The Kingdom of God, Then: Session 5 – Watchful Leaders

Notes:

Watchful Leaders    See Session Slides Here

‘Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming’ (Matt.24:42). ‘Watch’ is used frequently throughout the New Testament. E.g. Matt.25:13; 26:38,40,41;  1 Pet.5:8; Rev.3:2). It means to stay awake and be spiritually alert, especially in the light of the coming of the Lord.

Matt.24:45-47. Jesus’ exhortation to watchfulness turns to church leaders. Christ is the Lord of the household of faith, Heb.3:5-6. He has left his house in the care of his servants, Heb.13:7. They are to be watchful, Heb.13:17. How do they do this?

  • By feeding God’s people on the Word, Acts 20:20.
  • Food in due season, Mark 4:33; John 16:12. The greatest need for God’s people is firm foundations.
  • Faithfulness in this will lead to greater responsibilities in the next age, Lk.19:17&19;  1 Pet.5:4.
  • Matt. 24:48-49. There is a danger that the Lord’s apparent delay will lead to bullying those in their care.

What is the difference between righteous authority and authoritarianism?

  • Righteous authority is divinely appointed leadership within the family, church and society for the purpose of ordering life on earth. All biblical authority is delegated by God. No one has inherent authority over another. He is exercising God’s authority, for God’s purpose, i.e. edification, 1 Cor.3:5.
  • Its purpose is to build up, not tear down, 2 Cor.10:8; 13:10.
  • Its character is to appeal, not command, 2 Cor.1:24;  2 Cor.10:1&2;  2 Tim.4:2.
  • Righteous authority is characterized by voluntary submission to loving leadership. Those who lead are not to demand mindless submission, nor attempt to violate the conscience of others.
  • Authoritarianism is the corruption of authority, attempting to usurp control of another person’s life by demanding unquestioned submission. Submission is something given, not taken. If it’s taken its control.
  • Control robs a person of the freedom that Christ purchased for them with His own blood, Gal.5:1.
  • Whilst everyone is subject to righteous authority, no one should come under the unrighteous control.

How does authoritarianism manifest itself?

  • By intimidation, i.e. using authority, aggression, threats, power, blackmail, etc. to force one’s will on another person.
  • By legalism. Legalists use guilt to manipulate others into unquestioned submission. Legalism always pulls in the opposite direction to the cross. It says that the cross is not enough. People need rules and regulations. The moment we come under a system of rules we cease to be Christ-dependent and become dependent upon the person who gave us the rules.

God has set up a system of checks and balances to ensure that submissive relationships do not become abusive. Everyone who has authority must themselves be in submission to others. No one should ever be called upon to submit to another who is not submitted to godly authority.

True spiritual authority is characterized by:

1) A servant heart, Matt.20:25-26.

2) A gentle spirit, 1 Thes.2:7.

3) An exemplary life, 1 Cor.11:1;  1 Pet.5:2-3; Phil.3:17). It is example that truly influences, 1 Tim.4:12.