ii

Egoless Elders

How to Cultivate Church Leaders to Handle Church Conflicts

By

Michael Cannon Loehrer

iii

Pastor Mike’s book probes every area of our ego with God’s Word, clearly revealing how

we can think and act like Jesus in the real rubs of church life. His prayer prompters and

discussion questions at the end of each chapter are most helpful in developing the heart of

Christ’s under-shepherds. Mike Albin, Senior Pastor, Living Hope Church, Oregon City, OR

Spiritually functional churches reflect spiritually healthy leadership. Mike develops how

we live in an ego driven age often basing identity on individual success rather than being

a new creation in Christ. Egoless Elders is a well researched biblical tool for cultivating

church leadership. Dr. Ross Banister, Addictions Counselor & Chaplain, First United Church, Vancouver BC

Though intended for church leadership, the principles of Egoless Elders apply to ALL

believers in Jesus Christ. As a pastor/teacher, I am compelled to cultivate an egoless

persona. Mike graciously gives careful attention to our Biblical need for the true

development of Christ-like humility. Chuck Deveau, Men of Messiah Ministries, La Quinta, CA

Egoless Elders captures both the character God desires for His servants as well as the

journey He requires for their spiritual maturity, vividly painting a picture in a most

understandable manner to a culture addicted to self, even within the church of the Lord

Jesus Christ. Robert Doleshal, Senior Pastor, Desert View Baptist Church, Gilbert, AZ

Egoless Elders is a must-have resource for pastors and churches intent on living-out

biblical leadership. This book skillfully provides the focus and tools for those willing to

look in the mirror and realign their heart and character with the truth of God’s Word. Bob DuPar, Senior Pastor, Community Bible Church, Ventura, CA

Profound! An excellent resource for restoring Biblical integrity to the realm of servant-

leadership! I am pleased to mention Egoless Elders as a resource in the second printing of

my Titus Task Force Manual; only wish I had it for the first! This will help us Intentional

Interim Pastors accomplish our mission to “set in order what remains by training

/appointing elders in every city.” (Titus 1:5) George Fraser, Founder, Titus Task Force International, Bakersfield, CA

I enthusiastically endorse Dr. Loehrer’s book. He points out the path and the pitfalls of

church leadership. Anyone in any leadership capacity would benefit by embracing the

challenges and the cautions of Egoless Elders. It is biblical, logical and practical; a

necessary read. Roy C. Frink, Founder, International Discipleship Literature, Corsicana, TX

In Egoless Elders, Mike captures and communicates the essence of the simple yet

profound truth of biblical church leadership: seek to serve others in the Spirit of Christ.

This book is not only a wonderful resource for Christian leaders, but for all who believe

in and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. George Grimshaw, Elder, High Desert Bible Church, California City, CA

iv

Mike’s book is of great help to elders working with a pastor and church staff. Having

been a pastor who often got into conflict with my elders and deacons, this would have

been greatly helpful for me as a pastor, just to see what is possible. Mark Littleton ,Gladstone, MO, author of “The Ten-Second Prayer Principle", Howard Books

My husband was a senior pastor for many years. Even hearing the word “elder” sends

shivers down my spine, for we suffered greatly from ego-driven elders. I am delighted

that Mike Loehrer is biting a very hard bullet in order to address this subject. Egoless

Elders will bring perspective to many a decent but discouraged servant of the Lord. Mrs. Ted (Jo) Stone, Family Life Resources, Tehachapi, CA

Pastor Mike’s soundly Biblical, thoughtfully theological, and profoundly practical

leadership reflections reveal wisdom from a seasoned leadership veteran in Christ’s

Church. Every leadership team has something to gain from these keen insights. Rev. Dr. Russ Veenker BCPC, Clinical Director, Mountain Learning Center, June Lake, CA

v

Egoless Elders Copyright © 2011 Michael Cannon Loehrer. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by

any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations

embodied in critical articles or printed reviews, without prior written permission of the publisher.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version®

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Select scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright

© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Select scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV® Copyright ©

2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights

reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007.

vi

DEDICATION

This is dedicated to Paula, my beloved wife of forty years and mother of our ten

children, who incidentally made this manuscript much more readable. Her joyful service

is remarkable, and her willingness to continue serving after people mistreat her is highly

exceptional; I know! May her impact on the world, through her descendants, her friends

and those she inspires, extend unhindered to the far reaches of the earth to the glory of

Jesus Christ!

vii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First, I would like to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, who has graciously

allowed these thoughts to find print. Then I would like to mention Rob Jones, chairman

of our church board, who joyously urged us to become egoless elders. Next I would like

to thank Kevin Boesler, senior pastor of Bear Valley Church, who encouraged me to

write little prayer prompters for our elders, assigning the responsibility that allowed me

the time to accomplish the task.

Further, I would like to acknowledge those who mentored me in pastoral ministry

during my formative years: Jim Maxson, Bud Hopkins and Mike Albin, pastors all. These

men impacted my life in immeasurable ways, all of which contributed to this work. Also

I would like to recognize those who reviewed this manuscript prior to publication. Their

names are found with their endorsements. Their helpful comments and encouragement

also brought this effort to completion.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge that very little of what I have written below

was learned without personal failure sifted through Scripture—admitted openly, resisted

in faith, forsaken through obedience—with wisdom gained by rejoicing through trials and

earnest prayer in the Spirit. Oh that I would have spared others the pain it cost them to

learn my lessons well. Truly, mine is one pathetic life. Nevertheless, glory to God for His

great grace to me in Christ!

Michael Cannon Loehrer

December 23, 2011

viii

FOREWORD

In the summer of 1971, Paula, the daughter of dear friends, Paul and Lelda

Lawhead, brought her new husband, Michael Loehrer, to the Savior’s Community

Church where I served as pastor. I was thrilled! Paula’s parents had recently led him to

receive Christ as his Savior and Lord. He was a student in the university across the street

from the church. Almost immediately, his gentle spirit and bright mind, which shine

throughout this book, were in clear evidence. Over the next couple of years, Michael’s

hunger to know God and His Word brought joy to all around him, as he enrolled and

excelled in our church leadership-training institute.

God would soon mold this kind and caring couple further by the early death of

Billy, their firstborn son. We prayed and cried together numerous times through the

episode. I witnessed these young parents drawing closer to each other but also moving

more deeply into a unique and profound understanding of God’s love, sovereignty, and

wisdom, as they rocked and cuddled their precious baby over the final few months of his

life. Billy succumbed to his incurable neurological disease two weeks before his first

birthday.

Michael and Paula learned that Billy inherited his disorder genetically and

discovered that they were destined to face their child-bearing years under a dark cloud of

doom. Each additional child might arrive with the same birth defect. They determined to

trust God’s mercy over the years and He graciously gave them nine more children, taking

only one other to Himself with the dreaded affliction. Through this seemingly endless

exercise of faith, they learned to deny themselves with an egoless Christ-likeness,

embracing His will and releasing their own.

The author employs the tools of a master wordsmith connecting abstract concepts

rarely understood or even seen in print which enable the reader to digest a plain and

simple feast. Our writer also offers keen insight into the Scriptures as well as the subtle

conditions of the human heart. This material develops into a marvelous progression

where all the parts merge into orderliness free of chaos. Unsurprisingly, our ‘conflict

resolution’ expert employed this winsome writing skill in his first book, How to Change

a Rotten Attitude,1 which is popular in another arena, that of public education.

Thus, God has honored Michael and Paula highly with unbelievable wisdom and

insights, many of which are left on the pages to follow. This little book is an answer to

prayer for every chairperson seeking to unify the board when it appears to be a corral of

wild mustangs on the verge of a stampede. God has created a precious jewel from their

unusual family angst, as an oyster yields a pearl from a granule of sand. Since this book

exalts Jesus Christ like the noon-day sun, it can transform a testy individual, perhaps like

Saul of Tarsus, or a torn board, maybe similar to a group called the Twelve.

Bud Hopkins

Dean and Professor, Emeritus

Moody Theological Seminary

Chicago

1 Michael C. Loehrer, How to Change a Rotten Attitude (Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press, 1998).

ix

Introduction

Egoless Elders…seems like a contradiction in terms, doesn’t it? Is it humanly

possible to have leaders without egos? Natural experience suggests otherwise. However,

we reside in the spiritual realm as well as in the natural world.1 Believers not only gain a

new identity in Christ, they lose their ego in Him2 and can walk by means of the Spirit of

God.3 While it is not humanly possible to live without bringing ego into everything, it is

possible for humans who believe. In fact, it’s imperative for believers, especially leaders,

to let go of ego and let God work in them to will and to do of His good pleasure.4

This little handbook began as a series of “prayer prompters.” Some time ago, our

elders set a course to make Jesus the focal point of His church, and the Chairman of the

Board suggested we become egoless elders. Exalting Jesus above ourselves is a noble

goal.5 Later, the pastors were sitting around discussing how to grow as men of faith and

prayer, and the senior pastor asked his associate to write a series of prayer prompters for

the elder meetings. So they made a list of topics and committed the work to the Lord in

prayer. Each prayer prompter was issued prior to the next elder meeting so we could

prepare our hearts in prayer. Month by month, as new installments were added, this book

unfolded.

We functionally define faith as a transfer of trust from us to God and we view

prayer as an extension of faith, asking God to do what we cannot.6 Furthermore, we

believe that the fervent prayer of righteous men becomes fully effective when we

continuously make more of Jesus and increasingly make less of ourselves. Since our

righteousness is obviously not our own but Christ’s, and since our hearts are desperately

wicked and deceitful above all things,7 we can only know our hearts when the Spirit of

God enlightens us.8 Therefore, we think egoless elders should ask, along with the

disciples of old, “Is it I?”1 as we pray for His church.

1 Acts 17:28 For in Him we live and move and have our being…. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in

Christ. 2 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the

life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 3 Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 4 Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 5 John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 6 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of

ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us

sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the

Spirit gives life. 7 Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? 8 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart

of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us

through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the

things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God

except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,

that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in

x

Along the way, each of us found it helpful to read and meditate on the prayer

prompters before our monthly meetings then to discuss them during the meetings before

spending time in prayer. Accordingly, you will find below a short chapter for each month

of the year, a set of questions to encourage discussion and, of course, suggestions for

prayer. The book is divided into four sections, each having three chapters. The first

section probes how we can rid ourselves of the burdens and baggage we bring to our

meetings. The second section presents Jesus as Head over His church and considers how

He cultivates leadership. The third section provides instruction about generating a

gracious atmosphere in church. The fourth section promotes the benefits of sacrificial

service for the growth of the church.

Elders pairing off for a time of reflection at the close of each section might prove

helpful. Included is an outline for prayerful examination, personal assessment, peer

evaluation and partner accountability. There is much in Egoless Elders that focuses

attention on getting right with God, but meetings can grow stale if elders carry bad

feelings toward their colleagues. To keep meetings fresh and vibrant, we not only need to

keep current accounts with God but also with one another. Quarterly accountability

sessions might make a difference along with an annual board peer review. It’s certainly

not the only way to implement this book and likely not the best way, but it is one way,

and you might find it helpful.

Please permit the relegating of Scripture quotations to footnotes. Many elders will

mentally cross-reference a multitude of passages automatically while reading. Footnotes

allow them to proceed without interruption. An unabbreviated reference in bold print at

the beginning of the footnote quickly orients others at a glance to the author’s train of

thought. Those lacking familiarity or those wanting to refresh their memory or those

wanting to reflect on the implications of a passage can find a full citation of the Word of

God following the Scripture reference. We hope this approach will provide an acceptable

solution for all.

Finally, the intention of this handbook is to help get our human ego out of the way

so the Spirit of Grace can do His work and we can follow the Lord’s lead with a willing

heart. We are not promoting a model to follow. We not only find each congregation

different from the next but also observe them constantly changing. Not only is Jesus Lord

of the universe, Lord of our lives and Lord over all the church, He is Lord over every

local assembly.2 Leaders in every locale should continually seek His leading for His

people in that particular place at that particular time. We hope this work will inspire

many to become nothing more than faithful men of prayer who will humbly seek to

follow Jesus step by step.

words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with

spiritual. 1 Matthew 26:21-22 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray

Me.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 2 See Revelation 2:1-3:22 where Jesus exercised intimate involvement and personal primacy over seven

actual churches of Asia Minor.

xi

Table of Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ ix

Section One: Baggage and Burdens................................................................................. 1

Chapter One: WORLDLY WISDOM .......................................................................................2

Chapter Two: PERSONAL POWER.........................................................................................7

Chapter Three: PRIDE OF PERFORMANCE...........................................................................12

Section Reflections: SUBTLETIES OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS .............................................17

Section Two: Lordship and Leadership........................................................................ 20

Chapter Four: SEEKING BY SURRENDERING.......................................................................21

Chapter Five: DISCERNING GOD’S DIRECTION ..................................................................27

Chapter Six: READINESS TO RESPOND ...............................................................................32

Section Reflections: KEEPING COMMUNICATION CONTINUAL...........................................36

Section Three: Generating Graciousness...................................................................... 39

Chapter Seven: A GRACIOUS JOURNEY .............................................................................40

Chapter Eight: ALTERING THE ATMOSPHERE.....................................................................45

Chapter Nine: CHALLENGING THE GRACELESS..................................................................51

Section Reflections: GUARDIANS OF GRACE .....................................................................58

Section Four: Sacrificial Service.................................................................................... 61

Chapter Ten: DOLLARS TO DOMINANCE ............................................................................62

Chapter Eleven: WILLINGNESS AND REWARDS .................................................................68

Chapter Twelve: ALL ABOUT OTHERS ...............................................................................74

Section Reflections: COURAGEOUS COLLEGIALITY ........................................................... 79

Conclusion.........................................................................................................................83

Scripture Index ..................................................................................................................85

Subject Index.....................................................................................................................89

1

Section One

Baggage and Burdens

2

Chapter One

WORLDLY WISDOM

CARRYING BAGGAGE INTO MEETINGS

A Sense of Self-importance

“Who do you think you are?” My pastor’s words stung my soul. I was a new

Christian, in my mid-twenties, and…full of myself. I had been to war. I had recently

married, and was now finishing college. More important to me, I had just been appointed

to serve as a deacon in our little community church. Yet, with a twinkle in his eye, a wry

grin, and a simple question, he boldly challenged my arrogant self-will. I’m guessing, but

I think three things produce worldly wisdom: any amount of intelligence, any level of

experience and…an over-riding sense of self-importance. At least that’s what I brought

into play back then.

Others might have encouraged my youthful zeal, thinking it spiritual. Serving the

Lord in self-effort can seem spiritual to those less discerning. Thank God He brought

someone into my life to firmly yet gently set me straight from the start! Don’t get me

wrong, I still make plenty of poor decisions, but now I know why and, more importantly,

I know how to make spiritual adjustments by walking and rejoicing in the Spirit.1 I’ll

never forget what this personable pastor said next, “God is not impressed with your best

idea, nor is He interested in what you see as the right way of doing things.” And he

proved it from Scripture, “…God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to

shame the wise….”2 It appears so foolish to the world to walk in childlike faith in all

gentleness and lowliness while rejoicing whatever the outcome may be.

It seemed so senseless to me back then to say we can trust neither our ideas nor

our ways. So I asked him how in the world we could determine what God wants us to do.

He simply explained—from that passage—that God teaches believers, Spirit to spirit,

how to have the mind of Christ. There are smart people, there are seasoned people, and

there are spiritual people. Rarely do all three come together in one person; and never

without the Spirit of God. Native intelligence and worldly experience can confound the

process of determining the mind of Christ. Moreover—and I’m guessing again—smart

and seasoned people are most commonly sought to fill the office of elder. Can church

people confuse worldly wisdom with spirituality? Look around…what say you?

1 Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Luke 10:21 In

that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You

have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it

seemed good in Your sight. 2 1 Corinthians 1:27.

3

Education and Experience

Those highly educated more readily favor the “best idea” and their eagerness to

implement such ideas can even convince them they have the mind of Christ. Sadly, it’s

quite likely that a board of elders could easily accept the best idea while completely

missing the Lord’s leading. What is true of smart people is also true of seasoned seniors.

They also face problems when seeking the mind of Christ. Those with a lot of experience

become convinced they know the “right way” to do things and they are so eager to spare

others from the problems they encountered in order to gain their experience, they would

oddly offer them direction but spare them the trials that build the character needed to seek

wisdom from God.

Yet the ideas and experiences of the worldly wise are no match for issues arising

from everyday life in the local church. Pooling ideas in search of the best or filtering

situations through human experience in hope of determining the right course of action,

not only leads to long discussions and endless strife among elders, but pushes the mind of

Christ far from their consciousness. Working with God requires walking with God. The

Lord’s ideas always include His involvement, and His ways are always situation specific.

No amount of cosmic intelligence or human experience is equal to that!

Recall the account of Ahithophel. His counsel seemed to the leaders of the people

like the “oracle of God,”1 and—humanly speaking—it was sound advice but the Lord

Himself “purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel.”2 It was in fact the best idea

around but his murderous plan was far from the will of God. God remains unimpressed

with man’s best ideas! Moreover, recall the proverbs of Solomon, “There is a way that

seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”3 God remains uninterested in the

way that seems right to a man.

But if elders lay aside their intelligence and experience, what’s left…choosing a

senseless idea or the wrong way of doing things? Obviously not, though following God’s

directions may seem senseless or wrong to the worldly wise! God’s directive for Naaman

to wash seven times in the Jordan to cure his leprosy seems so senseless.4 God’s directive

for Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac seems so wrong.5 It seems easy for some today to

dismiss the Bible, thinking modern man is somehow smarter or people of old were

simply naive.

1 2 Samuel 16:23 Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at

the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. 2 2 Samuel 17:14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better

than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the

intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom. 3 Both Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 state this same thing. 4 2 Kings 5:10-12 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times,

and your flesh shall be restored to you….” But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “…Are

not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? 5 Genesis 22:1-2 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him,

“Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you

love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which

I shall tell you.”

4

Nevertheless, the Bible cautions, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are

your ways My ways, says the LORD.”1 If God cares neither for man’s ideas nor his ways,

how do we discern His leading? To reiterate, discernment requires the mind of

Christ…and we get that by comparing spiritual things with things spiritual as the Spirit of

God teaches.2 Such “spirit-comparing” requires hiding God’s Word in our hearts

3 and

meditating on it,4 so we can cross-reference the truth when the Spirit prompts in prayer.

5

Distinguishing Sources of Wisdom

How then can we distinguish man’s wisdom from God’s wisdom? Scripture states

plainly that earthly wisdom starts with self-seeking and ends with strife.6 Conversely,

heavenly wisdom stems from personal purity and produces peace.7 If you detect self-

seeking, you can expect strife, and if you detect purity, you can expect peace. In short,

godly wisdom does good deeds in deference to others. “Is anyone wise and understanding

among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are in the meekness of

wisdom.”8

Now then, those highly educated with vast experience should not feel discouraged

or disqualified. Intelligence and experience are not really the problem. The subtlety of

combining these things with a sense of self-importance is the problem. Those who have

intelligence and experience are often like the child who holds a hammer looking for

something to pound. Those who come to consider such things as spiritual rubbish, as Paul

did,9 will cry out for the wisdom from above, which God pledges to give generously

without shame for asking.10 This begins when we cease confusing worldly wisdom with

the mind of Christ as the Spirit of God convicts us.

So, personally, I’m glad a courageous pastor confronted my self-seeking ways in

my younger years. I’m grateful he challenged me to seek the mind of Christ and reject

confidence in human intelligence and experience. It’s been nearly forty years now since

the day God mightily used that man in my life. Yet I still do not inherently have enough

experience or intelligence to grasp the significance of what God is doing in the moment; I

still have enough arrogance to be captivated by worldly wisdom; and I still need to be

1 Isaiah 55:9 The next verse emphasizes, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways

higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 2 1 Corinthians 2:13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the

Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 3 Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! 4 Psalm 119:148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word. 5 Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 6 James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the

truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-

seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 7 James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,

full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is

sown in peace by those who make peace. 8 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works

are done in the meekness of wisdom. 9 Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also

count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered

the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. 10 James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives …liberally and without reproach.

5

challenged by godly men to seek the mind of Christ. How great would be the cost to the

church if elders carry the baggage of ruling by worldly wisdom into their meetings?

6

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• How can spiritual people offer their perspective in light of their education and experience?

• How would you challenge self-importance in someone who struggles with it?

• How do you spiritually adjust to arrogance when you find it in your own life?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray against placing confidence in human intelligence and experience.

• Pray for the ability to distinguish the wisdom from above from the wisdom from beneath.

• Pray for the calm courage to challenge the worldly wise in the meekness and gentleness of Jesus.

7

Chapter Two

PERSONAL POWER

THE COST OF ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE

Considering the Cost

We’ve imagined together the great expense of carrying the baggage of worldly

wisdom into elder meetings. Just as airlines charge for extra luggage there is also added

cost for carrying personal power into elder meetings. In the last chapter we stressed that

God is neither impressed with human ideas nor interested in ways that seem right to

man.1 In the same vein, God does not need the might of man to accomplish His

purposes.2 Yet, before we can consider what being mighty means, we would do well to

muse for a moment over the high cost of lugging personal power into elder meetings.

Appointing mighty men to serve as elders might seem good at first glance.

Imagine their commanding presence, how they could control the agenda and power their

way through problems, how they would intimidate the wishy-washy, and how they might

inspire others to greatness. Whether through age or appearance, money or magnetism,

size or strength, men of might would dominate the discussion! It seems natural for men of

such magnitude to gravitate to the office, and even more natural to let them have it, but is

it God’s will to let such men have their way among His people?

Certainly, the human heart thrills to the strong leader but we would do well to

wonder how the high and mighty would impact the church? If a leader rules with the self-

seeking worldly wisdom that generates strife,3 imagine the conflict if he were also a man

of might. Moreover, if there were more than one such man on the board, the result would

be disruptive factions or a dominant power block. Which would you prefer: a group of

power cliques or a monolithic institution; neither?

The Meaning of Mighty

What, then, does it mean to be mighty? The NIV4 renders mighty as “strong.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon indicates that mighty speaks of those who exert influence over

1 Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 2 1Corinthians 1:26-29 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not

many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to

shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are

mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things

which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 3 James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the

truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-

seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 4 The Holy Bible, New International Version.

8

others by their rank, authority and riches.1 This is the power to influence people or

control the outcome of circumstances because of the attainment of worldly status, or the

ability to achieve, or the capacity to accumulate wealth. While pondering this, we might

also consider what impact the mighty have on the weak (feeble, helpless), those who are

base (lowly, insignificant), the despised (of no account, contemptible), which are the ones

God prefers to use. Do power people see the meek and lowly as feeble, insignificant, and

despicable?

The reason God prefers to use the lowly over the mighty is so that no one can

boast before Him.2 Yet ironically Jesus demonstrated that His incredible miraculous

power came from His lowliness, which was central to His character, and He thanked His

Father for intentionally hiding it from the power players.3 The mighty just cannot grasp

how real power comes to the meek and lowly. In fact God designed this arrangement to

shame the mighty.4

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon commented about our earthly setting. He

observed that natural advantages could not be worked to the advantage of those who were

advantaged.5 He concluded that this arrangement forced everyone to face a life of futility

so that the advantaged could not “game the system” and thwart God’s plan. Paul

explained that the reason God reduced the world to the frustration of futility was because

He planned for His children to liberate creation from the effects of the curse.6 James

clarified how God intended to reverse the natural order of things. He maintained that

1 Joseph Henry Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan

Publishing House, 1970), 158-160. 2 1 Corinthians 1:29 …that no flesh should glory in His presence. 3 Matthew 11:25-29 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so,

Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one

knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom

the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for

your souls.” 4 1 Corinthians 1:27 God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are

mighty. 5 Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the

strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and

chance happen to them all. 6 Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected

it in hope; Genesis 3:14-19 So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are

cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall

eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed

and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” To the woman He said: “I will

greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall

be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the

voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of

it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and

thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall

eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall

return.”

9

joyful endurance through trials would produce character that would find its strength in

faith.1

Undue Influence

I’m thinking that God carries a similar concern for the Church that He expressed

at the Tower of Babel; people will use their collective power to control their lives and

find no need for a faith relationship with their Maker. Whenever people gather, those

mighty among them create a dynamic that controls the outcome for the rest. What

happens with the world could also happen in the church. God does not call many mighty

because of undue influence on the common people of faith as they gather together but

before we examine the influence of the mighty in the church, it would help to identify

them.

So, how do those strong in the flesh look in everyday life? We readily observe

those who are loud and proud, those who are large and in charge, those who are fierce

and forceful. However, don’t we all subtly carry these traits to some extent? Moreover,

males frequently fail to detect these tendencies in themselves because they admire the

personal power and presence of the mighty. This potentially makes all elders secretly

influential for the enemy. Even if we mentally make these scriptural distinctions in our

minds, we often fail to make application. Consequently, we lug these notions with us into

elder meetings at the expense of God’s people.

There are other ways the mighty gain undue influence than their own personal

power. Enemy spirits tempt the lowly to take pride in them. Even lowly leaders can

design appealing ways to attract the mighty because they admire them. Churches which

intentionally or incidentally attract power players change the percentage of strong

personalities in the local assembly. The lure of leadership can also concentrate power

players on the board and shift the balance of influence between the meek and lowly and

the movers and shakers creating a powerful atmosphere that dominates decision making.

Humans love to live off the atmosphere that “many mighty” produce. Such

rarified air affects even the lowly; they try to become mighty in their own strength. The

goal of the Lord in a believer’s life is that we take and learn of Him, for He is “meek and

lowly.”2 Yet if God chooses the weak and the meek to bring to nothing the strong and the

mighty, then we could wonder why He would choose any mighty at all. However, if we

could not observe how God subdues the mighty, we would miss the lesson He wants us to

learn. He brings the mighty low, as He exalts the lowly, so both can wear the crown of

life.3

1 James 1:2-8 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of

your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without

reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a

wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything

from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 2 Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls. 3 James 1:9-12 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a

flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the

grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his

10

Sources of Power

What does God have against the mighty? Perhaps it’s the notion that “might

makes right,” which usually translates into bullying. All ages can bully. The only

difference between a schoolyard bully and an international terrorist is the size of the

person and the extent of the playing field. The attitudes are identical: If I am powerful

enough, I can do whatever I please. Imagine the damage done to the work of God if

elders bring such an attitude to an elder meeting! We should shift our focus from force of

personality to the compelling character of Christ: meek and lowly.

Scripture presents an interesting paradox that helps clarify the issues before us.

On the one hand we find “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD

of hosts,”1 but on the other hand we read “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of

power and of love and of a sound mind.”2 Ironically the Lord tells us life is not to be lived

by power, but by His Spirit; but then, strangely enough, He turns right around and gives

us a spirit of power. We can only conclude that the issue is not power, but the source of

power.

So why do some prefer their own power? They want to run their own railroad, or

steer their own steam-roller! They want to seize the initiative from the gentle. They want

to use their resources to control the outcome and force their will upon others. However,

when we deny our power, God gives us His. One day God will separate those who relied

on their own power from those who found power in Him.3 Would we want to be caught

playing Monopoly with God’s church? The church that tolerates then cultivates many

mighty, will initially face humiliation by God and then will ultimately fade away from

God in its own pursuits.

pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the

crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 1 Zechariah 4:6. 2 2 Timothy 1:7. 3 Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He

will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them

one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right

hand, but the goats on the left.

11

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• Why do people have problems handling power?

• What influence does God want on the board of His church?

• What should egoless elders do when one of them pulls a power play?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that we would realize the subtle tendencies of personal power.

• Pray that joyful endurance through trials would produce Christ’s character in us.

• Pray for the Spirit’s power, love and a sound mind over worldly wisdom and personal power.

12

Chapter Three

PRIDE OF PERFORMANCE

ONE-DOWNMANSHIP

Weary in Well-doing

Suppose we dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom and leave the extra

luggage of personal power behind. Where would that leave us? Well, if we let the Spirit

of Christ lead, it would leave us walking in meekness and lowliness, in gentleness and

humility and in the calm confidence of faith. What would we call this? Perhaps we could

call it egoless eldering, if we didn’t mind butchering the Queen’s English. We might also

recognize that this would leave us rejecting the professional performance so typical of

elite eldering, which we naturally admire.

Elite eldering has a secret component: one-upmanship. Since we no longer use

this term commonly today, consider how a proud person always has a better story to tell,

a better idea to implement, a better course of action to take—this is one-upmanship! Then

think of how we all like to feed our egos. We like to be important, to feel significant, and

to secure the admiration of others. If we recognize this in ourselves, we might even find

ourselves musing, “I don’t have to be the very best, just a little better.” Accordingly, we

dampen our pride to mask it from ourselves, so that when comparing ourselves with those

around us we would only have to be a little bit better, which we find easily excusable.

Yet, if we would take the time to ponder, we would realize that almost all people

never really encounter the very best, except perhaps at the Olympics. The result is that all

the rest of us can secretly feel like the best locally, if only we could be a little bit better

than those immediately around us—like the proverbial big fish in a small pond. Such

workings in our souls, often subliminal, establish elite eldering, for which we need the

bulky baggage of worldly wisdom and the extra luggage of personal power. Such burdens

become heavy to bear in the weakness of self-effort. They leave us spiritually weary in

well-doing,1 secretly striving to be better and better,

2 as well as physically and

emotionally exhausted!

1 Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit

will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we

shall reap if we do not lose heart. 2 Luke 22:19-28 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My

body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper,

saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of My

betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that

man by whom He is betrayed!” Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who

would do this thing. Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered

the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who

exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is

greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he

13

One-downmanship

Egoless eldering also has a secret ingredient: one-downmanship, which is not a

sorry attempt at self-deprecation. Instead, we actually prefer others above ourselves when

encouraged by the Spirit of Jesus.1 This kind of leadership begins with a deep, Spirit-

prompted desire2 that senses no need to selfishly clutch and control, no need to contrive

and scheme, jockey for position, or politic behind closed doors. We find peace and rest in

the continual filling of the Holy Spirit, conducting ourselves in mutual submission with

those of like faith, surrendering to the headship of Christ for the loving leadership of His

people.3 Egoless eldering includes taking up our crosses daily

4 to become living

sacrifices5 and to actually die daily,

6 surrendering self-will to yield our rights

7 for the

betterment of God’s people.

It’s quite interesting how “Spontaneous” Simon became “Steadfast” Peter just

from knowing Jesus.8 Yet it is downright intriguing how God’s people have tried to make

much of Peter after God worked so wonderfully to humble him. Certainly the following

proverb figures into God’s work in the life of Simon Peter: “Before destruction the heart

of a man is haughty and before honor is humility.”9 Peter thought being the greatest

would qualify him for leadership yet it would have destroyed him. To stabilize Simon

Peter for leadership God made him meek and lowly.

Simon’s force of personality actually left him like a loose cannon on a listing

ship—wild and dangerous; yet it was Peter’s compelling character in Christ which

established him as a spiritual leader. At the end of his life, Peter promoted a different

kind of leadership style: simply serving by example, as one among others, unpretentious,

who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One

who serves. But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials.” 1 Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to

one another; 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but

associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 2 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 3 Ephesians 5:18-25 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart

to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the

husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. 4 Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take

up his cross daily, and follow Me. 5 Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 6 1 Corinthians 15:31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 7 James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of

mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 8 John 21:18 “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked

where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and

carry you where you do not wish.” 9 Proverbs 18:12.

14

unassuming, not domineering, not authoritarian, not dictatorial, but humble and lowly.1

How different than his early years! How different than what some ever since have sought

to make of him.

Lowly Leadership

Recall the discussion of the disciples after the Passover dinner, after Jesus

instituted His new covenant commemoration, even after Jesus warned that one of them

would betray Him. They first humbly questioned who among them would do such a thing

but then tried to resolve the dispute by arguing who would be the greatest. The Lord took

the occasion to instruct them about human leadership and lordship. He basically taught

that natural leadership develops into lordship through one-upmanship. His heavenly

kingdom by contrast would be governed by one-downmanship; where the greatest would

behave like the youngest and the leader like the slave.2

Looking back, the Herods used one-upmanship to gain their temporal thrones then

closely clutched their earthly crowns, killing any who might threaten, whether babies or

prophets or apostles.3 Yet a future glimpse of heaven reveals that those who win spiritual

crowns will readily release them.4 What incredible irony! The reason they gain their

crowns is precisely why they return them: one-downmanship! God rewards selfless effort

done in the power of His Spirit. Recognizing this principle, heavenly elders will freely

cast their crowns at His feet as they bow in worship. The life of Jesus in us leaves us

lowly because the Spirit of Christ orients us to the needs of others, seeking how we can

serve them.

