There are also plenty of real-life examples of leadership in action. The Fast is the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), which falls on Tishri 10. Others decided Paul and the other prisoners should set sail, and so Paul and they were turned over to Julius. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. First, those who were considered the experts favored doing so. Bureaucratic leadership is defined as a form of leadership in which there is a hierarchy of authority that creates rules for management and decision making. The great leaders of the Bible, men like Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel, were men who had an impact because they were men of God, men of great skill and ability, and men who God raised up. "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Since leadership happens inside and outside the church, these examples are good wherever you lead. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Even running under the shelter of a small island (Clauda, verse 16), they could hardly get the ships dingy on board. Pauls influence was not the result of his political maneuverings, but mens response to his personal competence. Here is a man whose personal safety was assured, and yet who lived with care and caution. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39). 565 In particular, much may be learned from Lukes portrayal of Pauls character and behavior in circumstances in which the real man is most likely to be revealed. Too often, I hear leadership spoken of as a place of status, rather than a place of service. Silent team members are specifically asked their opinions to make sure all perspectives are heard. He had a special place. Just so you know, the person they are talking about in Acts 18:26 is Apollos. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. 72-73, p. 480. Because of one prisoner on board that ship, all the other passengers were spared. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14). Let us, like Paul, have a word from God for such needy times as ours. You may be familiar with the story of Esther. The centurion commanded that all should make it to land if they could. The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, {being} more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3-9). Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Vision Statements of 12 Great Leaders in the Bible In doing so, he cites Romans 15:4 (NKJV), which states, "whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the . So, says Luke, they lowered the instrument, not being more specific perhaps because he did not know, or did not remember, the technical name for whatever it was that was lowered. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. The encouraging news that Paul was about to tell them was that he was both right and wrong when he had warned them not to sail. Great leaders wash their people's feet. A crucial decision had to be made at Fair Havens.549 Sailing was not safe in the winter, due to wind conditions and seasonal storms. When the outcome is known, and the One who determines it is both faithful and sovereign (in control), the danger of harm is removed, along with the need for fear. To Paul, the sovereignty of God was not an excuse to avoid his human obligations or his personal responsibility; it was the motivation for him to live responsibly. Would any have heeded Paul or the gospel as seriously as they did, had the trip to Rome gone quickly and smoothly? He loved God. It did not take long at this time of year for a storm to brew at sea. If there were but ten righteous in the city of Sodom, God would have spared the city for the sake of those righteous (Genesis 18:22-33). Jesus (Luke 5:16) Of course, one cannot talk about godly leadership without pointing to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. What grace was made evident in this storm! Some Christians are inclined to live their lives sloppily, believing that because God is sovereign He will, on demand, produce a miracle to deliver us from the fruits of our own foolishness. Without God's constant guidance in our lives, how can we be confident of what we are teaching, how we are ministering, or why we are even leading? Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). Looking at leadership honestly means looking at the best and the worst. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Verse Concepts. 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? All rights reserved. 548 This harbour is named Kalus Limeonas, a small bay two miles east of Cape Matala. God has given each leader specific gifts. As time went on, as Paul was better known, and as the crises on board the ship became more pronounced, Paul stepped forward, giving both direction and hope to all the others on ship. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26). It seems as thought they had left it in the sea, towed along behind, when the storm suddenly came upon them and swamped it. Romans 13:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. Let us consider just a few: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. los lderes demcratas (41) dirigentes socialdemcratas (18) lderes democrticos (15) lderes demcratas (13) demcratas (8) If elected in free elections, the usurpers of power are usually democratic leaders. The gospel sustains men in the greatest storms of life. They were not in control of the ship. modern political leaders are good examples (Tony Blair, Geogrge Bush, Sarcosie, JFK, David cameron) What is a sentence with the words democracy and democratic? Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. Paul and a number of other prisoners were put aboard an Adramyttian ship,542 which was setting sail for ports along the coast of Asia. But it is here, in our text, that I see Paul as a very wise man in practical matters, a man who is a leader of men, and whose counsel is taken seriously because he knows what he is doing. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. A democratic leader likes people who disagree with them and challenge their views. For some, your leadership responsibilities are limited to yourself and your home. Mordecais words influenced Esther to take an action that she would have otherwise not taken. What are some examples of democratic leadership? Bruce writes. He sold his land and gave it to the church treasury. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. Remember, he struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. . These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. Nevertheless, he did not presume that God would intervene in this instance. (1 Kings 18:27). It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another; but then, like Moses, the same pastor usually has the resilience to see things through. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. Take aids, or drugs, for example. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. Paul strongly urged them to stay where they were, at Fair Havens. It would seem that they had fasted nearly two weeksthroughout the entire time the storm was raging. Paul spoke up, cautioning them about sailing on any further, and warning them that if they pressed on this would result in the loss of lives and property. