Men’s Bible Study: Godly Leadership

Overview

The positions of authority we occupy in our homes, churches, workplaces, public square and everywhere else are for us to manage what God has put in our care. We don’t rule we govern. It’s easy to get a big head and forget that (Nebuchadnezzar losing his mind, David’s entitlement). We give God the glory in all circumstances

5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” - Genesis 39:5-9 NIV

43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:43-45 NIV

2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV

For Discussion:

  1. Think about the different men in this passage. What actions, qualities or characteristics do they demonstrate that we should strive to emulate? Which ones should we strive to avoid?
  2. What principles do we observe in these passages that we ought to apply and integrate into our lives at home, in the church, at work, and in the public square?
  3. How do these passages point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?