God Makes a Leader (Chantilly Sermon)

“A lack of leadership destroys nations, businesses, and communities. The hunger for true leadership has never been greater.” – John C. Maxwell

John 10:27 CSB – My sheep hear My voice, I know them and they follow Me.

Matthew 4:19-20 CSCB – Jesus said, Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish forpeople.” ²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

God Role: God Prepares Paul

Acts 22:15 CSB – you will be a witness for [Christ] to all people of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Acts 9:23 CSB – After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him….

Acts 9:26 CSB – in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.

Acts 9:29-30 CSB – He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Acts 9:31 CSB – [The church] had peace and was strengthened… and it increased in numbers.

1 Timothy 3:6 CSB – He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.

The Principle of Obscurity: There are no small opportunities. Every opportunity is a big opportunity.

Galatians 6:9 CSB – Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 CSB – 

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there is no fruit on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though the flocks disappear from the pen
and there are no herds in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will celebrate in the Lord;
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Lord my Lord is my strength;

The Church’s Role: The Church Encourages Paul

God uses Barnabas, the son of encouragement

Acts 4:37 CSB – [Joseph]… sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 11:22 CSB – News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.

• Barnabas encourages Paul by standing up for him

• Barnabas encourages Paul by recruiting him

Acts 11:26 CSB – when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

• Barnabas encourages Paul by discipling him

2 Tim. 2:1,2 CSB – my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Acts 12:24-25 CSB – But the word of God spread and multiplied. ²⁵ After they had completed their relief mission, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, taking along John who was called Mark.

Paul’s Role: Paul Cooperates When Called

Acts 13:2 CSB – (the church in Antioch) ….[as] they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

God Uses F.A.T.S.O. People

F—Faithful

1 Corinthians 1:26 CSB – Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. ²⁷ Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong

2 Chronicles 16:9 CSB – For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him.

A- Available

Isaiah 6:8 CSB – 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:

Who will I send?
Who will go for us?

I said:

Here I am. Send me.

T—Trainable

Luke 6:40 CSB – A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”

S—Send-able

Acts 16:9-10 CSB – During the night Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” ¹⁰ After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 

O– Obedient

1. The definition of a good leader: John 10:27 CSB – My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.

Matthew 4:19 CSB – Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.

Psalm 131:1-2 ASV – 

Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty;
Neither do I exercise myself in great matters,
Or in things too wonderful for me.
² Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul;