C.A.C Sunday School Manual For Leadership March 16, 2025, Lesson 9 : Topic - Roles of Discipleship In Preparing Godly Leaders

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For Leadership March 16,  2025, Lesson 9 : Topic - Roles of Discipleship In Preparing Godly Leaders

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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas

 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme *PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP* 

 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

 MARCH 16, 2025.*

 LESSON 9

 Unit 1: Leadership Challenge And God's People

TOPIC: ROLES OF DISCIPLESHIP IN PREPARING GODLY LEADERS

 Memory Scripture

Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). 

Discipleship shapes hearts, ignites souls and empowers future leaders to carry godly leadership forward.

BRIEF COMMENT

According to Ephesians 2:19,20, Christ bestows specific spiritual gifts A upon people in the Church, with their primary mission being to minister God's Word, build up, edify and equip the saints for ministry (1 Pet. 4:10). Understanding discipleship or leadership requires acknowledging that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10). He He mou moulds those He calls through strategic roles based on foundational principles. 

Before embarking on their mission, the 12 disciples awaited the Holy Spirit's descent upon them, to empower them with authority. Over approximately three and a half years, Jesus trained this group to become the inaugural leaders of the Church. God shapes leaders through life experiences, instilling in them ideas and passions essential for their leadership roles. This is the place of discipleship! 

 DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS* 

 Mon. 10:* Abraham's Call To Establish A Great Nation (Gen. 12:1-19) 

 Tue. 11:* Moses' Call At The Unconsumed Bush (Exod. 3:1-10) 

 Wed. 12:* Joshua's Call To Leadership After Moses (Jos. 1:1-10) 

 Thur. 13:* Deborah's Call As Judge Over Israel (Jdg. 4:1-10) 

 Fri. 14:* Esther's Call To Deliverance For The Jews (Est. 4:12-17) 

 Sat. 15:* The Prophet's Call To Be Watchmen (Ezk. 3:1-21) 

 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

 1. Leadership equals discipleship: No Christian leadership exists without discipleship, and vice versa.

 2. The central task of leadership is influencing God's people towards God's purposes through discipleship. 

 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:* 1 Timothy 4:6-16 

 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

 AIM:  To show that the most effective and straightforward path to leadership is through discipleship. 

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

i. show that to effectively play the godly role of leadership, the role of discipleship must not be underrated; and 

ii. show from the ministries of Jesus and Paul how to prepare people for leadership through discipleship.

 INTRODUCTION

 TEXTUAL SOURCE: Matthew 19:27-30; 28:18-20; Mark 3:14,15, 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:1-7; 2:2:4:5,7* 

AIl glory to God for another opportunity to gather before Him. hallelujah. Last week, we delved into The Dearth Leadership Part (11), where we explained the troubling dynamics within Samuel and Saul's household, prompting reflection on our own lives and families. May our legacies endure beyond our time on earth. Amen. 

Today, our subject matter is: Roles of Discipleship in Preparing Godly Leaders." Drawing from John 20:19-23 and Acts 1:4-8, we understand that every follower of Christ possesses leadership potential when entrusted with authority and platform for influence. This mandate stems from Christ's commission to us all. While it's true that every believer is called to disciple others within their sphere and spread the gospel globally, the specifics of this calling vary, based on individual circumstances and divine appointments (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). 

We must recognise that nurturing discipleship is a challenging, long-term endeavour that tests our patience, endurance and definitions of success. However, as we shoulder the yoke of Jesus, we discover that the rewards far outweigh the trials. 

 LESSON OUTLINE

 I. JESUS SETS THE PACE FOR HIS DISCIPLES*

 

 II. APOSTLE PAUL HELPS TIMOTHY EMBRACE HIS PLACE* 

 LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. JESUS SETS THE PACE FOR HIS DISCIPLES (Matt. 19:27-30; 28:18- 20; Mk. 3:14,15)* 

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mk. 3:14). 

a) Mk. 3:14: Jesus, though equal with God (Lk. 5:1-11), humbled Himself and carefully chose His disciples (Jn. 5:19,30; 6:38-39; Php. 2:7) to set an example of servant-leadership.

b) vv. 14,15: He chose and trained His disciples, showing the import of mentorship in leadership. He taught, mentored and tested them, preparing them for leadership (Matt. 8:26; 16:13-20; Jn. 6:5, 6). 

c) In spite of their flaws (cf. Mk. 10:35ff; Jn. 18:25ff), Jesus led His disciples, showing grace and providing practical experience (Lk. 9 & 10). 

d) Matt. 19:27-30: He instilled courage and continued to guide them, even after challenges (16:19; Mk. 14:50; Jn. 14:12-14; 21:1ff; Acts 1:3- 7). 

e) 28:18-20: Jesus emphasised the importance of discipleship in preparing godly leaders through the Great Commission. His model of intentional discipleship shapes future leaders in Christianity. 

f) Believers today follow Jesus' lead, understanding that discipleship is crucial for preparing leaders for His mission. 

g) Jesus mentored His disciples for leadership despite their flaws. He guided them with grace and gave them practical experience. Never downplay the importance of discipleship in preparing leaders for Christ's mission. 

