1. Building Blocks for Life: Being a Leader

2. Defined A leader is “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.”

3. Memory Verses The memory verses for this lesson come from the words of Jesus and the pen of Paul (Matt. 5:16; 1 Tim. 4:12).

4. Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

5. 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul said, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

6. Positive Examples Shadrach & His Companions Esther

7. Shadrach & His Companions Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego demonstrated leadership in refusing to bow before the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar erected on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon (Dan. 1:6-7; 2:46-49; 3:1-30).

8. Esther Esther demonstrated leadership in coming (uninvited) before the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes), in order to save the Jews from the wicked plot of Haman (Esth. 3-4).

9. Negative Examples King Saul King Herod

10. King Saul King Saul demonstrated a lack of leadership in blaming the people for his own failure to obey God (1 Sam. 15:1- 35).

11. King Herod King Herod demonstrated a lack of leadership in allowing himself to be manipulated into ordering the execution of John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-29).

12. Application How can I show leadership at church? at home? at play? at school?

13. Conclusion & Challenge Am I willing to follow Jesus, standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or persecution? Am I willing to accept responsibility for my actions, and not blame others for my own bad behavior?