Christ’s Model of Leadership & Submission
A Bible study exploring Jesus as the ultimate servant leader and head of the church. Men learn what biblical leadership looks like, humble, sacrificial, and slave-like, and how to apply servant leadership in their homes, workplaces, and churches while practicing thoughtful submission to godly leaders.
Christ’s Model of Leadership & Submission
Men’s Bible Study (ESV)
Goal: Understand Jesus as the only Head of the Church. Learn biblical leadership as lowly, humble, slave-like service. Apply servant leadership in the home and life, and practice thoughtful submission.
Opening Verse (read aloud)
Colossians 1:18 ESV
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
1. Jesus – The Ultimate Head & Model Servant/Slave
Matthew 20:25-28 ESV
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 2:3-8 ESV (key excerpt)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who… emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
“Slave to Serve” Defined & Lived Out
- Doulos (Greek for “slave/bondservant”) = voluntary total commitment to serve the Master and others.
- Jesus washed feet (John 13), laid down His life, and calls leaders to do the same.
- For church leaders: Shepherd willingly, not for gain or domineering (1 Peter 5:2-3), but as examples who sacrifice time, comfort, and self for the flock’s good. They bear burdens, teach patiently, protect from error, and give account to the Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:17).
2. What Biblical Church Leaders Look Like
1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV (excerpt)
“Shepherd the flock of God… not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
Key Traits (1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV summary):
- Above reproach, faithful husband, self-controlled, gentle (not violent/quarrelsome), not greedy, hospitable, able to teach.
- Manages own household well.
- Lowly/Humble: No pride or titles for status (Matthew 23:8-12). Counts others more significant (Philippians 2:3).
- Servant/Slave: Leads by sacrificial example, not power.
3. Every Man Called to This Leadership
The same principles apply to every man in his God-given roles—especially the home. Ephesians 5:25 ESV
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
- Home Leadership: Servant-headship—sacrificial love, spiritual leadership (devotions, prayer), protection, provision, and gentle authority. Manage household with dignity (1 Timothy 3:4). Serve wife and children practically, even when inconvenient.
- Other Spheres (work, church, community): Lead by example, serve as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), put others first, avoid domineering. “Whoever would be first… must be your slave” (Matthew 20:27).
4. The Call to Submission
Hebrews 13:17 ESV
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning…”
- Looks like: Respect, teachability, support (make their work joyful), mutual humility (1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21), testing all by Scripture.
- Not blind—obey God first (Acts 5:29).
Discussion Questions (Pick 4-5)
- How does Jesus’ “slave” example change how you view leadership?
- What does humble, servant leadership look like in your home this week?
- How can you make your church leaders’ work a joy?
- Where do you struggle with pride vs. lowliness in leading or following?
- How does Christ’s headship free us from both rebellion and blind submission?
Personal Application & Challenge
- This Week: Choose one act of doulos-style service (home, church, or work). Pray through Philippians 2:3-8 daily.
- As a Man: Lead your home sacrificially like Christ. Serve in the church humbly. Submit to godly leaders with respect.
- Memory Verse: Matthew 20:26-27 or Philippians 2:3.
Closing Prayer
Lord, make us lowly, humble servants under Christ’s headship. Help us lead our homes and spheres like Jesus and submit with joy. Amen.
(Print double-sided or fit to 2 pages. Ideal for 60-90 min group study. Focus on application—men leading as servants for God’s glory.)