Characters of Leadership “The Leadership Character of Paul”

Paul is a true example of the power of God. Among many things will learn about the leadership of the Apostle Paul, we will also see a clear picture of God’s grace, love, and transforming ability in the lives of even those who we would never consider to be worthy of God’s forgiveness. Therefore, challenging us to see people through the eyes of God, and not the eyes of our own judgmental and religious ideas.

Facts About Paul: 1) Paul Was Originally Known as Saul: Many believe that God changed his name to Paul as a result of his conversion to Christianity however, this is incorrect. The first time the name “Paul” was used. [Acts 13: 9 NKJV]

2) Paul Was A Jew, Who Was Born In Rome (the city of Tarsus): Making him both a Jewish and a Roman citizen. It was a common custom to have dual names in those days. Saul was his Hebrew Name and Paul was his Roman name.

3) Paul Was A Tent Maker By Trade: [Acts 18: 1-3 NKJV]

4) Paul Was Not One of The Original 12 Apostles: Matt. 10: 1-4 Simon, who is called Peter Andrew his brother James the son of John his brother Philip Bartholomew Thomas Matthew the tax collector James the son of Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus Simon the Cananite Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5) As Saul, Paul Was Brutal and Ruthless. He was feared among many, and no one who was a believer in wanted to encounter him. He was so feared, that even after his conversion to Christianity, those who were followers of Christ didn’t trust the work that was done in his heart, at first: [Acts 9: 26-28 NKJV] Notice: Those who were full of the spirit of God, who had seen the power of God, and even those who had walked with did not feel safe joining with Paul. Question: How important do you feel it is for people to feel safe around leaders? Notice: Had it not been for speaking up and validating Paul, the others would have never accepted him. Question: What does this say to you about Standing up for others when no one else will?

6) Paul was Raised to be who he was before His conversion: [Acts 22: 3-5 NKJV] Question: What does this say about how we as Christians might have to stop to consider and understand someone’s whole condition, before we step out and judge and condemn them for who they are?

7) Paul Wrote 13 Of The 27 Books: Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus

Thought: Had God never converted Paul it is possible that there are 13 books of the we would not have today. Question: How important to the lives of others do you think it is for leaders to accept the call to lead, especially beyond a title, only?

Leadership Characteristics of Paul [Acts 20: 17-38 NKJV]

1) He Was Transparent in His Lifestyle Among Others: V18 ““You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,”

Question: Is it important that leaders are transparent, and how much transparency, is too much?

2) He possessed the heart of a true servant: V19 “serving the Lord with all humility,

3) He was a leader of great humility: V19: “serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;” 4) He was a fearless leader: V22 “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,”

5) He was faithful in the face of danger: V24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the of the grace of God.”

Question: How important do you feel it is to be fearless as a leader (Parenting, business owner, church leader, community Activas, and so on)?

6) He poured his life into others and cared for other leaders: V28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

7) Paul Took care of and covered those who were with him: V34 “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.”

8) Others gained strength and boldness as a result of watching his life: [Phil 1:14 NKJV]

9) He knew what it was to deal with real struggles: [Rom 7: 15-19 NKJV]

10) Paul Never Quit Fighting: [II Tim 4: 7 NKJV] “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”