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. Far to the south, off the African coast, lay the notorious Syrtes (17), the graveyard of many ships, as underwater archaeology has vividly revealed in recent years. In all of this God protected Paul. The dangerous season for sailing began about September 14 and lasted until November 11; after the latter date all navigation on the open sea came to an end until winter was over. It seems as though the passengers, including Luke and Paul, were needed to help carry out this operation (see verse 19).556. What was it about Paul that made him a leader among men, even in matters pertaining to sailing and storms? They boarded this ship and set sail. Verses 30-32 describe the sailors attempt to abandon ship, which they aborted, due to the action taken by the soldiers, who heeded Pauls words of warning. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to {obtain} an inheritance {which is} imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The journey was delayed by unfavorable winds. I would think that Paul would have more reason to be reckless than these seasoned seamen and the centurion, because he was a Christian. There are many different styles and forms of leadership. As the journey to Rome continues, there are yet to be more signs and wonders accomplished through the hands of Paul (see 28:3-10). 36 Just as it is written, For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Their safety was relative, however. That safety is only in Christ. They hoped that daybreak would come so that they could visually navigate the ship, rather than to attempt to make port (or even to ground the ship) in the dark. 557 This is not to suggest that Paul now emerged because he knew that this was the low-point of his fellow-passengers, but because the night before the angel of God had appeared to him. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Paul was spared so that he could go to Rome, and there proclaim the gospel. The winds seem to have blown the ship away from the island of Crete. What the ships crew intended to do was a cowardly thing. But he was wrong about the loss of passengers. The soldiers were acting, as it were, on Pauls orders. Thus, the safety of the ship, according to Pauls words, required the presence of the crew. He was not the captain of the ship, nor one of the soldiers. But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. Lets examine some of these, because whether you lead one, a few, or many we all have to lead. At the beginning of the chapter, Paul is the object, the one who is acted upon. Gods Word gives us those answers. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar. It was only some forty miles to Lutro. Robertson, p. 461. Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. Susan Ward. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for us not to work, but the assurance that our work is not in vain, in the Lord. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) If they were to have the strength necessary to make it to shore, they would need to start the day with a good meal. I know it sounds more like mother or a TV commercial, but Paul was dealing with a very practical necessity. Pauls execution was sought by the Sanhedrin, which first tried to execute him legally (like Stephen) and then by assassination, but God used Roman soldiers once again to spare His servant. This created a serious problem. If God {is} for us, who {is} against us? Leaders in this category encourage creativity while members are highly engaged. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. We live in a time of great crisis. Pauls leadership was not viewed as spiritual leadership by those on board the ship. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. What can we learn about leadership, which can benefit others, and can promote the gospel? His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. When the ship was far out at sea, and no one knowing how far they might be from land, abandoning ship was no temptation. 549 Smith observes that Fair Havens is so well protected by islands, that though not equal to Lutro [Loutron, a port some 40 miles farther west along the coast], it must be a very fair winter harbour; and that considering the suddenness, the frequency, and the violence with which gales of northerly wind spring up, and the certainty that, if such a gale sprang up in the passage from Fair Havens to Lutro, the ship must be driven off to sea, the prudence of the advice given by St. Paul may probably be supported even on nautical grounds. Bruce, pp. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). Hence the battle to maintain a westerly course, aided, it appears, by a veering of the wind to the east, as the cyclonic disturbance shifted its centre. Blaiklock p. 190. Is this principle of extended deliverance perhaps an explanation of Pauls comments in 1 Corinthians 7, that the unbeliever is sanctified on account of the believer? The Greater Syrtis was still a great distance away, but the wind might continue to blow for many days, and that was the direction in which it was blowing them. It was the crew of the ship who lived dangerously, foolishly risking the ship, the cargo, and the lives of all on board, just to get ahead a little. The storm threatens not only the life of Paul, but also the lives of all on board his ship. God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Democratic leadership style fosters high job satisfaction and productivity because followers are involved in decision making. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. It was drifting wherever the storm carried it. Peter, the most well-known disciple of Jesus, denies even . In spite of this fact, one man, Paul, emerged as the leader. Whether by divine revelation, intuition, or by learning of their plans from some human source, Paul became aware of their intentions. 4 The United States is one. His military role came at a pivotal time in world history- World War II. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. While there are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible, there are some you are probably more familiar with than others. Examples. Since this was not an ideal place to spend the winter, and sailing conditions looked favorable at the moment, they decided to press on to a more accommodating port. By the end of this time, all hope had been lost, either of the storm abating, or of any rescue. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. The otherstwo hundred and seventy-six in allfollowed his example. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. Paul was not striving to be a leader here, but simply trying to be of help. If you want to know what type of leader God wants you to be, there is your answer. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. Now, in our text, Paul is again in great danger. 564 Would he not have dared to command the soldiers not to kill Paul, but to have allowed the others to be put to death? God used this two-year delay of Felix and the bungling of Festus to bring Paul to the point where he would appeal to Caesar. If Paul had been incompetent and impotent in this time of crisis, who would have wanted to hear him tell about faith in Jesus as the Messiah? How can Paul, a prisoner, emerge as the leader on board a ship, while in the midst of a storm? Passing it with considerable difficulty, and apparently not being able to make port there, they finally were able to make port at a place known as Fair Havens,548 which was not far from the city of Lasea, where they could have spent the winter. Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. (1) A look at leadership. Fourteen days have passed since they left Fair Havens and the storm first struck the ship.558 The sailors now have little idea as to where they were, or how far they might be from land. Given all these factors, the ship set sail from Fair Havens. If Gods sovereignty is the source of comfort to the Christian, it is the source of terror for the unbeliever, for God has warned of His coming judgment. The meeting's facilitator will be acting democratically if they actively seek out the team's thoughts and opinions and encourage them to voice them. Let me suggest a few characteristics of Pauls leadership in this crisis, which may provide fuel for future thought. The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. The job or position title does not make you a leader. The one whose fate was sure and certain, was the most cautious; those whose ultimate fate was most uncertain were those who lived most dangerously. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. Except for Paul, they had all reached the conclusion that the situation was hopeless and that they were doomed. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. Pauls Bay is sheltered on the northwest by the island of Salmonetta, which is separated from the Maltese mainland by a narrow channel about a hundred yards wide. Such would have been the case in Sodom and Gomorrah. Los usurpadores de poder suelen ser democrticos si han sido elegidos en elecciones . After all, the ships captain and the pilot had more experience, and they also had more to lose. His church was a murmuring people. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. They want to use numbers and influence decisions based upon voting power. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate them this year. Gods promise was fulfilled, just as Paul had said He would. The cultural expectations on pastors are mostly unbiblical, entirely impractical, and generally downright unrealistic. (The term Augustan, i.e., His Imperial Majestys, was a title of honor bestowed on several cohorts of auxiliary troops.) The hour is hopeless. Petty criticism wears on the leader. With great difficulty, the dinghy was hoisted on board, and then supporting cables were used to undergird the bottom of the ship, so that it might not break up under the weight of its cargo and the stresses of the storm. There are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible as God has always raised up men and women to lead others. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. in 1971. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company [photolithoprinted], 1966), p. 191, quoting Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, p. 319. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. A theophany had taken place in Joshua 5:15: "The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." It may not come quickly. Paul was overruled. Paul was frequently the instrument through which Gods power was manifested. A church leader is a manager of Gods household, so he must live a blameless life. In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. Brooks Faulkner previously served as the senior pastoral ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. While Paul had not lost hope, as had his shipmates, he must have been afraid. The safety of the passengers, involved their actions, in eating a good meal, in lightening the ship, and in swimming to shore or in clinging to some wreckage and floating to shore. It is enough to discourage any pastor. The danger in which they found themselves was unnecessary. Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself." "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? The image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in John 13 is a striking one. 559 If the soundings were made at midnight, and if the passengers were at least inside the ship, rather than on deck, only the sailors would have known that land was approaching. The potential gains were minimal, while the potential loss was great. 551 Although there almost certainly would have been some loss of life, apart from divine intervention. When the ship set sail, they began to encounter unfavorable winds. He bridged the gaps between the Greek and Jewish worlds. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. And Joshua did so.". 1. The grounding of the ship, some distance from shore, and then its breaking up poses another threat, which all survive. (4) The Sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility. "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" The lives which Paul warned would be lost were those lives which were spared by God, for Pauls sake (see verses 22-24). These passengers were spared, I suspect, so that they could not only hear the gospel, but experience the hope which the gospel gives, and the power by which the gospel saves unworthy sinners. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. In A.D. 59 it fell on October 5, but in all the neighboring years from 57 to 62 it fell earlier. He was not a sailor; in fact he was not even a paying passenger. The angry mob, which the Asian Jews had incited in Jerusalem, were trying to kill Paul, but God used Claudius Lysias and his soldiers to save his life. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Brooks Faulkner on Tuesday, September 08, 2015 at 6:00 AM. Thus, the sailors continually took soundings, measuring the depth below them, so that they could discern, far in advance, their approach to land (which would be indicated by progressively diminishing depths). Time would prove Paul right. Whether you realize it or not, we are all called to lead. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". The sovereignty of God means that we dare not presume that God will work a miracle for us, at the time and in the way we choose, due to our foolishness, carelessness, or sin. If the relative safety of the passengers was in being on board ship, with Paul, our certain safety is in being in Christ. He has weathered the storm of Gods wrath on the sinner. Leading others is just too big of a responsibility for us to handle without continual prayer. But there was a problem. If we are not in Christ, who has weathered the storm, then we must endure the storm ourselves, to our eternal destruction. *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. 1 Peter 5:3. Democratic leaders: Encourage group members to share their ideas: The leader asks for and considers employee input. Paul had a fair bit of experience with sea travel. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. 552 A south wind having blown gently, in marked contrast to the violent northwest wind that they had faced so long. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. It seems that there was no protest from the sailors when the ropes to the lifeboat were cut. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! It has long been acknowledged as one of the most instructive documents for the knowledge of ancient seamanship. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 474. He did get disgusted. Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969) - The 34th President of the U.S. Eisenhower was the Supreme Command of NATO before he served two terms as the U.S. President. As Paul had already informed them, neither the ship nor its cargo would survive, only the passengers. This was, I think, to cause the ship to draw less water, and thus to float higher in the water, so that it would not as easily drag bottom.560 The ship would therefore be closer to shore when it struck bottom, making it a shorter swim (or float).

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