PART 4: Kingdom Leadership Series Wrap-Up

Bible Stories: Sunday School for Adults

 

"Courageous Leadership: Lessons from Biblical Gatekeepers, Prophets, Priests, and Pilgrims"

Series Overview

Through our exploration of Obed-Edom, Samuel, Phinehas, and Naomi, we've witnessed how ordinary people became extraordinary leaders through their unwavering faith, bold actions, and authentic relationship with God. Each story provides unique insights into different aspects of kingdom leadership.

Core Leadership Principles Revealed

1. Bold Stewardship (Obed-Edom)

·       Key Truth: Faithful stewardship of God's presence transforms everything it touches

·       Scripture Focus: "The Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household" (2 Samuel 6:11)

·       Leadership Impact: When we honor God's presence, our influence multiplies naturally

2. Prophetic Leadership (Samuel)

·       Key Truth: Consistent devotion and clear hearing lead to respected leadership

·       Scripture Focus: "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:10)

·       Leadership Impact: Leaders who listen to God can guide others with wisdom and authority

3. Courageous Conviction (Phinehas)

·       Key Truth: Bold action aligned with God's heart stops corruption

·       Scripture Focus: "He was zealous for his God and made atonement" (Numbers 25:13)

·       Leadership Impact: Standing for truth, even when costly, brings lasting change

4. Authentic Restoration (Naomi)

·       Key Truth: Honest vulnerability in leadership creates pathways for redemption

·       Scripture Focus: "The Lord has brought me back empty" (Ruth 1:21)

·       Leadership Impact: Personal restoration becomes a testimony that influences generations

Leadership Matrix: Four Dimensions of Kingdom Impact

Unified Leadership Lessons

1. Presence-Based Leadership

·       Honor God's presence (Obed-Edom)

·       Listen for His voice (Samuel)

·       Act on His promptings (Phinehas)

·       Trust His process (Naomi)

2. Character Development

·       Faithful in small things

·       Consistent in devotion

·       Courageous in conviction

·       Honest in struggle

3. Community Impact

·       Influences household

·       Shapes nation

·       Confronts culture

·       Restores relationships

Practical Application Framework

Personal Leadership

1.     Cultivate God's presence daily

2.     Develop listening habits

3.     Build courage through obedience

4.     Practice authentic expression

Family Leadership

1.     Create worship environments

2.     Guide spiritual formation

3.     Model bold faithfulness

4.     Foster open communication

Organizational Leadership

1.     Honor God in operations

2.     Seek divine guidance

3.     Maintain integrity

4.     Lead with transparency

Strategic Action Steps

Immediate (This Week)

·       Establish daily quiet time

·       Identify areas requiring courage

·       Start honest conversations

·       Create worship spaces

Short-Term (30 Days)

·       Implement family devotions

·       Take one bold stand for truth

·       Share personal testimony

·       Develop mentoring relationships

Long-Term (90 Days)

·       Build leadership legacy plan

·       Create cultural transformation strategy

·       Establish leadership development program

·       Design community impact initiative

Reflection Questions

1.     Which leader's story most resonates with your current season?

2.     What aspects of kingdom leadership need strengthening in your life?

3.     How can you better steward God's presence in your sphere of influence?

4.     Where do you need to take courageous action?

Prayer Focus

Lord, make us leaders who:

·       Honor Your presence like Obed-Edom

·       Hear Your voice like Samuel

·       Stand for truth like Phinehas

·       Trust Your restoration like Naomi

Legacy Impact

These leaders show us that kingdom leadership:

·       Transforms environments

·       Influences generations

·       Changes cultures

·       Restores communities

Moving Forward

As we conclude this series, remember that effective kingdom leadership:

·       Starts with personal devotion

·       Grows through faithful stewardship

·       Manifests in courageous action

·       Results in lasting impact

Final Challenge

Choose one characteristic from each leader to develop:

·       Obed-Edom's faithfulness

·       Samuel's listening

·       Phinehas's courage

·       Naomi's authenticity

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"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Your leadership matters in God's kingdom. As you steward His presence, listen for His voice, stand for His truth, and trust His restoration, you become part of a greater story—one that transforms lives and influences generations for His glory.

SERVICE NOTES:
Watch Service: https://youtu.be/yM_5RPQ6gn0

Sermon Link: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/sermons/bible-stories-naomi-whats-in-a-name/

 

Anna Wiggins
February 27 & March 2, 2025

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And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty.
Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”

Ruth 1:19-21 (ESV)

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

Ruth 1:1-5 (ESV)

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab,
for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food.

Ruth 1:6 (ESV)

But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”

Ruth 1:11-13 (ESV)

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

Ruth 1:16-18 (ESV)

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Ruth 4:4-17 (ESV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: February 27 & March 2, 2025

Message Title: "Naomi: What's in a Name?"

Main Scripture: Ruth 1:19-21

Scripture 1: Ruth 1:1-5

Scripture Text:

1. In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land...

2. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi...

3. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died...

4. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the other Ruth...

5. Both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

Meaning: Sets the context of Naomi's suffering - moving from fullness to emptiness through the loss of her husband and sons in a foreign land.

Scripture 2: Ruth 1:6

Scripture Text: "Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food."

Meaning: Shows Naomi's first step toward restoration - hearing and responding to God's provision.

Scripture 3: Ruth 1:11-13

Scripture Text: Shows Naomi's bitterness and belief that God had turned against her.

Meaning: Reveals the depth of Naomi's grief and her struggle to see God's goodness in her circumstances.

Scripture 4: Ruth 1:16-18

Scripture Text: Ruth's pledge of loyalty to Naomi and her God.

Meaning: Demonstrates how God works through faithful relationships to begin healing.

Scripture 5: Ruth 4:14-17

Scripture Text: The restoration of Naomi through Ruth's son Obed.

Meaning: Shows God's redemptive work in transforming Naomi from emptiness back to fullness.

Overall Interpretation and Application:

Naomi's story demonstrates how God works through our darkest seasons to bring about redemption and restoration. Her journey from "pleasant" (Naomi) to "bitter" (Mara) and back again reveals God's faithfulness even when we can't see it.

Practical Steps for Believers:

·       Acknowledge your pain honestly before God

·       Remain open to unexpected sources of blessing

·       Trust God's larger redemptive plan

·       Allow others to support and journey with you

·       Look for signs of God's provision even in difficulty

·       Remember that seasons of bitterness aren't permanent

·       Stay connected to community during trials

SERVICE NOTES:
Watch Service: https://youtu.be/r_iJDDCsVtw

Sermon Link: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/sermons/bible-stories-phinehas/

Nick Ertel
February 23, 2025

While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:1 (ESV)

These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.

Numbers 25:2-3 (ESV)

Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord.

Numbers 31:16 (ESV)

So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. And the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people and hang them in the sun before the Lord, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.”

Numbers 25:3-4 (ESV)

And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor.” And behold, one of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, while they were weeping in the entrance of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 25:5-6 (ESV)

When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose and left the congregation and took a spear in his hand and went after the man of Israel into the chamber and pierced both of them, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. Thus the plague on the people of Israel was stopped. Nevertheless, those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.

Numbers 25:7-9 (ESV)

NO ONE has taken action to halt God’s judgment…so Phinehas says, “I’ll go first.”

And the Lord said to Moses, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy. Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, 13 and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.’”

Numbers 25:10-13 (ESV)

Sometimes, there’s a difference between being active and taking action.

Phinehas took action. Phinehas was the first one to do what was right.
That’s who we need to be.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22 (ESV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 (ESV)

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: February 23, 2025

Message Title: Taking Action: The Courage to Lead with Conviction

Scripture: Numbers 25:1-13 (ESV)

Scripture 1: Numbers 25:1 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

1 While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.

Meaning: Israel engaged in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabites, breaking their covenant with God.

Scripture 2: Numbers 25:2-3 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

2 These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.

3 So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. Meaning: The Israelites participated in pagan worship, provoking God’s wrath through idolatry and spiritual adultery.

Scripture 3: Numbers 31:16 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

16 Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord.

Meaning: Balaam’s counsel led Israel into sin, resulting in divine judgment (a plague) for their betrayal.

Scripture 4: Numbers 25:3-4 (ESV) Scripture Text: 3 [...] And the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people and hang them in the sun before the Lord, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.” Meaning: God commanded Moses to execute judgment on Israel’s leaders to appease His wrath and halt the plague.

Scripture 5: Numbers 25:5-6 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

5 And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor.”

6 And behold, one of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, while they were weeping in the entrance of the tent of meeting.

Meaning: Even amid repentance, an Israelite man defiantly sinned by bringing a Midianite woman into the camp, further provoking God’s anger.

Scripture 6: Numbers 25:7-9 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

7 When Phinehas [...] saw it, he rose [...] and pierced both of them, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. Thus the plague on the people of Israel was stopped.

9 Nevertheless, those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.

Meaning: Phinehas’ decisive action stopped the plague, demonstrating how zeal for God’s holiness restores justice.

Scripture 7: Numbers 25:10-13 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

10-13 [...] “Phinehas [...] has turned back my wrath [...] because he was jealous for his God [...] Therefore [...] I give to him my covenant of peace [...] a perpetual priesthood.”

Meaning: God rewarded Phinehas’ bold faithfulness with an eternal covenant, highlighting the blessing of courageous obedience.

Supporting Scriptures:

James 1:22 (ESV): “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Meaning: Faith requires action, not passive agreement.

Romans 12:21 (ESV):

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Meaning: Righteous action defeats darkness.

Galatians 6:9 (ESV):

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Meaning: Persistence in obedience yields eternal rewards.

Overall Interpretation and Application:

The story of Phinehas contrasts passive religiosity with bold action. While Israel compromised with sin, Phinehas interrupted complacency to honor God. Leaders today must confront cultural and moral compromises (e.g., idolatry of greed, immorality) with similar courage. James 1:22 underscores this: true faith acts.

Practical Steps for Believers:

Lead Yourself:

Identify areas of compromise (e.g., ethical shortcuts, apathy); repent and act (Galatians 6:9).

Lead Your Family:

Address harmful influences (like the Midianite woman) by setting spiritual boundaries (Romans 12:21).

Lead Others:

Challenge unjust systems, as Phinehas did, prioritizing God’s truth over popularity.

Bible Stories:

Phinehas: His zeal stopped a plague and secured God’s covenant (Numbers 25:10-13).

Modern Parallel: Confronting societal sins (e.g., injustice, materialism) requires Phinehas-like boldness.