How can we apply the principle of respecting authority in our church community? Grasping the Heart of Deuteronomy 17:12 “But the man who acts presumptuously by not listening to the priest who stands there to minister to the LORD your God, or to the judge, that man must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.” Israel’s life-and-death seriousness about obeying God-appointed leaders underscores a timeless truth: reverence for delegated authority is reverence for God Himself. Why This Matters in Today’s Church • God still appoints spiritual leaders (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Disregard for those leaders erodes unity, weakens witness, and dishonors the Head of the church, Christ (Colossians 1:18). • Respect promotes order, flourishing, and protection for every believer (1 Corinthians 14:40). Scriptural Threads That Tie It Together • Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls…” • Romans 13:1-2 – “…there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “…respect those who work among you… Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” • 1 Timothy 5:17 – “Elders who lead well are worthy of double honor…” • Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:17 – a spirit of submission adorns the gospel. Practical Ways to Honor Authority in the Church 1. Guard Your Heart and Tongue • Speak of leaders with charity, never contempt. • Refuse gossip; redirect conversations toward prayer and constructive dialogue. 2. Pray Consistently • Name elders, deacons, ministry heads in personal and family prayer. • Ask for wisdom, purity, courage, and joy for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 3. Follow Their Faithful Lead • When leaders teach or decide within the bounds of Scripture, align gladly—even if preferences differ. • Cultivate a “yes” posture; reserve “no” for clear biblical violations (Acts 5:29). 4. Offer Encouragement and Tangible Support • Express appreciation verbally and in writing. • Meet practical needs: meals, childcare, or skilled help during busy seasons. 5. Engage Biblically When Concerns Arise • Approach leaders privately and respectfully (Matthew 18:15). • Listen first, present Scripture, seek mutual understanding. • If unresolved and serious, involve impartial, mature witnesses, maintaining humility. 6. Model Submission for the Next Generation • Teach children and new believers why God places authority in the church. • Celebrate decisions that display faithfulness, showing that structure is a gift, not a burden. The Blessing That Follows Obedience • Unity grows (Psalm 133:1). • Leaders serve with joy, not groaning (Hebrews 13:17), multiplying spiritual fruit. • Outsiders see God’s order and peace, drawing them to Christ (John 13:35). Taking the Next Step Today • Identify one way to speak life into your leaders this week. • Examine attitudes that resist authority; confess and surrender them to Christ. • Commit to praying by name for church leadership every day for the next month. |
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