LS 613

1. Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

2. He who walks with wise men will be wise,
but the companions of fools will be
destroyed.
~ Proverbs 13:20

3. Equipped leaders are students of leadership
principles who have learned how to lead
people and are competent in the application
of those principles.
Every organization is looking for equipped
leaders.

4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. 1 Timothy 3, NKJV
6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride
he fall into the same condemnation as the
devil.

6. However, equipped leaders, without
experience sometimes struggle.
People seldom have experience until
after they need it.
Sometimes equipped leaders may appear
to be more competent than they really
are.

7. They may rely on their training and
begin to operate independently of what
God wants to do.
Their success and background
sometimes result in a lack of humility.
They may begin to minimize the value of
others within the organization.

8. Still, every leader needs to be equipped
for the tasks he or she will face.
Being equipped is an advantage over not
being equipped.
Equipped leaders are more likely to be
successful than those who are not
trained.

9.  Joshua was forty years with Moses in
the wilderness.
 Great leaders often begin as faithful
followers of great leaders.
 How do you think this prepared Joshua
to be a leader?

10. Exodus 17:13-14 (NIV)
13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people
with the edge of the sword.
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on
a scroll as something to be remembered and
make sure that Joshua hears it, because I
will completely blot out the name of Amalek
from under heaven.”
Why did God want Joshua to hear this?

11. Later Moses explained this lesson further:
”Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God
himself will fight for you.” (Deut. 3:22, NIV)
In the battle against Amalek, Joshua
learned God will not abandon His people
when they need Him.

12.  Joshua learned the importance of time
alone with God. When Moses went up
Mount Sinai, Joshua went with him.
Moses entered the cloud leaving Joshua
alone for his own time of fasting and
reflection (Ex. 24:13).
 Joshua learned not to resist the moving
of the Holy Spirit (Num. 11:28-29).

13. What can we do to prepare for future
leadership challenges?
 Study the principles of leadership as you
train to be a better leader.
 Be a loyal follower of good leaders and learn
their style by watching their example.
 Understand how God has equipped you to
accomplish specific tasks.
 Identify the nonnegotiables in your life.

14. Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

15. Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

16. This is not a leadership
solution to problems.

17. “I would rather fail at
a cause that will
ultimately succeed,
than succeed in a
cause that will
ultimately fail.”
~ Woodrow Wilson

18.  Nobody really enjoys conflict, but
sometimes conflict is necessary.
 Confrontational leaders understand there
are times when they must stand up and be
counted.
 They see problems as opportunities.
 They view their primary role as leading to
victory.
 There are times when this approach is
needed

19.  This approach can be difficult in a culture
that is nonconfrontational in nature.
 Confrontational leaders are prone to take on
problems that are too big to handle.
 May be guilty of creating the problems.
 They can appear to be more insightful than
they really are.
 Still, they are gifted at solving problems.

20.  God encouraged Joshua early in his
leadership by telling him: “No man shall be
able to stand before you. I will not leave you
nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5)
 The record of Joshua’s life suggest eight
steps in the process that led to ultimate
victory.

21. First, Joshua recognized that the key to his
success was tied to the Word of God:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your
lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you
may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
(Josh. 1:8)

22. Second, Joshua understood the need to dedicate
himself and Israel’s other leaders to the will of
God.
16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you
have commanded us we will do, and wherever
you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed
Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD
your God be with you as he was with Moses.
18 Whoever rebels against your word and does
not obey it, whatever you may command them,
will be put to death. Only be strong and
courageous!” (Josh. 1:16-18)

23. Third, he got the people on board before the
battle. He rallied the people for the fight ahead.
Fourth, before engaging the enemy, get as much
information as possible. He sent spies saying,
“Go into the land, especially Jericho” (Josh. 2:1).
24 They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely
given the whole land into our hands; all the
people are melting in fear because of us.” (Josh.
2:24).

24. Fifth, he recognized the spiritual nature of the
battle, and the need for spiritual preparation.
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate
yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do
amazing things among you.” (Josh. 3:5)

25. Sixth, he understood the need to be
completely dedicated to the cause. Joshua
was personally committed to God and to
God’s plan.
Seventh, he knew that the battle is the Lord’s.
As soon as he knew God’s battle plan for
Jericho, Joshua began mobilizing the nation
for war.

26. Eighth, he learned that corruption can kill the
plan and lead to defeat.
It was sin in the camp that caused Israel to fall
to defeat at the hands of the small town of Ai
(Josh. 7:10-11).

27. The primary skill needed by confrontational
leaders to ensure success is problem solving:
1. Recognize the source of the problem
2. Choose your battles rather than trying to
fight everyone else’s battles
3. Ask the right questions
4. Discern the best course of action
5. Study Scripture to gain insight into
problem solving God’s way.