DECEMBER 10 - SERVANT LEADERS
READ 1 Peter 5
Elders should shepherd the church and, in turn, the church should respect their leaders.
INSIGHT
True leaders are servants. Their task is to make those under them successful. As everyone is successful, the larger goal toward which they are all contributing is achieved. This is an example of a fundamental principle which is taught throughout Scripture: The work of God is done by the people of God through mutual submission. As we submit to the needs and roles of others rather than looking out for our own efforts, His work is accomplished. Elders are to shepherd those in the church by living the kind of life that is a positive example to others. They should live in submission to the needs and characteristics of those under them and humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt them in due time.
PRAYER
Rejoice that Jesus Christ was submissive to the will of the Father and died for us:
Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can declare the Lord’s mighty acts
Or proclaim all the praise due him?
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
From everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say, “Amen! ”
Hallelujah! (Psalm 106:1-2, 48).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward you, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens (Ezra 9:6).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
May the words of my mouth
And the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer
(Psalm 19:14).
Elders should shepherd the church and, in turn, the church should respect their leaders.
INSIGHT
True leaders are servants. Their task is to make those under them successful. As everyone is successful, the larger goal toward which they are all contributing is achieved. This is an example of a fundamental principle which is taught throughout Scripture: The work of God is done by the people of God through mutual submission. As we submit to the needs and roles of others rather than looking out for our own efforts, His work is accomplished. Elders are to shepherd those in the church by living the kind of life that is a positive example to others. They should live in submission to the needs and characteristics of those under them and humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt them in due time.
PRAYER
Rejoice that Jesus Christ was submissive to the will of the Father and died for us:
Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can declare the Lord’s mighty acts
Or proclaim all the praise due him?
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
From everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say, “Amen! ”
Hallelujah! (Psalm 106:1-2, 48).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward you, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens (Ezra 9:6).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater love for the lost
- The needs of your extended family
- Missionaries in Africa
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
May the words of my mouth
And the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer
(Psalm 19:14).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.