They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Read Chapter All Versions. 560 The higher the ship floated in the water, the closer to shore they could get before the ship grounded. Focus on who you are and allow God to develop you into the leader he has called you to be. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar. Simply put, Paul warned those making the decision about whether or not to press on that continuing on was not wise. 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. 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. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. 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. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. Paul encourages all on board to eat, and they do. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate them this year. Unsaved men do not have the answers. 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. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Here are three people who stand out as servant leadership examples in the Bible. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? Pauls leadership was not viewed as spiritual leadership by those on board the ship. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who dont have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. Until now, they had been trying to save the ships cargo, but now some of it555 was thrown overboard, lightening the ship and reducing the stress on the hull. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? There is no place safer than the place of obedience to the Word of God. The ships crew tried to hug the shore of Crete, until they could reach Phoenix, a harbor not all that distant. Think of it. Where is your God, he asked. God used the centurion, who had come to deeply respect and admire Paul, to spare him, along with the rest. The hour is hopeless. The most probable account is that they dropped a floating anchor or drift anchor, which was dragged astern at the end of a rope of suitable length so as to offer the maximum resistance every time the ship plunged down from the crest of a wave. Bruce, p. 486. Examples of democratic leaders A few specific examples of leaders who have demonstrated this style of leadership include: Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, demonstrated how much she valued her team members by writing personalized letters to their parents. Neither Lasea nor Fair Havens is mentioned by any ancient writer, two of the hundred cities of Crete. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 460. Scripture offers examples of both. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. He had already survived one shipwreck, and he knew the dangers of sea travel: Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. Every passenger made it safely to shore. It was, I believe, for the sake of the gospel that Paul and these passengers were saved. Other words for democratic leadership These prisoners were (pardon me for this) twice pardoned.. Misconceptions about "Real" Leadership vs. Servant Leaders. Here is a man whose personal safety was assured, and yet who lived with care and caution. An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude, 10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others. Their objective was to work with two groups of people from different cultures and make sure one did not feel slighted over the other. This journey began on an Adramyttian ship, which took them as far as Myra, where they boarded an Alexandrian ship, headed for Italy. This created a serious problem. (3) The Sovereignty of God and the Ultimate Peril of the Lost. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company [photolithoprinted], 1966), p. 191, quoting Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, p. 319. In spite of this fact, one man, Paul, emerged as the leader. Imagine this, they would have Paul to thank for their deliverance. If you are a Christian, the same safety is yours, when you are walking in obedience to His commands, and within His purposes. There will come a time, however, when God will take His own to the full and final safety of heaven. In all of this God protected Paul. 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? Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. The short version is that there was a plot to destroy the Jews, and Mordecai got wind of the plot. 31 What then shall we say to these things? When he spoke, there was no vote taken. They cut loose the anchors, which set the ship free, as wind and waves propelled it toward land. But in addition to his surviving this storm, God promised to spare all the other passengers on board as well, not for their sakes alone, but for Pauls sake. 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. 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. The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. 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. Salem Media Group. Others decided Paul and the other prisoners should set sail, and so Paul and they were turned over to Julius. He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. 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. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. If there was ever a time for Christians to emerge as leaders, it is now. 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. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. And Joshua did so.". 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. Just so you know, the person they are talking about in Acts 18:26 is Apollos. Why not get better at it? Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. This harbour would protect them for a time from the winds. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? A true leader has to be brutally honest with all those he comes in contact with. nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. 4. There would be no one left who was an experienced sailor, who could help land the crippled ship. That sounds like leadership to me. This problem would require the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is foundational to Godly leadership. 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? The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. He . There are portions of Scripture that talk about the qualifications of a leader in the church. Thus, he did not expect a miracle, nor did he even ask for one. Accompanying Paul were Luke544 and Aristarchus, who was from Thessalonica.545. The ship did not make it all the way to that beach toward which they were steering it. 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). 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 one whose fate was sure and certain, was the most cautious; those whose ultimate fate was most uncertain were those who lived most dangerously. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. Not one soul was lost. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. But the storm brought men and women face to face with death, and with the truth of the gospel. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. 1. Great leaders focus on serving those who follow them. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Lets examine some of these, because whether you lead one, a few, or many we all have to lead. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? Moses. Smith suggests that the mainyard is meant; an immense spar, probably as long as the ship, which would require the united efforts of passengers and crews to launch overboard. Bruce p. 486. Is there not a kind of parable here? Here are some examples of their leadership. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. An elder must live a blameless life. In verses 27-29, Luke describes the ships approach to some body of land. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. They were not in control of the ship. But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. Whether you realize it or not, we are all called to lead. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, let her not send her husband away. He has surrounded himself with executives that are experienced and insightful. 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. Here are 12 examples of inspiring leaders in the Bible who teach us what a great leader could and should be as well as how leaders should carry themselves. It was only some forty miles to Lutro. Robertson, p. 461. As the song goes, More secure is no one ever, than the loved ones of the Savior. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. I could talk about David, Moses, or Nehemiah, but I want to talk about three lesser-known leaders who make great examples of Godly leadership in the Bible. Indeed, the fate of the ship was not exactly as Paul had warned, for there was no loss of life.551 He simply spoke as a seasoned traveler, an astute observer, and one who had experienced dangers at sea. 4. He was going to survive. 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. He was right in that a great storm had swept down on this ship, and that both the ship and its cargo would be lost. (The term Augustan, i.e., His Imperial Majestys, was a title of honor bestowed on several cohorts of auxiliary troops.) I read in the paper the other day that when faced with the decision as to whether he should change to an alternate airport or press on to the original destination, the pilot of a commercial airliner left the choice with his passengers. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. When this happens, there will be no protection for the lost. Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? They did not know exactly where they were and they could not recognize anything familiar about the land, but they did resolve to run the ship aground in a bay which they could see ahead. He sold his land and gave it to the church treasury. in 1971. He left this to God. In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. Pay attention to the type of men they chose to handle this problem. 547 Ramsay is of the opinion that the ship was a government vessel of which the centurion, as senior officer, was properly in charge. I see people working for a place a leadership, rather than working to serve others, and letting leadership develop or not on its own. Even running under the shelter of a small island (Clauda, verse 16), they could hardly get the ships dingy on board. There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. 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. 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 amount of talking by the leader is another clue. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Paul did not have a formal position as leader, but was rather a functional leader. 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). 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. Our world, like that ship of Pauls, was headed for destruction. During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship. While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. And so they were strengthened, both in spirit and in body. Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all . We live in a time of great crisis. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. Moses. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. At its heart, leadership for the Christian means loving God, walking in God's ways, acknowledging God's blessing, confessing personal limitations and corporate failures, doing justice, seeking peace and asking God for the gift of . What has happened over the course of these events, so that a lowly prisoner, a man at the bottom of the ladder, so far as position and influence are concerned, is now the outstanding leader? Take aids, or drugs, for example. But Paul did not presume to have God on tap and thus to be able to perform some miracle any time his wished. 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. Apparently Paul discerned that those in charge were predisposed to sailing a little further. And also for Pauls sake, all of the prisoners were spared from execution by the soldiers. 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. Not once or twice the world has had to thank the great saints and mystics for providing timely help in moments of crisis when realistic, practical men of affairs were unable to supply it. Bruce, p. 475. They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. 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. 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. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him. 72-73, p. 480. The soldiers were thus acting to save themselves, as well as the rest on board. With difficulty, they finally arrived off Cnidus, but were then forced by the winds to sail under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. Pauls leadership enhanced the preaching of the gospel. The potential gains were minimal, while the potential loss was great. Paul did not seek to sanctify his words by giving them any spiritual flavor. 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. (4) The Sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility. 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. Except for Paul, they had all reached the conclusion that the situation was hopeless and that they were doomed. 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). The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. A friend of mine, Jonathan Leath, wrote a book he titled You Only Lead One (YOLO). Photo Credit: Sparrowstock. Paul was a leader here because people followed him. It has become an untenable situation, a burden no man can bear. In one of the more popular set of verses in the Bible, here is what Mordecai told Esther. When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. Flee to safety today. 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. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. I do not agree. Such would have been the case in Sodom and Gomorrah. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other's. Here are some examples of their leadership. Examples of delegated authority include parents and their children, masters and their servants, priests serving in the temple, and Christian leaders, as Christ's servants, with the members of a church. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. They boarded this ship and set sail. The sovereignty of God means not only that God is able to intervene supernaturally, but that He is also able to work naturally, through human instruments (like the Roman soldiers, and in our story, like the centurion, in Pauls behalf). His previous warning did not take into account the intervention of God, resulting in the escape of every person on board the ship. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. That safety is only in Christ. . He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference, 10 Gift Ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month, Pastor Appreciation Month: 5 Ways to Say Thanks, Why Prayer is Essential in the Life of a Leader.

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