Here I Am Lord

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

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:06:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:56:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:47:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:47:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:39:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:35:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:24:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:24:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:14:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:59:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:41:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:30:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:26:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:14:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:14:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:08:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:29:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:23:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:26:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:18:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:06:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Here-I-Am-Lord) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:43:00 +0000

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.