Leading God’s People God’s Way Lesson 12 – The Law of Connection

The Law of Connection Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand Philemon Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Paul could have used his position to force Philemon to do the right thing, but he did not. Have you ever used your position as a leader to force someone to do what you wanted them to do? b)Paul chose to connect with Philemon’s heart. He appealed to his love. What are some of the things you do, or can do, to connect with the hearts of your followers?

Our Story in History Southern Kingdom of Judah 975 David dies. His son Solomon becomes king of Israel c. 970 BC Rehoboam refused to listen to the people. Jeroboam led a revolt and the kingdom was divided c. 930 BC ** Solomon dies. His son Rehoboam becomes king c. 930 BC Rehoboam Rehoboam ruled in Jerusalem for 17 years. He died at age 58 c. 914 BC DavidJesus c. = circa (about) Solomon Northern Kingdom of Israel Jeroboam Jeroboam ruled in Samaria for 22 years. He died c. 909 BC ** Northern Kingdom: Named Israel; 10 Tribes; Capital = City of Samaria Southern Kingdom: Named Judah; Only 1 Tribe (Judah); Capital = city of Jerusalem

Scriptures to Read 1 Kings 11: Kings 11: Kings 12: Kings 12: Kings 14: Kings 14:21-31

Israel’s First Three Kings 1.Saul’s Kingdom… 2.Area conquered by David… 3.Area under Solomon’s economic control… Jerusalem

Rehoboam Becomes King Jerusalem Samaria Israel Philisita Aram (Syria) Rehoboam went to Shechem were the people had gathered to crown him King. Shechem

Jerusalem Samaria Israel Philisita Aram (Syria) Jeroboam returned from exile in Egypt. He and all the people asked Rehoboam to lighten their load. Shechem Rehoboam Becomes King

The Kingdom Divided Jerusalem Samaria Northern Kingdom of Israel Southern Kingdom of Judah Philisita Aram (Syria) Shechem Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and the people rebelled by killing Adoniram. Rehoboam had to flee back to Jerusalem or they would have killed him also. The kingdom was divided into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Jerusalem Samaria Northern Kingdom of Israel Southern Kingdom of Judah Philisita Aram (Syria) Shechem Jeroboam feared the people would go back to Rehoboam because they had to go to Jerusalem, Rehoboam's capital to worship at the temple. So he set up two golden calves: one in Bethel in the south of Israel and the another in Dan in the north of Israel. Bethel Dan Jeroboam Starts Idol Worship

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)Rehoboam refused to connect with his people. He was a positional leader who only thought about himself. Has there been a time in your leadership when you led from position? What were the results? b)Because Rehoboam did not connect with his peoples, the kingdom was divided. What are some of the results that you have seen when a leader does not connect with his people?

What Do We Learn From PERSON? 1. All great leaders have one thing in common: they connect with people. 2. Connecting with people is the leader’s responsibility. 3. Connection starts with the heart. 4. Connection requires intentional effort.

All great leaders have one thing in common: they connect with people If you desire to connect with others, check your motives according to the following guidelines: : 1. Get beyond yourself 2. Grow beyond yourself 3. Give beyond yourself 4. Go beyond yourself

Connecting with people is the leader’s responsibility Connecting with people is not complicated, but it does take some effort. Here are some principles Rehoboam violated : 1. When you touch your people’s hearts, they will be more willing to take action. 2. When you give first, your people will give in return.

Connecting with people is the leader’s responsibility Connecting with people is not complicated, but it does take some effort. Here are some principles Rehoboam violated : 3. When you connect with individuals, soon you will gain the attention of crowds. 4. When you reach out to your people, they will reach back to you.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)All great leaders have one thing in common: they connect with people. How well and how easily do you connect with people? b)We learned that it is the leader’s responsibility to initiate connection with their people. Do you initiate connection with your people, or do you wait for them to come to you?

Connection starts with the heart Rehoboam could have made four changes to connect to the hearts of his people. Do any of them apply to you? 1. Listen instead of lecturing. 2. Project integrity instead of image. 3. Demonstrate compassion instead of demanding control. 4. Gaze through their eyes instead of glaring at them.

Connection requires intentional effort The truth is that the work of connecting is never finished. Here are seven things leaders should do regularly : 1. Connect with yourself. 2. Share with openness and sincerity. 3. Live your message. 4. Know your audience.

Connection requires intentional effort The truth is that the work of connecting is never finished. Here are seven things leaders should do regularly : 5. Communicate on their level. 6. Believe totally in your people. 7. Offer direction and hope.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)We looked at four changes that Rehoboam could have easily made to improve his connections with the people. What changes are you willing to make to improve your ability to connect? b)Connection requires intentional effort. We learned seven things a leader should do to improve connection with their people. In what areas do you need to improve your connection with others?

Mark 10: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Homework – Scriptures to Read 2 Samuel 8:1-8 2 Samuel 8:1-8 2 Samuel 8: Samuel 8: Samuel 10: Samuel 10: Samuel 23: Samuel 23: Chronicles 12: Chronicles 12:1-40