Recap Sermon Notes | 48 Laws Of Power | Law 7 | Learn To Delegate

Law 7 in The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is "Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit." The essence of this law is about delegating tasks to others while maintaining leadership and reaping the benefits. In the Bible, while “taking credit” is not encouraged as it often contradicts humility, there are examples where biblical figures directed others effectively to fulfill God's purposes, staying in leadership and often recognized as central figures.

One of the best examples of this principle is King Solomon. Solomon delegated tasks, sought resources and expertise from others, and managed large projects, but he is ultimately credited with the completion of great works, especially the building of the Temple.

Solomon and Law 7: Leadership Through Delegation

1. Delegation in Temple Building

• Scripture: 1 Kings 5:6 – “Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint.”

• Context: Solomon negotiated with Hiram, king of Tyre, to use Tyre’s skilled workers and valuable cedar wood. Solomon initiated the project but leaned on Hiram’s resources and workers to bring the Temple to completion. This arrangement allowed Solomon to achieve his vision without direct labor, yet he received full credit for the Temple’s construction.

2. Appointing Administrators

• Scripture: 1 Kings 4:7 – “And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.”

• Context: Solomon appointed officials over different parts of Israel to manage provisions for his household, delegating day-to-day management to trustworthy leaders. This efficient system allowed him to focus on matters of state and wisdom while being seen as the organizer and ruler.

3. The Legacy of Wisdom and Credit

• Solomon's wisdom and ability to orchestrate large-scale projects, such as the Temple and his kingdom’s administration, brought him enduring recognition. People sought him for his wisdom, giving him lasting fame and honor, while much of the labor was done by others.

Sermon: Leadership and Wisdom in Action: Lessons from King Solomon

Theme Scripture: 1 Kings 5:6, 1 Kings 4:7

Introduction Parable

Let’s start with a simple story. Imagine a CEO with a vision to build a beautiful skyscraper in the middle of the city. He dreams of a building so impressive that everyone will stop and admire it. However, he doesn’t have the time, skills, or manpower to build it himself. So, he reaches out to contractors, designers, architects, and workers, assembling a team of experts to bring his vision to life. When the skyscraper finally stands tall, people remember it as the CEO’s accomplishment. While many helped make it happen, he’s credited as the mastermind behind it.

In a way, King Solomon in the Bible was like that CEO. He had big dreams for God’s temple, and he knew how to gather people with the right skills to get things done. Solomon’s story reminds us of a powerful truth: when we work together with wisdom, understanding our roles, and leaning on God, we can accomplish great things for His glory.

Main Points

1. The Vision for God’s Temple: Delegating with Wisdom

When Solomon became king, he had a monumental task: building a temple for God, a place where the presence of the Lord would dwell among His people. Solomon had the vision, but he knew he couldn’t do it alone. So, he reached out to King Hiram of Tyre, who had access to skilled laborers and the finest cedar wood.

• Scripture: 1 Kings 5:6 – “Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint.”

• Commentary: Solomon understood that God’s temple required the best materials and craftsmanship. He was humble enough to seek help and wise enough to know that collaboration would produce something greater than he could accomplish on his own.

• Cross-Reference and Context:

  • Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Solomon’s actions reflect his own proverb! He recognized that wise counsel and teamwork would ensure the success of his plans. This was God’s work, so he wanted it to be done with excellence.

By reaching out to Hiram, Solomon wasn’t shirking responsibility; he was using wisdom. It was his vision, but he knew God could work through others as well. This is an important lesson for us too: true wisdom recognizes when to include others, knowing that God can use them to bring His plans to completion.

2. Appointing Leaders and Delegating Responsibilities

Solomon didn’t stop with gathering resources. He appointed leaders over different areas of Israel to manage provisions, a system that kept the kingdom organized and thriving. Each of these officials was responsible for providing food and supplies, so Solomon could focus on his duties as king.

• Scripture: 1 Kings 4:7 – “And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.”

• Commentary: By appointing twelve officers, Solomon created a structure for his kingdom. Each officer managed resources for one month a year, ensuring a steady flow of provisions for his household and the kingdom. Solomon led with wisdom, not micromanaging but trusting others to carry out their tasks.

• Cross-Reference and Context:

  • Exodus 18:21-22 – “Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” This is exactly what Moses did when Jethro advised him to delegate, creating a system of trustworthy leaders who could handle smaller tasks. Solomon’s administration reflects this model, showing that wise leadership often means empowering others to share the load.

Solomon’s system allowed him to focus on bigger matters. He wasn’t distracted by details, because he trusted the people he’d put in charge. And, as God’s people, when we put our trust in Him and in the abilities He’s given others, we find that His work gets done efficiently and effectively.

3. Solomon’s Lasting Legacy of Wisdom

The Temple became one of Solomon’s greatest accomplishments, a place that represented God’s glory on earth. Even though the workers from Tyre built it, the Temple was known as “Solomon’s Temple.” God gave him wisdom not just for the construction but for leadership, to see the Temple completed and consecrated as a dwelling place for God among His people.

• Commentary: Solomon is remembered as the king who built the Temple, yet he wouldn’t have done it alone. The workers, builders, and even Hiram of Tyre played essential roles, but Solomon’s vision and wisdom are what ultimately brought it to life.

• Cross-Reference and Context:

  • James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Solomon’s story reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God. Just as Solomon asked for wisdom and received it, we can also ask God to grant us the wisdom to manage and fulfill the tasks He sets before us.

In the end, Solomon was credited with building the Temple, but the glory went to God. And that’s the true purpose of wise leadership: to accomplish God’s will and give Him the honor.

Conclusion: Christ as the Perfect Example of Leadership and Delegation

Solomon’s leadership was impressive, but Jesus takes the principle of wise leadership to its highest form. Jesus had a mission to reach the world with God’s message of salvation, but He didn’t try to do it alone. Instead, He called twelve disciples, equipped them, and sent them out to preach the good news.

• John 14:12 – Jesus told His disciples, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Jesus taught His disciples, empowered them, and then trusted them to carry on His work, promising that they would do even greater things in His name. He knew His mission would continue through others, led by the Spirit, long after His ascension.

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus gave the Great Commission, saying, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Here, Jesus entrusted His followers with the task of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, setting an example of delegation and empowerment.

In both Solomon and Jesus, we see a model of wise leadership that delegates and empowers. Jesus entrusted His disciples with His mission, giving them authority and the Holy Spirit to guide them. And in doing so, He fulfilled the ultimate act of wise leadership, making it possible for God’s work to continue through each of us today.

So, whether we’re leading a ministry, managing a project, or simply working together in God’s kingdom, let’s remember the lessons of Solomon and Christ. Wise leadership is about having a vision, empowering others, and giving God the glory. We may play different roles, but together, with God’s wisdom and grace, we can accomplish His work and reflect His glory to the world.