Selfish pre-occupation elevates us before others and anticipates them admiring us

for what we can do for them. For their part, people love to make much of leaders,5

providing we give them what they want.6 Ironically this seems acceptable to people when

1 1 Peter 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the

sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which

is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor

as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd

appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit

yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 2 Luke 22:26. 3 Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry;

and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from

two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Matthew

14:10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched

out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 4 Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all

things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” 5 Acts 14:11, 14-15, 18 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in

the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” … But when the

apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out

and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and

preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God....” And with these sayings

they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. 6 Acts 14:19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they

stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

15

God is removed from their consciousness. Leaders who make much of themselves

diminish the deity of Christ. Truth be told, when we elevate ourselves and thrill to the

praise of people, we rob Jesus of the glory He alone deserves.1 This is the essence of elite

eldering. How can we reverse this in our churches? Only in the Spirit and power of Jesus

through one-downmanship can egoless eldering deal a deathblow to the pride of

professional performance.

1 Revelation 5:11-12 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living

creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of

thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and

wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

16

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• What is the connection between trying harder in self-effort and growing weary in well-doing?

• How can one-upmanship affect discussion among elders toward the decisions they face?

• How can one-downmanship end senseless strife at an elder meeting?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray for the willingness to leave personal baggage behind.

• Pray that egoless eldering would replace elite eldering.

• Pray for the courage of conviction to make much of Jesus before others.

17

Section Reflections

SELF ASSESSMENT AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY

SUBTLETIES OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

A rancher’s reputation depends, among other things, on how readily he repairs his

fences. Neighbors will not take kindly to another rancher’s livestock grazing in their

grain field nor will they appreciate another rancher’s bull breeding their prize heifers.

Mending spiritual fences plays an equally important role among Egoless Elders.

However, leaders in the church typically focus first on doing things for God. Certainly He

deserves priority and dealing with a gracious Person is easier than dealing with a grouch.

Yet the Lord stipulates that, if we would really do something for Him, we would settle

with others first.1 Sometimes, however, we prefer to perform rather than clear accounts.

Since we so easily fool ourselves about our pathetic lives we need someone to

challenge us.2 To dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom, to leave the luggage of

personal power behind, to deal a deathblow to the pride of performance, leaders need to

be genuine with God, but this requires a reality check lest we fool ourselves. We not only

need to evaluate ourselves, we need to accept the assessment of others. The Bible teaches

that if we are real with God we will be real with one another.3 For some to really

surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ in personal matters (i.e. what He commands) and

follow His leadership in the Church (i.e. where He directs), elders need to realize the

connection between self-righteousness and spiritual perception before proceeding to the

next section.4

1 Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has

something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your

brother, and then come and offer your gift.” 2 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 4:7 For

who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did

indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 3 1 John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who

loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his

brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness

has blinded his eyes. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the

brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1 John 4:20-21 If someone says, "I love God,"

and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love

God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love

his brother also. 4 Matthew 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their

eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should

understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.

18

Tracing the connection from self-righteousness to spiritual stupor is easy when

looking at the lives of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day1 and their influence on the

disciples in the Gospels,2 but we know this only because the disciples chose to admit it

and record it. How did they get to the point of genuine humility? Assessing ourselves and

holding each other accountable keeps interpersonal relationships vital and virtuous.

Otherwise, some on the board will sense the Lord’s leading while we carry a spirit of

stupor and we will wonder why we do not see and hear from the Lord too. This could

lead to the fakery of inflated egos which grows out of self-righteousness. Confession and

prayer will preserve each elder meeting for matters that press the moment while

uprooting bitterness over issues long past.3

� Select a prayer partner from those on the board, if possible, and meet with him

regularly outside of your meetings. Prepare for the time you will spend

together by reflecting on the principles of this section through:

• Prayerful Examination4

� Search, “What does it mean to operate in the faith?”5

� Probe, “How does Jesus Christ operate in me?”6

� Test, “What qualifies/disqualifies me in serving?”7

• Personal Assessment8

1 Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I

bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of

God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the

righteousness of God. Romans 11:8 Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that

they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.” 2 Mark 8:15-18 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.... Do

you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears

do you not hear?” 3 Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness

springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. 4 2 Corinthians 13:3-9 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but

mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are

weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to

whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—

unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. Now I pray to

God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable,

though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad

when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 5 Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there

is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 6 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the

life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 7 Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant

also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be

innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in

Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. 8 1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light

and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie

and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

19

� Agree with God over sinful areas and activities in your life.1

� Distinguish incidents from characteristics in your life.2

� Prepare yourself to share what the Lord has shown you.3

� Select a mutually acceptable time and place when you can enjoy unhurried

and uninterrupted time with your prayer partner for:

• Peer Evaluation4

� Pose gracious questions and listen.5

� Accept responses at face value.6

� Refuse to jump to or force conclusions.7

• Partner Accountability8

� Contact each other, as the Spirit prompts, to question and listen.9

� Admit the faults the Lord has shown you about yourself.10

� Pray and allow time for Jesus to bring healing to your partner.11

sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and

His word is not in us. 1 Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my

transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. 2 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’” 3 Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. 4 Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and

heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who

meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My

jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern

between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened

through the deceitfulness of sin. 5 Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you

ought to answer each one. James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow

to speak, slow to wrath. 6 Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be

judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck

in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother,

‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove

the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” 7 Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For

we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 8 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 9 Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 10 Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will

have mercy. 11 Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His

wings.

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Section Two

Lordship and Leadership

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Chapter Four

SEEKING BY SURRENDERING

WHOLE-HEARTED DEVOTION

We are taking steps to become egoless elders. So far we have learned to:

• Dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom,

• Abandon the extra luggage of personal power, and

• Deal a deathblow to the pride of performance so we can surrender to

the lordship of Jesus Christ and follow His leadership.

Resisting God’s Right to Rule

The notion of a sovereign ruler naturally seems foreign to citizens of the United

States. We have learned from our history that sovereigns, such as King George III, should

not be trusted with our best interests.1 Consequently we inherently mistrust and resist

absolute authority. Nevertheless, as Christians we readily surrender to the lordship of

Jesus Christ. We freely accept His Majesty’s right to rule us as subjects in His kingdom.

Then how do we reconcile our natural resistance to earthly sovereigns with our spiritual

submission to our heavenly sovereign? For some these conflicting tensions rarely rise to

the surface, influencing their reactions in subtle ways, often catching them by surprise.

However, this becomes a major issue when cultural Christians mix patriotism with their

personal beliefs.

All of us compound the inner tensions we feel by carrying the remnants of

rebellion against God inherited from our first parents and reinforced daily by selfish

choices. Along with this we often combine the subtle seduction of enemy spirits to think

proud independence is noble and actually admire self-made men. Moreover, we

sometimes view our great God as detached from ordinary situations and mundane

circumstances, much like a preoccupied head of state might welcome a dignitary but

ignore the lowly. Furthermore, don’t we wonder if God would really involve Himself

intimately with the likes of us? For these and other reasons we sometimes bristle about

being ruled, even by so benevolent a despot as our loving Savior.

So far, in our quest of “egoless eldering,” we have dumped the bulky baggage of

worldly wisdom, we have abandoned the extra luggage of personal power, and we have

dealt a deathblow to the pride of performance. Now, bowing in humble submission to our

Sovereign Savior, we seek His heart. To further this pursuit, we would do well to

recognize not only His authority over the universe, His lordship over our lives, but even

His right to reign over every situation we face. We are mistaken if we presume He is

1 Our Declaration of Independence boldly states of King George, “He has abdicated Government here, by

declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our

Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”

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distant, disinterested or distracted, like Elijah taunted the prophets of Baal.1 David did not

presume this and was commended as a man after God’s own heart.2 His lifestyle was

characterized, with few exceptions, by continually seeking the Lord to inquire of Him.

In the pages of Scripture we repeatedly find David groping after God, grasping for

His grace. We know this is not in the heart of the natural man.3 Yet David

characteristically asked himself, “Where is God in this situation? I have to find Him!

What is He doing? I have to know what He is doing so I can follow His lead!” Doesn’t

your soul thrill to such “panting after God?”4 Likewise, God yearns for us to turn away

from our worldly ways and surrender to Him!5 Point of fact, we know that He rewards

“those who diligently seek Him.”6 Like David we need to ask searching questions of

God, presuming He is sovereign over the situation, that He wants to involve us, and that

we need to seek Him.

Saul foolishly sought to lead the Lord’s people in his own strength, in his own

way, and in his own time; for that reason he forfeited the kingdom. The Lord declared, by

contrast, that He had “sought for Himself a man after His own heart.”7 In essence then,

we see a reciprocal searching; the Lord seeking someone who would seek Him; a

relationship in which both yearn for each other. Natural born leaders delight in plans of

their own invention and try to scare other leaders into cooperating with them.8 They are

1 1 Kings 18:26-28 So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the

name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one

answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made. And so it was, at noon, that Elijah

mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a

journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was

their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 2 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’” 3 Romans 3:11 There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. 4 Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. 5 James 4:5-10 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns

jealously?” But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the

humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He

will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament

and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 6 Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe

that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 1 Samuel 13:13-14 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the

commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have

established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has

sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over

His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” 8 Nehemiah 6:5-9 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his

hand. In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to

rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. And

you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in

Judah!” Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together.

Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own

heart.” For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it

will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

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so captivated by their own ideas they never seek the Lord. So, what does surrendering

have to do with seeking? Simply this: if we will not surrender, neither will we seek.

Situation Specific Leading

How then do we seek the Lord in everyday life? We begin by surrendering to His

right to rule over our situation then we simply ask Him questions. Consider how David

repeatedly inquired of the Lord when the Philistines plundered the people. First, recall

how he fled for his life and hid from Saul. Then consider that he could have easily

excused himself from any involvement in Saul’s problems. Yet he sought the Lord.

Whereupon the Lord said, “Go and attack….” However, his men were afraid. Rather than

presume his men’s fears didn’t matter to God, David sought the Lord with this new

information, and the Lord reassured, “Arise, go…for I will deliver.” He did not scold

David for asking. Then David led his men to obey and God granted the victory.1

Likewise, after Saul died, David wondered if he should return from fleeing for his

life. So he sought the Lord in a seemingly ordinary situation, refusing to conclude that

since he left, of course he should return. Instead he queried, “Shall I go up to any of the

cities of Judah?” The Lord simply replied, “Go up.” Then David promptly pressed the

Lord in an even more mundane matter, “Where shall I go up?” The Lord did not

admonish him for asking but succinctly directed, "To Hebron.”2 So David went up and

was later crowned king there. David’s coronation might not seem contingent on his return

or the place of his residency but neither did David presume to know, nor did he have to

figure it out. He simply had to seek God and leave the details to Him, and he knew it.

Did God exercise sovereignty over the situation? Absolutely! Did He expect His

servant to seek Him and cooperate with Him? Totally! David was fully surrendered to

God’s sovereignty over the situation. He sought God on a very personal level over

seemingly incidental matters, realizing the unfolding of God’s will depended on it. Notice

that the Lord did not tell David at first where to go, nor did David presume to know.

People of faith can rest in the realization that God not only controls the end, He also

controls the means to that end. Since we are often the means God uses to accomplish His

purposes, His control mysteriously involves our choices and our actions without

hindering their free expression; neither does our involvement conflict with His ultimate

purposes.

1 1 Samuel 23:1-5 Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and

they are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and

attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

But David's men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah

against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the LORD once again. And the LORD

answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” And

David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and

took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 2 2 Samuel 2:1-4 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of

the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said,

“To Hebron.” So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the

widow of Nabal the Carmelite. And David brought up the men who were with him, every man with his

household. So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed

David king over the house of Judah.

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We might consider bothering God to be improper but David did not. He would

not suppose to know the will of God from one matter to the next, even though conditions

seemed similar. Take, for instance, the way he approached the ongoing battle with the

Philistines.1 The Philistines deployed in the Valley to attack David. David asked if he

should engage. The Lord assured David of victory and when he won David praised God

for granting deliverance like water through a broken dam. Then the Philistines deployed

again in the same place. David could have presumed that since this was the same enemy,

the same place, he should do the same thing. Not so! God told him not to go up but to

circle around because God would go before them. That’s what David wanted – God

going before them in battle!

Seeking to Stay Close

So we need to seek God to know his plan, not only so we can stay in step behind

His lead but, more importantly, to stay close to Him. David’s submissive searching after

God caused his fame to spread so that all the nations feared him.2 If leaders will not

surrender to the Lord and seek Him, He will give “them over to their own stubborn heart,

to walk in their own counsels.”3 Eventually He will set them aside and seek another who

will do all His will.4 If we would do all His will, we would ask: Lord, what are You doing

here? Do You want to involve us, in what capacity, to what extent?

1 2 Samuel 5:17-25 Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the

Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. The

Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim. So David inquired of the LORD,

saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the LORD said to

David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” So David went to Baal Perazim,

and David defeated them there; and he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a

breakthrough of water.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim. And they left their

images there, and David and his men carried them away. Then the Philistines went up once again and

deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim. Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, “You

shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. “And it

shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance

quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” And David did so,

as the LORD commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. 2 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel,

all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went out against them. Then the

Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go

up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up, for I

will deliver them into your hand.” So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. Then

David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore

they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. And when they left their gods there, David gave a

commandment, and they were burned with fire. Then the Philistines once again made a raid on the valley.

Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle

around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. “And it shall be, when you hear a sound

of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before

you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the

army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. Then the fame of David went out into all lands, and the

LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations. 3 Psalm 81:12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. 4 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’”

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How could we consider going forward without Him? The Lord left Moses to

ponder this question when leading his people to the Promised Land. The Lord said, “. . .

for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-

necked people,”1 to which Moses replied, “. . . if your Presence does not go with us, do

not bring us up from here.”2 Moses felt this way because he wanted to know God and His

way.3 There is something about getting to know God when we walk in His way that

relates to our willingness to surrender to His leading with each step.

The New Covenant improves on the Old Covenant in that the Spirit of God

empowers us to walk by faith and not by sight,4 with the caveat that He would never take

his Holy Spirit from us,5 promising He would be with us always.

6 As for wisdom, all we

have to do is ask.7 Should we really bother God about the particulars? Does God have a

specific purpose for the local church at a certain time, in a certain place? Will He let His

leaders know what it is? The letters to the messengers of the seven churches of Asia

Minor8 clearly indicate that God moves among us, longs to communicate with us, and

that He has strategies and tactics related to each situation in every locale. Therefore, we

can know His purposes if we surrender to Him and seek His heart.

Now let’s qualify our point of surrendering to seek specific direction from God.

David discussed his desire to build a temple with Nathan the prophet. Nathan, knowing

David walked with God, said, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”9

Generally, those in close fellowship with God need not obsess over discerning God’s

direction. They may do what’s on their heart because their heart is filled with the Spirit.

However, all must be ready to reverse direction, to which the surrendered heart readily

responds, as did Nathan, as did David. Spirit-filled believers can rest assured that God

will provide situation specific leading when needed without obsessing over which flavor

of toothpaste to buy but know this: the Lord cherishes the reciprocal exchange in His

relationship with us as we endeavor to follow His lead.

1 Exodus 33:3 “Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I

consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” 2 Exodus 33:15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” 3 Exodus 33:13 “Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I

may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” 4 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of

fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 5 Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of

redemption. 6 Matthew 28:20 “…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you

always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 7 James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without

reproach, and it will be given to him. 8 Revelation 2:1-3:22 offers many examples. 9 1 Chronicles 17:1-4 Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to

Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is

under tent curtains.” Then Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” But it

happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus

says the LORD: You shall not build Me a house to dwell in.’”

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• What does whole-hearted devotion to the Lord look like in everyday life?

• How can we discern if we have detected the Lord’s leading correctly?

• Why does holiness improve confidence and settle certainty?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that we would seek Him with whole-hearted devotion to His will and ways.

• Pray that we would know Him better and draw closer to Him.

• Pray that we would replace our proud independence with surrender to His sovereign purposes.