 *II. APOSTLE PAUL HELPS TIMOTHY EMBRACE HIS PLACE (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:1-7; 2:2; 4:5,7)* 

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2). 

a) 2 Tim. 1:1-7: Paul saw Timothy as a promising brother and guided him, treating him like a son and encouraging him to stand firm in the grace of Christ (cf. 2:1; Acts 16:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:12). 

b) vv. 6-7: Paul urged Timothy to embrace his God-given gifts and overcome fear. This shows the power of mentorship in empowering others. 

c) v. 8: Paul inspired Timothy not to be ashamed but to endure pain for the Gospel. True mentors support mentees in tough times. 

d) 2:2: Paul instructed Timothy to pass on his teachings to others, to emphasise the importance of mentorship and discipleship. 

e) 4:5: Paul adviced Timothy to stay strong amidst challenges and fulfil his ministry. Mentors guide their mentees aright. Paul supported Timothy in enduring h nenduring hardship and fulfilling his ministry (cf. 1:6-7). 

f) 1 Tim. 1:3: Timothy's leadership in Ephesus, guided by Paul, showed their teamwork in ministry and the passing of leadership responsibilities (cf. 4:12-16; 2 Tim. 2:2; Phil. 2:19-24). 

g) 2 Tim. 4:7: Paul's successful finish motivated Timothy to stay faithful. His example of perseverance inspired Timothy to remain faithful-the lasting impact of mentorship. True mentorship influences mentees in the long run 

h) Paul, drawing from his own transformation and mentors like Ananias, prepared his spiritual sons, like Timothy and Titus, for leadership (Acts 7:60; 9:1ff; 2 Tim. 2:1ff; Tit. 2:3-5). 

 LESSON DERIVED* 

 1. As we grow in our faith and service to God's kingdom, we should remember that we can inspire others by showing them what we do each day.

 2. Unexpected encounters can bring significant opportunities as God opens doors through people and circumstances we encounter. 

 QUESTIONS* 

 1. Discuss how Jesus discipled His followers to make them a leader.

 2. How easy was it with Timothy to be prepared for leadership under Paul? 

 *SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS* 

 

 ANSWER TO QUESTION 1.* 

 Jesus prayed before selecting His disciples. 

* He chose them intentionally, regardless of merit or influence, opting for the grassroots rather than the learned. 

* Those selected were willing to forsake everything to follow Him and were unashamed of being called His disciples. 

* Jesus taught them about the Father, His kingdom and earthly matters. He performed miracles and healings while demonstrating authority in fulfilling His mission. 

* He revealed His personality, challenges they would face, and His full Self to them. 

* Jesus rebuked them when necessary, strengthening their courage, and eventually sent them out with warnings about their tasks. 

* He assured them of the Father's promise and prayed for them. 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 2.* 

* The grace of God first worked in Timothy's life, born into a God-fearing family and nurtured by a sincere grandmother in a morally upright atmosphere. 

* Timothy's character earned him a good reputation with Paul at Lystra, leading him to join the ministry. 

* Choosing to follow Paul, underwent circumcision, and bore the risks of discipleship. Timothy became a devoted follower committed to the ministry. 

* Active and faithful within the Pauline missionary team, Timothy was dispatched to Corinth to uphold Paul's Christ-like example among local church members. 

* Timothy's distinctive qualities and unselfish service made him a unique and valuable disciple within the Church community. 

 *LIFE APPLICATION* arah's mentorship with Emily showcased the transformative impact mentors can have on leaders. Through Emily's guidance, Sarah witnessed first-hand power of faith in action and developed valuable skills to overcome challenges. Inspired by Emily's servant leadership, Sarah eventually became a mentor herself, highlighting the importance of mentorship in shaping humble and faithful leaders like Sarah who made a positive impact in her community. One of the privileges of life is to be commu mentored or discipled by an amazing teacher or leader. Don't joke with gouly discipleship/mentorship!  

 *CONCLUSION* 

The impact of Christ on His immediate followers, including Paul, and Paul's influence on Timothy, has greatly contributed to the transmission of the gospel to our generation. Therefore, with these examples as lessons to live by, God expects us to prepare godly leaders who will effectively lead others in His mission of saving lost souls. Does this challenge you? 

 *NOTE*