CRS Keypoints: Leadership Qualities

CRS Keypoints: Leadership Qualities; Leadership is an essential aspect of human life, and it is crucial in every sphere of life, including religion. Christian leaders have the responsibility of guiding, directing, and leading their followers to fulfill God’s purpose.

In this note, we will examine the leadership qualities of four biblical leaders – Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Judges (Deborah, Gideon, and Samson) – and how their leadership principles can be applied in today’s Christian leadership.

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CRS Keypoints: Leadership Qualities

(a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)

Joseph is a great biblical leader and a perfect example of someone who exhibited excellent leadership qualities. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph did not give up but kept faith in God and worked diligently in Potiphar’s house, where he was later promoted to a position of leadership.

Leadership Qualities of Joseph:

1. Visionary – Joseph had a clear vision of his destiny, which he shared with his family, but they did not understand it.
2. Diligent – Joseph worked hard and diligently in every task he was given, which earned him Potiphar’s trust and promoted him to be in charge of his house.
3. Integrity – Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife, even though she tempted him, because he knew it was a sin against God and his master.
4. Humility – Despite being in a position of power, Joseph remained humble and did not let his position get to his head.
5. Forgiving – Joseph forgave his brothers who had sold him into slavery and even provided for them during the famine.

(b) Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19)

Moses was another great biblical leader who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and to the Promised Land. He exhibited several leadership qualities that made him an effective leader.

Leadership Qualities of Moses:

1. Courageous – Moses faced the Pharaoh and demanded that he let the Israelites go, even though it put his life in danger.
2. Humble – Moses did not want to lead the Israelites out of Egypt at first but accepted the responsibility when God called him.
3. Obedient – Moses obeyed God’s instructions even when they seemed impossible or difficult to execute, such as parting the Red Sea.
4. Intercessor – Moses interceded for the Israelites when they sinned against God, and God’s wrath was kindled against them.
5. Patient – Moses dealt patiently with the Israelites’ complaints and rebellions in the wilderness, even when they wanted to stone him.

(c) Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)

Joshua was Moses’ successor and led the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land. He was an excellent military strategist and a man of faith.

Leadership Qualities of Joshua:

1. Faithful – Joshua had faith in God’s promises and was willing to obey His instructions, which led to their victory in battles.
2. Courageous – Joshua was not afraid to face the enemy in battle, even when they were outnumbered.
3. Humble – Joshua submitted to Moses’ leadership and learned from him before becoming the leader of the Israelites.
4. Visionary – Joshua had a clear vision of what God wanted to do in the Israelites’ lives and encouraged them to follow God’s plan.
5. Obedient – Joshua obeyed God’s instructions even when they were difficult to understand or follow, such as the command to march around Jericho seven times.

(d) Judges (Deborah – Judges. 4:1-24; Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson: Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)

The judges in the book of Judges were individuals whom God raised to lead the Israelites in times of crisis. Three judges stand out in this category – Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

Leadership Qualities of Deborah:

1. Wisdom – Deborah was known for her wisdom, and the Israelites came to her for judgment and counsel.
2. Courageous – Deborah led the Israelites into battle against their oppressors, even though she was a woman and not a warrior.
3. Faithful – Deborah had faith in God’s promises and was willing to follow His plan, which led to their victory in battle.
4. Visionary – Deborah had a clear vision of God’s plan for the Israelites, which she shared with Barak, the military commander.
5. Humble – Deborah gave credit to God for their victory in battle, acknowledging that it was God who fought for them.

Leadership Qualities of Gideon:

1. Courageous – Gideon faced overwhelming odds in battle, but he trusted in God and led the Israelites to victory.
2. Humble – Gideon did not consider himself a leader but submitted to God’s plan for his life.
3. Faithful – Gideon trusted in God’s promises and obeyed His instructions, which led to their victory in battle.
4. Innovative – Gideon used unconventional tactics in battle, such as the use of trumpets and jars, which surprised their enemies.
5. Persevering – Gideon did not give up, even when he faced setbacks and obstacles, but continued to trust in God.

Leadership Qualities of Samson:

1. Strength – Samson was known for his physical strength, which he used to defeat the Philistines.
2. Faithful – Samson had faith in God’s promises and trusted in Him even when he was captured and imprisoned by the Philistines.
3. Determination – Samson was determined to defeat the Philistines, even when it cost him his life.
4. Repentant – Samson repented of his sins and acknowledged his dependence on God, even in his death.
5. Flawed – Samson’s leadership was flawed, as he allowed his lust for women to distract him from God’s plan for his life.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the leadership qualities of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Judges (Deborah, Gideon, and Samson) provide excellent examples for Christian leaders today.

These leaders exhibited faithfulness, courage, humility, vision, innovation, perseverance, and a dependence on God. As Christian leaders, we should strive to imitate these qualities and seek God’s guidance in our leadership.

i. Examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and the Judges:

Joseph: Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar. Despite being falsely accused and thrown into prison, Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams led to his rise to power as the second-in-command of Egypt.

Moses: Moses was raised in the household of Pharaoh but fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and despite his reluctance, he obeyed God’s call.

Joshua: Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites and to lead them into the Promised Land.

Judges: The judges in the book of Judges were raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors during times of crisis.

ii. Identify the major talents of these leaders:

Joseph: Joseph was a skilled administrator, interpreter of dreams, and wise counselor.

Moses: Moses was a powerful speaker, an intercessor for his people, and a leader who was willing to take risks for the sake of his people.

Joshua: Joshua was a military leader who was skilled in strategy and obedience to God’s commands.

Judges: The judges had a variety of talents, including military leadership, wisdom, and faithfulness to God.

iii. Assess God’s role in the works of these leaders:

God played a significant role in the works of these leaders. He called, equipped, and empowered them for their leadership roles. He also gave them wisdom, strength, and guidance to accomplish His purposes.

In the case of Joseph, God used him to save his family and the surrounding nations from a severe famine. In the case of Moses, God used him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and to receive the Ten Commandments.

In the case of Joshua, God used him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and conquer their enemies. In the case of the judges, God raised them up to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors.

iv. Analyze the achievements of these leaders:

Joseph: Joseph’s leadership led to the salvation of his family and the surrounding nations from famine, as well as the rise of Egypt as a powerful nation.

Moses: Moses’ leadership led to the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the reception of the Ten Commandments, and the establishment of the covenant between God and His people.

Joshua: Joshua’s leadership led to the conquest of the Promised Land and the establishment of the Israelites as a powerful nation.

Judges: The judges’ leadership led to the deliverance of the Israelites from their oppressors and the preservation of the nation of Israel.