The Bible provides a clear and intentional framework for dominion in a man’s life: self, family, community, and then church. This order reflects God’s design for building strong, God-honoring men who can positively impact the world around them. True leadership begins with the individual. A man who desires to lead effectively must first learn to steward his own life, cultivating discipline, integrity, and spiritual maturity. Only then can he extend that leadership to his family, guiding them in love and wisdom, and to his community, serving as a pillar of trust and reliability. Finally, when these areas are firmly established, he is equipped to take on leadership in the church, reflecting the character of Christ in all he does.
God Created humans to have Dominion
God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28 WEB)
- Eli’s Sons—Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2-3)
Eli’s sons exemplify the dangers of neglecting self-discipline and godly leadership. As priests, their corrupt actions brought judgment on their family and Israel. God held Eli accountable for failing to correct them, underscoring the necessity for leaders to first exercise dominion over themselves and their households. This illustrates that unchecked sin in leadership can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities. - Samuel’s Sons—Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8)
Samuel’s sons lacked personal responsibility and moral integrity despite their father’s righteousness. They pursued dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. Appointing them as leaders without proven character led to corruption and disillusionment among the Israelites. This prompted the demand for a king, highlighting the dangers of elevating individuals who have not demonstrated family leadership and a good reputation. - Diotrephes in the Early Church (3 John 1:9-10)
Diotrephes loved to be first and refused to welcome the apostles. He even put out of the church those who wanted to accept them. His arrogance and abuse of authority disrupted the fellowship and showed a lack of humility and servant leadership expected of church leaders.
These examples highlight the dangers of appointing individuals to leadership positions without first ensuring they have demonstrated personal responsibility, family leadership, and a good reputation. They reinforce the biblical pattern that leaders should be men who have already proven themselves in their personal lives before serving in the church, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
In every situation where God appointed men to serve in the kingdom or the church—from the lowest servant to the highest priest—He always chose men who demonstrated dominion in their personal lives, within their families, and in their communities before stepping into church leadership. This divine pattern underscores the importance of establishing and proving one’s ability to lead in these foundational areas prior to assuming responsibilities within the church.
- Dominion Over Self – A man must lead a godly life personally. Before leading others, a man must exhibit self-control, personal holiness, and spiritual maturity. Living a life that honors God through integrity and discipline is essential. A strong personal foundation is necessary to effectively guide and influence others in a godly manner.
- Dominion Over Family – A man must be a loving husband and responsible father. Effective family leadership is crucial before leading in the church. A man must love his wife and manage his household well, guiding his children with respect and discipline. This demonstrates his capacity to handle greater responsibilities and reflects his ability to lead others faithfully.
- Dominion in Community – A man must have a good reputation and be trustworthy. A leader should be known in the community for integrity, fairness, and righteousness. Maintaining a good reputation reflects consistent godly character recognized by others. This standing is essential for effective leadership, as it influences and inspires trust within the broader community.
- Dominion at Church – A man can serve in the church if he meets all the above and is commended by those who know him well. Only after proving faithfulness in personal conduct, family leadership, and community relations is a man suitable for church leadership. He must embody Christ’s character, meeting biblical qualifications to responsibly guide the church and steward God’s gifts effectively.
This study will cover God’s intentional design for leadership in a man’s life, which progresses from self-discipline and personal integrity to loving family leadership, positive community influence, and ultimately, service within the church. By examining biblical principles and examples, the study emphasizes that effective church leadership arises from proven character and responsibility in personal, familial, and community spheres. This understanding reinforces the importance of developing Christ-like qualities and fulfilling God’s order of dominion to positively impact the world and advance His kingdom.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you hope to gain from studying God’s intentional order of dominion—self, family, community, and church—in your personal life? Consider how this understanding might shape your growth and leadership.
- How might learning about biblical leadership principles influence your relationships and responsibilities at home, work, and church? Reflect on areas where you seek improvement or guidance.
- What challenges do you anticipate in aligning your life with God’s design for leadership, and how can this study help address them? Think about obstacles and the support you might need.
- In what ways are you prepared to apply the lessons from this study to positively impact those around you? Contemplate actionable steps to embody Christ-like leadership in all areas of your life.
1. Dominion Over Self
Before a man can lead others, he must first lead himself. This foundational step means living a life that honors God, consistently avoiding sin, and actively growing in his faith. Dominion over self involves self-discipline, personal integrity, and a commitment to spiritual growth. A man must strive to cultivate virtues such as honesty, patience, and humility, ensuring that his actions reflect his beliefs. Scripture emphasizes the importance of self-control and personal holiness as prerequisites for leadership. For instance, 1 Timothy 3:2 states, “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.” This highlights that managing oneself is directly linked to managing one’s household effectively. Additionally, Titus 1:6-7 calls for elders to be “blameless” and “not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money,” underscoring the need for personal purity and reliability. By prioritizing dominion over self, a man sets a strong example for others, demonstrating that true leadership begins with personal responsibility and a steadfast relationship with God. This personal foundation enables him to make wise decisions, resist temptations, and maintain the moral high ground necessary for guiding others in both the family and the church.
Proverbs 24:27 “Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” – A man must prepare himself, as David did while a shepherd boy protecting his flock of sheep, before he is given the responsibility to lead a family, community, or church.
Exodus 18:17-26 “But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes” – God has always chosen men who have learned to have dominion over themselves for positions of higher responsibility.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Before all else, a man must have accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and learned to walk in surrender to the will of God.
Luke 9:23 “Take up your cross and follow Me” – Leadership requires self-denial and commitment to Christ’s path, echoing the need for discipline and prioritizing God’s will in dominion.
Luke 16:10-11 “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” – This principle is consistent with all Scriptures: faithfulness is proven a little bit at a time over a long time before receiving more responsibility.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we practically develop self-discipline and personal integrity to lead ourselves before leading others? Reflect on steps to cultivate virtues like honesty, patience, and humility in daily life.
- In what ways does managing oneself impact one’s ability to lead their family effectively, according to Scripture? Discuss the connection between personal holiness and family leadership as highlighted in 1 Timothy 3:2.
- Why is faithfulness in small matters crucial before being entrusted with greater responsibilities in God’s plan? Explore the principle from Luke 16:10-11 about proving faithfulness over time.
- How does seeking God’s Kingdom first and taking up our cross daily influence our readiness to lead others? Consider the importance of prioritizing God’s will as described in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 9:23.
2. Dominion Over Family
A man’s family is the heart of his dominion and serves as a primary area where his leadership and godliness are truly tested. In the Bible, God places significant emphasis on the role of a husband and father, calling men to lead their households with love, wisdom, and integrity. This dominion over family means that a man must love his wife sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s unconditional love for the church, and must be a nurturing and disciplined father who guides his children in the ways of the Lord. The Scriptures teach that a strong, godly family foundation is essential not only for personal fulfillment but also for building a legacy of faith that impacts future generations. Effective family leadership involves creating an environment of respect, love, and spiritual growth, where each member feels valued and supported. By fulfilling his responsibilities at home, a man demonstrates his ability to manage larger responsibilities within the church and community, reflecting God’s design for order and harmony in all areas of life. This foundational role ensures that men develop the necessary qualities of patience, self-control, and unwavering faith, which are crucial for their overall dominion and service to God.
Ephesians 5:21-33 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” – This passage teaches husbands to love their wives selflessly, mirroring Christ’s love for the church.
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Fathers are instructed to nurture their children with love and proper guidance.
Philippians 2:5-11“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had … he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave” – Christ’s humility models self-sacrifice, the foundation of dominion over self, family, and others. Leaders must mirror this surrender in every sphere.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?).” – Godly leadership of the family is required before receiving any authority or responsibility outside the home.
1 Samuel 3:12-13 “I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.” – This serves as a warning that neglecting the dominion God has given you over your family will lead to consequences.
Discussion Questions:
- How can husbands emulate Christ’s selfless love for the church in their relationships with their wives, as taught in Ephesians 5:21-33? Reflect on practical ways to demonstrate sacrificial love and strengthen the marital bond.
- What strategies can fathers use to nurture their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord without provoking them to anger, according to Ephesians 6:4? Discuss balancing discipline with love to foster a godly upbringing.
- Considering Philippians 2:5-11, how does adopting Christ’s attitude of humility and self-sacrifice influence family leadership? Explore the impact of humility on leading and serving family members effectively.
- What lessons can we learn from the warning in 1 Samuel 3:12-13 about the consequences of neglecting family responsibilities? Analyze how failing to lead our families can affect our relationship with God and our ability to serve elsewhere.
