If you’re short on prep time or just looking for some extra guidance, our weekly Leader Training is designed to help you lead your students through the week’s lesson.

This is the Leader Training for Session 11 of our Fall 2022 study on Amos, Hosea, Jonah, and Micah (suggested use date: November 13, 2022).

You can also download this week’s leader training in PDF format here.

Session 11: Ungodly Leaders

Key Text: Micah 3:1-12

Central Truth:

If the decisions a person makes mislead or harm those who look to or depend on them, they are not a good leader. Because God is the one who allows people to hold positions of authority (see Rom. 13:1), He takes the issue of leadership very seriously. When we use our influence in a way that honors Him, God is pleased, but when we lead others in a self-centered way, we anger God.

Key Question:

What does the fact that God cares so much about the poor tell us about His character? What can we do to show this aspect of His character to the world?

God desires good things for everyone. He is kind, compassionate, merciful, gracious, and aware of the needs of all people. Although this lesson focuses on the financially poor, there are other kinds of poverty as well. Anyone lacking in an area is poor in that area, and God cares just as much about them as He cares about the financially poor. As God’s representatives, we should open our eyes to the needs of others and try to meet those needs using the resources and power God gives us and with an attitude that mirrors His.

Keep in Mind:

— After weeks of talking about the systemic corruption that existed in Israel in Micah’s day, your students might be tempted to assume things about their own governments and those who hold leadership positions in the world around them. They might be tempted to blame all suffering on all people with money or influence.

— Remind students that God is the only one who is able to see into the hearts of people (see 1 Sam. 16:7). Warn students against making assumptions about people. Emphasize the importance of dealing in facts when trying to make a difference in the world and remind them that God ultimately decides who holds positions of leadership (see Rom. 13:1). Not all gain is ill-gotten and not everyone with power is corrupt. Even when we disagree with various leaders, we should still strive to show them dignity and treat them with respect.

Application

How should we respond when others encourage us to disobey God’s commands to serve our own purposes?

The Win:

FOR THE STUDENT: Students should understand that we are caretakers of what God has given us. We have a responsibility to return it all to Him in grateful worship. Students should recognize the danger of using God or His blessings for selfish gain and consider what they can do for those who have less than they do.

FOR THE LEADER: Help students understand that they have a responsibility and God-given ability to do good for those who have less. They should also encourage students overcome evil with good (see Rom. 12:21).

Additional Helps:

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Listen to the weekly Lifeway Student Ministry Podcast for fresh perspectives on student ministry in today’s world. Hosted by Ben Trueblood, Director of Student Ministry at Lifeway, and produced by Nathan Howard, Project Coordinator for Lifeway Students.

Read our guide to creating a safer, more engaging environment for online Bible study.

Watch replays of our webinars for group leaders and teachers, hosted by Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s Director of Sunday School. These webinars are designed to help leaders build their confidence, strengthen their groups, and enhance their Bible studies.