Message Notes

YAG 18th RETREAT
SESSIONS #4 and #5
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Time: 3.00pm-6.00pm
Theme: SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP IV

1. PROBLEMS FROM THE PEOPLE

a) Many problems cropped up naturally
b) The poor spirit of the people made the problems worse
c) The problems were a severe test on the leadership skills of Moses
d) The appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens did not appear to have helped very much

2. PROBLEMS AMONG LEADERS
Conflict over the Leadership Role of Moses            Numbers 12

a) Miriam and Aaron contended with Moses concerning leadership
b) They claimed that they were significant leaders in their own right
c) Why were they not given more prominent roles?
d) God’s response:

i) Stern rebuke given to Miriam and Aaron
ii) They thought too highly of themselves
iii) The role of Moses was given by God Himself
iv) That special role was the prerogative of God to give
v) Miriam was struck with leprosy for her impudence and arrogance
vi) Aaron repents and begs Moses to help
vii) Moses intercedes for Miriam
viii) Miriam would be healed ultimately
ix) But she must be disciplined for her insubordination

3. PROBLEMS AMONG MILITARY LEADERS
Conflict over Opinions among the Military Leaders            Numbers 13-14

a) Different opinions
b) Different interpretations
c) Different perspectives
d) What really counts in spiritual leadership:-

i) Faith in God
ii) Courage to face great odds
iii) Hope in God
iv) Strength to obey God’s will

4. PROBLEMS AMONG RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Conflict over Leadership role of Moses and Aaron            Numbers 16-17

a) Korah, Dathan, Abiram and On were particularly mentioned            Numbers 16:1

b) They gathered 250 leaders to be on their side            Numbers 16:2

i) Representatives of the congregation
ii) Men of renown

c) They charged Moses and Aaron with taking too much authority to themselves, and thus exalting themselves above the rest of the people            Numbers 16:3

d) Moses had to deal with this new problem that had arisen

i) The rebels were rebuked for their arrogance
ii) They had to be disciplined publicly
iii) God took stern action against these rebels
iv) The earth opened up and swallowed them
v) That served as an object lesson to the children of Israel
vi) The children of Israel sadly did not learn much from this object lesson

AN APPRECIATION OF THE CHALLENGE OF LEADERSHIP

1. Leaders must expect problems to keep cropping up from all quarters

a) The people
b) Other leaders

2. Leaders must have the maturity to deal with these problems

a) Strength
b) Wisdom
c) Faith
d) Humility

3. Leadership must not be shunned

a) Because of fear
b) Because it is time consuming
c) Because of problems
d) Because of life’s many other commitments

4. Many blessings come to those who prove themselves to be good and faithful leaders

a) They become good examples for others to emulate
b) They bring great blessings to others
c) They bring great blessings to themselves
d) They grow their faith more significantly
e) They grow in strength
f) They grow in wisdom
g) They draw even closer to God
h) They are poised to enter into higher levels of leadership

5. Commitment to explore Leadership

a) Instruction in the Lord’s word
b) Personal growth in faith
c) Focused growth in leadership skills
d) Desirous of being the Lord’s servant            Psalm 116:16

CONTEXT OF SERVING GOD IN BETHANY IV
(Some possibilities)

1. Evangelism

2. Discipleship

3. SS Teachers

4. Committee Members

5. Givers

6. Intercessors

7. Singers

8. Writers

9. Encouragers

10. Session Members