Key Verse:
Love And Serve Others
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
1Corinthians16:13-14
NewRevisedStandardVersion
13Keepalert;standfirminthefaith;becourageous;bestrong.14Letallthat youdobedoneinlove.
KeyTermsUsedintheStudy
1. Faith–CompletetrustinGod’sguidance,evenwhenfacinguncertainty. (Hebrews11:1)
Watchful–Tobespirituallyalert,awareofchallenges,andreadytostand firminfaith.(Matthew26:41)
2. Strength–InnerspiritualresiliencethatcomesfromrelyingonGodrather thanpersonalability.(Ephesians6:10)
3. Love–Selfless,sacrificial,andservant-heartedactionthatreflectsChrist’s character.(John13:34-35)
5.
4. Service–Aheartpostureofputtingothers'needsbeforeourown,following Jesus'example.(Mark10:45)
Introduction
LeadershipinGod’skingdomisnotaboutpower,control,orrecognitionitis aboutloveandservice.In1Corinthians16:13-14,theApostlePaulgivesafinal exhortationtothechurchinCorinth:"Beonyourguard;standfirminthefaith becourageous;bestrong.Doeverythinginlove."
ThispassagespeaksdirectlytotheheartofChristianleadership.Paul encouragesbelieverstobewatchfulagainstspiritualdistractions,tostand firmintheirfaithdespitechallenges,tobestrongandcourageous,andmost importantly,todoeverythinginlove.
LeaderswholoveandserveothersreflectJesus,thegreatestservant-leader. Hedidnotcometobeservedbuttoserve(Mark10:45).Thisstudywillexplore howtrueleadershipisrootedinhumility,faith,andselflessserviceshowing loveinallwedo.
TellingtheBibleStory
Paul’slettertotheCorinthiansaddressesadividedchurchstrugglingwith pride,immorality,anddoctrinalconfusion.Ashecloses,hedeliversa powerfulleadershipcharge:
BeWatchful(v.13)–Leadersmuststayspirituallyalert,awareoftemptations, andprotectthosetheylead.JesuswarnsinMatthew26:41,“Watchandpray sothatyouwillnotfallintotemptation.”
StandFirmintheFaith(v.13)–Leadershiprequiresconviction.Astrong leaderdoesnotwaverbutholdstobiblicaltrutheveninopposition. Ephesians6:13urgesbelieversto“putonthefullarmorofGod”tostand againstspiritualbattles.
BeCourageousandStrong(v.13)–TruestrengthcomesfromGod,notselfreliance.Joshua1:9remindsus,“Bestrongandcourageous…fortheLordyour Godwillbewithyouwhereveryougo.”
DoEverythinginLove(v.14)–Thefoundationofleadershipislove.Jesus’ leadershipwasdefinedbyservice,humility,andcompassion.InJohn13:34, Hecommands:“LoveoneanotherasIhavelovedyou.”Paul’smessageis clear:leadershipisnotaboutdominancebuthumbleservicemotivatedby love.Greatleadersdonotseekpower;theyseektoserveothersinfaithand love.
Bible Study Questions
1.Why does Paul emphasize being watchful in leadership? How does this apply to leading others today?
2.What does it mean to stand firm in the faith as a leader? How can we maintain our convictions in challenging situations?
3.How does courage relate to leadership? Can you think of a time when standing firm in faith required courage?
4.Why is doing everything in love crucial for godly leadership? How does love transform the way we lead?
5.How did Jesus model leadership through love and service? How can we follow His example in our daily lives?
Life Application
Story of Love and Service In Leadership
A principal at a struggling school faced constant challenges—low morale, budget cuts, and discouraged teachers. Rather than focusing on authority, she led by example. Every morning, she greeted students by name, listened to staff concerns, and even helped clean the cafeteria when short-staffed. Her humility and servant leadership transformed the school culture. Teachers felt valued, students felt cared for, and the school began to thrive.
Her leadership reflected 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Do everything in love.” She did not just tell others what to do—she led through service.
Practical steps for applying 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 in Leadership:
✔Be watchful – Pay attention to spiritual and practical needs in your community.
✔Stand firm in faith – Hold onto biblical truth, even when it’s unpopular.
✔Be courageous – Trust God in leadership decisions, even when they require risk.
✔Lead with strength – Rely on God’s power, not personal ability.
✔Love and serve others – Make love the foundation of every leadership action.
ReflectionQuestions
1.Howcanyouintentionallyshowloveandserviceinyourleadershipthis week?
2.Inwhatareasofyourlifedoyouneedtostandfirminfaithandleadwith courage?
3.Whoinyourlifeneedsencouragement?Howcanyouservethemasa leader?
ClosingPrayer
LovingGod:thankYouforcallingustoleadthroughloveandservice.Teachus tobewatchful,standingfirminfaith,courageous,andstrong.Letour leadershipreflectJesus,whohumbledHimselftoserveothers.Helpusto leadnotforpersonalgain,buttoliftothersupinlove.
Lord,giveusthestrengthtostandfirmwhenchallengesariseandthehumility toputothersbeforeourselves.MayouractionsreflectYourlove,drawing othersclosertoYou.Asweleadinourfamilies,workplaces,churches,and communities,letourheartsbeguidedbyselflessservice.
WetrustYoutomoldusintotheleadersYoudesireustobe.Mayeverything wedobedoneinlove.InJesus’name.Amen.
Love And Serve Others By Listing Like God
How We Can Listen Like God?
To listen like God is to love like God. He listens with compassion so should we. When others speak, we slow down and draw near, just as “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
God listens faithfully, without distraction or delay. “His ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). In a noisy world, our full attention is a sacred gift we can give.
God listens with the intention to act. “You will call on me… and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). When we truly hear others, we become vessels of God’s healing and hope.
Three Ways That God Listens
1. God Listens with Compassion
God doesn’t just hear words He hears the heart. He listens with deep compassion, especially in our suffering.
� “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (NIV) � “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” – Psalm 116:1 (NIV)
When we cry out in pain, fear, or confusion, God draws near. His listening isn’t distant or passive it’s personal, tender, and full of care.
2. God Listens Faithfully and Without Ceasing
God never tires of hearing from us. His ear is always open, day or night.
� “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” – Psalm 34:15 (NIV)
� “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
Even when we feel unheard by others, God remains faithfully attentive. He never checks out or turns away.
3. God Listens with the Intention to Act
God listens not just to sympathize but to respond according to His perfect will and timing.
� “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)
� “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
God’s listening moves toward action. He may comfort, guide, convict, or deliver but He never ignores the prayers of His people.
Challenge:
Be present with someone today. Don’t rush to fix or reply. Listen patiently, like your Father in heaven. In your stillness, someone might just feel seen, heard and loved.