships grow strong when those involved share common experiences (vv. 17-20); continual encouragement (vv. 2,6,7,9); concerned expressions (vv. 1,3-5); and challenging expectations (vv. 8,10-13). Good relationships both comfort and stretch.

The Law of Reproduction: Paul Trains Leaders (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Because Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica shortly after he planted a church there, he developed many of its leaders through the mail. The apostle wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians to disciple and train those who had recently chosen to follow Christ. Paul tried to work himself out of a job through this training. The apostle reminds us how good training works:

1. Training involves not only words, but also demonstration (v. 5).
2. Training transforms others when done with conviction (v. 5).
3. Training is remembered when the life of the trainer supports the message (v. 5).
4. Training is incarnated when the follower imitates the teacher (v. 6).
5. Training is relevant when done in the midst of problems (v. 6).
6. Training is complete when the trainee becomes a trainer (vv. 7,8).
7. Training has been reproduced when the original trainer has no need to say more (v. 8).

I THESSALONIANS: The Basics of the Christian Life

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

SUMMARY

Lessons in Leadership

• The more a leader loves the people, the easier it is to lead the people.
• A bright and promising future motivates faster than a fond and memorable past.
• Leaders must tailor their approach to the needs of the people.
• Leaders who last mentor a second generation of leaders.
• People can live with a tough today if they believe a terrific tomorrow is coming.

You Can't Divorce Leadership from Relationships (Colossians 3:18 - 4:6)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul spends a lot of time in Colossia discussing relationships, a paramount concern for leaders. Leadership is about relationships. Consider three levels of leadership:

1. Leaders can impress others from a distance.
The requires the will of the leader. The leader must determine to perform excellently.

2. Leaders can influence others if they get a bit closer.
This requires the will of the followers. They must choose to emulate the leader.

3. Leaders can impact others only in close relationship.
This requires both the will of the leader and the follower. It occurs when intimacy and trust develop.

Paul begins his instruction on relationships with the home (Col. 3:18-21). Then he moves outward to colleagues, to masters and slaves (3:22-4:4). Finally, he addresses relationships with outsiders (4:5,6).

God has placed everyone within a chain of care. Leaders are to connect with followers, from parenting, to supervising, to evangelising. These circles of relationship serve as proving grounds, and giving credibility to the next. When we lead well in the home, we gain credibility to be heard in the marketplace. If it doesn't work at home, don't export it! Success is gaining the respect of those who know us best.

Self-Discipline: The Battle Begins in the Mind (Colossians 3:1-14)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

The battle begins in the mind. Paul argues that since we have a new position, we need to get a new perspective (Col. 3:1). Permanent change and improvement always happen from the inside out. Consider Paul's prescription for self-discipline:

1. Remember your identity (v. 1).
We must focus first on our position in Christ. It all starts there.

2. Renew your thought life (v. 2).
We must focus our minds on things above. We must raise new internal standards.

3. Recognize your old life is dead (vv, 3-7).
Change doesn't happen if we maintain any way to return to old patterns.

4. Release past habits (vv. 8-11).
We must put off the old, like taking off a worn-out set of clothes.

5. Replace them with new ones (vv. 12-14).
We get rid of old habits only when we substitute new habits for them.

The Law of Victory: Jesus Defeats Death, Provides Weapons (Colossians 2:10-15)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Jesus not only provides us the weapons we need for victory (Col. 2:10-14), but He also disarms the enemy, thus assuring our success (2:15). Christ ensures us of victory by providing the resources we need, by removing hindrances, by stripping the enemy of his own devices, and by publicly declaring victory.

The Law of Process: Growth Is Not an Event (Colossians 2:1-7)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Spiritual growth doesn't "just happen," any more than climbing a mountain "just happens." You don't wander up a mountain and surprise yourself when you reach the top. Growth results from hard work.

Paul compares maturing a person to growing a plant (Col. 2:6,7). When you take seed, soil, sunshine, and water, and put them together, you don't get a plant overnight. You need time. Paul knows that the Colossians' roots won't grow deep overnight. So he reminds them of what must happen for growth to occur:

1. Labor (v. 1) - Someone has to work.
2. Stretching (v. 2) - You have to stretch for more.
3. Learning (vv. 2,3) - Knowledge must be consumed.
4. Focus (v. 4) - You cannot drift or get distracted.
5. Accountability (v. 5) - Growth accelerates when someone watches.
6. Building on the past (v. 6) - Growth always uses past truth.
7. Application (v. 6) - Growth solidifies when you practice what you know.
8. Gratitude (v. 7) - Give joyful thanksgiving for past blessings.