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Chapter Five

DISCERNING GOD’S DIRECTION

THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER

A Reciprocal Relationship

To know God’s purposes and seek direction from Him requires a reciprocal back-

and-forth relationship with Him,1 as well as continual two-way communication. How

does that happen? The Word of God and prayer! As for His part of the reciprocal

relationship, the Shepherd must know His sheep personally2 and call them by name.

Likewise, the sheep must know His voice and follow. A major responsibility of a

shepherd is to lead the sheep. He simply gets out in front and leads with his voice.3 He

speaks, they bleat, he sets the direction and the pace as He strides along, and His sheep

follow.4

For the flock to know the Shepherd’s direction, the sheep just need to follow His

voice. When the flock moves, many of the sheep cannot see the Shepherd. Their view

might be obscured by other sheep, vegetation, or dust from their movement. Yet they

hear His voice calling, they follow, and the young merely track with those who know the

voice. As under-shepherds, elders also participate in the process of leading. We, like the

sheep, must know the voice of our Great Shepherd, but more than that we must know the

direction, since our Shepherd is invisible. How then can under-shepherds distinguish His

voice from the other varied voices they hear?

The apostle John cautioned first-century believers to test those offering direction

because there were many false voices.5 Those depicting Jesus differently than the

apostles did were also characterized by worldliness and could not be trusted.6 Those

holding apostolic doctrine and characterized by sacrificial love were trustworthy.7 So

how do we get to know the voice of our Shepherd, and how do we know if we are helping

1 John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” 2 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows

those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 3 John 10:3-4 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by

name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep

follow him, for they know his voice.” 4 John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” 5 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because

many false prophets have gone out into the world. 6 1 John 4:3-5 …and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.

And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who

is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 7 1 John 4:6-7 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this

we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and

everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

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to lead in His direction? The obvious answer is to listen to His voice over time and

personally interact with Him. We can condense this into two things: the Word of God and

prayer.

Since Jesus is our Good Shepherd and since He is God, to hear His voice we

listen to God’s Word. Since we have to lead in everyday life and since we depend on Him

for direction, we pray. Since we are under-shepherds and since we teach whatsoever

things He commands,1 we declare God’s Word. Egoless elders then devote themselves to

two things: the Word of God and prayer. All else is secondary; we consider how to

delegate, if it disrupts devotion to the Word of God and prayer.2 We sustain a reciprocal

relationship with the Father by maintaining continual two-way communication with Him.

Continual Communication

When we read the Word of God, He speaks to us. When we pray, we speak to

Him. The Bible instructs us to continually give ourselves to apostolic doctrine3 and to

pray without ceasing.4 There is a Spirit to spirit communication that takes place between

us and God that is personal and private, but it also later becomes the basis for following

Him. Recall how Jesus would only do the things His Father did.5 He would only speak

the things His Father taught Him,6 and He diligently prayed to determine the choices He

would make and the direction He would take.7

If we would follow Jesus only, we would give ourselves over to personal private

communication with God. Such seasons of prayer center on hearing God from His Word.

We must know His voice to properly follow so as not to be deceived. This Spirit to spirit

interplay between us and God is not as ambiguous as some might make it, if it remains

grounded in Scripture. When you meditate on Scripture you will hear no sound but it will

seem like it. “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in

it,’ whenever you [are tempted to] turn to the right hand or whenever you [are tempted to]

turn to the left, [so that] you will say [to seducing spirits], ‘Get away!’”8 The Holy

1 Matthew 28:20 “…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you

always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 2 Acts 6:1-4 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint

against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then

the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the

word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation,

full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves

continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 3 Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of

bread, and in prayers. 4 1 Thessalonians 5:17 …pray without ceasing. 5 John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing

of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” 6 John 8:28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He,

and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” 7 Luke 6:12-13 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued

all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He

chose twelve whom He also named apostles. 8 Isaiah 30:21-22 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever

you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. You will also defile the covering of your graven

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Spirit’s heart-to-heart communication with us not only instills confidence it involves

discernment.

Just as we can surely detect people simply by hearing their voices on the

telephone, we can clearly and confidently distinguish God’s voice from any other, since

He is absolutely holy.1 There is no other voice like His! The Spirit of God can be

identified as the Holy Spirit because He is pure and true, right and good, compassionate

and appropriate in all He does. We can learn to listen to the singular sound of God’s

voice because we have the Spirit of Holiness living within us.2 Therefore we must leave

behind our unholy ways.3 If we refuse, we will doubt God’s leading, or worse; we will

confuse the enemy’s voice with God’s. To stay in step, to continue in fellowship, to

constantly be filled with the Spirit requires confessing sin and resisting the enemy

steadfast in the faith.

Perception and Direction

After walking with God for a while and watching Him answer prayer, we confirm

His leading and He grants His perspective. Spiritual perspective is simply a glimpse of

what God is doing and the direction He wants to proceed, and sometimes He even lets us

in on His intentions. When we gain a sense of His perspective, we pray appropriately.

When we pray in the will of God according to the Word of God, our requests will be

granted.4 We sustain a reciprocal relationship with God by maintaining continual

communication with Him through the Word of God and prayer. This is the basis for

gaining His perspective so we can follow His directives. This is so often how we

determine God’s direction for His church.

First century church leaders devoted themselves to the Word of God and prayer.5

So did the people of God.6 In that day the Word of God and prayer not only governed

such mundane matters as food selection7 but the arms of prayer in spiritual warfare

swung the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.8 Continually talking with God

leads to closely walking with God and governs the direction of God’s people! We can

have God’s perception; we can know God’s direction, because we can have the mind of

images of silver, and the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an

unclean thing; You will say to them, “Get away!” 1 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and

in Him is no darkness at all. 2 Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 3 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows

those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 4 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His

will, He hears us. 5 Acts 6:4 “…but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 6 Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of

bread, and in prayers. 7 1 Timothy 4:5 …for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 8 Ephesians 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of

God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

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Christ.1 We gain this through a reciprocal relationship with Him based on continual

communication. He speaks in Scripture; we listen. We speak in prayer; He listens.

1 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no

one. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of

Christ.

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• Why does willing obedience to follow the Lord indicate a healthy relationship with God?

• Do you believe God would show under-shepherds His specific leading for a local church?

• How should elders go about discerning God’s leading when some disagree with others?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray for God’s perspective of your particular situation.

• Pray for the mind of Christ so you can discern His leading.

• Pray for God’s specific direction as you lead His people to follow Him.

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Chapter Six

READINESS TO RESPOND

VIRTUE BEFORE KNOWLEDGE

Vague about Virtue

The proverbial fork in the road stops some people dead in their tracks wondering

which way to go. Such indecision in the spiritual life can often be traced back to a lack of

virtue. Christians realize that a relationship with God begins through faith in Jesus Christ.

Many churches quickly supplement such new-found faith with large amounts of Bible

knowledge though this will produce problems eventually, if not immediately. While

functional faith immediately transfers trust from us to the person of Christ and the

promise of God, knowledge by itself will not stimulate growth in new-born faith.

Knowledge—though necessary for growth1—can be crippling without virtue.

2

To this point we have set aside selfishness to surrender our hearts to the Lord and

seek His leading. No matter which direction God leads, our response will determine our

destination. Basically, there are two ways we respond: according to the natural working

of the flesh or according to the way of the Spirit of Jesus. The way of the Spirit is the way

of faith3 and the strength of our faith depends on the exercise of our virtue. Moreover, the

exercise of our virtue determines how we will handle knowledge. The problem is that we

experientially understand faith and we intuitively understand knowledge but we are very

vague about virtue.

Conceptually, virtue is devotion to duty. Essentially, virtue is a readiness to

respond to the Lord’s leading. Functionally, virtue operates as a willingness to do what

we are obligated to do. Scripturally, virtue involves a joyful inner commitment that finds

fruition in outward obedience.4 However, the most revealing aspect about virtue in

1 1 Peter 2:2 …as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.... 2 Peter

3:18 …but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both

now and forever. Amen. 2 2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue

knowledge. 3 2 Corinthians 5:5-7 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the

Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are

absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 4 Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart; John 4:34 Jesus said

to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 6:38 “For I have

come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Hebrews 10:5-9

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body

You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said,

‘Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God.’”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had

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Scripture is how Peter placed it between faith and knowledge. Jesus explained that the

way we discern the doctrine of God is by cultivating a willingness to do His will.1 If we

really want to know, we would stand ready to obey.

Choosing and Thinking

Yet self-willed people wonder how in the world one can be willing without first

knowing God’s will. It’s like refusing a friend when he asks for a favor. We won’t agree

until we find out what he wants. Some people can’t be trusted and we won’t let them take

advantage of us. However, God is entirely trustworthy and He expects our relationship

with Him to be a continual transfer of trust from us to Him. In fact, He warns that He will

not give His wisdom to the ambivalent, and for good reason; they would quickly betray

Him because of the instability of their own selfishness.2

We prefer to learn conceptually, before we obey, but the Lord wants us to discern

practically, after we obey. Virtue is to faith and knowledge like oil is to machinery. Oil

keeps machines running. Virtue keeps faith vital and knowledge functional. Can faith lose

its vitality? Certainly!3 Can knowledge become dysfunctional? Absolutely!

4 However,

virtuous knowledge leads to love.5 Yet when knowledge outstrips virtue, we become

arrogant and offensive. Virtue begins as a willingness to do as we should before we even

know what it is we have to do! Practical learning is an attitude of openness to the Spirit’s

leading.

The way we choose affects the way we think and the way we think affects how

much we really understand. Willingness to comply with the truth leaves the mind free to

ponder practical uses for knowledge. Life typically provides knowledge in small doses

we can readily absorb. However, churches often offer concentrated conceptual doses that

pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your

will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 1 John 7:17 “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God

or whether I speak on My own authority.” 2 James 1:5-7 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without

reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a

wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything

from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 3 James 2:14-26 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?

Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them,

“Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the

body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say,

“You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith

by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-- and tremble! But

do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father

justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together

with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says,

“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of

God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the

harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the

body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 4 1 Corinthians 8:1 We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 5 2 Peter 1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue

knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness

brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

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cannot be easily assimilated. Handling knowledge without a proportionate amount of

virtue imposes an identical application of the truth for all. However, each unique life

requires compliance with knowledge that is situation specific. Pharisaic righteousness1

knows nothing of the understanding gained through virtue.

Three Principles of Virtue

Three principles, which we would do well to keep in mind when considering

virtue and knowledge, are: priority, proportion and processing. These three principles

operate like extending a spyglass. Working together they present a panorama of God’s

perspective, bringing into focus the direction of God’s leading. To grow in faith we must

grow in virtue so we can thereby grow in the knowledge of His will. Otherwise, we could

second-guess the wisdom God gives us because we might determine we do not want to

do it. Faith that does not move through virtue to knowledge (according to Peter) produces

a cancerous kind of prayer-cancelling doubt (according to James), while faith and

knowledge without virtue produce pride (according to Paul).2

First, and most importantly, biblical virtue begins with a willingness to do what

we should before we even know what it is we should do. As we lead God’s people, we

must first pledge to follow His lead, even before we ask for the wisdom to know His will.

Once He grants the knowledge of His will, we dare not doubt it; we are obliged to obey.

If virtue is not given priority over knowledge, our knowledge still works, but only for His

enemies. Why? We effectively cancel the headship of Christ in our lives by holding Him

at bay while we determine if we really want to do His will. This has a deadening affect on

the vitality of faith, because faith is a transfer of trust from us to Him.

Second, a balance must be maintained between virtue and knowledge. This is the

principle of proportion, which extends from the principle of priority. Just as virtue must

precede our knowledge, when our knowledge exceeds our virtue we become arrogant and

offensive. Concentrated doses of knowledge taught conceptually bring an imbalance

between knowledge and virtue. The readiness to respond must keep pace with the

accumulation of knowledge. Moreover, when we receive knowledge without cultivating a

commensurate desire to live it, we tend to rationalize away the implications of what we

have learned.

Third, knowledge cannot be processed properly without virtue. Processing

knowledge through virtue happens when virtue is given priority and kept in proportion to

knowledge. We easily assimilate the knowledge we learn because the practical

implications of knowledge seem intuitive to us. If we fail to virtuously process

knowledge, we will be stalled by indecision wondering what relevance the truth has for

our lives. If we would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord, we must

cultivate virtue. When egoless elders become mighty in virtue, they not only recognize

God’s leading, they readily respond and the people of God peacefully follow.

1 Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I

bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of

God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the

righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 2 2 Peter 1:5-7; James 1:5-7; 1 Corinthians 8:1 op. cit.

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• What exactly does spiritual virtue look like in everyday life?

• Why does virtue precede knowledge in Peter’s staircase of spiritual maturity from faith to love?

• How can you determine if knowledge is given preference or prominence over virtue?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray for the courage to embrace virtue in the face of uncertainty.

• Pray for the Spirit to crush the self-will that requires a reason before complying.

• Pray for the joyful understanding that comes after willing obedience.

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Section Reflections

SELF ASSESSMENT AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY

KEEPING COMMUNICATION CONTINUAL

When my children were growing up, I would periodically take them to their

special place—often a local diner. On the way we would sing a catchy little ditty:

You and me, we’re gonna be partners.

You and me, we’re gonna be pals.

You and me, we’re gonna be partners, buddies and pals!1

I would initiate this traditional campfire song to sense if lines of communication were

open between us. Sometimes communication would be fine and we would just talk non-

stop all along the way. Other times, if there were issues between us that needed to be

resolved, we wouldn’t talk readily, and I could sense this when singing Buddies and Pals.

Still I didn’t like humbling myself before my children then anymore than I do before

leaders today.

Some men, but more often women, have the uncanny ability to carry on

conversations with several people simultaneously. I know a dear old saint who, in the

middle of conversation with me, would break out in prayer with God, only in the next

breath to continue again with me. From one moment to the next I would wonder whether

she was talking to me or God. Talk about keeping communication current! Students and

staff would often stop Dr. Walvoord, past President of Dallas Theological Seminary, in

the hallways to talk. It was not uncommon for him to turn in circles while dialoging with

many people at the same time. Talk about cultivating continual communication! I

naturally resist this and sometimes resent facing the challenge of open dialog.

Most men do not develop this ability. We prefer to keep it simple and operate

with singular focus; you know, open a conversation and close it down—Hi and

Goodbye—that sort of thing. If we wish to cultivate close and constant communication

with others, we would find it takes unusual familiarity and unbroken friendliness to just

resume where we left off. If any amount of time transpires, we would consider it strange

not to lay ground work for a new conversation. God expects us to keep this continual

kind of conversation going with Him,2 and we should seek to do the same with one

another. Some call this constant communication unbroken fellowship but sometimes

elders don’t easily fall into the categories of partners, buddies and pals. Yet unhindered

1 This traditional campfire song (writer unknown) is variously entitled as “You and Me” or “Buddies and

Pals.” 2 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If

anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

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communication among elders promotes effective leadership. Keeping accounts current

keeps communication continual. In fact, if we keep communication continual with God

and one another, we share the mind of Christ and know the will of God.

� Choose a different prayer partner and remember to prepare for the time you

will spend together by reflecting on the principles of this section through:

• Prayerful Examination1

� Search, “What does it mean to operate in the faith?”2

� Probe, “How does Jesus Christ operate in me?”3

� Test, “What qualifies/disqualifies me in serving?”4

• Personal Assessment5

� Agree with God over sinful areas and activities in your life.6

� Distinguish incidents from characteristics in your life.7

� Prepare yourself to share what the Lord has shown you.8

� Select a mutually acceptable time and place when you can enjoy unhurried

and uninterrupted time with your prayer partner for:

• Peer Evaluation9

1 2 Corinthians 13:3-9 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but

mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are

weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to

whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—

unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. Now I pray to

God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable,

though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad

when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 2 Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there

is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 3 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the

life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 4 Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant

also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be

innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in

Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. 5 1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light

and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie

and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and

His word is not in us. 6 Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my

transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. 7 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’” 8 Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. 9 Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and

heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who

meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My

jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern

between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

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� Pose gracious questions and listen.1

� Accept responses at face value.2

� Refuse to jump to or force conclusions.3

• Partner Accountability4

� Contact each other, as the Spirit prompts, to question and listen.5

� Admit the faults the Lord has shown you about yourself.6

� Pray and allow time for Jesus to bring healing to your partner.7

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened

through the deceitfulness of sin. 1 Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you

ought to answer each one. James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow

to speak, slow to wrath. 2 Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be

judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck

in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother,

‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove

the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” 3 Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For

we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 4 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 5 Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 6 Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will

have mercy. 7 Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His

wings.

