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people coming and fellowshipping with us in something we call “church”. We are happy they come every
week to listen to our learned messages. Granted, these messages may be of real value in their lives but
finally what we teach must materially change their lives. It must draw them so close to the Lord they
begin to think in terms of what they can do both with Him and for Him. They begin to learn what it is to
“sit in His presence”.
One of the greatest weaknesses of the church is the concept of “clergy” and “laity”. Men who love to
be called “pastor” just enhance this mistaken concept in the church. Granted the church is supposed to
have apostolic leadership as noted in Ephesians chapter 4 where it lists the five ministries of apostle,
prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. [Ephesians 4:11 - 12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the
work of ministry,”] However, we must see the purpose of these gift ministries which is plainly shown in
verse 12 - “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry,” So then, the saints (members of His
body, that is, members of the church) are to do the work of ministry. These leaders are there to equip them
to do just that.
So often leaders twist their role in the church to that of being overlords, rulers of people for their own
purposes, to build their own kingdom. Some in leadership find their fulfillment in having people sit at
their feet and listen to them, in having people to direct for their own purposes, in having people to rule
over. What sin! What evil! I find men in both Africa and in America whose greatest joy is being called
“pastor” or “apostle” or “prophet”. We have taken on titles which the Lord forbade us to do.
Matthew 23:6ff “They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the
synagogues, 7greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 8But you, do
not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
9Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in
heaven. 10And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11But
he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whoever exalts himself
will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
And so those who do this have built themselves their own kingdom in violation of Christ’s direct
command. And they look upon the sheep as someone to sit and watch and listen to great oratory on the
word of God, someone to idolize them, the great leader!! But the Lord Himself warns that those who do
that will be humbled and so often that is exactly what happens. Such leaders are there for a while, and
then we find them falling into sin and disappearing.
So my brother, make it your aim to lead, to guide, to direct; all for the love of Christ, all for His glory.
Make it your purpose to aid men in finding their calling by the Lord Himself, to discover their gifts, and
then to assist them in putting those gifts to work to fulfill the work of the Lord. Never mind if you ever
have some special name or place. The Lord is your reward. Let Him reward you in His own good time
and in His own way. Make it your aim to please Him just as Jesus made it His aim to please the Father in
all things.
And so I bid you my very best.
Rene
*****End of Lesson*****
week to listen to our learned messages. Granted, these messages may be of real value in their lives but
finally what we teach must materially change their lives. It must draw them so close to the Lord they
begin to think in terms of what they can do both with Him and for Him. They begin to learn what it is to
“sit in His presence”.
One of the greatest weaknesses of the church is the concept of “clergy” and “laity”. Men who love to
be called “pastor” just enhance this mistaken concept in the church. Granted the church is supposed to
have apostolic leadership as noted in Ephesians chapter 4 where it lists the five ministries of apostle,
prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. [Ephesians 4:11 - 12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the
work of ministry,”] However, we must see the purpose of these gift ministries which is plainly shown in
verse 12 - “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry,” So then, the saints (members of His
body, that is, members of the church) are to do the work of ministry. These leaders are there to equip them
to do just that.
So often leaders twist their role in the church to that of being overlords, rulers of people for their own
purposes, to build their own kingdom. Some in leadership find their fulfillment in having people sit at
their feet and listen to them, in having people to direct for their own purposes, in having people to rule
over. What sin! What evil! I find men in both Africa and in America whose greatest joy is being called
“pastor” or “apostle” or “prophet”. We have taken on titles which the Lord forbade us to do.
Matthew 23:6ff “They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the
synagogues, 7greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 8But you, do
not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
9Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in
heaven. 10And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11But
he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whoever exalts himself
will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
And so those who do this have built themselves their own kingdom in violation of Christ’s direct
command. And they look upon the sheep as someone to sit and watch and listen to great oratory on the
word of God, someone to idolize them, the great leader!! But the Lord Himself warns that those who do
that will be humbled and so often that is exactly what happens. Such leaders are there for a while, and
then we find them falling into sin and disappearing.
So my brother, make it your aim to lead, to guide, to direct; all for the love of Christ, all for His glory.
Make it your purpose to aid men in finding their calling by the Lord Himself, to discover their gifts, and
then to assist them in putting those gifts to work to fulfill the work of the Lord. Never mind if you ever
have some special name or place. The Lord is your reward. Let Him reward you in His own good time
and in His own way. Make it your aim to please Him just as Jesus made it His aim to please the Father in
all things.
And so I bid you my very best.
Rene
*****End of Lesson*****
