SUPPORTING YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADER

TITLE: SUPPORTING YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 17:10-13
Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17, Galatians 6:6

INTRODUCTION:
Spiritual leaders carry great responsibilities as they oversee the well-being of God’s people. They face battles both seen and unseen, and the role of the congregation in supporting them cannot be overemphasized. In Exodus 17, we see how Aaron and Hur supported Moses during the battle against the Amalekites. Their actions demonstrate the powerful impact of supporting your spiritual leader. This sermon will explore the ways believers can actively support their spiritual leaders and the blessings that come from doing so.

1. SUPPORTING YOUR LEADER THROUGH PRAYER

a) Lifting Them Up in Prayer:
Just as Moses needed physical support, spiritual leaders need constant prayer for strength, guidance, and protection.

b) Interceding for Their Well-being:
Aaron and Hur upheld Moses’ hands during the battle. Likewise, we must intercede for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our leaders.

c) Praying for Their Vision:
Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in the direction and decisions your leader makes, ensuring their vision aligns with God’s plan.

d) Praying for Spiritual Protection:
Just as Moses' raised hands determined Israel’s victory, your prayers can ensure spiritual victory for your leader (Ephesians 6:18).

Biblical Example:
Paul frequently asked for prayers from the churches he led, recognizing the need for spiritual support (Ephesians 6:19).

2. SUPPORTING YOUR LEADER THROUGH SERVICE

a) Serving the Church Faithfully:
Aaron and Hur provided practical assistance to Moses. In the same way, serving in church ministries supports the vision and reduces the burden on your leader.

b) Volunteering to Help:
Step in to help in areas that need attention, just as Aaron and Hur stepped in to assist Moses in his time of need.

c) Being Available and Reliable:
Support your leader by being reliable and available whenever there is a need in the ministry.

d) Using Your Gifts for the Kingdom:
Use the talents and skills God has given you to help advance the church’s mission.

Biblical Example:
The early deacons were appointed to serve tables and relieve the apostles of their administrative duties, enabling them to focus on spiritual leadership (Acts 6:1-4).

3. SUPPORTING YOUR LEADER THROUGH ENCOURAGEMENT

a) Providing Emotional Support:
Leadership can be lonely and challenging. Offering words of encouragement uplifts your leader, just as Aaron and Hur provided tangible support to Moses.

b) Acknowledging Their Sacrifices:
Recognise the sacrifices your leader makes and offer genuine appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

c) Standing with Them in Trials:
When your leader faces challenges, stand by them and offer encouragement, knowing that, like Moses, they face spiritual battles on behalf of the people.

d) Offering Constructive Feedback:
Share helpful insights and feedback with a spirit of love and support, helping your leader grow in their ministry.

Biblical Example:
Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement," consistently supported and encouraged Paul in his ministry (Acts 9:26-27).

4. SUPPORTING YOUR LEADER THROUGH FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

a) Meeting Their Material Needs:
Galatians 6:6 instructs believers to share all good things with their instructors. This includes financial support for your leader's personal and ministry needs.

b) Contributing to Church Projects:
Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses in the battle, financial contributions support the church in its mission to spread the gospel and grow.

c) Being Generous and Willing to Give:
God blesses those who give cheerfully. Supporting your leader financially is an act of worship and honour toward God.

d) Sowing into Their Vision:
When you give towards the vision God has placed in your leader’s heart, you become a partner in the work of the kingdom.

Biblical Example:
The Philippians supported Paul’s ministry financially, and Paul acknowledged that their giving was a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God (Philippians 4:15-18).

5. SUPPORTING YOUR LEADER THROUGH LOYALTY AND DEFENSE

a) Standing by Your Leader in Public and Private:
Aaron and Hur’s support was not just in private but visible to the Israelites. Show loyalty by standing with your leader both privately and publicly.

b) Defending Your Leader’s Integrity:
Protect your leader from unjust criticism, gossip, or slander, just as Aaron and Hur protected Moses’ hands from falling.

c) Being Faithful in Times of Difficulty:
True support is shown in difficult times. Be loyal and steadfast, especially when your leader is under attack.

d) Not Participating in Division:
Unity is essential for victory. Refuse to entertain or be part of any divisive conversations or actions against your leader.

Biblical Example:
David remained loyal to Saul, even when Saul sought his life, showing deep respect for his anointed leader (1 Samuel 24:6-7).

CONCLUSION:
Supporting your spiritual leader is a crucial part of advancing the kingdom of God. Through prayer, service, encouragement, financial contributions, and loyalty, you uphold the hands of your leader as they carry out God’s work, just as Aaron and Hur upheld the hands of Moses. As you stand by your leader, you not only honour them but also position yourself to receive God’s blessings and victories.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, grant me the grace to consistently pray for my spiritual leader.

2. Father, help me to serve faithfully in every area where I am needed.

3. O Lord, strengthen my leader in their spiritual battles and ministry.

4. Father, bless my leader and meet all their material and spiritual needs.

5. Lord, protect my leader from every form of attack and harm.

6. Father, help me to be an encourager to my leader, uplifting them in every season.

7. Lord, let my financial contributions support and expand the work of the ministry.

8. Father, remove every spirit of division and disloyalty from my heart.

9. Lord, grant me the wisdom to defend my leader’s integrity and reputation.

10. Father, bless me as I support my leader, and let my efforts bring victory to the church.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that your support for your spiritual leader will open doors of blessings for you.

2. As you pray for your leader, the Lord will fight your battles and give you victory.

3. Every seed of service and financial support you sow will return to you in abundance.

4. You will not grow weary in supporting your leader, and God will strengthen you.

5. The vision of your leader will prosper, and you will share in the fruits of that success.

6. You will be a pillar of encouragement, and God will raise others to encourage you.

7. Every plan of the enemy against your spiritual leader is destroyed in Jesus’ name.

8. As you support your leader, the Lord will uplift you in your own endeavours.

9. Your loyalty and faithfulness will be rewarded with divine favour.

10. As you stand with your leader, the Lord will cause you to triumph on every side.