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Section Three

Generating Graciousness

40

Chapter Seven

A GRACIOUS JOURNEY

STORMS, DOLDRUMS AND SUNNY DAYS

We are taking steps to become egoless elders. This far we have learned to:

• Dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom,

• Abandon the extra luggage of personal power,

• Deal a deathblow to the pride of performance,

• Surrender to God in order to seek His heart,

• Discern God’s direction through continual communication, and

• Conquer spiritual indecision by becoming mighty in virtue so we can

generate a gracious atmosphere in church.

Challenges of Changing Conditions

Like one born out of time, every now and then I dream of a sea voyage on one of

those wondrously tall wooden sailing ships. Some day I hope to visit the Charles W.

Morgan moored at Mystic Seaport, Connecticut.1 I can imagine sailing the seas of the

world through changing climatic conditions on this oldest of merchant vessels; the

frightful storms spinning my faith into fears, the dreaded doldrums stranding my hopes

without the slightest breath of wind, and those sparkling sunny days stirring my love for

life to the limits! Much like at sea, atmospheric conditions always change in church, with

us seemingly at their mercy.

Yet there’s a tiller to steer, hatches to secure, shrouds to climb, sails to strike or

reef or hoist or square. We are not at the mercy of the elements nor do we fear the prince

of the power of the air.2 We rise above the raging waves! We race before the chasing

wind! We sail through the stormy seas! Our courageous Captain inspires us beyond our

abilities. He carefully coordinates our efforts. He leads His leaders in loyal love. We are

always under the weather, yet not victims of change and chance, but victors by our

cheerful choice of faith in Christ Jesus. The Captain commands, the crew complies, and

the passengers safely reach the haven of rest.

Back in the glory days of tall ships, if a rough crew manned a cargo ship, it didn’t

matter. The goal was to get the goods to port in a timely manner. A crass sea captain

could tell his crew, “It’s just mind over matter. I don’t mind and you don’t matter.”

Laying down the law worked well with a crew under such conditions. Ornery officers

1 The Charles W. Morgan was a whaling ship used to harvest blubber for lamp oil. The ship was named for

its original owner, a Quaker whaling merchant. The ship's maiden voyage began on September 6, 1841. 2 Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

Ephesians 2:2 … you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the

power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

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preferred strong backs and weak minds; course and callous sailors required less pay,

which increased profits. Such were the ways of the world on merchant ships in days of

yore; laws were harsh and punishment severe. Life mattered little; yet the loss of life was

even greater at port than at sea due to drink and debauchery. All in all, the cargo was

valued more than captain or crew.

Challenges of Delicate Discipline

However, a passenger ship required a wise captain. The captain of a passenger

ship communicated two concerns with His officers from the outset: discipline the crew

delicately so they treat the passengers graciously. The proper use of law and grace is

equally important to both ship discipline and church dynamics.1 Harsh laws maintain a

tight ship but also create tough sailors who mistreat passengers. If church leaders let

legalism hold the upper hand, forceful members quickly consume those who are humble.2

Figuratively, our Captain holds His officers accountable for disciplining the deck hands3

so that they maintain a gracious presence among the passengers.4

Wise officers would actually find it easier to sustain discipline in the crew

through graciousness than by rigidly enforcing the law; however, this requires enlisting

crew members with willing and submissive hearts. Recall that our Captain commands for

the purpose of engendering love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere

faith.5 Though the Fellow Ship is strictly for passage from here to heaven, some deck

hands would rather hunt the Self Fish than accept discipline and dispense grace on a

passenger ship. Yet our Sacred Skipper expects His officers to constantly challenge the

crew against this pernicious practice and against tempting the passengers to participate.

Wise crew members will not find the obligation of law and order bothersome

because they love to obey orders for the good of all6 while the unwilling typically find

such constraints burdensome. Yet one way or another discipline must be maintained for

the safety and security of all, as well as gracious provision for the passengers. As at sea,

there are always adjustments to make in leading the church; for the Commander is not

willing that any should perish7 and conditions can quickly become perilous. Autonomy is

1 1 Timothy 1:8-10 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is

not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for

the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators,

for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound

doctrine. 2 Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! 3 Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as

those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for

you. 4 Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary

edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 5 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience,

and from sincere faith. 6 Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity

for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You

shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 7 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering

toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

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not allowed on ship. All must submit to the Master, especially officers who have ideas of

their own and particularly shipmates who secretly resent authority.

Overcoming Changing Conditions

Storms can suddenly threaten everything—from ship to supplies to the very

existence of everyone on board. Unlike the sea captains of this world, our Master and

Commander controls the wind and waves.1 We—very much like the world—seek to flee

the storms of life2 or employ all our efforts to fight against them, and then murmur

against the Lord even when He is on board with us.3 Like Peter, we imagine we can walk

with Jesus on the water until the wind worries our faith into overwhelming anxiety.4

However, a well disciplined crew sails through storms and subdues all fears with the

calm confidence of faith by obediently following the orders of their captain. The

passengers not only see it and sense it, they take heart!

The doldrums are regions in the inter-tropical convergence zones of the equatorial

oceans between the northern and southern trade winds, characterized by calm seas and

sudden squalls without wind. Normally, prevailing winds quickly whisk sailing ships

along their way while the doldrums prevent progress and delay passage. A sense of

stagnation generates feelings of depression and despair among sailors. In the church, as at

sea, if God’s people do not sense Him working, they too might feel helpless and hopeless.

The importance of the people seeing movement and sensing God’s involvement cannot

be over-stated. A kind word appropriately spoken lifts the anxious heart5 during times of

discouragement.

Yet travel at sea is often much more than the muggy, oppressive calms of the

doldrums or the fierce, frightening storms that suddenly threaten life on board ship. The

1 Psalm 107:29 He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. 2 Psalm 55:8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. 3 Mark 4:35-41 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other

side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little

boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was

already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him,

“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,

“Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so

fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can

this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” 4 Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other

side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the

mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the

middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night

Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were

troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,

“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You,

command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of

the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was

afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out

His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got

into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly

You are the Son of God.” 5 Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

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sunny, sparkling days, characteristic of the easterly trade winds, make for favorite sailing

routes. Bright skies, fresh air, infrequent storms, timely travel, all add to the exuberant

experience that lures so many sailors to seek adventure on the high seas. Nevertheless,

the exhilaration that accompanies such marvelous conditions strangely tempts seamen to

brag and boast, fuss and fight, to demonstrate who is dominant,1 so that even good times

hold the potential for problems.

As on ship, like at church, changing climatic conditions present challenges, but

they are no match for egoless elders serving their Master and Commander, Jesus Christ.

However the Fellow Ship can be severely affected by the pursuit of the Self Fish. If our

Captain remains our Commander, crew discipline will be delicate and passenger care will

be gracious. Following Him unconditionally in the obedience of faith makes the impact

of changing conditions incidental. The faithless will flounder in fear, the hopeless will

drift in despair, the proud will display their dominance, but egoless elders will serve in

the lowliness and gentleness of Jesus who is Master of the Elements.

1 James 4:13-5:6 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend

a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For

what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought

to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such

boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. Come now,

you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your

garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against

you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the

laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have

reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have

fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not

resist you.

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• How can legalistic treatment from officers discourage deckhands?

• How can gracious treatment prompt passengers to become deckhands then officers?

• How do changing conditions and varied treatment create an atmosphere in church?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that we would not fall prey to changing atmospheric conditions in the church.

• Pray for the courage to challenge selfishness and encourage fellowship.

• Pray for the wisdom to delicately discipline those who serve.

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Chapter Eight

ALTERING THE ATMOSPHERE

A GREEN HOUSE OF GRACIOUSNESS

Intangible Impressions

All settings contain a certain atmosphere…and we’re not talking about the layer

of gases surrounding our planet. Just as the air we breathe is vitally significant but hardly

noticeable, the atmosphere in any given setting is an important though intangible feature.

Whether positive or negative, intentional or not, we generate atmosphere in church by

such small things as the name used for the entry way. Why do we use words like

vestibule, narthex or foyer anyway? Why not just call it an entry way? Furthermore, some

try to “set” the atmosphere by altering the appearance of things even though attitudes

exude pervasive moods, enveloping feelings and invasive influences far more readily.

We bring visiting family members to church. We invite friends to come join us.

We also pray the hopeless and helpless would freely enter and find Jesus. Yet the

impressions they get greatly influence how they interpret what they encounter, and more

importantly whether they will ever return. So, it’s imperative that we consider the

intangibles that generate atmosphere. Humanly speaking, the most important intangibles

are law and order. We certainly need to do all things decently and in order.1 If people

sense confusion or inappropriate behavior,2 they naturally question God’s presence. Law

and order serve a particular purpose in the local church, to say nothing of preaching the

demands of the Law to unbelievers.

However, spiritually speaking, the most important intangibles are grace and truth.

The two-fold division of the Bible teaches us first that, God commands love, since He is

all about law and order, but second and foremost that He demonstrates love, since He is a

God of grace and truth.3 Atmosphere in the assembly should convey both of these

intangibles, in that sequence, with this significance: law and order first and foundational,

grace and truth foremost and final. It’s safe to say that visitors often feel insecure and

inadequate when they come to church. An underlying law and order calms their

insecurities, while an attentive atmosphere of grace and truth addresses their

inadequacies. Together these intangibles help persuade people that God loves them.

1 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. 2 1 Corinthians 14:23-24 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with

tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of

your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by

all, he is convicted by all. 14:33-34 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the

churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but

they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 3 John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

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Promoting Gracious Truthfulness

Once people sense the presence of peace from law and order, they want to know if

they can find forgiveness and how they can be reconciled with God. They also wonder

whether broken relationships can be restored and how they can be rescued from the mess

they have made of their lives. However, if law and order become foremost in the church,

super performers—who seek nothing but a stage—create a rigid atmosphere of rules and

regulations that finally stifle the Spirit of grace. They long for acceptance and approval

like everyone else but they want to establish it by their own righteousness. The legalistic

atmosphere they create can quickly kill a church.

The teaching of grace and truth from Jesus means we have no relationship with

God apart from the truth of His righteousness and our sinfulness, and the gracious

solution of sending His Son to die on our behalf. We extend grace and truth to others

when we express to them these things with a tender forthrightness.1 This gracious

truthfulness creates a wonderfully winsome atmosphere in the assembly whereby we

mutually encourage our sin-shamed souls to take heart and walk with God in purity.2

However, we can be influenced to fall from walking graciously with others, first by

criticizing them, then by condemning them.3

Falling from grace begins with the way humans handle expectations. People

naturally expect God to perform for them when they perform for Him. This is why some

become disillusioned and bitter once they discover they cannot manipulate God to get

what they want.4 This affects how they treat others, first ingratiating then excluding

others in order to control them.5 Legalistic leaders justify then vindicate themselves while

begrudging and berating others, holding those who oppose them in contempt. This leaves

pitiful people hurting while power players feel great about how well they maintain their

image. This cannot stand unchallenged.6

Scripture warns that there are many strange and senseless doctrines promising to

promote spirituality that “have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion…but

have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”7 The Greek word for “self-imposed

religion” (literally, will worship) speaks of a glorified form of will-power whereby super

performers worship their own ability to accomplish something for God through self-

1 Ephesians 4:15 …but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—

Christ—…. 2 Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that,

denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. 3 Galatians 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have

fallen from grace. 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one

another! 4 Hebrews 12:15 …looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness

springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. 5 Galatians 4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be

zealous for them. 6 Titus 1:11 …whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they

ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 7 Colossians 2:23.

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effort. Many of their rules and regulations allow these power players to unwittingly front

for evil spirits who entice God’s people to try harder to do better in their own strength.1

Protecting Gracious Truthfulness

Egoless elders reject their own righteousness in order to fully fathom the power of

God’s grace.2 We choose to exude, as guardians of grace, the meekness and gentleness of

Jesus as we walk by means of the Spirit.3 The similarity between law and grace relates to

righteousness. Both law and grace expect righteousness. Legalism demands it,

graciousness nurtures it, but doing the same deeds can mask underlying differences

between those who are gracious and those who have to control the outcome by regulating

everyone’s performance. The real difference between law and grace has to do with whose

righteousness;4 our own or Christ’s.

Relative attempts at righteousness are unacceptable to God5 because they are

tainted with secret selfishness and tarnished by the pride of performance. God accepts the

imparted righteousness of the Spirit of Grace because it is He who works in us both to

will and do what is really right.6 Our righteousness is derived from Christ. Relative

righteousness can be individual or collective but it is always awful in whatever form.

Cultural fads reflect a collective righteousness relative to the latest whim.7 Those who

1 1 Timothy 4:3 …forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be

received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 2 Philippians 3:7-10 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I

also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have

suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not

having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the

righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the

fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. 3 2 Corinthians 10:1-3 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of

Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that

when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who

think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war

according to the flesh. Galatians 5:16-18 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of

the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one

another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under

the law. 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have

crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 4 Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I

bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of

God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the

righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 Isaiah 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all

fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Titus 3:5 …not by works of

righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of

regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. 6 Philippians 2:13 …for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 7 Acts 17:21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but

either to tell or to hear some new thing. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If

anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

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isolate themselves seek their own desire and justify selfish behavior in their own eyes so

they can do as they please.1

The outward conduct of both the self-righteous and those righteous in Christ can

often seem the same but the inner character differs vastly. Both the self-righteous and

those righteous in Christ can promote the same good works. How these good deeds differ

and how that difference affects atmosphere in the assembly is considerable. Deeds done

in self-righteousness cloak covetousness,2 conceal cruelty

3 and cast a deathly pallor over

the church.4 However, good works done in the righteousness of Christ reveal an inner

character that reflects the glory of God and promotes graciousness among others.5

The Spirit teaches us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ.”6 This trains us over time to deny ungodliness.

7 Owning and admitting

failure is fundamental to the process of being taught by grace.8 Allowing others the space

to learn from their failures makes them better lovers.9 God’s gracious forgiveness trains

1 Proverbs 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts. 2 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing

men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a

cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 3 1 Peter 2:15-16 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of

foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 4 Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 5 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in

our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have

this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard

pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;

struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life

of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 6 2 Peter 3:18. 7 Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that,

denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave

Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special

people, zealous for good works. 8 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is

faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 9 Luke 7:39-50 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This

Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for

she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said,

“Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and

the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me,

therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he

forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to

Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has

washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this

woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but

this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are

forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her,

“Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this

who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

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us to go and sin no more.1 He draws us with arms of compassion so He can instruct us

how to walk more closely with Him in holiness.2 This is how the heart becomes

established by grace3 instead of an unbearable legal system.

4

The sweet presence of Jesus is the source of life that causes us to fathom the full

character of God and creates an atmosphere conducive to the abundant life.5 The Law,

through Moses, very effectively communicated that God is holy and that He is love and

that we are worthy of death because we are unholy and therefore unloving,6 but that alone

can leave us with a lopsided, legalistic view of God. However, God designed the Law to

draw sinners to Christ so He could be gracious with them.7 The abundant life of Jesus in

us exudes tender truthfulness, eternal forgiveness, tolerance with stumbling growth and

an all-absorbing sacrificial love. This atmosphere in the assembly generates a

greenhouse of graciousness.

1 John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no

more.” 2 Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 3 Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be

established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. 4 Acts 15:10 “Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which

neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” 5 John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 1:14-18 And the Word became flesh and

dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and

truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after

me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for

grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has

seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may

have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” 6 Exodus 20:18-19 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the

trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then

they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” 7 Galatians 3:10-25; John 3:16-21 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that

whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the

world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is

not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the

name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates

the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes

to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

50

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• What purposes do law and order serve in the local church?

• What purposes do grace and truth serve in the local church?

• How do we interrupt our gracious walk by falling into legalism?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that our hearts would be established by grace.

• Pray that we would make proper distinctions between law and grace.

• Pray that we would all grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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Chapter Nine

CHALLENGING THE GRACELESS

A DISGUSTING DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

A Whip for the Sadducees

Our sweet Savior faced a very religious though ungracious people when He came

to earth. We know this because the Sadducees treated Him horribly1 even though He was

essentially harmless.2 Usually the enemies of a righteous person remain at peace with

him,3 but not so with Jesus. A lowly and gentle approach usually subdues hostility,

4 yet

not so with Jesus. Why the exception? Those who use the law to justify themselves5

attempt to dominate others,6 yet Jesus’ enemies could not conform His gracious attitude

to their self-righteous ways. If we would factor out evil spirits, we might wonder why the

power players would bother with such a lowly Person.