3. Dominion in Community
A man’s influence extends far beyond his personal life and family into the broader community in which he lives and works. Dominion in community involves being a beacon of Christ-like character, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and kindness in all interactions. The Bible calls men to be active participants in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and societies, reflecting God’s love and justice through their actions. By maintaining a good reputation and being trustworthy, a man not only honors God but also serves as a positive example to others, drawing them closer to Christ. Scripture highlights the importance of a man’s role in the community as a way to witness to non-believers and to foster environments where God’s kingdom can flourish. For instance, Genesis 18:19 emphasizes that God chooses men who lead their households well to influence their communities for righteousness. Additionally, passages like Acts 6:1-7 illustrate how the early church recognized the need for responsible and capable leaders to manage community affairs effectively, ensuring harmony and growth. By actively engaging in and contributing to their communities, men fulfill their God-given mandate to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), bringing hope, justice, and compassion to those around them. This outward focus not only strengthens the man’s personal and familial domains but also extends God’s reach, promoting a society that aligns with His values and purposes.
Genesis 18:19 “For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD.” – God values men who lead their families well, impacting the wider community.
Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6 “Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.” – Men need to work with other men to sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17) and hold each other accountable.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” – Godly, trustworthy, reliable, leadership in the community is required before receiving any authority or responsibility in the church.
Acts 6:1-7 “Select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.” – The apostles selected trustworthy men to handle community matters, ensuring the church’s growth and harmony. This emphasizes that a man must be above reproach in his personal life. He should not have a history of sins that dominate his life.
Matthew 20:16 “The last shall be first” – God prioritizes humility and service over status, aligning with the need for leaders to first develop character before seeking dominion.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we embody Christ-like character in our communities to influence others positively? Reflect on ways to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and kindness in daily interactions.
- Why is having a good reputation and trustworthiness vital before taking on leadership roles, according to Scriptures like 1 Timothy 3:1-7? Discuss how personal conduct affects our ability to serve and lead effectively.
- What is the importance of accountability and mutual sharpening among men, as highlighted in Proverbs 27:17 and Proverbs 11:14? Explore how working with others enhances wisdom and guidance in the community.
- How does the principle “The last shall be first” (Matthew 20:16) influence our approach to leadership and service in the community? Consider how humility and prioritizing character development impact our readiness to lead.
4. Dominion at Church
After establishing dominion over self, family, and community, a man may be called to serve in the church. Dominion at church is the culmination of a man’s leadership journey, where his personal integrity, family leadership, and community involvement are recognized and utilized to further God’s kingdom. Serving in the church is not merely a role but a divine calling that requires a man to exemplify Christ-like qualities and to lead others in faith and action. The Bible provides clear guidelines and qualifications for those who wish to take on leadership roles within the church, ensuring that these leaders are spiritually mature, morally upright, and capable of guiding the congregation effectively.
Church leadership involves various responsibilities, including teaching, shepherding the flock, administering church affairs, and setting an example for others to follow. Leaders in the church must demonstrate humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to God’s Word, as they are entrusted with the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Scriptures such as 1 Peter 5:1-3 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 emphasize that church leaders must be above reproach, managing their own lives and families with excellence before they can effectively lead others. This ensures that those who serve in the church are not only qualified but also inspire trust and respect from those they lead.
Furthermore, dominion at church is about building up the body of Christ and fostering a community where believers can grow in their faith and support one another. Leaders are called to equip the saints for ministry, encourage unity, and address the needs of the church with compassion and fairness. By serving in the church, men fulfill their God-given purpose to advance His kingdom, providing spiritual guidance, and creating an environment where God’s love and truth can flourish.
Mark 10:41-45 “Whoever wants to be the greatest should be the servant of all” – True greatness comes from serving others, reinforcing that leadership begins with selflessness and servant-hearted living.
1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” – It shows the diverse roles within the church and the need for different types of leadership to build up the body of Christ.
1 Peter 5:1-3 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – This passage highlights the importance of leading by example and serving with humility and eagerness.
Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” – This verse underscores the responsibility of church leaders to care for the spiritual well-being of the congregation and the importance of mutual respect.
By fulfilling dominion at church, men not only contribute to the spiritual growth and health of the congregation but also demonstrate their commitment to God’s work. This leadership role allows them to influence others positively, guide the church in accordance with biblical principles, and help build a strong, unified body of believers that honors God in all its endeavors.
Discussion Questions:
- What personal qualities and life experiences should we develop to meet the biblical qualifications for church leadership as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:1-3? Reflect on how personal integrity, effective family leadership, and positive community involvement prepare us for service in the church.
- How does the concept of servant leadership in Mark 10:43-44 redefine greatness within the church, and how can we embody this in our own ministries? Discuss practical ways to serve others selflessly and lead with humility, following Jesus’ example.
- In what ways can church leaders ensure they are leading willingly and eagerly, not out of compulsion or for personal gain, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:1-3? Consider attitudes and actions that foster genuine care for the congregation and align with God’s calling.
