TEXT:  Eph. 4:11

INTRODUCTION:

A.      God has provided the church with leadership( Eph. 4:11 ).

B.      God expects all to exercise what we might call

Individual Leadership.

          1.       When we see a need we do what we can in a humble way whether

                   anyone else does anything or not.

          2.       The exercise of personal responsibility.  Self-starters.

I.      EXAMPLES IN THE BIBLE:

A.      Joseph of Arimathea( Mat. 27:57-60 ).

          1.       Joseph took the initiative.  He was not sent or drafted.

          2.       He not only saw the need, he did something.

B.      Andrew in bringing Peter( John 1:41-42 ).

          1.       Andrew realized his brother's need and did something.

          2.       Mat. 28:19-20.  Personal leadership is a part of God's plan( 2 Cor. 4:13 ).

C.      Those "scattered abroad"( Acts 8:1, 4 ).

          1.       Initiative came from an inward compulsion( Jer. 20:8-9 ).

          2.       Mat. 12:34.  Our hearts should be full of the gospel.

          3.       Most evangelism depends on personal effort( Acts 5:42; 8:4;  11:19-20 ).

D.      Priscilla and Aquila( Acts 18:24-26 ).

E.      The good Samaritan( Luke 10:30-37 ).

          1.       What did those who recognized as leaders do?

          2.       Who sent the Samaritan?

          3.       What cause the Samaritan to do what he did?  Inner qualities.

F.      Cornelius( Acts 10. 24-33 ).

II.     OTHER EXAMPLES:

A.      One brother’s "teacher training class."

B.      Lloyd Taylor’s work at maryvale.

C.      Irene Toliver in Ashfork.

D.      Jack Greenwood and Bob Mclaughlin.

III.    WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP REQUIRE?

A.      You to Lead.

          1.       A willingness like Paul's is necessary( 1 Cor. 11:1 ).

          2.       Leading is not griping or merely giving advise.  It is doing - example!

B.      Knowledge.

          1.       We are expected to learn so we can lead( 2 Pet. 3:18;  Heb. 5:12 ).

          2.       Zeal without knowledge is harmful( Rom. 10:1-3;  Mat. 15:14 ).

C.      Wisdom.

          1.       Begins with reliance on God( Prov. 9:10 ).

          2.       And a proper motivation( James 3:15, 17 ).

          3.       Sometimes involves knowing when to lead and when to follow.

D.      Conviction( 2 Cor. 4:13 ).  Faith compels and enables.

E.      Vision( Prov. 29:18 ).  The ability to see ahead - Perceive the need.

F.      Sacrifice( Rom. 12:1 ).

          1.       Leadership requires paying  price - time, money, effort, etc.

          2.       Such a sacrifice inspires others to follow.

G.      Courage.

          1.       Taking initiative means taking a risk( Ecc. 11:4 ).

          2.       Sometimes leadership costs us friendship.

H.      A tough skin.

          1.       He who leads must be able to take criticism, most of which will be

                                       destructive and unjust.

          2.       A good leader can distinguish just criticism from unjust and use both.

          3.       Be sure you are right and then go ahead ( 1 Pet. 3:17;  4:19 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      We are not advocating that certain ones just take over.

B.      We are saying it is time we show more interest in things

          righteous and ACT!