Fundamentally, the mere presence of God in the flesh disgraced the ungracious in

such a way that eventually they couldn’t stand the shame,7 so they murdered Him.

Pretenders cannot compete with true spirituality! Jesus initially challenged then

ultimately changed the atmosphere among His people though the battle still rages. Our

part in this cosmic conflict requires birth from above and growth in grace first to fathom

the opposition then to face the fight. Altering the atmosphere begins by considering

1 John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. Mark 15:11-15 But the chief priests

stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them

again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out

again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the

more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered

Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. 2 Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls.” 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the

meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold

toward you. 3 Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with

him. 4 Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 5 Luke 16:15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your

hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 6 Galatians 4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be

zealous for them. 7 John 3:19-21 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved

darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and

does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light,

that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

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ourselves, since we all lack graciousness to some extent or another.1 A changed

atmosphere will help promote patience with the ungracious when they challenge us.

However, in due course we will have to confront the self-righteous just as Jesus

did2 but we cannot effectively fight the good fight of faith

3 with the weapons and ways of

this world.4 Though the Lord Jesus would wield the whip with the Sadducees when zeal

consumed His patience,5 He much more frequently challenged with words,

6 and quite

often with a simple question.7 He was more magnanimous with the Pharisees because He

was meek and merciful.8 Likewise Paul could confront legalism with boldness but he

much preferred to plead with the meekness and gentleness of Jesus.9 Such is our pattern.

1 Luke 6:42 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,

when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from

your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” 2 Luke 18:9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and

despised others. 3 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and

have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 4 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down

strongholds. 5 John 2:13-17 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found

in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. When He

had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out

the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things

away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was

written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” 6 Matthew 15:1-9 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why

do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat

bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of

your tradition? “For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses

father or mother, let him be put to death.’ “But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever

profit you might have received from me is a gift to God” “—‘then he need not honor his father or mother.’

Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah

prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips,

but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of

men.’” 7 Luke 10:25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to

inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 8 Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls.” 9 Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this

world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and

acceptable and perfect will of God. 2 Corinthians 10:1-4 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the

meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold

toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend

to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the

flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in

God for pulling down strongholds. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing

mother cherishes her own children.

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Jesus: Meek and Merciful

What does gracious behavior look like? A gracious person is courteous and

cordial, approachable and accommodating, as well as considerate and compassionate.

An ungracious person can be anything from insensitive and indifferent to demanding and

domineering, even surly and solitary. Characteristically, truly gracious behavior will be

on-again-off-again, whereas ungracious behavior will be characterized by degrees. The

elements of true graciousness all hang together because what the Father prompts1 the

Spirit empowers2 and we either walk by means of the Spirit or not.

3 Jesus embodied

gracious truthfulness; so do we when we walk with Him.4

Ungraciousness can be a matter of degree since the ungracious can be believers or

unbelievers. An unbeliever, made in the image of God, as well as a believer, who is not

walking by the Spirit, can both behave somewhat graciously while actually being

ungracious. Many false teachers in the name of faith try so hard to be so good in their

own strength that they are actually awfully ungracious and readily reveal to those with

discernment how endeavoring to be so right can really be so wrong.5 Making headway

with them is humanly impossible unless God breaks through their hardened hearts.

However, we should not fail to confront legalists when God prompts. Challenging

them usually will not change them but it can instantly deliver those they influence, at

least those who yearn to be gracious. Those who want to be gracious, but are influenced

otherwise, can confuse the misguided zeal of legalists with true spirituality simply

because they lack discernment.6 These would-be gracious believers often have great

difficulty distinguishing genuine graciousness from disingenuous pretense7 because the

influence of self-righteousness suppresses spiritual discernment.1

1 Matthew 16:17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood

has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” 2 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 3 Galatians 5:16-17 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the

flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that

you do not do the things that you wish. 4 John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the

only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace

and truth came through Jesus Christ. 5 Matthew 5:20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes

and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's

desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal

for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to

establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of

the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 6 Galatians 2:4-5 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth

to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we

did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 2:11-13

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before

certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and

separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the

hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 7 Matthew 23:28 “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of

hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Luke 16:14-16 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all

these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before

men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of

54

Most believers easily distinguish grace from law in Scripture2 but find it much

more difficult to detect subtle atmospheric changes in their assemblies because they

differentiate conceptually more readily than they discern experientially. Therefore, to

alter the atmosphere requires challenging the ungracious, sparingly and selectively to be

sure, in order to draw out the would-be gracious from among them. This will require

wisdom beyond experience and insight beyond intelligence, but all we have to do is ask.3

In all likelihood we will not only encounter ungracious leaders on the board, we will even

find ourselves among them from time to time. Discernment can be illusive!

A Word for the Pharisees

If Jesus so rarely spoke with the Sadducees and even resorted to physical

confrontation, why would He so readily reply to the Pharisees? Moreover, what were

they doing in the early church; how did they become influential; why did the apostles

allow it; and why weren’t the believers upset about it? Simple, some of the Pharisees

believed!4 God is gracious, remember? They were large-and-in-charge types to be sure.

They brought baggage into new life like everyone else. They were probably influenced

by disingenuous pretenders.5 Some of the apostles were likely intimidated by them.

6 They

were someone’s friends no doubt. Though such factors complicated the situation back

then, they now offer illumination since these same things directly affect the atmosphere

in our churches.

Talk about mission impossible! Who is adequate to alter this atmosphere? Egoless

elders by the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit! Confronting this complex situation

with courage and compassion requires distinct approaches with different groups. The

ungracious group can include the would-be gracious and the pretending gracious. The

gracious group can include the intimidated gracious and the vilified gracious. These

different and varied groups can require radically different approaches…simultaneously!

We need to be gentle and gracious with some, yet courageous and confrontational with

others. This requires careful consideration of each and every situation, which only the

Spirit of God can supply.7

God. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and

everyone is pressing into it.” 1 Mark 8:15-18 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the

leaven of Herod.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” But

Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet

perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do

you not hear? And do you not remember?” 2 John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 3 James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without

reproach, and it will be given to him. 4 Acts 15:5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to

circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” 5 Galatians 1:7 … there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 6 Galatians 2:11-13 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to

be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came,

he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews

also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 7 Jude 1:20-23 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy

Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

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Possible approaches include: gently questioning the inquisitive,1 sharing supper

with the stingy,2 fearlessly confronting the forceful,

3 rebuking some for working with the

enemy,4 remaining friendly with a betrayer,

5 restoring one who fails to stand strong,

6

allowing the expression of false viewpoints without yielding to them,7 and even letting

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,

hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 1 Luke 10:25-26 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do

to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 2 Luke 7:36-50 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house,

and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the

table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him

weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she

kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw

this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of

woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I

have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two

debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to

repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon

answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly

judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house;

you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair

of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.

You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I

say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the

same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him

began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith

has saved you. Go in peace.” 3 Mark 7:1-6 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from

Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands,

they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special

way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they

wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups,

pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples

not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” He answered and

said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with

their lips, but their heart is far from Me.’” 4 Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for

you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 5 Matthew 26:50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on

Jesus and took Him. 6 John 21:15-19 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do

you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him,

“Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to

Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third

time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time,

“Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus

said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself

and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird

you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.

And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 7 Acts 15:4-7 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and

the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees

who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of

Moses.” Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much

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the hateful hurt you.1 Sensing beforehand whether the ungracious will ever repent is

nearly impossible. However, the vilest offender and most hostile opponent might some

day become gracious.2 Along the way, generating graciousness might seem like a very

distasteful dance with the devil, but that’s what it takes to alter the atmosphere in the

assembly.

dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose

among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” 1 John 18:4-8 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to

them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.”

And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew

back and fell to the ground. Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of

Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their

way.” 2 Acts 26:9-11 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the

chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in

every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I

persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former conduct in

Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 1:23 But they were

hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• How does gracious and ungracious behavior appear in everyday life?

• What are the weapons of our warfare when fighting against ungraciousness?

• How does the true spirituality of Jesus challenge then change the atmosphere in church?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray for a willingness to examine yourself before evaluating others.

• Pray for sensitivity to subtle atmospheric changes in the church.

• Pray for the courage to confront legalistic leaders.

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Section Reflections

SELF ASSESSMENT AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY

GUARDIANS OF GRACE

Unless watchdogs are properly trained, they will not mix well with other dogs,

even in their own yard. If they assume a protective role, if they feel threatened, if they

thrill to the challenge or the chase, they will react to anything and everything new or

different. Some elders create meaning and purpose for themselves by adopting a

watchdog role. Some dogs will distance themselves from others, develop a suspicious

nature, or even assume an aggressive posture. Some will stir up other dogs throughout the

neighborhood, or even antagonize one in their own backyard.1

Elders can transform the harmony of team spirit into hostility with harsh and

hurtful barking. Unfortunately, I still ask forgiveness for this from time to time. Getting

along with other elders requires a certain amount of gracious love.2 There can be a

legitimate watchdog role among leaders. When it is of the Lord, I sense it should be

limited in dimension and duration, and then most of the other elders will likely attest the

action. This requires discernment and, as iron sharpens iron, you can each help your

prayer partners make these necessary distinctions.

Interestingly, those on the board who assume the watchdog role are often

newcomers. Sometimes God intends it but more often not. When it is not of the Lord, it

can usually be subdued before long by the generally gracious attitude of a healthy and

functional board. However, if it is due to notions of Elite Eldering, it will become a

significant problem over time. We all know there is really only one Leader in the church.

If Jesus would lead through us, which He seeks to do, it’s Him in us, through us, to others

or it’s nothing but fleshy effort often accompanied by loud and long barking.

Moreover, Jesus inverts normal notions of leadership.3 Worldly ideas of

leadership often alienate leaders from laity, elevating one, distancing another.4 We

wrongly use knowledge to puff ourselves up and make ourselves larger than life by what

1 Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 2 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not

puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice

in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 3 Luke 22:24-27 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the

greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who

exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is

greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he

who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One

who serves.” 4 Galatians 4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be

zealous for them.

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we know.1 Instead of surrendering to our Sovereign, using His Word to understand, draw

near, and communicate, we use knowledge to make much of ourselves. If we would be

gracious as He is gracious and function as a lowly team member rather than an aggressive

watch dog, we would preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.2

� Once again choose a different prayer partner and remember to prepare for the

time you will spend together by reflecting on the principles of this section

through:

• Prayerful Examination3

� Search, “What does it mean to operate in the faith?”4

� Probe, “How does Jesus Christ operate in me?”5

� Test, “What qualifies/disqualifies me in serving?”6

• Personal Assessment7

� Agree with God over sinful areas and activities in your life.8

� Distinguish incidents from characteristics in your life.9

� Prepare yourself to share what the Lord has shown you.10

� Select a mutually acceptable time and place when you can enjoy unhurried

and uninterrupted time with your prayer partner for:

1 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge.

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 Ephesians 4:2-3 …with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in

love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 3 2 Corinthians 13:3-9 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but

mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are

weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to

whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—

unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. Now I pray to

God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable,

though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad

when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 4 Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there

is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 5 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the

life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 6 Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant

also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be

innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in

Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. 7 1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light

and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie

and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and

His word is not in us. 8 Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my

transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. 9 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’” 10 Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.

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• Peer Evaluation1

� Pose gracious questions and listen.2

� Accept responses at face value.3

� Refuse to jump to or force conclusions.4

• Partner Accountability5

� Contact each other, as the Spirit prompts, to question and listen.6

� Admit the faults the Lord has shown you about yourself.7

� Pray and allow time for Jesus to bring healing to your partner.8

1 Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and

heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who

meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My

jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern

between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened

through the deceitfulness of sin. 2 Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you

ought to answer each one. James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow

to speak, slow to wrath. 3 Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be

judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck

in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother,

‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove

the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” 4 Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For

we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 5 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 6 Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 7 Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will

have mercy. 8 Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His

wings.

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Section Four

Sacrificial Service

62

Chapter Ten

DOLLARS TO DOMINANCE

NOT YOUR MONEY; NOT YOUR CHURCH

We are taking steps to become egoless elders. This far we have learned to:

• Dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom,

• Abandon the extra luggage of personal power,

• Deal a deathblow to the pride of performance,

• Surrender to God in order to seek His heart,

• Discern God’s direction through continual communication,

• Conquer spiritual indecision by becoming mighty in virtue,

• Overcome changing conditions in church,

• Generate a greenhouse of graciousness, and

• Alter an ungracious atmosphere so we can serve sacrificially without

being dominated by power players.

Examining American Pragmatism

Campaign strategist James Carville coined the now popular phrase, “It’s the

economy, stupid” in 1992 to focus the attention of Bill Clinton’s campaign workers on

President Bush’s preference for international issues over the economic recession. It was

so effective that money matters were given preference over everything else in the minds

of many. Consequently, not a few church leaders today evaluate everything in light of the

bottom line and focus on three questions: 1) how can we get more people to come, 2)

how can we get them more involved, and 3) how can we get them to give more money

(i.e. so we will have more resources to accomplish more things for God)?

The intention is seemingly innocuous: to get believers to identify with the church,

take ownership and support it in order to get church work done. It’s a very pragmatic,

American approach. However, when we undress this practical approach, we find two

things: a filthy undergarment “more” and an ugly person “me.” A working definition of

greed is: “more for me.” An evil eye assesses everything by “what it means for me”.1

1 Proverbs 28:22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come

upon him. Matthew 20:11-15 “…they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have

worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’

But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a

denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not

lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’” Mark 7:20-

23 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men,

proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness,

an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

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Americans innately equate more with better, then measure better by how it impacts them.

God focuses on others then seems content to work with less or leftovers or losers.1

The “more and me” approach appeals to the ambitious—to take interest, to get

involved and to invest their resources. It’s Americanized discipleship trying harder to

recruit more people from our culture to accomplish more for God. Yet we know from

Scripture that self-seeking always leads to strife due to the influence of enemy spirits.2

Do you detect strife among God’s people? It originates with demons that drive those with

selfish ambitions to contend with others for dominance. Conflict in the church will

eventually force egoless elders to face them down.3 Why then would we want to promote

a way that later we will have to confront?

Freedom through Identifying with Jesus

If the enemy can subtly tempt us to use a natural approach to achieve spiritual

purposes we will attract those who secretly think it’s their money and therefore their

church. Jesus reveals the reason: we naturally fight for what we own. Where our treasure

is there our heart will be.4 As Americans, we are used to gaining a sense of identity from

the role we play rather than who we are in essence. We say, “I’m a fireman” or “I’m a

physician” or “I’m a farmer,” when that’s not who we are, it’s what we do. So who are

we? Well, essentially, we are beings made in the image of God5 and—if born again

6—

children of the living God!7

We discover our identity in the individual design of our Creator.8 We deepen our

sense of identity through our faith association with Christ.9 We discern the purpose of our

1 Jeremiah 23:3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them,

and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.” Romans 11:5 Even so then, at

this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Luke 19:10 “…for the Son of Man

has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 2 James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the

truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-

seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 4:1 Where do wars and fights come from among

you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 3 Titus 1:11 …whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they

ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 4 Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 5 Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and

female He created them. 9:6 “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image

of God He made man.” 6 1 Peter 1:23 …having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of

God which lives and abides forever. 7 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but

we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 8 Psalm 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise

You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very

well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest

parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were

written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. 9 Romans 6:5-8 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be

in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of

sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed

from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. Galatians 2:20 “I have

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identity by the inner drives He instills in us.1 If the implications of our true identity don’t

transform and therefore direct us, we will find ourselves chasing selfish interests and

involvements. Since we don’t really know who we are when born into this life, we

naturally take our identity from other people and things around us. Then we take

ownership and all too frequently fight to keep and control our artificial identity. This is

easily seen in sports fans that fight when they watch their teams compete.

First fathoming then fulfilling God’s design and purpose for our lives frees us

from the love of money. If not, we will manipulate money to increase our power so we

can invent and manage our artificial identity to re-fashion ourselves after our own image.

