1st Samuel Part 14
It’s the start of a conference I’m at. Leadership conference. I’m ready to learn and grow in my knowledge in that specific business field at that time….
I’m wondering, will the speakers want to dominate us with their awesomeness, or teach us through there mistakes?
Will they be clear about stating what DOESN’T work as well as what does, or will they be more ambiguous to attract more people to their platform?
1st Samuel 8:1-9
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 2 His firstborn son’s name was Joel and his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beer-sheba. 3 However, his sons did not walk in his ways—they turned toward dishonest profit, took bribes, and perverted justice.
Parenting matters! Parenting is LEADERSHIP!!
Samuel is getting older
Samuel had the desire that many of us have, for our kids to follow in our footsteps
Samuel had been taught by Eli to overlook his son’s shortcomings
He chose to do the same with his sons
What fathers do we see in the Bible actively pursue their children?
Prodigal Father, Luke 15 (parable)
Job prayed for his children and sacrificed on their behalf
Joseph endured ridicule and cared for a baby that was not his
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Compassion (a response to suffering and stress)
Passion (a strong and powerful emotion that drives a person towards a purpose)
What do your kids see you passionate about?
How do you respond to your kid's suffering and needs?
Proverbs 23:24-25
The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him. Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.
Wise men and women parent wise children
Selfish men and women parent selfish children
Etc.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
Do you know your Bible?
Do you read your Bible to learn, or just to give yourself a spiritual cookie?
Loving Christian parents teach their kids about Christ:
How He forgives (because we are sinners)
How He loves (because He chooses to)
How He calls us to righteousness (because His way is right, ours is WRONG)
How He calls us to worship Him alone (Because there is no other God)
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and went to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Therefore, appoint a king to judge us the same as all the other nations have.”
2) Moms and Dads. You mislead your kids and family, they will seek leadership elsewhere
Outside leadership was desired because leadership failed
1st Peter 5:2-3
shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
6 When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand wrong, so he prayed to the Lord. 7 But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. 8 They are doing the same thing to you that they have done to me, since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning me and worshiping other gods. 9 Listen to them, but solemnly warn them and tell them about the customary rights of the king who will reign over them.”
Is it bad to have a King?
What is the issue with the people wanting a King?
The people wanted a human King, because they had rejected God
Samuel was to warn them about what a King would take from them
3) Worldly leadership instructs, Godly leadership SAVES!
Worldly leadership is often about personal gain or power, while Christian leadership is motivated by love and service.
Worldly leaders often seek to control others, while Christian leaders seek to serve and empower others.
Worldly leaders may use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals, while Christian leaders follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice.
Worldly leaders often focus on the present moment, while Christian leaders maintain an eternal perspective.