Equipping: Paul Was a Provider (Colossians 1:28,29)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul longed to present everyone complete in Christ. In Colossians 1:28,29, he speaks not of adding anything to Christ' redemptive work, but rather he declares his intention to equip others to realize their God-given potential. He did part of his equipping through letters like this one.

The apostle says his goal is to preach, warn, and teach so that listeners become complete in Christ. What does this mean? Part of it, no doubt, means that those he taught could reproduce themselves in others. Paul was an equipping leader with a heart to develop others. He was a provider for the people in his life. Providers are:

P urposeful: They approach others with a purpose; to add value.
R elational: They are warm and inviting and work at relationships.
O bjective: They assess strengths and weaknesses objectively.
V ulnerable: They model self-disclosure and honesty.
I ncarnational: They are examples of what they teach.
D ependable: They are consistent and responsible for their promises.
E mpowering: They give power away and facilitate growth in others.
R esourceful: They use every tool they have to grow people.

The Law of Respect: Jesus Is Superior to Everyone (Colossians 1:13-20)

Extracted from the Maxwell Leadership Bible

Although Paul clearly was a strong leader, he constantly declared his submission to the leadership of Christ.

At the very beginning of his letter to the Colossian, Paul paints a picture of Jesus' supremacy over every authority on earth. Our Lord rescues, redeems, and transforms. He is the image of the invisible God, who created everything, including other leaders and authorities. Christ takes priority among every created thing as the "firstborn from the dead" (Col. 1:18). Paul argues Jesus' supremacy based on the Law of Respect.

Teachability: Paul Encouraged Readers to Be Lifelong Learners (Colossians 1:4-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Although the Colossians already understood saving knowledge (Col. 1:4-7), their leader wanted them to know how to apply that knowledge. These are two different things. Teachability begins with knowledge (1:9), moves to understanding (1:9), then results in application (1:10). You are teachable if you're changing.

COLOSSIANS: Knowing God and Making Him Known

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Summary

Lessons in Leadership

• Christ is the center of all complete leadership
• To be a lifelong leader, you must be a lifelong learner.
• Leaders can't simultaneously pursue pleasing God and pleasing people.
• Excellence is not an accident; it happens when leaders call for it.
• Leadership begins on the inside; it starts with "being", not "doing".

Positive Attitude: Paul had The Mind to Make It (Philippians 4:11-13)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul maintained a positive attitude even on rotten days. He teaches us that:

1. Attitude has little to do with circumstances (v. 11).
2. Attitudes can change, just like circumstances (v. 12).
3. Attitudes can be improved, if we learn the secret (v. 12).
4. Attitudes have a source for their strength (v. 13).

Teamwork: Petty Differences Can Prevent Victory (Philippians 4:2,3)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul knows the importance of teamwork, so he encourages two women who have been quarreling to make peace.

Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian church, had by their disharmony created some division. Paul uses them as examples to launch into an entire chapter on peace. He doesn't ask these women to act uniformly, but rather to be of the same mind. The word he uses connotes harmony. Singing in harmony doesn't mean singing in unison. Players should play different positions on a team. Harmony means their efforts complement the efforts of others, rather than conflict with them.

Self-Discipline: Paul Mastered What Would Help Him (Philippians 4:1-19)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Philippians 4 provides a call to discipline. Paul declared that the goal of peace and fulfillment runs through the path of self-discipline. The apostle elaborates on three disciplines that help leaders stay aligned with their mission:

1. Govern your actions (vv. 1-5).
Paul pleads with his friends to stand firm . Live in harmony. Display self-control.

2. Guard your attitudes (vv. 6-9).
He says to replace worry with prayer and to think on the positive things that edify.

3. Give your assets (vv. 10-19).
Nothing purifies more than sharing resources and trusting God to meet your needs.

The Law of Priorities: Paul Narrowed His Activities (Philippians 3:7-14)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul openly communicated his priorities. All the trophies and culture of his past he counted as rubbish, in order to gain Christ. He wanted to know Christ, experience His power, share in and complete His sufferings, and ultimately be conformed to His death (Phil. 3:10,11). He did all of this for the purpose of attaining the resurrection.

