Stir Up The Gifts

1. In your estimation, what is a leader?

2. List qualities that would make an excellent leader.

3. A person can be a leader at any time and moment. It doesn’t have to be in church or a religious setting. List moments where a person can be a leader or take charge.

4. Before continuing with the book, remember that a lot of people will at one time need to be in charge, take ownership, or be a leader. This could be one of the instances mentioned in question three, in a religious setting, or at home. Name at least one case where you can be a leader. This will help with proceeding through the book in learning what to take personal and applying it to becoming the person and instrument that God desires to use.

5. Read the scriptures below and explain what Jesus Christ gave as qualities for being a great leader.
Matthew 23:11-12 Mark 10:42-45 John 13:12-20

6. Most cultures, groups, and individuals uplift those who are cocky and egotistical. For example, arrogant politicians who receive the most votes, media coverage on the obnoxious, and those that are promoted on the job can sometimes be very prideful. Prideful individuals seem to draw people toward them like moths to light. Nevertheless, Christ wanted to show through His example, and by what was said, the importance of having a humble spirit and mindset. Why would Jesus teach his followers not to be arrogant and prideful?

7. What will God do for people who humble themselves?
James 4:6-10 1 Peter 5:5-7

8. What is the benefit of being humble?
2 Chronicles 7:14-16

9. Some believe that a person can buy their way to what God desires. Through the prophet Micah, God makes clear what He wants. What is it, and how can that apply to the believers in the modern-day church?
Micah 6:6-8

10. Describe the command given to King Saul from God.
1 Samuel 15:1-3

11. What actions did Saul and his army take?
1 Samuel 15:7-9

12. What was Samuel's response to Saul's action, and what requirement does God have for His people?
1 Samuel 15:16-23

13. Before proceeding with the rest of the book, what message can a person take personally in being a better leader for God?

JUST A THOUGHT

1 Samuel 15 goes through a moment in time, where King Saul decided to obey God’s commands his way. The prophet Samuel told the chosen King, go to Amalek and utterly destroy everything. Save nothing everything had to go. Sort of like an extreme going out of business sell, featuring the town of Amalek. This included people and animals. Saul was given a mission, go there, and complete the task. God gave Saul a mission. The King was anointed by God to be His representative (1 Samuel 10:1). God knew the King had more than enough to succeed.

Like Saul, the Lord has anointed everyone with a particular mission or goal. God gave King Saul the right to lead His people. Just like the King, you also have a mission from God. Prayerfully it’s not as violent as going into a town and destroying it to the ground. The hope is that God has something positive for you to help others and give Him glory. God will set you up to be successful, like King Saul.

Despite God’s command and guarantee victory, Saul decided to do things His way. He went to Amalek and destroyed most of the people and killed a lot of animals. Nevertheless, Saul ordered his soldiers to save King Agag and the best animals. God commanded him to destroy and kill everything. All people and animals. Yes, that sounds brutal, but that was God’s command. Saul’s disobedience made God regret the decision to anoint the man has King (1 Samuel 15:10-11).

Please do not make God regret giving you your talents and gifts. While proceeding through the books of Timothy, remember that God furnished you with abilities meant to serve Him. Because God gave you purpose, He will provide you with the means to be successful. When God commands, He expects complete obedience to that mission. Going partway means disobedience and not fulfilling His instructions.

Saul honestly believed that he had completed God’s mission. The King thought the idea of sacrificing the saved animals would please God. Remember that before Jesus’ death and resurrection, a sacrifice was a means of worship. Saul believed that he was giving God the best possible worship. However, Samuel informed him that obedience, over worship, money, and gifts is more important. Saul could have pleased God easily by merely obeying what He instructed him to do. For the modern-day church, this idea is the same. God wants us to obey and follow His commands. While studying and going through the rest of this book, take it step by step, even in areas that might not apply to your ministry or life exactly and pray. Ask God as to how a specific text or scripture, a particular concept, or message from Him applies to your life. How does God want you to complete His purpose for you?