Such narcissistic ways not only destroy individual lives they devastate the church as self-

centered leaders seek to create kingdoms of their own making.2 The love of money is at

the heart of it all.3 Self-absorbed leaders will spend a church’s budget into oblivion over

senseless projects and programs, making much of money and how to get more of it.

Money has no magnitude for believers.4 Money was never meant to be our

master.5 Matter of fact, money would likely be incidental, if it didn’t involve our worship

as we release it.6 God assures us we don’t have to worry; He will take care of us.

7 Yet

when we give we express our worship because it invariably involves our motives. Our

reasons not only prompt what we do, they reflect where our heart is when we do it. If we

are free from the love of money,8 we will cheerfully release it with no strings attached

9

and rejoice in how letting go of it brings humility,10 which is so good for us!

been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in

the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 1 Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if

prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who

teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with

diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 2 3 John 1:9-11 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them,

does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us

with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids

those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.

He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 3 Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided

Him. 2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. 4 Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else

he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” 6:33 “But seek first

the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 5 Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else

he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.” 6 Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 7 Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his

descendants begging bread. Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will

worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 8 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts

which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which

some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 9 Romans 12:8 …he who gives, with liberality; 2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in

his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 10 James 1:9-10 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation.

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The Right to Rule

If we were to develop a theology of money we might muse over how we move

from ownership to stewardship to leadership and ponder the following:

• Greedy people proudly place their trust in fluctuating fortunes.1

• Riches are uncertain and quickly vanish without intense managing and

maneuvering.2

• Churches frequently allow those who love the power of money to handle the

finances.

• God thought of the idea of money and is no doubt the best One to manage it,3

since all the wealth of the world is His.4

• God not only gives wealth to those who work for it,5 He grants it to the

objects of His grace.6

• Believers can indeed own money, but once we give it, we need to release

control.7

Yet some give to the Lord’s work like they purchase shares in a corporation, believing

this entitles them to control it. What does this look like in our meetings? I suspect it is

masked but still discernable. Consider Judas for insights.

Jesus bought the church with His own blood8 and He alone has the right to

regulate it.9 No amount of human generosity secures purchasing power over the church.

1 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in

uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 2 Proverbs 23:5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings;

they fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 3 Haggai 2:3 “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it

now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?” 2:7-9 “I will fill this temple with glory,”

says the LORD of hosts. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” says the LORD of hosts. “The glory of

this latter temple shall be greater than the former,” says the LORD of hosts. 4 Psalm 50:10-15 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the

birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for

the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God

thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you,

and you shall glorify Me.” 5 Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should

enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. 6 Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to

the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. 7 Acts 5:1-4 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back

part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’

feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part

of the price of the land for yourself? “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it

not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to

God.” 8 Acts 20:28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made

you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” 9 Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in

heaven and on earth.”

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Once we give to the Lord, it’s no longer our money. How leaders spend it depends on

how the Lord directs, not on the whim of power players. We think if we can find better

ways to get more people in church, we can get them more involved and then we can get

them to give more to accomplish God’s work, but His work will never lack His funding.

Can you imagine God saying, “Yes, that’s what I want to do, and that’s the way I want it

done, but I won’t provide a penny to support the effort!”?

Our focus is to find what God wants instead of finding ways to get more. If we

lack funds, we should question what we are doing rather than how to get more. Are we in

the will of God? Are we harboring some sin? Are we squandering His provisions? Does

He want to change direction? Does He want to relocate someone? Are we trying to

possess and control His church for our purposes? If we think it’s the economy, we’re

stupid. If we think it’s our money, we’re selfish. If we think it’s our church, we’re wrong.

The church of Jesus Christ is not about more and it’s not about me; it’s not about the

ways of modern America any more than it was about the ways of ancient Rome.1 If we let

the light of day reveal the darkness of sin, we would shrink with horror at the demonic

notion of giving to God in order to control His church. O the subtleties of selfishness!

1 Revelation 17:6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of

Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• Why do some prefer methods that quantify church growth?

• How does possessiveness relate to controlling the outcome?

• What causes the tension between staying within budget and facing the future in faith?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that our decisions would not be influenced by base cultural trends.

• Pray for the wisdom to detect the origins of strife in our congregation.

• Pray that we would fully find our identity in Jesus and find freedom from the love of money.

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Chapter Eleven

WILLINGNESS AND REWARDS

MERITING AND INHERITING

Redemption and Rewards

One day my mother warned me to be on my best behavior because Aunt Bess was

coming to consider which of her grand nieces and nephews would receive some of her

inheritance. She was a widow without children, nearing the end of her life. Imagine the

thrill of receiving an inheritance! Yet I was not inclined to feign good behavior to get her

money. Since I rarely behaved well in those days, she rightly concluded after her visit

that I was not worthy of any of her inheritance. Yet I have since seen unworthy children

inherit simply because of a good father’s choice. I guess some fathers figured grace might

motivate gratitude which could change their children’s hearts.

Shift the scene from here to heaven and back again and wonder with me whether

our heavenly Father carries both notions. Would He allocate some of His inheritance

differently between a devoted and dependable child and another who is not? Like Aunt

Bess many earthly fathers long for their children to carry on the work that brought their

wealth. They yearn to generously give their inheritance to all of their children, if they

would but share their vision and commitment. Yet even a bighearted father would

reasonably restrict what he would give to an irresponsible child, and who would fault him

for favoring a faithful child? Since God’s ways are not ours, we might wonder if things

actually work this way in heaven.

When we search the Scriptures we seem to find the discussion of inheritance

falling into two parts. Trying to resolve differences has mystified many. Yet we can

distinguish what is graciously given from what is earned by effort. Failure to recognize

this distinction when reading pertinent passages often leaves puzzled people either

wrongly working to earn their salvation or refusing to serve for rewards. Part of our

inheritance seems to come in the form of redemption1 and part of it seems to come in the

form of rewards.2 Please consider whether part of the inheritance we freely receive

1 Ephesians 1:11-14 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the

purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in

Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the

gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of

His glory. 2 Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from

the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

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immediately by faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross for us1 while the other part

He ultimately rewards for faithful service.2

Discerning by Distinguishing

Certainly we relish right now salvation full and free based on the cross of Christ.

Yet how would we feel in our heavenly home should God deny us part of the reward

portion of our inheritance because we wouldn’t patiently endure suffering while serving

Him?3 Once we join the household of God, we no doubt benefit greatly from living

among God’s people with the gift of our inheritance.4 However, we can also enter into

the reward of our inheritance,5 to the extent that we serve willingly and faithfully.

6

Scripture appears to distinguish between being heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus.7

Scripture also informs us that those who willingly suffer with Jesus are those joint heirs

who will reign with Him.8 Perhaps we should carefully distinguish heirs of God who

receive the gift of the inheritance from joint heirs with Jesus who willingly serve and

sacrificially suffer for the reward of the inheritance.

Some who accept salvation through faith in God’s promise might later content

themselves to some degree with what the world has to offer without even realizing what

they waste. What a tragedy that some Christians would complacently squander the

reward portion of their inheritance either by refusing to serve or by limiting the extent

they will suffer! Some even suggest that rewards prompt selfish motives for serving. Yet

the Scriptures do pledge rewards for service. Since service requires sacrifice, those who

share in the sufferings of Christ deserve compensation.9 So seemingly, to the extent we

1 Romans 3:23-24 …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His

grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved

through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. 2 Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God

prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those

things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 3 2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 4 Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the

saints and members of the household of God. 5 Colossians 3:24 …knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you

serve the Lord Christ. 6 1 Corinthians 9:17-18 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been

entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the

gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. 7 Romans 8:17 …and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer

with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 8 1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind,

for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in

the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 9 2 Timothy 2:3-7 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged

in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a

soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the

rules. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord

give you understanding in all things. 2:10-12 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that

they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: For

if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny

Him, He also will deny us.

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share in the ministry of reconciliation,1 we will merit full or partial rewards

2 from the

inheritance set aside for us.

Moreover, our Father may have designed the gift portion of the inheritance as the

basis for securing the reward portion of the inheritance. I suspect that He qualified us

with the gift to partake of the reward.3 What He freely gives to establish our standing in

Christ enables us to serve Him so we can eventually enjoy everything else He has for us.

This changes our focus from here to heaven so that we will endure the pain and despise

the shame like the Author and Finisher of our Faith.4 Yet dissuading children is difficult,

using distant rewards, once they become obsessed with the passing pleasures of sin here

and now.5 However, consider the poor, who are easily motivated by rewards.

6

Willingness Motivates His Rewards

Willingness to serve for rewards exceeds a slavish sense of obligation.7 Future

rewards are contingent not only on service here and now, which is expected of all slaves,8

but also on willingness while doing so.9 If we serve only out of necessity, we risk our

reward. Those who think they do God a favor for serving Him fool themselves! Only

willing slaves receive the reward but how can we know if our willingness is true and

pure? We measure true willingness by cheerfulness, prayerfulness and thankfulness.10 We

measure pure willingness by whether we serve secretly, freely or sacrificially.11

1 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose

heart. 2 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a

full reward. 3 Colossians 1:12 …giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of

the saints in the light. 3:24 …knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for

you serve the Lord Christ. 4 Hebrews 12:2 …looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set

before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 5 Hebrews 11:25 …choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing

pleasures of sin. Revelation 3:17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of

nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—.” 6 James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and

heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 7 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me;

yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 8 Luke 17:7-10 “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he

has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? “But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare

something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will

eat and drink’? “Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think

not. “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are

unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” 9 1 Corinthians 9:17-18 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been

entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the

gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.’ 10 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the

will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 11 Matthew 6:4 “…that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will

Himself reward you openly.” 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against

my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with

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The heart of our Father’s love reaches out to us—yes, to salvage our pathetic

lives—but even more. He longs to involve us in reaching others, not only to free them

from the selfish mess they have made of their lives, but to free us from our selfishness

while helping them. His call to sacrifice ourselves in service to Him, to assist Him in

reaching them, brings freedom from selfishness through suffering.1 Some are so self-

absorbed with what they get from God they behave like spoiled children. God offers

incentive to redirect our attention to eternal values.2

In the process of delaying our gratification, He encourages us away from worldly

pursuits to sacrificial kingdom service. Nevertheless everything God does benefits us,3 so

that we no longer notice our needs. Once we become convinced that God is meeting all

our needs in Christ right now, a peaceful, joyful, hopeful contentment overtakes us. This

so liberates us we stand ready to serve others at the Lord’s direction. Moreover, God uses

our willingness to suffer sacrificially to justify His declaration about our righteousness in

the face of accusations from His enemies.4

our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,

if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 1 1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind,

for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in

the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 2 Matthew 19:27-30 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.

Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration,

when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve

thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or

father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit

eternal life. “But many who are first will be last, and the last first. 3 James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of

lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 4 Job 1:8-12 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like

him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the

LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his

household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his

possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he

will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your

power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 2:1-5

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came

also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you

come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking

back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is

none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he

holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” So Satan

answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch

out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” James

2:21-23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you

see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture

was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he

was called the friend of God. Revelation 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now

salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the

accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they

overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their

lives to the death.”

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One day we will fully realize after all that in it all and through it all He has done it

all, and we will cast our crowns at the feet of the One who alone is worthy.1 So, all slaves

are required to serve but if we want a reward for serving, let us do so willingly and

faithfully! Faithful willingness to serve seems to be the key to meriting and inheriting

rewards. Fiery trials not only reveal servants who are willing to suffer; they establish who

will receive rewards and to what extent.2 Are we still willing to serve if it means

suffering? The reward of the inheritance awaits us! If it is appropriate for God, “…in

bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through

sufferings”,3 it seems entirely fitting for Him to perfect our inheritance with rewards for

suffering in sacrificial service.4

1 Revelation 4:10-11 …the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship

Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord,

to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were

created.” 2 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation,

and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone

lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver,

precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it

will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he

has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he

himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 3 Hebrews 2:10. 4 Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with

the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• How does a sense of gratitude for salvation blend with a sense of obligation to serve?

• How can we maintain spirituality or avoid selfishness when motivated by rewards?

• What do we encounter in life that shifts our focus from here to heaven and from self to others?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray that we will make the distinctions necessary to understand God’s purposes for our rewards.

• Pray for the willingness to serve the Lord whole-heartedly and that He will reveal the motives of

our hearts to follow His leading.

• Pray for the faithfulness to serve God and not foolishly shame Him.

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Chapter Twelve

ALL ABOUT OTHERS

FATHOMING THE FAMILY

Father of Every Family

I’ve spent a lifetime emotionally bound to my father, admiring him, disappointed

in him, puzzled by him, challenged by him, angry at him, frustrated by him, encouraged

by him. His impact on me has been immense. I carry his name, I share his appearance

and, even now, I extend his ancestry to my children and grandchildren. Such is the way

of the Family, filled with profound and permanent bonds. What an incredible invention,

the Family; full of amazing, dynamic elements: males and females turning into husbands

and wives through marriage, then into fathers and mothers as children arrive. Then

descendants entwine everything together with deep meaning and purpose. The notion of

the family simply astounds me…just like its Designer, come to think of it!

Families benefit everyone! Even dysfunctional families still soothe heartache,

prompt communication and challenge corruption. Few would question whether families

bring stability and strength to society; better to wonder how they do so. In ways subtle

yet profound, families are all about others. For families to function well requires selfless

sacrifice, a lot of it! Selfishness destroys families, if not immediately, then inevitably and

invariably. The assault on the Family today is extensive: role confusion, domineering

wives and passive husbands both absorbed in co-dependent feelings, abusive fathers and

ambitious mothers producing hateful, spiteful children who fall headlong into addiction

and perversion.

The dissolution of families ultimately brings judgment on the earth.1 When

families fail, lawlessness abounds and love grows cold.2 However, preventive measures

can preserve society while the angel of death waits for corruption to reach critical mass.

Mothers who nurture relationships indeed hold dysfunctional families together but the

key to rescuing families lies in the way fathers and children relate.3 Homes not only need

wives who respectfully respond to their husbands, they need husbands who willingly

head their homes by loving their wives as Christ does the church.4 When husbands

sacrificially serve their wives in love, when wives respond to their husbands with respect,

1 Malachi 2:16 “For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with

violence,” says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

4:6 “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,

lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” 2 Matthew 24:12 “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” 3 Malachi 4:6 op. cit. 4 Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the

wife see that she respects her husband.

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the family is stabilized and strengthened so that wives become contented mothers, and

husbands become caring fathers.

Rescuing, Restoring and Renewing Families

If we would rescue, restore and renew families, we must preach the Word of God

prophetically.1 To turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to

their fathers, we must identify right from wrong, and call both to repent and leave their

wicked ways. Fathers need to discipline childishness from the hearts of their children.2

Ironically, fathers also need to learn childlikeness from their children at the same time. If

fathers do not learn childlikeness, they will fail to discipline their children properly and

the reverse will happen; children will exchange childlikeness for childishness to follow

their fatherly models.

Young children can humble young fathers by their simple trust, their unassuming

nature and their genuine forthrightness, which can daily dissolve a father’s arrogance and

abusiveness. Yet older children can absolutely humiliate fathers who refuse to learn

childlikeness from their children when younger. Ironically, such fathers will then be

forced to face childishness in their adult children as well as themselves, if they have eyes

to see it. We are surprised to observe the disciples chasing away children brought to Jesus

for a blessing,3 especially after the Lord previously presented children to deter pride.

4

Aren’t we too only a step away from just such a stumble?5

When Jesus said, “Take and learn from me for I am meek and lowly,”6 then

placed a child in the midst of them,7 He directed their attention to His unassuming

gentleness.8 Though humans are sinners, we are designed in the image of God.

9 Unless

1 Malachi 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day

of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to

their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” 2 Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from

him. 3 Matthew 19:13-15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and

pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid

them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. 4 Matthew 18:1-6 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of

heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to

you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of

heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little

ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he

were drowned in the depth of the sea.” 5 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 6 Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls.” 7 Matthew 18:2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them. 8 Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God,

did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a

bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled

Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them

have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and

over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of

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adults are careful in the Spirit, they will find it easy to fight by force of personality,

whereas children clearly reflect Jesus’ meekness and gentleness1…until they grow older.

You’ve probably heard some say, “I love puppies and kittens; too bad they turn into dogs

and cats.” What’s behind this thinking?

