David, a Godly Leader, & a Great Man of God
A Research Paper on
“David, A Godly Leader & A Great Man of God”
A Term Paper Submitted to
Dr. Steven R. Miller
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
Old Testament Survey
by
Joshua W. Smith
10 December 2009 1
What Does It Actually Mean to Be a Godly Leader? How do you acknowledge a Godly leader? Is it someone ordained by a remarkable
Baptist church? Is it someone with a title or an eminent position? Is it someone with noteworthy speaking ability or immeasurable sophistication? Is it someone with outstanding spiritual gifts?
Is it someone with a large succession? Does the Bible list any of these as qualities of a Godly leader? Godly leaders are expected to serve others and to also choose to sit at the lowest seat at a feast. A servant of the Lord does not seek status or fulfillment of his or her own personal desires. Also, a servant does not seek recognition for his or her good works. Instead, a servant of the Lord lets their actions speak for themselves and tries their best to love, honor, and serve
God in all ways possible. “Leaders do not seek to rule over anyone, and they do not persist on having authority over others or the works in which he or she participates. Leaders should rightfully acknowledge that all authority has been given to God, and that they have authority only through the power given to us by Christ.”1
“A Godly leader accepts weaker members of the body and helps them along the way as needed. When a group climbs a mountain, they rope themselves together. They move at the speed of the slowest person, dictating that the stronger help the weaker if greater speed is wanted. Godly leaders don’t reject dysfunctional members of Jesus’ body. They try to help those people become healthy, mature, functional members--
“David, A Godly Leader & A Great Man of God”
A Term Paper Submitted to
Dr. Steven R. Miller
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
Old Testament Survey
by
Joshua W. Smith
10 December 2009 1
What Does It Actually Mean to Be a Godly Leader? How do you acknowledge a Godly leader? Is it someone ordained by a remarkable
Baptist church? Is it someone with a title or an eminent position? Is it someone with noteworthy speaking ability or immeasurable sophistication? Is it someone with outstanding spiritual gifts?
Is it someone with a large succession? Does the Bible list any of these as qualities of a Godly leader? Godly leaders are expected to serve others and to also choose to sit at the lowest seat at a feast. A servant of the Lord does not seek status or fulfillment of his or her own personal desires. Also, a servant does not seek recognition for his or her good works. Instead, a servant of the Lord lets their actions speak for themselves and tries their best to love, honor, and serve
God in all ways possible. “Leaders do not seek to rule over anyone, and they do not persist on having authority over others or the works in which he or she participates. Leaders should rightfully acknowledge that all authority has been given to God, and that they have authority only through the power given to us by Christ.”1
“A Godly leader accepts weaker members of the body and helps them along the way as needed. When a group climbs a mountain, they rope themselves together. They move at the speed of the slowest person, dictating that the stronger help the weaker if greater speed is wanted. Godly leaders don’t reject dysfunctional members of Jesus’ body. They try to help those people become healthy, mature, functional members--
Cited: Brueggemann, Walter. David’s Truth. Fortress Press, 1985. Chantry, Walter J. David: Man of Prayer, Man of War. Walter J. Chantry, 2007. Deane, Rev.William J. Men of the Bible: David, His Life & Times. Fortress Press, 1983. Easton, M.G. David; The King of Israel. Great Britain, 1980. Epp, Theodore H Gelander, Shamai. David & His God. Cambridge, UK.: William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, 1991. Gulston, Charles. David: Shepherd & King. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1980. Halpern, Baruch Swindoll, Charles R. David: A Man of Passion & Destiny. Thomas Helton Publishers, 1997.