Leadership by Example

Jesus’ model of leadership

Jesus described His model when He was demonstrating humility by washing the feet of the disciples - John 13:15

John 13:15 NIV

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray by praying - Luke 11:1-4

Luke 11:1–4 NIV

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ”

Paul’s model of leadership

Paul led by example - Phil 3:17

Philippians 3:17 NIV

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Paul invited scrutiny of his actions - 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9

2 Thessalonians 3:8–9 NIV

8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

Paul was intentional in being a model to follow - 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9

Philippians 4:9 NIV

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul included his actions and his words in his example - Philippians 4:9

The saying “Do as I say, not as I do.” is a formula for disaster

Paul included his teaching in the model he wanted others to follow - Titus 2:7-8

Titus 2:7–8 NIV

7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

His teaching had integrity or honesty

It was serious. it had a purpose beyond just entertaining the audience

It had soundness of speech. He wasn’t reckless in his words

1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Paul instructed Timothy to lead by example - 1 Timothy 4:12

An example in speech - Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

An example in conduct - Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1 NIV

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

An example in love - Ephesians 5:2

Ephesians 5:2 NIV

2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

An example in faith - 1 Timothy 4:13

1 Timothy 4:13 NIV

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

An example in purity - 1 Timothy 4:16

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Leading by example is the Biblical model for leadership - Hebrews 13:7

Hebrews 13:7 NIV

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Listen to their words

Consider their outcomes

Imitate them

Our ultimate model is God Himself - 1 Peter 1:16

1 Peter 1:16 NIV

16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”