Here is a man on a mission. Paul narrowed his wedge and his focus to the essentials. What was his secret?

1. He discerned what hindered him (vv. 7,8).
Paul had to let go of all the things he once cherished, considering them distractions to grace.

2. He discovered what he wanted (vv. 9-11).
Paul wanted God's righteousness, not his own. Christ became his solitary pursuit.

3. He determined how to get it (vv. 12-14).
With single-minded passion, Paul forgot the past and pursued the prize of his call.

How about you? Have you narrowed your focus? What is your "one thing"? Can you list your priorities on one hand? What are you pursuing?

21 QUALITIES: FOCUS - Letting Go of Nice Things That Don't Matter (Philippians 3:5-9)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul's absolute focus gave him an absolute willingness to let go of nice things that didn't matter. Note some items that he discarded:

1. His heritage: a Hebrew of the Hebrews (v. 5).
2. His pure lineage: from the tribe of Benjamin (v. 5).
3. His former legalism: a strict Pharisee (v. 5).
4. His past zeal: a persecutor of the church (v. 6).
5. His self-righteousness: a blameless life (v. 6).

Paul so narrowed his focus that he discarded not only the things he once counted as gain, but he counted everything as garbage for the sake of obtaining Chrits! he would lose it all if that allowed him to gain intimacy with Christ (Phil. 3:8,9).

Leaders who change the world have this kind of sharp focus. Think about the leaders of the Bible and the focus they had to bring about revolutionary change:

1. Abraham left his homeland, wealth, and friends for a new land because he focused on an unseen kingdom.
2. Joseph had strength to endure hardship and prisons because his dream focused on the greatness of God.
3. Moses could turn his back on Egypt because he focused on God's plan.
4. Stephen preached an unpopular message and died a martyr because of his focus.
5. Paul gave everything up and said, "This one thing I do."
6. Jesus told Martha, "Only one thing is necessary."

What does it take to gain the focus required to become a truly effective leader? The keys are priorities and concentration. A leader who knows his priorities but lacks concentration knows what to do, but never gets it done. A leader with concentration but no priorities has excellence without progress. But when leaders harness both, they gain the potential to achieve great things.

People base their decisions on a variety of things:

1. The Ultimate: first things first.
2. The Urgent: loud things first.
3. The Unpleasant: hard things first.
4. The Unfinished: last things first.
5. The Unfulfilling: dull things first.

Paul exemplifies a leader who focused on the ultimate every day. How about you? To get back on track with your focus, work on these items:

1. Work on yourself. You are your greatest asset or worst liability.
2. Work on your priorities. Fight for the important ones.
3. Work in your strengths. You can reach your potential if you do.
4. Work with your colleagues. You can't be effective alone.

EPAPHRODITUS: A Leader Who Didn't Make A Name For Himself (Philippians 2:25-30)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Several leaders in the Bible qualify as "nobodies". They never became famous, like Moses or David or Paul, but remained obscure, even though they played a vital role in the kingdom. Epaphroditus was such a man.

Epaphroditus is mentioned only in Philippians. No books were ever written about him, to him, or by him. We know of no statues or memorials erected to him. He was a "nobody" who became a "somebody" to Paul. He ran all the way from Philippi to Rome to join Paul in prison and minister to him. He also carried this letter back home to the Philippians. Note how Paul describes him:

1. A People Lover
Paul calls him a minister. He feels distressed that the Philippians might worry about him when he became sick (vv. 25,26).

2. A Risk Taker
Paul calls him a fellow soldier. He keeps on risking his life when most would have pampered themselves (vv. 25,30).

3. A Tireless Worker
Paul calls him a fellow worker. We know little about his illness, except that it was tied to his hard work (vv. 25,27).

4. A Servant-Leader
Paul calls him a messenger. Paul tells the church to give him a hero's welcome (vv. 25,29). He both led and served as he became a spokesman for the church.

The Law of Sacrifice: Jesus' Six Steps of Servanthood

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul used Jesus as the ultimate example of servant leadership. After urging his audience to humble themselves and live selflessly (Phil. 2:2-4), he reminds them of Christ's incarnation. Here the Ultimate Leader made the ultimate sacrifice. He left the glories of heaven and the highest position in heaven, not only to join His creation, but to take on the lowest form of the creation.