- How can recognizing and embracing the diverse roles and gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28 strengthen the unity and effectiveness of the church? Explore how valuing each member’s contributions builds up the body of Christ and advances His kingdom.
Conclusion
God’s design for leadership is both intentional and methodical, rooted in His wisdom and purpose for humanity. He establishes a divine order that begins with dominion over self, progresses through family and community, and culminates in service within the church. This progression is not arbitrary but serves a critical function in preparing men for effective leadership. By first mastering self-discipline and cultivating personal integrity, a man builds a strong foundation of character. This self-governance is essential because it reflects a genuine commitment to God’s principles and a readiness to resist temptations that could undermine his moral standing.
Once a man has established dominion over himself, he is better equipped to lead his family with love, wisdom, and humility. His personal integrity sets the tone for his household, allowing him to nurture his wife and children in the ways of the Lord. This family leadership is a testing ground for greater responsibilities, as managing a household requires patience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment—all qualities that are indispensable in broader spheres of influence.
Extending his leadership into the community, a man demonstrates Christ-like character through acts of kindness, justice, and service. His good reputation and trustworthiness become evident to those around him, making him a pillar in society who can positively influence others and foster environments where God’s kingdom values are upheld. This community involvement further refines his leadership skills and expands his impact, preparing him for even greater responsibilities.
By the time he is called to serve in the church, he has been thoroughly equipped through these successive stages. His personal maturity, proven family leadership, and positive community influence make him capable of upholding the standards of righteousness required for such a sacred responsibility. This intentional progression safeguards the church by ensuring that its leaders are not novices but are seasoned individuals who have demonstrated their faithfulness over time. It reflects the biblical pattern seen throughout Scripture, where God entrusts greater responsibilities to those who have been faithful in smaller ones.
Let us, therefore, strive to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, seeking God’s guidance to strengthen any areas of weakness. Self-reflection and a sincere desire for growth are crucial in this journey. By dedicating ourselves to personal holiness, we honor God in our daily lives. By loving and leading our families according to His Word, we build strong households that can withstand life’s challenges. By actively serving our communities with integrity and compassion, we become the salt and light that Jesus called us to be.
In doing so, we not only honor God but also set a godly example for others to follow. Our lives become living testimonies of God’s transformative power, inspiring others to pursue the same path of righteousness. This collective commitment contributes significantly to the building up of the church and the advancement of His kingdom. As each person fulfills their God-given roles, the body of Christ becomes stronger, more unified, and more effective in its mission to reach the world with the gospel. Let us embrace this divine order wholeheartedly, trusting that God’s design leads to the flourishing of individuals, families, communities, and ultimately, His church.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding God’s intentional order of dominion—self, family, community, and then church—impact your personal approach to leadership and spiritual growth? Reflect on how this progression influences your priorities and actions in daily life.
- In what areas of your life do you feel strongest or weakest in exercising dominion, and how can you seek God’s guidance to strengthen these areas? Consider practical steps to cultivate discipline, integrity, and faithfulness across all domains.
- Why is it crucial for potential church leaders to first prove their character and leadership in personal, family, and community settings before serving in the church? Discuss the importance of maturity and readiness in upholding the responsibilities of church leadership.
- How can we as a community encourage and hold each other accountable in developing the qualities necessary for effective leadership according to God’s design? Explore ways to support one another in growing spiritually and fulfilling our God-given roles.
Digging Deeper:
Take time this week to reflect on each area of dominion in your life. Pray for God’s guidance in strengthening where you may be weak and seek His help to grow in each of these important areas.
- The importance of a good Christian testimony – A good Christian testimony is powerful, it reflects Jesus, draws others to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and honors God.
- Leadership responsibility of godly husbands – The Bible teaches husbands to take leadership of their families by being an example through service by the word of God.
- Biblical Instructions for godly leadership – Throughout history godly leadership strives to feed the flock but ungodly leadership seeks position, authority, and wealth.
- Ten considerations before appointing church leaders – The importance of taking time to approve church leaders, which ensures godly, faithful, experienced, proven leadership.
The Titus Ten by J.Josh Smith– Josh makes a terrible mistake in putting the dominion of the church above job, family, and self. This causes exactly what the Apostle Paul ridiculed the Corinthians for appointing those who were the least esteemed in positions of authority in the church (1 Corinthians 6:4). And it has the disastrous effect of shortchanging a man’s responsibility for himself and in the home and community.
By following this godly order of self, family, community, and then church, men can fulfill their God-given roles, build strong families, positively impact their communities, and serve faithfully in the church. Let us strive to honor God in every area of our lives, setting an example for others and bringing glory to His name.