How can we discern true from false zeal in church leaders today? Setting the Context • Galatians is Paul’s urgent call for believers to remain anchored in the pure gospel of grace. • In 4:17 he warns: “They zealously court you, but not for your good; they want to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.” • The verse exposes a timeless problem: leaders who appear passionate, yet aim to draw disciples after themselves rather than after Christ. Spotting Counterfeit Zeal • Self-Serving Motive – “They want to alienate you… so that you may be zealous for them.” – Compare Acts 20:30: “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.” • Selective or Twisted Use of Scripture – 2 Corinthians 4:2 condemns those who “distort the word of God.” • Appeal to Exclusivity and Dependence – Creating an “us vs. them” culture; you need their brand of teaching to be truly spiritual. • Outward Show, Inward Corruption – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 describes “false apostles” who masquerade as servants of righteousness. • Lack of Sacrificial Love – John 10:12-13 contrasts the hired hand who flees when trouble comes with the true shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Marks of Genuine Zeal in Leaders • Centered on Christ, Not Themselves – Philippians 1:20: “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” • Anchored in Sound Doctrine – Titus 2:1: “But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.” • Motivated by Love for People – 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.” • Transparent Character and Lifestyle – 1 Timothy 3:2-7 sets measurable, observable qualifications. • Produces Spiritual Fruit in Others – Matthew 7:16: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Willingness to Be Corrected by Scripture – Acts 18:26 shows Apollos humbly receiving clearer teaching. Practical Discernment Steps for Today 1. Examine Teaching Closely – Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” 2. Observe Relationships – Do leaders cultivate dependency or equip believers to grow in Christ? (Ephesians 4:11-13) 3. Assess Fruit Over Time – Consistency, repentance when wrong, and growth in congregational holiness reveal authentic zeal. 4. Test Motives in Finances and Recognition – 1 Peter 5:2: “Shepherd… not for dishonest gain, but willingly.” 5. Seek Confirming Voices – Wisdom comes “with many counselors” (Proverbs 11:14). 6. Pray for Discernment and Compare with Scripture – James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask. Encouragement to Watch and Stand Firm True zeal will always magnify Christ, align with the whole counsel of God’s Word, and build up the body in love. By holding leaders—and ourselves—against these scriptural standards, we safeguard the church from flashy enthusiasm that ultimately serves human agendas and embrace passion that flows from—and leads back to—the Lord Jesus alone. |
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