* The smartest people in the kingdom gave great advice - to be the best leader you have to be willing to serve those you lead.
* A leader who puts others’ interest above his own garners loyalty from those he leads.
* They will want to follow him not because he was their leader, but because they loved him.
* They would trust him because they knew he had their best interest at heart.
* You want to be a better leader?
* Look at those who follow you, discover their needs and pain points, and help them - put them ahead of you.
* But do it with a true heart of compassion - everyone can sniff a fake.
* When you serve them, watch what happens.
* Note - look at how the older advisors answered the king as opposed to the younger ones.
* They gave him a principle through which he could make his own decision.
* The younger ones simply told him what to do.
* In his own pride, Rehoboam followed the poor advice of the younger group.
1 Kings 12:7 (5/25/17)
Servant Leader
May 25, 2017 • Benham Brothers
1 Kings 1:8-10 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* Notice how Abiathar (bad priest) was attracted to Adonijah (the bad king). * Both guys were seeking a name for themselves. * But Zadok (the good priest), Benaiah (the warrior), and Nathan (the prophet) were all attracted to David (the good king). * The conniving, brand-building, ambitious, self-seeking man refused to hang around those who were faithful to the one true king. * Question - who is attracted to you and who are you attracted to? * All too often we see pastors staying away from certain people because what’s in them doesn’t jive with what’s in the others. * vs 32-25 - it was the prophet, priest, and warrior who made Solomon king! * We need to represent Jesus as king, and the only way to do it is to be like these guys!
1 Kings 1:15 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* What do you think of when the name Bathsheba is mentioned? * Now, how about Esther? * Both women ended up in the same spot - in a position to influence the most powerful man on the planet. * Both women got the king moving in the right direction and it positively affected their culture. * This is a picture of God’s redemption - He can make a message out of our mess if we let Him. * Also notice - both women needed someone to get them moving in the right direction. * Esther needed Mordecai and Bathsheba needed Nathan.
1 Kings 1:52 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* This verse shows us the very first words out of Solomon’s mouth. * Two oversvations: * 1) What he DID say: * Essentially, “it’s not my decision to put you to death - it’s yours” (Adonijah) * Solomon was showing mercy and giving Adjonijah a mulligan. * It would be Adonijah’s choice. * 2) What he DID NOT say: * “You have nothing to fear.” * Adonijah had everything to fear, but it would be based on his own behavior. * Solomon’s first act was to show mercy, but he did it in such a way that struck fear in the heart of this man.