Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:3-11 (ESV)

Leadership: the ability to influence others toward a desired outcome.

Scripture never treats leadership as a title to chase, but as a calling shaped by character.

Three pillars of biblical leadership: Identity, Humility, Purpose

1. Identity: Knowing Who You Are in God

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

-Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV)

And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’

-Matthew 3:17 (BSB)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession

-1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Leadership begins not with what you do, but with who you are. Before God ever gives a mission, He gives identity.

Identity precedes assignment.

Identity stabilizes you.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

-John 1:12 (ESV)

For all who are led by the Spirit are sons of God

-Romans 8:14 (NLT)

When you know who you are:

• Criticism can’t crush you

• Praise won’t artificially inflate you

• Pressure doesn’t define you

Identity protects your leadership.

2. Humility: The Posture of a God-Formed Leader

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus

-Philippians 2:3-5 (ESV)

Humility isn’t “thinking less” of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.

Akolouthéō (greek): to follow, or to join as a disciple

Humility creates credibility.

God is in the habit of promoting leaders who carry a towel, rather than a title.

3. Purpose: Leading With God’s Why

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:10-11 (ESV)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations

-Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

Purpose is discovered, not created.

Purpose keeps you steady.

Purpose aligns you with God’s mission.

Leadership Prayer:

Identity: Lord, remind me who I am in You.

Humility; Father, shape my heart to serve like Jesus

Purpose: Holy Spirit, reveal the assignment You’ve placed on my life.

Make a Decision