Qualities of a Leader

Series Break • Psalms 78:70-72 • February 6, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

The Psalm stated the many times that God blessed Israel. However, it also declared the many times that Israel provoked God. Such was the pattern of the Psalm. The Psalm concluded with God choosing a leader with integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands. Such are the qualities needed to shepherd Israel from straying away from God’s commands. In our democratic context, we must learn integrity of heart and skillfulness in leadership especially those who aspire for public office. Moreover, as citizens, we should choose leaders with such qualities.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Psalms 78:70-72 ESV

70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
72 With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand.

Notes

The Psalm stated the many times that God blessed Israel. However, it also declared the many times that Israel provoked God. Such was the pattern of the Psalm. The Psalm concluded with God choosing a leader with integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands. Such are the qualities needed to shepherd Israel from straying away from God’s commands. In our democratic context, we must learn integrity of heart and skillfulness in leadership especially those who aspire for public office. Moreover, as citizens, we should choose leaders with such qualities.

  1. God chose David, His servant from the sheepfolds to shepherding the nation. A few things should be noted: God chose, not David, David served God, and David protected the sheep. He would then protect a nation (78:70-71).

  2. David shepherded Israel according to the integrity of heart. Although David failed several times yet he turned back to God every time. David’s psalms reveal his intents desire for God’s law (78:72a).

  3. Leading a nation requires integrity. However, integrity is not enough. A leader needs knowledge and the skill to apply the knowledge. Scripture states that David shepherded Israel with skillful hands (78:72b)

Application

  1. Let us pray as the Lord instructed us, “Thy will be done.” Moreover, let us believe that God is sovereign over all the nations. He lifts up one ruler and puts down another. We wrestle in prayer yet we sleep well knowing His will unfolds.

  2. We must learn to lead. And to do so, we must learn integrity of heart. In our democratic society, where we are given the right to choose our leaders, let us choose the ones with integrity. Or at least those closest to it.

  3. In order to lead effectively, we must have the skills to lead. And the skills come from knowledge acquired from both study and experience. Thus, let us build skills. When choosing leaders, let us evaluate their skills and their knowledge.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What is the implication knowing that we must pray for His will yet we know that God is sovereign over all leaders?

  2. Why is integrity of heart essential in leadership? How may we develop it? How may we evaluate candidates?

  3. Why are leadership skills important? How may we develop it? How may we evaluate candidates?