Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For December 7, 2025, Lesson 46: Title - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For December 7, 2025, Lesson 46: Title - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORKPLACE 

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Nigeria and Overseas 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PREVIEW CLASS 

THEME: PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP 

JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025

DEC. 07, 2025 

LESSON : 46

Unit 6: Leadership Preparing Issues In The Contemporary World 

Topic: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORKPLACE 

 Memory Scripture

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3-4).

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 COMMEMT

 24:5 The athlete who has wisdom-who assesses the situation and plans strategies-has an advantage over a physically stronger but unwise opponent. We exercise regularly and eat well to build our strength, but do we take equal pains to develop wisdom and knowledge? Because wisdom is a vital part of strength, it pays to attain it.

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Workplace leadership development empowers people to inspire innovation and positive change, shape future leaders and foster teamwork for continuous improvement.

 BRIEF COMMENT

Our Memory Scripture, Proverbs 24:3-4, gives valuable advice on developing leadership skills at work. It compares leadership to building a house, emphasising the need for a strong foundation, which symbolises wisdom and understanding. Just as a house requires careful planning and knowledge to construct, effective leadership involves thoughtful decision-making and strategic thinking. The idea of filling rooms with rare and beautiful treasures suggests the importance of acquiring valuable knowledge and skills. Leaders who prioritise learning and personal growth create environments where employees feel valued and empowered, leading to success. Therefore, Proverbs 24:3-4 remind aspiring leaders of the significance of wisdom, understanding and continuous improvement in their journeys toward effective leadership in the workplace.

 Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS stated that:

1. Let us refine our God-given leadership skills as we partner with Him in our workplaces.

2. Leaders ought to pursue on-going learning, blending biblical principles with pertinent leadership methods.

 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 6:7-8

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6:6-8 Paul's instructions encourage responsibility and integrity on the job. Christian employees should do their jobs as if Jesus Christ were their supervisor. And Christian employers should treat their employees fairly and with respect. Can you be trusted to do your best, even when the boss is not around? Do you work hard and with enthusiasm? Do you treat your employees as people, not machines? Remember that no matter whom you work for, and no matter who works for you, the one you ultimately should want to please is your Father in heaven.

 AIM of this lesson is: to show that regardless of the type of work, God desires that we grow in leadership as we do our work.

 INTRODUCTION

 TEXTUAL SOURCE: EXODUS 31:2-5; 36:1-2,8ff; 38:22-23; Esther 2:19-23; 6:1ff; Proverbs 24:3-4; Matthew 20:26-28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 3:23-24*

Today, we move from the marketplaces to our workplaces as we delve into Leadership Development in the Workplace. We'll examine this through the lens of godly principles, seeking to cultivate effective leadership. It's essential to recognise that whatever lawful occupation we engage in, we should consider it sacred. We see this exemplified in the life of Mordecai, who, as the king's gatekeeper, established godly principles and fostered leadership development in the workplace.

Additionally, we shall explore how Bezalel created ethical work environments conducive to ethical development. Let's pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to understand and implement God's intentions for us in this study.

 Who is Bezalel?

Bezalel was a skilled craftsman and artist in the Bible, he was in Exodus 31:2-5 and 35:30-35. He was chosen by God to build the Tabernacle and its furnishings, showcasing his exceptional skills in woodworking, metalwork, and other crafts.

 LESSON OUTLINE

 I. GOD'S WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES FOR LEADING WELL

 II. BEZALEL SHAPES ETHICAL WORKPLACES TO EXCEL*

 LESSON EXPOSITION

 I. GOD'S WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES FOR LEADING WELL (Est. 2:19-23; 6:1ff; Prov. 24:3-4; Matt. 20:26-28; Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 3:23-24)

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established Prov. 24:3).

a) Prov. 24:3-4: Building leadership upon wisdom, understanding and continuous learning ensures a strong foundation, nurturing the drive and potential in leaders for success in the workplace (Psa. 78:72).

 b) Matt. 20:26-28: This shows God's principles for good leadership at work. It stresses being humble and serving others. It urges us to put others first, like Jesus did as a servant-leader.

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COMMENT 

20:27 Jesus described leadership from a new perspective.bro Instead of using people, we are to serve them. Jesus' mission was to serve others and to give his life away. A real leader has a servant's heart. Servant leaders appreciate others' worth and realize that they're not above any job. If you see something that needs to be done, don't wait to be asked. Take the initiative and do it like a faithful servant.

20:28 A "ransom" was the price paid to release a slave from an bondage. Jesus often told his disciples that he must die, but here he told them why to redeem all people from the bondage of sin and death. The disciples thought that as long as Jesus was alive, he could save them. But Jesus revealed that only his death would save them and the world.

 c) Col. 3:23-24: Working with honesty and dedication, acknowledging our duties to the Lord, encourage ethical leadership, as we lead by examples in speech, actions, love, faith and purity.