Jesus stepped through six levels as He moved downward toward us. In His leadership, He practiced the Law of Sacrifice:

Level One: He gave up His divine form (v. 8).
Level Two: He emptied Himself of any rights (v. 7).
Level Three: He became a man (v. 7).
Level Four: He became a servant (v. 7).
Level Five: He was obedient to the point of death (v. 8).
Level Six: He died a terrible kind of death (v. 8).

Positive Attitude: Paul's Attitude Determined His Altitude (Philippians 1:12-18)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

A personal sense of purpose works in two ways. First, we work on it. Then, it works on us.

Once Paul had determined his life mission, that purpose daily improved his attitude. In prisons, shipwrecks, beatings, through trials and debates, Paul kept on smiling because of his strong sense and purpose. He understood that leaders can either surrender to their circumstances, or they can surrender to a cause that is so great, their circumstances won't matter.

When we surrender to our circumstances, we have good days and bad days. We are at the mercy of what happens to us. When we surrender to a cause or purpose, we have good days wherever we go; the purpose never dies. Paul's attitude helped his purpose go forward, then his purpose helped his attitude go forward! His attitude helped him conclude that it didn't matter what happened to him or others - as long as the mission continued.

Purpose: Paul Stayed on Mission, Even in Prison (Philippians 1:12-18)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul might have been forgiven had he chosen to take a little sabbatical as he sat in prison, awaiting his trial. Yet he used even this opportunity to advance the gospel (Phil. 1:12).

Paul was a leader who never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave his mark wherever he went. George Washington Carver wrote, "No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it."

How did Paul's sense of purpose keep him in the battle as he sat in prison? What did he learn behind bars? Consider the following:

1. A purpose will motivate you.
2. A purpose will keep your priorities straight.
3. A purpose will develop your potential.
4. A purpose will give you power to live in the present.
5. A purpose will help you to evaluate your progress.

Encouragement: Leaders Connect When They Encourage (Philippians 1:3-11)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul never issues some worn-out, generic brand of encouragement. His words speak to specific needs, express specific love for particular people, and communicate a specific hope for their future. Encouragement ought to be given sincerely, personally, specifically, publicly, and frequently.

PHILIPPIANS: Lessons in Leadership

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Lessons in Leadership

• Leaders either surrender to a cause or they surrender to their circumstances.
• Only secure leaders will stoop and stretch.
• A leader's attitude at the beginning of a task will affect its outcome more than anything else.
• Leaders can do anything, they they can't do everything.
• One cannot be a great leader without being a great servant.

The Law of Intuition: Paul Understood How to Defeat the Enemy (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Like any good leader, Paul issues a warning at the end of of his letter about the tough times his people will face. They are up against Satan himself (Eph. 6:12), an enemy who will do everything to stop their progress.

Instead about moping about the situation, however, Paul lays out a specific plan for his Ephesian friends. They are not to approach this fight in their own strength, but remember that only God can defeat the enemy (6:10). As a Warrior, God fills a role His people desperately need. He serves as their Protector, Defender, Deliverer, Provider, and Guide. God gives his army every supply needed to win.

Paul then instructs his readers to put on the whole armour of God, in order to stand and prevail (6:11-17). Serving as an officer under God, Paul issues the orders for the troops. When leaders practice the Law of Intuition, they provide their people with ...

1. A strategy to win (vv. 11,12).
2. Knowledge of the opposition (v. 12).
3. The resources they need (v. 13).
4. A plan for how to use them (vv. 14-17).
5. Detailed communication (vv. 14-20)

Work Ethic: You're Not Working for People (Ephesians 6:5-9)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

The principles Paul taught to owners and slaves apply today to employees and employers. He twice states the important principle: We are not to be people pleasers (Eph. 6:6). We aren't to work while others watch, then slack off when alone. We are to render service as though we are working for God, who watches at all times (6:7). Not only does God watch, but He rewards anything good we do (6:8).

People may forget how fast you did your last job, but they will remember how well you did it. Ultimately, we all work for ourselves and for God.

