Abdicating Authority

Leaders cannot afford to abdicate their authority. Remember, this is true regardless of the type or level of the leadership role. If the goal of leadership is to help people succeed, then when we leave that role we push people toward failure.

I expect my older children to help the younger. God expects older men and women to help the younger. We all need role models, support, and help at different times and places in our lives, and leaders are people who offer that support.

God has provided the framework for leadership throughout the Scriptures, especially in principles found in the New Testament. These principles form the foundation for authority in leadership. If we violate those principles, in a sense we’re leaving or abdicating the authority God has given us. We must make sure we strive to follow the principles given in the Bible.

Standing Against Opposition

Jesus made it clear that his disciples would face opposition. He told them, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15.19-20).

As we strive to move closer to God, we will move away from the “spirit at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2.2). When we shine the light of truth in the darkness, those who love wickedness will hate the light. Paul said that all who desire to live a godly life will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3.12). Leaders should stand before and with the saints, deflecting attacks against the weak, strengthening others, and helping the wounded.

Handout with blanks.

Handout with answers.