“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” - Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)

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1 Introduction

Christian leadership in today’s world isn’t just about influencing others—it’s about learning to see ourselves and those we lead through God’s eyes. The biblical narratives of Acts 9 and Romans 8 anchor us in a gospel vision: a leader is called to see beyond brokenness, to be guided by spiritual intelligence, emotional wisdom, and practical discernment.

In Anna Wiggins’s sermon, “Do You See What God Sees?”, we are invited on Saul’s journey from persecutor to apostle. This message offers compelling lessons for Christian leaders, showing how the Holy Spirit’s insight, redemptive grace, and love can transform individuals, families, and entire communities.

2 The Lens of Redemption: Embracing God’s Vision (Acts 9:1-19)

Saul’s story opens in darkness. He is “breathing threats and murder” against Christians, moving with conviction, but lacking God’s vision. Acts 9:1-2 captures the hostility and determination Saul once wielded. His transformation began not with his own intellect or power, but with a divine encounter.

A blinding light on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-4) reoriented everything for Saul. He fell to the ground and heard Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Bound in blindness for three days, Saul’s experience reflects humanity’s spiritual lostness apart from Christ.

Leadership Application: Spiritual Intelligence

• See what God sees—not what the world judges.

• Embrace every person’s potential for transformation, regardless of their past.

• Practice prayerful discernment when facing opposition.

Biblical Parallel: Consider Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, later becoming a savior to his family (Genesis 37-50). God’s vision redeems even the darkest circumstances.

Key Takeaway: Leadership shaped by redemption invites us to suspend judgment and choose grace. We must ask God to open our spiritual eyes to possibilities, not just problems.

3 Grace in Action: Living Beyond Condemnation (Romans 8:1-4)

In Romans 8, Paul—formerly Saul—boldly states: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is not just a theological statement but a bedrock for Christian leadership and personal development.

Where legalism once ruled, the “law of the Spirit of life” brings freedom. God’s grace redeems, releases, and restores. The fulfillment of the law comes not through striving, but through walking “according to the Spirit.”

Leadership Application: Emotional Intelligence

• Cultivate a grace-filled environment for those you lead, including yourself.

• Recognize that leaders, too, are growing and need forgiveness.

• Model vulnerability, repentance, and resilience—just as Paul needed Barnabas to advocate for him (Acts 9:27).

HolistIQ™ Insight: Emotional intelligence deepens as leaders internalize and model God’s unconditional acceptance. Replace self-condemning thoughts with declarations of freedom in Christ.

Reflection: Are there people or situations in your leadership where you operate out of condemnation instead of grace? Shift your posture: extend forgiveness, invite new beginnings.

4 Transformation Begins with Obedient Steps (Acts 9:10-19)

Change in leadership requires more than intention—it involves obedient action. Ananias heard God’s call to visit Saul, despite knowing Saul’s hostile history. Overcoming fear, he prayed for Saul, enabling his healing. This act of courage activated profound change, transforming a persecutor into a preacher.

Leadership Application: Logical Intelligence

• Assess situations with wisdom. Recognize when logic says “stay away,” but God says “go.”

• Take actionable steps even when apprehension remains.

• Create opportunities for the marginalized and misunderstood to enter community (like Barnabas did for Saul).

Biblical Example: Esther bravely approached the king to save her people, risking her life through a decisive, Spirit-led step (Esther 4).

Key Insight: Christian leaders combine practical planning with openness to God’s leading, balancing discernment with decisive faith.

5 From Condemnation to Commission: Building Redemptive Communities (Acts 9:20-31)

After Saul’s conversion, he began proclaiming Jesus, but the disciples were skeptical. It took Barnabas’s advocacy to integrate Saul into the church. Community was the context for growth, affirmation, and new mission.

Leadership Application Across Three Domains

Leading Self

• Identify areas of your life ruled by past judgment or shame.

• Memorize and meditate on Romans 8:1-2, affirming your identity in Christ.

Leading Family

• See family members through God’s lenses—affirming potential, not failures.

• Encourage family participation in faith conversations, extending forgiveness and fresh starts.

Leading Others

• Advocate for those on the margins. Be a Barnabas—championing the “Sauls” in your community.

• Set structures that prioritize inclusion, discipleship, and Spirit-guided mentorship.

6 HolistIQ™ Leadership Insights: A Triad for Transformational Leadership

1.Spiritual Intelligence

• Discerning God’s voice and direction even in confusing circumstances.

• Maintaining a posture of continual learning and humility.

2. Emotional Intelligence

• Navigating your own doubts, fears, and expectations honestly.

• Empathizing with others’ backstories and extending radical grace.

3. Logical Intelligence

• Establishing practical steps, metrics, and systems for healthy growth.

• Applying scriptural strategies to modern leadership challenges.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

—2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

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7 Practical Steps for the Christian Leader

• Pray to see God’s vision for yourself and your sphere of influence.

• Walk in obedience when called—even when it defies human expectation.

• Foster a no-condemnation culture in your team or family.

• Mentor “Sauls” in your midst, extending fresh chances and support.

• Model vulnerability and resilience, testifying to Christ’s ongoing work in you.

8 Benefits & Implications

• Greater unity and resilience in families and organizations.

• Freedom from cycles of shame, leading to bolder, Spirit-inspired leadership.

• Increased advocacy and inclusion, raising up the next generation of leaders.

• Personal transformation and lifelong growth as a Christ-centered influencer.

Reflection Questions

1. Who is a “Saul” in your life needing grace and opportunity?

2. Where have you personally needed a fresh start, and how have you experienced God’s freedom?

3. How can you intentionally display God’s vision and heart for your team or family this week?

Action Plan for Leaders

Self-Leadership:

• Spend daily time meditating on Romans 8:1-4.

• Journal areas where you sense God calling for new action or transformed thinking.

Family Leadership:

• Share and discuss Saul’s story as a family.

• Identify one family member to encourage with a declaration of grace this week.

Leadership of Others:

• Identify a potential leader or misunderstood individual and become their Barnabas.

• Facilitate a team activity focusing on extending forgiveness and new beginnings.

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