Leadership in the Home (Ephesians 5:21-33)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Contrary to what many teach, leadership in the home is not about power or control. Paul asks for mutual submission (Eph. 5:21) and calls husbands to be Christ-figures (5:23-25). And how did Christ lead the church? He provided, taught, wept, healed, and died on a cross. Spiritual leadership means giving up yourself for someone else (5:25). It means assuming responsibility for the health and development of your relationships. Evaluate your home leadership in each of the following categories:

1. Initiative
Do I give direction and take responsibility for my primary relationships?

2. Intimacy
Do I experience intimacy with God and others through open conversation?

3. Influence
Do I experience biblical influence by encouraging and developing others?

4. Integrity
Do I lead an honest life, unashamed of who I am when no one is looking?

5. Identity
Am I secure in who I am in Christ? Or am I defensive?

6. Inner Character
Do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in my life, including self-discipline?

The Law of Priorities: Redeem Your Time (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Because activity is not necessarily accomplishment, Paul advises us to: analyze our lifestyles (Eph. 5:15); utilize the present (5:16); and prioritize what is important (5:17). While every leader, every day, gets the same amount of time, not every leader gets the same results.

Equipping: The Leader's Job (Ephesians 4:12-16)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Equipping is a tough job, much harder than shepherding. The leader is to equip others for ministry. Paul explains the goal for the shepherd (Eph. 4:12) and the goal of the sheep (4:13), then describes the result (4:14-16).

If leaders wish to equip their people, they must give them certain gifts:

1. I must CARE for them (Communication, Affirmation, Recognition, and Example).
2. I must work on their weaknesses, but work out their strengths.
3. I must give them myself (time, energy, and focus).
4. I must give them ownership of the ministry.
5. I must become a resource person (atmosphere, training, support, tools).
6. I must make expectations clear.
7. I must eliminate unnecessary burdens.
8. I must catch them doing something good, then reward them.

Five Leadership Roles in the Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

God gave at least five types of leaders to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. They exist to complete the member's growth and to equip them to serve (Eph. 4:12-16). Their roles vary:

1. Apostle: One sent forth to pioneer and establish new works and new leaders.
2. Prophet: One who speaks forth God's Word to inspire, correct, and motivate.
3. Evangelist: One who shares Christ with outsiders and trains others to do so.
4. Pastor: One who shepherds, guides, and guards God's people as they serve.
5. Teacher: One who trains God's peoplein the truth and teaches others to do so.

When the church fills these five offices, ordinary people get equipped for ministry. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What eternally significant growth occurs in the lives of those I lead (vv. 11-13)?
2. Do our people understand that my role is to equip them to serve (v. 12)?
3. How are our followers serving and ministering (v. 12)?
4. Do our people know that involvement in service is essential to growth (v. 12)?
5. Do our people grow spiritually mature as a result of their ministry involvement (v. 13)?
6. Do our people's lifestyle reflect Christ's character (v. 13)?
7. What percentage of our people's faith and involvement is easily shaken (v. 14)?
8. Do our people build up one another (vv. 15,16)?

Team Building: Paul Builds Unity Amidst Diversity (Ephesians 4:1-8)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

The apostle Paul labored to foster unity amidst a diverse population - in others words, he worked at team building.

He reminds the Ephesians of the attitude of the individual players (Eph. 4:1-3), then discusses the attitude of the corporate body (3:4-6). Paul insists there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. He says each player has been given some grace and some gifts. He calls the church a temple, a bride, a mystery, an army, and a body.

Think of Paul as a coach, building his team. How do we build a diverse group into a unified team? Ask the following questions:

1. Am I building people, or building a kingdom and using people?
2. Do I care enough to confront people when it will make a difference?
3. Am I listening with more of my ears?
4. Am I asking the right questions to develop the right relationships?
5. What are the major strengths of each individual?
6. Have I placed a high priority on their job?
7. Have I shown the value they will receive from this work?
8. Are their goals compatible with mine?

Passion: Paul TeachesThem to Take This Life and Love it (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul prays passionately that his readers comprehend the love of God (Eph. 3:14,18), experience the love of Christ (3:19), and be filled with God (3:19). Then he declares God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we ask or think (3:20)! Passion is the first step to achievement.

PAUL AND TIMOTHY: A Model For Equipping (Ephesians 3:1-7)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

By themselves, not even the best accountants or financial advisers can create wealth for their clients. All they can do is give advice concerning the accumulation of financial reserves. The rest is up to the recipients of that advice.