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COMMENT

3:23 Since the Creation, God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, S such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could work without complaining or resentment co if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.

 d) Eph. 4:11-13: Leaders are tasked with equipping and building up others for service. This promotes a culture of growth and development in the workplace.

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 *Summarizing Ephesians 4:11-13:* 

4:11, 12 Our oneness in Christ does not destroy our individual-ity. The Holy Spirit has given each Christian special gifts for build-ing up the church. Now that we have these gifts, it is crucial to use them. Are you spiritually mature, exercising the gifts God has given you? If you know what your gifts are, look for opportu-nities to serve. If you don't know, ask God to show you, perhaps with the help of your minister or Christian friends. Then, as you begin to recognize your special area of service, use your gifts to strengthen and encourage the church.

4:12, 13 God has given his church an enormous responsibility-to make disciples in every nation (Matthew 28:18-20). This involves preaching, teaching, healing, nurturing, giving, administering, building, and many other tasks. If we had to fulfill this command as individuals, we might as well give up without trying-it would be impossible. But God calls us as members of his body. Some of us can do one task; some can do another. Together we can obey God more fully than any of us could alone. It is a human tendency to overestimate what we can do by ourselves and to underestimate what we can do as a group. But as the body of Christ, we can accomplish more together than we would dream possible working by ourselves. Working together, the church can express the fullness of Christ.

 e) Est. 2:19: The ancient city gate was a hub of leadership and justice (cf. Ruth 4:1; Dan. 2:48-49). Mordecai's conduct highlights serving God amidst workplace challenges, honing leadership amidst ungodliness.

 f) vv. 20-23; 6:3: Mordecai's integrity in using his position for the greater good, coupled with patience for delayed recognition, highlights the godly mind-set for leadership preparation and the avoidance of seeking immediate rewards.

 g) 6:1ff: After years of preparation, Mordecai's eventual honour underscores the principle that preparation precedes manifestation in godly leadership.

 h) God's principles for effective leadership in the workplace are rooted in wisdom, humility, integrity and service. May we strive to embody them in our workplaces, ultimately bringing glory to God through our leadership. Amen.

 Every opportunity you receive to attain a leadership post is an opportunity to reveal the true identity of Christ through your characters and servant-leadership. Learn from Moses, Daniel and friends, Esther and the rest of them.

*II. BEZALEL SHAPES ETHICAL WORKPLACES TO EXCEL (Exod. 31:2-5; 36:1-2,8ff; 38:22-23)* 

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship (31:3).

 a) 31:2-5: God personally appointed Bezalel to exhibit ethical excellence in the workplace (1 Pet. 2:9). Filled with God's Spirit, he exemplified how divine inspiration fosters ethical workplaces (35:30-35).

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31:1ff God regards all the skills of his people, not merely those with theological or ministerial abilities. Our tendency is to regard only those who are up front and in leadership roles.ne God gave Bezalel and Oholiab Spirit-filled abilities in artisticnom craftsmanship. Take notice of all the abilities God gives his 121 people. Don't diminish your skills if they are not like Moses' and Aaron.

 b) v. 3: Bezalel's leadership shows skill and wisdom, crucial for ethical workplaces (cf. 35:34a). By these, he provided training and instruction, showcasing his leadership development and commitment to excellence (cf. 35:34).

 c) 36:1-2: Bezalel and Oholiab worked with skilled artisans. This shows the importance of teamwork, unity and faithfulness in ethical workplaces.

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Teamwork is very important. You can do it all and you separate yourself from others if not you will badly destroy such organization's vision.

 d) vv. 2,8ff: Bezalel's leadership among skilled artisans set standards for ethical workplaces. He inspired creativity and fostered a culture of excellence (cf. 35:34; 36:1).

 e) 38:22: He showed accountability, carefulness and meticulous attention to detail (39:42-43). All these reflect excellence in the workplace.

 f) vv. 22-23. His thoroughness in accounting promoted transparency and accountability, integral to ethical workplaces. No wonder God filled the Tabernacle with His glory, affirming divine approval of Bezalel's work in the ethical workplace (cf. 40:1-2).

g) Bezalel's divine leadership, driven by skill, wisdom and commitment to excellence, shaped ethical workplaces. Let us emulate his example in our workplaces, seeking inspiration from God's guidance.

 If you want to succeed anywhere you have the opportunity, try your best to derive your inspiration from God (Holy Spirit), not self nor friends. 

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5, KJV)

 LESSONS DERIVED

1. Mordecai exhibited godly principles in his workplace and he was promoted in leadership.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab developed their leadership graces and skills in their workplaces.

 QUESTIONS

1. In a workplace where corruption is normalised, how should Christians respond? Explore this issue in the light of Esther 2:21-22.

2. How did Bezalel foster ethical work environments for leadership development?