Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companions of fools will be destroyed.

~ Proverbs 13:20

Equipped leaders are students of leadership principles who have learned how to lead people and are competent in the application of those principles.

Every organization is looking for equipped leaders.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 Timothy 3, NKJV

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

However, equipped leaders, without experience sometimes struggle.

People seldom have experience until after they need it.

Sometimes equipped leaders may appear to be more competent than they really are.

They may rely on their training and begin to operate independently of what God wants to do.

Their success and background sometimes result in a lack of humility.

They may begin to minimize the value of others within the organization.

Still, every leader needs to be equipped for the tasks he or she will face.

Being equipped is an advantage over not being equipped.

Equipped leaders are more likely to be successful than those who are not trained.

Joshua was forty years with Moses in the wilderness.

Great leaders often begin as faithful followers of great leaders.

How do you think this prepared Joshua to be a leader?

Exodus 17:13-14 (NIV)

13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.”

Why did God want Joshua to hear this?

Later Moses explained this lesson further:

”Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deut. 3:22, NIV)

In the battle against Amalek, Joshua learned God will not abandon His people when they need Him.

Joshua learned the importance of time alone with God. When Moses went up Mount Sinai, Joshua went with him. Moses entered the cloud leaving Joshua alone for his own time of fasting and reflection (Ex. 24:13).

Joshua learned not to resist the moving of the Holy Spirit (Num. 11:28-29).

What can we do to prepare for future leadership challenges?

Study the principles of leadership as you train to be a better leader.

Be a loyal follower of good leaders and learn their style by watching their example.

Understand how God has equipped you to accomplish specific tasks.

Identify the nonnegotiables in your life.

Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

Case Studies in Biblical Leaders

This is not a leadership solution to problems.

“I would rather fail at a cause that will ultimately succeed, than succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.”

~ Woodrow Wilson

Nobody really enjoys conflict, but sometimes conflict is necessary.

Confrontational leaders understand there are times when they must stand up and be counted.

They see problems as opportunities.

They view their primary role as leading to victory.

There are times when this approach is needed

This approach can be difficult in a culture that is nonconfrontational in nature.

Confrontational leaders are prone to take on problems that are too big to handle.

May be guilty of creating the problems.

They can appear to be more insightful than they really are.

Still, they are gifted at solving problems.

God encouraged Joshua early in his leadership by telling him: “No man shall be able to stand before you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5)

The record of Joshua’s life suggest eight steps in the process that led to ultimate victory.

First, Joshua recognized that the key to his success was tied to the Word of God:

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Josh. 1:8)

Second, Joshua understood the need to dedicate himself and Israel’s other leaders to the will of God.

16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORDyour God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!” (Josh. 1:16-18)

Third, he got the people on board before the battle. He rallied the people for the fight ahead.

Fourth, before engaging the enemy, get as much information as possible. He sent spies saying, “Go into the land, especially Jericho” (Josh. 2:1).24 They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” (Josh. 2:24).

Fifth, he recognized the spiritual nature of the battle, and the need for spiritual preparation.

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” (Josh. 3:5)

Sixth, he understood the need to be completely dedicated to the cause. Joshua was personally committed to God and to God’s plan.

Seventh, he knew that the battle is the Lord’s. As soon as he knew God’s battle plan for Jericho, Joshua began mobilizing the nation for war.

Eighth, he learned that corruption can kill the plan and lead to defeat.

It was sin in the camp that caused Israel to fall to defeat at the hands of the small town of Ai (Josh. 7:10-11).

The primary skill needed by confrontational leaders to ensure success is problem solving:

1. Recognize the source of the problem

2. Choose your battles rather than trying to fight everyone else’s battles

3. Ask the right questions

4. Discern the best course of action

5. Study Scripture to gain insight into problem solving God’s way.