The same is true for leaders who wish to see others access the riches of heaven. The lives and ministries of the apostle Paul and Timothy - the young leader of the church at Ephesus - demonstrate this principle.

On their own, neither Paul nor Timothycould equip the Ephesians to please God. But they knew how to direct their charges to the ultimate source of ultimate power; the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to take full advantage of all the resources and power God has made available to them. The apostle knows that all believers have at their disposal immeasurable wealth and power; infinite resources sufficient to equip every believer for the sipiritual fight ahead.

Godly leaders have at their disposal the same kind of power Paul describes here. Leaders are responsible to direct other believers to the place where they can be enriched and equipped so they can serve God and do battle for the kingdom.

Equipping: Paul Gives the Tools to Do the Job (Ephesians 2:8-22)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul provides some tools for his readers to live in the way God intends for them to live. He informs them they are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8,9) and created to do good works (2:10). Then he equips them for these works with divine tools, explaining how they have been delivered from darkness and transformed into new persons (2:14-16) and a new building (2:29-22).

Paul labored hard to unleash the church and prepare its members for service. If we pursue the same goal, we must embrace the following assumptions:

1. Everyone wants to feel worthwhile.
2. Everyone needs and responds to encouragement.
3. People buy into the leader before they buy into the plan.
4. Most people don't know how ro be successful.
5. People are naturally motivated.
6. Most people will move once they receive permission and equipping.

Communicating Vision: Paul Remembers Who They Were and Are (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Extracted from the Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul took time to reflect on our past failures and God's present redemption. He insists that God not only raised Jesus up and sat Him in heavenly places above all authority (Eph. 2:20,21), but He did the same for us (2:4-6). We must identify with Christ in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. We have been raised with Christ. No wonder Paul could lead with such boldness! He lived and led off of this paramount truth.

What must we do to experience the same kind of authority in Christ: Paul gives his answer:

1. Renew your perspective (Col. 3:1-3).

We must think like God thinks. We must see ourselves as He does and fix our minds on Him. We must base our life on this position rather than our experience.

2. Release your past (Gal. 2:20).

We must let go of old patterns. We will never lead in an empowering way if we hold on to our old self, our old baggage, our old citizenship. We must die to the past.

3. Remember your purpose (Eph. 1:3-12).

We drift when we lose sight of why God left us on earth. Our goal is to participate in God's redemptive plan for the world. If we embrace purpose, we gain power.

The Law of Empowerment: Influence Flows from Identity (Ephesians:1:15-23)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul prays that God will reveal to his readers the riches of their inheritance (hope, calling, glory, and power). Then he reminds them they are Christ's body. Power, influence, and confidence all come from a strong sense of identity. Are you secure in your identity? Does your influence reflect this strength?

The Law of Connection: Empowerment Precedes Imperative (Ephesians: 1:1-14)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Because Paul believes he needs to give before he asks, he reminds us of our choice position to Christ: chosen (Eph:1:4); predestined (1:5); accepted (1:6); redeemed (1:7); informed (1:9); heirs (1:11); and sealed (1:13). He declares what God has done for us before demanding we do anything for Him.

EPHESIANS: The Whole Panorama of God's Redemptive Work

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

SUMMARY

A leader first casts a vision for the big picture before he calls the people to act.

A leader cannot accomplish any goal without each part of the team contributing to the whole.

The diversity of the body of Christ calls for unity in the midst of variety. Good leaders always do this.

Any good coach wants every player to flourish. This can happen only when tasks match abilities. Players must find their correct positions.


Lessons in Leadership

• Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.
• The primary role of the leader is to equip people to use their gifts.
• Authority must always accompany responsibility.
• Leaders raise the bar and call followers to a high standard.
• Leaders celebrate diversity while they work for unity.
• Leaders understand that belief precedes behaviour.
• A person's influence must flow from his or her identity.
• Leaders avoid living in denial, but define reality.

Accountability: Leaders Need Alarm Bells (Galatians 6:7-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

We can't pull a fast one on God. He sees all and cannot be deceived. He notices our shortcuts and also our efforts when we do well. To ensure that we live by this truth, seek others to hold you accountable and act as your "alarm bells." Invite others to ask you tough questions, such as the following:

1. Is my personal walk with God up-to-date?
2. Am I keeping my priorities straight?
3. Am I asking myself the hard questions?
4. Am I accountable to someone in authority?
5. Am I sensitive to what God is is saying to the whole body of Christ?
6. Am I over-concerned with building my image?
7. Do I put more stock in "events" rather tha "process"?
8. Am I a loner in my leadership and personal life?
9. Am I aware and honest about my weaknesses?
10. Is my calling constantly before me?

Responsibility: If You Won't Carry the Ball, You Can't Lead the Team (Galatians 6:1-6)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Responsibility must start at the top. Leaders are to restore those who've failed, guard against their own sin, help bear others' burdens, and stay humble (Gal. 6:1-3). This attitude should then bleed down through the ranks (6:4-6). Shoulders that bear responsibility leave no room for chips.

Leadership Qualities and the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Probably the most memorable verses in this book are those that list the "fruit of the Spirit." Fruit results from planted seeds. When seed grow, they bear fruit. Fruit represents outward, visible behaviour. Every leader should embrace this marvelous list of inward qualities. Evaluate yourself against them:

1. Love: Is my leadership motivated by love for people?
2. Joy: Do I exhibit an unshakable joy, regardless of circumstances?
3. Peace: Do people see my inward peace and take courage?
4. Longsuffering: Do I wait patiently for results as I develop people or goals?
5. Kindness: Am I caring and understanding toward everyone I meet?
6. Goodness: Do I want the best for others and the organization?
7. Faithfulness: Have I kept my commitments to the mission?
8. Gentleness: Is my strength under control? Can I be both tough and tender?
9. Self-Control: Am I disciplined to make progress toward my goals?

The Law of Empowerment: Paul Gives Power to Act (Galatians 5:13-15)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

When leaders empower their followers, they give them the freedom to act - and trust that they will do so responsibly. Paul released the Galatians to become all God intended them to be . They felt free and empowered by God's Spirit and Paul's leadership. As a secure leader, Paul freely gave power to others.

PAUL: NAVIGATOR AND CORRECTOR (Galatians 4:8-20)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

The apostle Paul knew that, in his role as a leader of the Galatian Christians, God had called him to navigate the church. But more than that, Paul knew what to navigate his fellow Christians toward.

False teachers were trying to convince the Galatians to rely on their own works for salvation instead of the grace God had poured out on them in the person of Jesus. This Paul could not ignore.

Something within each of us tempts us to believe that we need to add something to God's perfect plan of salvation - to believe that, without our own efforts, we just aren't going to make it into the kingdom of heaven. This remains just as true today as it was in the days of the first-century church.

Paul attempted to correct the errant course the Galatians had chosen by pointing out that no one can add anything to what Jesus already has accomplished on the Cross. No one can do a single thing to make themselves "more acceptable" to God.

To navigate means to make course corrections, to steer toward something. Godly leaders know they are to navigate their people to one thing only: the Lord Jesus Christ who died for their sins on the Cross.

The Law of Connection: Paul Illustrates and Invites (Galatians: 3:6-4:31)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

To make plain his teaching on grace, Paul uses stories and allegories. To drive home the truth, he uses an illustration of Abraham (Gal 3:6-29); an Old Testament scripture (3:10-14); an illustration of a son and a slave (4:1-7); and an allegory of Sarah and Hagar (4:21-31). Paul knew just how to connect with his audience. He painted familiar pictures to connect them with unfamiliar truths.

Paul also knew how to connect with a difficult group of people. Although they are living in error and and it might feel tempting to focus on their foolishness (3:1), instead the apostle invites them into the experience of discovery.

Consider the "Ten Commandments of Handling Difficult People":

1. Use the 101% principle. Find the 1 percent you agree on and give it 100 percent of your attention.
2. Love people more than policies, but love truth more than people.
3. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
4. Learn to be flexible where you can.
5. Check your own attitude.
6. Don't overreact to conflict and disagreement.
7. Welcome the conflict. Make it a learning experience.
8. Provide an escape for the person in conflict. Let them maintain their dignity.
9. Take a risk. Give people a second chance.
10. Take the high road. Be generous and believe the best about others.

