How can church leaders today ensure they don't fall into the scribes' pitfalls? Setting the Scene Mark 12:38: “In His teaching Jesus also said, ‘Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and to receive greetings in the marketplaces.’” What Went Wrong for the Scribes • Image over substance—public show, private shallowness (Matthew 23:5–7) • Craving honor—titles and greetings became idols (Luke 20:45–47) • Distance from the people—robes separated them, rather than service joining them • Exploiting God’s flock—using position for gain (Mark 12:40) • Hardened hearts—Scripture studied, but not obeyed (James 1:22) Timeless Dangers Every Leader Faces • Pride dressed up as “dignity” • Platform becoming identity • Doctrine known but not lived • Ministry treated as career, not calling • Isolation from honest accountability Guarding the Heart • Daily, humble Scripture intake—letting the Word master you (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15) • Regular examination before God—“Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23–24) • Remembering who the flock belongs to—“Shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28) • Choosing the lowest place—imitating the One who “made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:3–8) Guarding the Hands (Practical Habits) • Serve in unnoticed ways—chairs, trash, hospital rooms (John 13:14–15) • Teach for God’s glory, not applause (1 Corinthians 9:16; James 3:1) • Give sacrificially—leaders model generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6–7) • Share authority—plural leadership and shared decision-making (Proverbs 15:22) Guarding the Flock • Protect sound doctrine—“hold firmly to the trustworthy message” (Titus 1:9) • Watch for wolves—correct false teaching promptly (Acts 20:29–31) • Equip, don’t entertain—“to equip the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12) • Be approachable—“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples” (1 Peter 5:3) Staying Accountable • Transparent finances—open books and plural signatures (2 Corinthians 8:20–21) • Spiritual mentors outside your circle—iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17) • Congregational feedback rhythms—sheep can speak to shepherds (Acts 6:1–4) The Outcome Jesus Desires When leaders stay small in their own eyes and Christ stays large, the church flourishes, the gospel advances, and the scribes’ pitfalls become signposts pointing us back to faithful, servant-hearted leadership. |
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