The Foundation of Leadership II Leadership as Divine Calling II

 

Module 1 – The Foundation of Leadership

Topic 1: Leadership as Divine Calling

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Scripture Reading

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)

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Introduction

Leadership in the Christian worldview is not primarily a matter of human ambition, social influence, or personal achievement. It begins with God. Before Jeremiah was even born, the Lord declared His sovereign calling upon his life. This sets the tone for biblical leadership: God calls, God equips, and God sends.

Thus, Christian leadership is more than a profession—it is a divine vocation. It cannot be reduced to a career path or mere human aspiration; rather, it is rooted in the eternal purposes of God for His people and for His Kingdom.

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Exposition of the Text

1. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…”

   • Leadership is rooted in God’s foreknowledge. Long before we were aware of our potential, God already knew His plan for our lives.

   • This means true leadership flows from God’s initiative, not man’s invention.

2. “…before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”

   • The word sanctified indicates being set apart for God’s holy purpose.

   • Leadership, then, is not just about skill or position; it is a sacred trust.

3. “…and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

   • The word ordained reveals divine appointment and commissioning.

   • Leadership involves not only being chosen but also being sent into mission.

This progression—known, sanctified, ordained—shows that true leadership is a calling sealed in eternity, shaped in holiness, and expressed in mission.

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Theological Reflection

• Leadership is God-centered. It originates from God’s plan, not from self-promotion.

• Leadership is purpose-driven. God’s call has direction—it aims to fulfill His redemptive will.

• Leadership is sacred. To lead God’s people is to handle holy matters; it is never to be taken lightly.

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Values Integration

1. Humility – A leader called by God does not boast in his ability but depends on God’s grace.
   “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV)

2. Responsibility – Leadership is stewardship. It is a trust given for the welfare of others.
   “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1 KJV)

3. Obedience – The mark of a called leader is readiness to respond, like Samuel:
   “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:9 KJV)

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Practical Applications for Students

1. Discovering Calling – Reflect on talents, passions, and burdens God has placed in your heart. Leadership begins with aligning these with God’s purpose.

2. Prayerful Surrender – Commit your ambitions to God. Pray not just for opportunities to lead, but for clarity of His calling.

3. Daily Faithfulness – Leadership is proven not first in public roles but in private obedience to God. Small acts of faithfulness are stepping stones to greater responsibilities.

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Discussion Questions

1. How does Jeremiah 1:5 shape our understanding of leadership as divine calling rather than human ambition?

2. What dangers arise when leadership is pursued apart from God’s calling?

3. In what ways can you personally discern whether God is calling you into leadership?

4. How can humility, responsibility, and obedience be practiced as a student leader today?

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Devotional Thought

Leadership is not something you take—it is something you receive. If God has called you, He has already known, sanctified, and ordained you for a purpose. Like Jeremiah, you may feel unqualified, but God’s call carries His enabling grace. The true foundation of leadership is not who you are but who God is.

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV)