EPISODE 807 – APPRECIATE AND HONOUR YOUR LEADERS 2

APPRECIATE AND HONOR YOUR LEADERS 2

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you”

1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV)

Some believers are orphaned in doctrinal truth concerning New Testament leadership, believers’ character or conduct, and even consistent revelation of Jesus.

On matters of leadership, some jump into conclusion that, since we are in the New Testament, there is nothing like higher leadership rank.

They conclude that:

– Jesus has made all believers equal in Him, therefore, no one is set higher or above the saints.

– And also, Jesus is the only Shepherd we submit to as believers and not to any other fellow saints.

Such teachings are propagated by people who are rebellious or those who wish to rule over others but never got the opportunity. These people are like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16; Jude 1:11).

Because they are not appointed to lead, they become rebellious and attempt to mock the concept of spiritual authority. Meanwhile, these are people who prefer to follow their own desires and live without submission (Jude 1:8). Don’t follow such scoffers.

Some of the people who uphold such thoughts are also people who are trapped in bitterness. These people were either victims or witnesses of toxic leadership.

People can be warned and taught to identify toxic leaders. But, toxic leaders must not be the reason to propagate a campaign against a clear leadership system in the New Testament.

Toxic leaders don’t really “labour”; they would rather want to enjoy the labour of others.

There are people who, through their genuine labour, are engraced and given a rank to spearhead a divine course in a generation.

Some are leaders set over you within your assembly, and others within the body of Christ.

Pay attention to the words of Paul the apostle again:

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you” 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV)

The expression “ARE OVER” is from the Greek word “PROISTĒMI”.

Proistēmi is a strong expression of responsibility or authority.

It means “to care for” or “give attention to”.

Is that all there is?

Proistēmi also means “to set or “place before”. This means “to be set over”, “to preside over”, “to be in charge over”, “to stand in rank over”, “to rule over”, and “to be a protector” or “guardian”, or “to give aid”.

The word “KNOW” also means “to look on”, “be concerned with”, “behold”, “acknowledge”, and to “appreciate”.

Any teaching that makes you feel you are your own authority and don’t have to submit to anyone apart from Jesus, is nurturing your heart not to acknowledge and appreciate those the Lord has set to be ranked, to preside, to rule, and to guide you.

The leaders set over the saints by the Lord are equal with the saints in life and nature. Yet they are first in the administration of God’s work. Though the leaders set over you are your brothers as to the enjoyment of grace, yet as to touching service, they are the most slaves.

And Jesus was clear on this, “he that is greatest (meizōn, larger) among you shall by your servant”

The leading ones are the most serving ones, and must be greatly appreciated for their service.

Have you appreciated your leader today?

Appreciating and honoring your leaders is an obedience to the wisdom of God.

Selah.