How To Recognize A Spiritual Leader Series

How to Recognize a Spiritual Leader

Hebrew Series 12/03/14

Introduction

A. The author describes one group in the church in particular that are to be “remembered”, “those who led you”.

1. Guiding/leading men/spiritual leaders at the local church/assembly.

a. Where ever Paul went, he founded local churches & ordained qualified believers to lead those assemblies.

Acts 14:23 (NASB) When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Titus 1:5 (NASB) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you

aa. “Saints, Bishops (Elders) & Deacons”

Philippians 1:1 (NASB) Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons

b. The member were instructed to do four things in response to the leaders God put over them.

aa. Remember them:

Hebrews 13:7 (NASB) Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

To be mindful of, think of, feel for: It’s possible that some of their leaders were dead; honor the dead.

bb. Imitate their faith:

Hebrews 13:7 (NASB) Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

The leaders were not preaching to return to the Temple, Priestly Worship — Jesus is the same yesterday, today & forever.

cc. Obey & Submit to them:

Hebrews 13:17 (NASB) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

When a servant of God is in the will of God, teaching the Word of God, the people of God should submit & obey. (Doesn’t mean the Pastor is a dictator - nor does he’s simply holding an office: both are dangerous.

dd. Greet All your Leaders:

Hebrews 13:24 (NASB) Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

Show affection, every Christian should be on speaking terms with his/her Pastor — never allow the “root of bitterness” to grow in your heart because it will poison you & hurt the whole church.

Hebrews 12:15 (NASB) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

2. Each member of the local body has an important/essential role to fill, it is also true that God has ordained spiritual leaders in the church.

a. Where people permit the pastors/elders to lead, there is usually blessing/growth.

aa. Not talking about high-handed, egotistical dictatorship

bb. But true spiritual leadership — That’s God’s pattern for church.

b. One day every Pastor will have to give an account of his ministry to the Lord, and he wants to do it with joy.

c. A disobedient/trouble-making/antagonist will find on that day that the results of their disobedience/trouble making are unprofitable, not for their Pastor, but for his/herself.

B. Hebrews 13:17 (NASB) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

It’s easier to “win souls” then to “watch over souls”.

1. Some ministries see their work as to preach/run the programs.

a. No Shepard’s heart, tenderness, vested interest in his flock.

b. Some do it for the money - run when danger is near

John 10:11-14 (NASB) 11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 "He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 "He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,

2. When a shepherd is faithful to watch for souls, it is important that the sheep obey him.

a. How do you know the kind of man to follow?

aa. In the last century we have seen Jim Jones, David Koresh.

bb. Day of distorted or compromised truth.

b. Who/what should we look for in a spiritual leader?

I. The Marks of a Spiritual Leader

Hebrews 13:7 (NASB) Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.