1. Leading God’s People God’s Way Lesson 19 – The Law of Priorities

2. The Law of Priorities Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment Ephesians 5:15-16 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil

3. Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Paul says we must be wise and not unwise. Think about your own life. Do you sometimes find yourself making unwise choices or decisions? If yes, what can you do to change that? b)Paul warns us that the days in which we live are evil. In other words, we must keep a watch on how we live lest we be enticed by evil. Do you ever feel evil pulling at you? What does Paul say about how we can overcome that pull?

4. Our Story in History AD 25AD 50 Jesus begins his ministry c. AD 27. Peter called as a disciple Church is born on Day of Pentecost c. AD 30. Peter preached and 3000 were saved NehemiahChurch Age c. = circa (about) Jesus’ crucifixion, death & resurrection c. AD 30 Peter preaches Gospel to House of Cornelius – 1 st Gentile believers c. AD 41 Seven deacons appointed to serve widows at the direction of Peter and the other apostles c. AD 31 Peter Peter’s miraculous release from prison c. AD 44

5. Scriptures to Read Mark 9:1-13 Mark 9:1-13 John 21:1-19 John 21:1-19 Acts 1:1-26 Acts 1:1-26 Acts 2:1-47 Acts 2:1-47 Acts 6:1-7 Acts 6:1-7

6. Capernaum Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew to follow him. Jesus Calls Peter to Follow Him Sea of Galilee

7. Capernaum After the crucifixion the disciples were discouraged. They did not understand what Jesus meant when he said he would be “raised from the dead”. Peter decided he was going fishing, and the others said they would go with him. Peter Goes Fishing Sea of Galilee

8. Capernaum They fished all night and caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus appeared on the shore and asked them if they had caught anything. When they said “No” He told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They did, and caught 153 large fish. Peter Goes Fishing Sea of Galilee

9. After telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives. The disciples watched Him go into the clouds… Jesus Ascends to Heaven Jesus Ascends to Heaven to Bethlehem to Emmaus to Samaria to Bethany Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane Temple Golgotha Upper Room

10. The disciples left the Mount of Olives and returned to the upper room. A few days later they selected Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot Replaced Judas Iscariot Replaced to Bethlehem to Emmaus to Samaria to Bethany Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane Temple Golgotha Upper Room

11. On the Day of Pentecost 120 believers were in the upper room. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. The Day of Pentecost The Day of Pentecost to Bethlehem to Emmaus to Samaria to Bethany Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane Temple Golgotha Upper Room

12. The Day of Pentecost Jerusalem Rome There were God-fearing Jews from all over the known world, who heard the 120 believers speaking in their own languages. Cyrene Crete Libya Egypt Judea Arabia Mesopotamia Elam Media Parthia Cappadocia Pontus Asia Phrygia Pamphylia

13. Peter stood up and preached the gospel to the people of Jerusalem. About 3000 were saved that day. The Day of Pentecost The Day of Pentecost to Bethlehem to Emmaus to Samaria to Bethany Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane Temple Golgotha Upper Room

14. Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Peter grew in his ability to focus on, and walk out, God’s priorities for his life. Are you growing in your ability to find out God’s priorities for your life? Are you being obedient to walk them out? b)Peter and the other leaders clearly understood what their priority as leaders must be. Do you clearly understand you priorities as a leader? How does that help you in deciding what you must do?

15. What Do We Learn From Peter? 1. Leaders put first things first. 2. Leaders see everything but focus on the important things. 3. Leaders invest their time in what produces the greatest return. 4. Leaders position people where everybody wins.

16. Leaders put first things first As you order your activities to keep moving towards success, keep these two things in mind: 1. Understand what is most important 2. Know that God blesses right priorities

17. Leaders see everything but focus on the important things Peter saw the big picture but was able to focus on his priorities. He shows us that focused leaders always: 1. Determine the validity of the need. 2. Look for a leadership opportunity. 3. Delegate the task to competent people. 4. Publicly confirm and commission their people.

18. Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Leaders put first things first. In other words, they focus on the most important things. How do you decide what comes first? b)Leaders see everything, the big picture, but they focus on the important things, the right things for them to do personally. Are you focusing on the right things?

19. Leaders invest their time in what produces the greatest return Peter learned to invest his time on the important things. Here are five ways people spend their time : 1. Focus on Urgent – Loud things first 2. Focus on Unpleasant – Hard things first 3. Focus on Unfinished – Last things first 4. Focus on Unfulfilling – Dull things first 5. Focus on Ultimate – First things first

20. Leaders position people where everybody wins It is the leaders job to put the right people in the right places. Evaluate people based on the following: 1. The influence test 2. The relationship test 3. The credibility test 4. The spiritual test 5. The administrative test 6. The attitude test

21. Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Effective leaders do not waste their time; they invest it in the things that are important. Are you investing your time wisely? b)It is the leader’s job to put the right people in the right places. Have you positioned yourself and your people for maximum effectiveness?

22. Homework – Scriptures to Read Exodus 2:1-25 Exodus 2:1-25 Exodus 3:1-22 Exodus 3:1-22 Exodus 4:1-31 Exodus 4:1-31 Exodus 12:31-42 Exodus 12:31-42 Hebrews 11:23-29 Hebrews 11:23-29