𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧

LEADERSHIP STARTS HERE: SERVING LIKE CHRIST

INTRODUCTION

Biblical leadership does not begin on a throne—it begins on its knees.

In Scripture, true greatness is measured not by position, popularity, or power, but by humble service. While Jesus’ earthly example in John 13 was given under Israel’s program, the principle of servant leadership powerfully applies to the Body of Christ in this Dispensation of Grace. Paul echoes this truth: leadership flows from humility, love, and service—not dominance.

POSITION YOURSELF LOWLY
Philippians 2:5–7; Romans 12:3

Reject prideful rank – Christ humbled Himself voluntarily.
Recognize your calling – Grace removes boasting.
Remain teachable – Lowliness keeps leaders usable.
Dispensational Insight: Grace dethrones self-exaltation.

PRACTICE PURITY FIRST
1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Corinthians 7:1

Clean hearts before clean hands – Leadership begins inwardly.
Consecrate daily walk – Service flows from sanctification.
Confess quickly – Fellowship fuels effectiveness.
Pauline Truth: Leaders must guard testimony in the Body of Christ.

POUR OUT PERSONALLY
Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1

Present your body – Service is sacrificial.
Prioritize others – Leadership is self-giving.
Persist in faithfulness – Pouring out costs something.
Grace leadership costs self, not salvation.

PREFER OTHERS LOVINGLY
Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:4

Value others above self – Grace changes perspective.
Volunteer to serve – True leaders don’t wait to be asked.
Validate fellow believers – Edification builds the Body.
Dispensational clarity: The Body grows by mutual care.

PROTECT THE WEAK
1 Thessalonians 5:14; Acts 20:35

Support the feeble – Strength exists to serve weakness.
Shepherd gently – Authority must be tender.
Sustain the struggling – Grace lifts, not crushes.
Paul served the weak, not ruled them.

PROVE LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Timothy 4:12

Live visibly faithful – Example preaches louder than words.
Lead consistently – Private life shapes public influence.
Leave a pattern – Others follow what you practice.
Pauline leadership is modeled, not mandated.

PERSEVERE WITHOUT PRAISE
Galatians 6:9; Colossians 3:23

Serve unseen – God sees what men ignore.
Stay steady – Weariness tests motives.
Seek Christ’s approval – Not applause.
The Judgment Seat of Christ motivates quiet faithfulness.

PREPARE FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12

Answer to Christ – Leadership will be reviewed.
Assess motives – Why we served matters.
Anticipate reward – Faithful service is not forgotten.
Grace saves freely, but rewards faithfully.

POINT ALL GLORY TO CHRIST
1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 1:18

Acknowledge grace – “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
Ascribe honor to Christ – He is the Head.
Advance His Body – Not personal kingdoms.
True leadership ends where Christ is exalted.

CONCLUSION

Leadership in the Church Age is not about titles—it’s about towels.
The world says, “Be served.”
Grace says, “Serve others.”
Those who kneel now will reign with Christ later. 

CALL TO ACTION

Lay down pride
Lift up others
Live like Christ

Don’t ask, “Who follows me?”
Ask, “Who am I serving?”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Leadership begins with humility
Service flows from grace
Purity sustains influence
Love validates authority
Example outlives words
Perseverance proves sincerity
Service is unseen—but known by God
Rewards await faithful servants
The greatest leaders are the greatest servants