Confrontation: Paul Exhibits Integrity with Peter (Galatians 2:11-21)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul's integrity drove him to stand up to Peter, his fellow leader, in front of several Jewish and Gentile believers. He criticized Peter's hypocrisy and demanded that all Christian leaders remain consistent, regardless of the company they keep.

Paul teaches us how to critique someone. Consider his checklist:

1. Check your motive. Your goal should be to help, not humiliate.
2. Make sure the issue is worthy of criticism. Does it really matter?
3. Be specific. Don't drop hints, but clearly name the problem.
4. Don't undermine the person's self-confidence or identity. Make it obvious that you value the person.
5. Don't compare people. Use realistic standards to measure conduct.
6. Be creative or don't criticize. Find ways to reach a solution.
7. Don't attack the person. Critique the problem, not the person.
8. Do not postpone needed criticism. If the issue is big, act now.
9. Look at yourself looking at others. Take the log out of your own eye.
10. End criticism with encouragement. Finish on a positive note.

The Law of Solid Ground: How Leaders Gain Trust (Galatians 2:1-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

It seems Paul constantly had to defend his leadership with some churches. He felt compelled to proclaim his trustworthiness with the churches in both Corinth and Galatia. He earned their trust by ...

1. Investing his time in learning from God (v.1).
2. Associating with a trusted leader (v.1).
3. Submitting to respected leaders and sharing his journey (v.2).
4. Asserting that even the leaders didn't correct his team (vv.3,6).
5. Standing up to those who opposes God's truth (vv.4,5).
6. Putting no confidence in people's infallibility, but trusting in God (v.6).
7. Affirming that even the leaders fully endorse him (vv.7,9).
8. Cooperating with the present leaders and honoring their requests (v.10).

The Law of Influence: Paul Exercises Emotional Authority (Galatians 1:6-10)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Paul challenges the direction of the Galatian church, accusing it of embracing a different gospel. The apostle risks his leadership by exercising his emotional authority. This is the acid test of the Law of Influence. A leader discovers his or her level of influence when he or she must confront an erring group's direction.

GALATIANS: Lessons in Leadership

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Lessons in Leadership

• Integrity builds trust and trust builds relationships.
• Leaders know what they'll stand for and won't stand for.
• Effective leaders aren't afraid to confront when necessary.
• Spiritual leaders lead from the inside out.

God's Role in Galatians

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

God speaks through Paul and calls the Galatians back to the original gospel. Like the words of an Old Testament prophet, Paul's words cut deep with truth at the very point of his readers' need. People naturally tend to think they must earn God's approval. Something inside of us feels drawn to achieve. We like to merit what we possess, like a trophy.

But God knows the downside of that empty theology. First, no one is good enough to merit heaven. Second, own own labor and leadership grow stronger when we cannot earn it, because grace, not guilt, is our motivation; love, not law, drives us to act. Leaders who lead in an environment of grace always obtain superior results

GALATIANS: How God Saves Mankind - SUMMARY

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Only in the Book of Galatians does Paul fail to affirm anything or anyone as he begins his letter. After a brief salutation, the apostle jumps right in and contends with the erring Galatian believers.

This letter contains the most emphatic statement of salvation apart from the Law to be found in the Scripture. It is the only letter in which Paul develops a lengthy allegory to explain how God saves mankind. It provides us with a tremendous case study of a leader who must lead an erring group of followers back to God's original plan and purpose.

First, it teaches us that leaders worth their salt will confront those who drift from the vision. A drifting team member dilutes the organization, the vision, the momentum, and the resources. Effective leaders always seek to maintain focus on their organization's primary mission. Paul defends both his own leadership and the original mission he declared. He takes a stand. He determines to help the Galatians walk by faith.

Second, healthy leaders motivate rather than manipulate. Paul argues against the idea that people must work to earn their salvation. He wants the Galatians to live free. How much more mercenary it would have been to push them toward a "works theology!" Paul could have benefited from this as the leader who won them to Christ. Instead, he calls them to grace, where they cannot be manipulated by anyone. He has enough integrity to keep a clear conscience and to build trust with others.

Third, we learn that leaders communicate best when they speak the truth in love. Paul addresses these hard issues out of his love for the Galatians. He will not compromise his message, but neither does he burn any relational bridges. No one can question his deep compassion for those he corrects. He never minces words, either in his admonition or his affirmation. As you read through this book, observe how Paul incarnates each of these lessons. Allow him to mentor you.