God’s Designs for the Family

God invented the idea of reproducing little ones from those who are full grown.

Reproduction begins by promoting pleasure but eventually cancels selfishness and causes

fathers to consider others beyond themselves. With mothers this is more innate, since

they carry children inside then nurse and nurture them. Most parents find caring for

children quite compelling, otherwise we would never have populated the earth. But God

did not have to introduce reproduction to propagate the species. He could have created

each person from dust just like Adam. He specifically and individually fashions all of us

anyway.2 He designed reproduction to move us beyond passing pleasures to orient us to

others.

Marriage is also God’s design, as are other elements of the family. Healthy

relationships result when we recognize God’s design in role distinctions within marriage.

His purpose for marriage is to reveal how He expects His people to relate to Him; He is

the loving leader to whom we respectfully respond.3 Today people foolishly focus on

equality to manage marital problems but that’s a misplaced emphasis. God designed

marriage to focus on how to live under authority, which is also God-designed.4 There are

other passages which clearly teach equality between males and females,5 but the design

of marriage is to teach God’s authority over His people, how His creatures should

respond to Him and how relationships work when they do.

Diverse by design, families are the focus of God’s efforts to deal with the

differences He creates in us; relationships are the intended result. Moreover, He uses

families to lift the lowly and to love the lonely. Indeed He sets the solitary in families6

and multiplies the families of the poor like a flock.7 God’s fatherly concern extends far

God He created him; male and female He created them. 9:6 “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood

shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.” 1 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of

Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 Psalm 33:15 He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. 139:13-16 For You

formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and

wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not

hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your

eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned

for me, when as yet there were none of them. 3 Ephesians 5:31-32 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and

the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 4 Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from

God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 5 For example: Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is

neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 6 Psalm 68:6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the

rebellious dwell in a dry land. 7 Psalm 107:41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, and makes their families like a flock.

77

beyond His own people. He names every single family that comes into existence.1 God is

not selfish. He is other-oriented. Here’s how to fathom God’s purpose for the Family: life

is all about others. God would have churches focus on rescuing families, lest He come

and strike the earth with a curse!2

1 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Ephesians 3:14-15 For this reason I bow my knees before the

Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 2 Malachi 4:6 “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to

their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

78

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this chapter?

• In what way is the church a family and how should it function like a family?

• How can the church go about rescuing, restoring and renewing families?

• How can fathers and children yearning for each other serve as a barometer in church?

Preparing the Heart in Prayer:

• Pray for a growing awareness of God’s great purposes for the Family.

• Pray for stable and strong relationships in specific church families.

• Pray for a willingness to spend time and help struggling families.

79

Section Reflections

SELF ASSESSMENT AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY

COURAGEOUS COLLEGIALITY

On April 19, 1990 I delivered my dissertation to my doctoral committee at Talbot

School of Theology and defended it orally before the educational elite of Biola

University. It was a humbling process, which I needed, and I am grateful. At the time, I

wrote:

Full acknowledgment for higher education must be given to the medieval stadium generale, for

producing men and women of high degree…. This volume, no doubt, reflects the pride of

knowledge, for which I beg the reader’s grace. Heartfelt gratitude belongs to those who sacrificed

themselves [mainly my family] for this illusion for truly “men of high degree are a lie.” If there be

any glory, it must certainly belong to God.1

Excelling in education leads many to lose sight of their insignificance. Don’t get me

wrong; higher education obviously plays a significant part in preparing those who enter

the work force.

Consider how virtually all the professions grow out of academia. Nevertheless,

the educational elite would do well to guard against making much of themselves.

Moreover, every career that academia would promote, personal pride would ruin. This

caution does not ignore respect for authority, nor does it deny gratitude to those who

commit themselves to train others and provide the basis for gainful employment to so

many. However, it behooves us to prevent ignorance from going to seed. When power

players think more highly of themselves than they should, they develop a willful

ignorance of their own pride. This cannot stand unchallenged! How we challenge forms

the heart of this book.

Therefore, I think it entirely appropriate at this point to recognize that those who

rise in the medical or legal fields really only practice, while those who rise in various

forms of entertainment really only play, and whereas those who rise in academia really

only profess, since—to some measure or another—men of high degree are a lie.2 When

practitioners, players or professors make much of themselves they have only become

impressed with their own importance. Those who rise in various ministries are no

different since we really only serve. We all need to challenge each other against making

1 Michael C. Loehrer, Measurement of Virtue in Christian Education (Unpublished Ed.D. Dissertation,

Biola University, 1990), p. xi. 2 Psalm 62:9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on

the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.

80

much of ourselves. Only a courageous collegiality among egoless elders will preserve the

atmosphere of the meekness and lowliness of Jesus in our midst.

� Select yet another different prayer partner from those on the board and meet

with him, anticipating an annual peer assessment and accountability time with

the entire board. Prepare for the time you will spend together by reflecting on

the principles of this final section through:

• Prayerful Examination1

� Search, “What does it mean to operate in the faith?”2

� Probe, “How does Jesus Christ operate in me?”3

� Test, “What qualifies/disqualifies me in serving?”4

• Personal Assessment5

� Agree with God over sinful areas and activities in your life.6

� Distinguish incidents from characteristics in your life.7

� Prepare yourself to share what the Lord has shown you.8

� Select a mutually acceptable time and place when you can enjoy unhurried

and uninterrupted time with your prayer partner for:

• Peer Evaluation9

1 2 Corinthians 13:3-9 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but

mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are

weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to

whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—

unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. Now I pray to

God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable,

though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad

when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 2 Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there

is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 3 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the

life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 4 Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant

also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be

innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in

Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. 5 1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light

and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie

and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one

another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and

His word is not in us. 6 Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my

transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. 7 Acts 13:22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave

testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My

will.’” 8 Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. 9 Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and

heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who

meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My

jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern

81

� Pose gracious questions and listen.1

� Accept responses at face value.2

� Refuse to jump to or force conclusions.3

• Partner Accountability4

� Contact each other, as the Spirit prompts, to question and listen.5

� Admit the faults the Lord has shown you about yourself.6

� Pray and allow time for Jesus to bring healing to your partner.7

� Schedule an informal board meeting, if possible at a different time and in a

different place than normal meetings, perhaps making a retreat of it, allowing

unhurried and uninterrupted time for:

• Personal Summaries,

� Offer a brief summary of your prayerful examinations and personal

assessments over the past year.

� Invite your various prayer partners to concisely contribute to your

summary explanation of what God has been doing in your life.

� Ask the board to question your assessments and your partners’

comments and just listen; do not defend yourself; take all

questioning as from the Lord; pledge to prayerfully consider.

• Board Queries,

� Selectively question, as the Spirit prompts, each elder’s summaries

(not expecting an answer) about the subtleties of self-righteous

burdens and baggage.

� Likewise query, as the Spirit prompts, about keeping

communication constant with the Lord as well as seeking and

granting forgiveness to remain functional with the rest of the

board.

� Similarly ask, as the Spirit prompts, about graciousness through all

kinds of atmospheric conditions; explore and examine any issues

of guard dog growling.

between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened

through the deceitfulness of sin. 1 Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you

ought to answer each one. James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow

to speak, slow to wrath. 2 Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be

judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck

in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother,

‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove

the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” 3 Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For

we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 4 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 5 Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 6 Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will

have mercy. 7 Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His

wings.

82

� Finally inquire, as the Spirit prompts, about other-oriented, willing,

sacrificial service and the courageous collegiality required to

challenge those who would intimidate egoless elders.

83

Conclusion

The major theme of this work is lowly leadership. My main purpose in writing

was to cultivate this in the church of God. I truly hope the supporting themes developed

here accomplish this purpose and offer you hope as well as encouragement. What moved

me to write was my concern over the heartache experienced by those who not only

struggle with the egos of others but their own as well. Consequently, my approach in

writing was frequently confrontational but I hope it also left you with a measure of

consolation; yet that depends on the work of the Lord in your life. Personally, I find the

Holy Spirit’s work to involve confrontation first followed by consolation. I must repent

before I find relief.

My deepest desire is that the God of hope would fill you with all joy and peace in

believing so that you might abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.1 To realize

this hope in my life I have to repent repeatedly of my own self-righteousness, which

otherwise leaves me blind to the ravages of my ego and deaf to the voice of God.2 We

have taken some serious steps to become egoless elders. We have learned to:

• Dump the bulky baggage of worldly wisdom,

• Abandon the extra luggage of personal power, and

• Deal a deathblow to the pride of performance so we can surrender to

the lordship of Jesus Christ and follow His leadership.

To follow the leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ we have also learned to:

• Surrender to God in order to seek His heart,

• Discern God’s direction through continual communication, and

• Conquer spiritual indecision by becoming mighty in virtue so we can

generate a gracious atmosphere in church.

To generate a gracious atmosphere in church we have also learned to:

• Overcome changing conditions,

• Generate a greenhouse of graciousness, and

• Alter an ungracious atmosphere so we can serve sacrificially without

being dominated by power players.

To serve sacrificially without being dominated by power players we have also learned to:

1 Romans 15:13. 2 Romans 11:8 Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see

And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.” Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And

having ears, do you not hear?”

84

• Gain freedom from the love of money by finding our identity in Jesus,

and

• Willingly serve sacrificially to the point of suffering for the reward of

the inheritance as joint heirs with Jesus, and

• Fathom God’s purposes for the Family so we can fully live with the

realization that life is all about others.

The chapters in this book were intended to individually render each elder egoless

before the Lord of the Church. The Section Reflections were also intended to render

elders egoless but collectively by graciously engaging each other in the process. I can

easily envision self assessment and peer accountability degenerating into ego-dominated

discussions. If we keep the Lord Jesus as our focal point, and if we lovingly and patiently

assist the Spirit of Grace by simple questioning, the process will become beauteous to

behold. May we all live by a lowly faith in Jesus as Lord that prompts humble prayer in

the Spirit and produces sacrificial service to the glory of God the Father!

85

Scripture Index

Genesis 1:26-27 ............................................... 75

Genesis 1:27..................................................... 63

Genesis 3:14-19 ................................................. 8

Genesis 9:6....................................................... 76

Genesis 22:1-2 ................................................... 3

Exodus 20:18-19 .............................................. 49

Exodus 33:3 ..................................................... 25

Exodus 33:13 ................................................... 25

Exodus 33:15 ................................................... 25

1 Samuel 13:13-14 ........................................... 22

1 Samuel 23:1-5 ............................................... 23

2 Samuel 2:1-4 ................................................. 23

2 Samuel 5:17-25 ............................................. 24

2 Samuel 16:23 .................................................. 3

2 Samuel 17:14 .................................................. 3

1 Kings 18:26-28 ............................................. 22

2 Kings 5:10-12 ................................................. 3

1 Chronicles 14:8-17........................................ 24

1 Chronicles 17:1-4.......................................... 25

Nehemiah 6:5-9................................................ 22

Job 1:8-12 ........................................................ 71

Job 2:1-5 .......................................................... 71

Psalm 19:12-14 .............................. 18, 37, 59, 80

Psalm 32:5 ..................................... 19, 37, 59, 80

Psalm 33:15 ..................................................... 76

Psalm 37:25 ..................................................... 64

Psalm 40:8 ....................................................... 32

Psalm 42:1 ....................................................... 22

Psalm 50:10-15 ................................................ 65

Psalm 51:11 ..................................................... 25

Psalm 55:8 ....................................................... 42

Psalm 62:9 ....................................................... 79

Psalm 66:16 ................................... 19, 37, 59, 80

Psalm 68:6 ....................................................... 76

Psalm 81:12 ..................................................... 24

Psalm 107:29 ................................................... 42

Psalm 107:41 ................................................... 76

Psalm 119:11 ..................................................... 4

Psalm 119:148 ................................................... 4

Psalm 139:13-16 ........................................ 63, 76

Psalm 139:23-24 ............................ 18, 37, 59, 80

Proverbs 12:25 ................................................. 42

Proverbs 14:12 ................................................... 3

Proverbs 15:1 ................................................... 51

Proverbs 16:7 ................................................... 51

Proverbs 16:25 ............................................. 3, 48

Proverbs 18:1 ................................................... 48

Proverbs 18:12 ................................................. 13

Proverbs 21:2 ................................................... 48

Proverbs 22:15 ................................................. 75

Proverbs 23:5 ................................................... 65

Proverbs 28:13 ............................... 19, 38, 60, 81

Proverbs 28:22 ................................................. 62

Ecclesiastes 2:24 .............................................. 65

Ecclesiastes 2:26 .............................................. 65

Ecclesiastes 9:11 ................................................ 8

Isaiah 30:21-22................................................. 28

Isaiah 55:8.......................................................... 7

Isaiah 55:9.......................................................... 4

Isaiah 64:6........................................................ 47

Jeremiah 17:9 .................................................... ix

Jeremiah 23:3 ................................................... 63

Haggai 2:3........................................................ 65

Zechariah 4:6 ................................................... 10

Malachi 2:16 .................................................... 74

Malachi 3:16-18 ............................. 19, 37, 60, 80

Malachi 4:2 .................................... 19, 38, 60, 81

Malachi 4:5-6 ................................................... 75

Malachi 4:6 ................................................ 74, 77

Matthew 2:16 ................................................... 14

Matthew 5:20 ................................................... 53

Matthew 5:23-24.............................................. 17

Matthew 6:4 ..................................................... 70

Matthew 6:21 ................................................... 63

Matthew 6:24 ................................................... 64

Matthew 6:33 ................................................... 64

Matthew 6:34 ................................................... 64

Matthew 7:1-5 ................................ 19, 38, 60, 81

Matthew 11:25-29.............................................. 8

Matthew 11:29 ................................. 9, 51, 52, 75

Matthew 13:15 ................................................. 17

Matthew 14:10 ................................................. 14

Matthew 14:22-33............................................ 42

Matthew 15:1-9................................................ 52

Matthew 16:17 ................................................. 53

Matthew 16:23 ................................................. 55

Matthew 18:1-6................................................ 75

Matthew 18:2 ................................................... 75

Matthew 19:13-15............................................ 75

Matthew 19:27-30............................................ 71

Matthew 20:11-15............................................ 62

Matthew 23:28 ................................................. 53

Matthew 24:12 ................................................. 74

Matthew 25:31-33............................................ 10

Matthew 26:21-22.............................................. x

Matthew 26:50 ................................................. 55

Matthew 28:18 ................................................. 65

Matthew 28:20 ........................................... 25, 28

Mark 4:35-41 ................................................... 42

Mark 7:1-6 ....................................................... 55

86

Mark 7:20-23 ................................................... 62

Mark 8:15-18 ............................................. 18, 54

Mark 8:18......................................................... 83

Mark 15:11-15 ................................................. 51

Luke 6:12-13.................................................... 28

Luke 6:42 ......................................................... 52

Luke 7:36-50.................................................... 55

Luke 7:39-50.................................................... 48

Luke 9:23 ......................................................... 13

Luke 10:21 ......................................................... 2

Luke 10:25 ....................................................... 52

Luke 10:25-26.................................................. 55

Luke 12:34 ....................................................... 64

Luke 16:13 ....................................................... 64

Luke 16:14 ....................................................... 64

Luke 16:14-16.................................................. 53

Luke 16:15 ....................................................... 51

Luke 17:7-10.................................................... 70

Luke 18:9 ......................................................... 52

Luke 19:10 ....................................................... 63

Luke 22:19-28.................................................. 12

Luke 22:24-27.................................................. 58

Luke 22:26 ....................................................... 14

John 1:4............................................................ 49

John 1:11.......................................................... 51

John 1:14.......................................................... 53

John 1:14-18 .................................................... 49

John 1:17.............................................. 45, 53, 54

John 2:13-17 .................................................... 52

John 3:16-21 .................................................... 49

John 3:19-21 .................................................... 51

John 3:30........................................................... ix

John 4:34.......................................................... 32

John 5:19.......................................................... 28

John 6:38.......................................................... 32

John 7:17.......................................................... 33

John 8:11.......................................................... 49

John 8:28.......................................................... 28

John 10:3-4 ...................................................... 27

John 10:10........................................................ 49

John 10:14........................................................ 27

John 10:27........................................................ 27

John 18:4-8 ...................................................... 56

John 21:15-19 .................................................. 55

John 21:18........................................................ 13

Acts 2:42.................................................... 28, 29

Acts 5:1-4......................................................... 65

Acts 6:1-4......................................................... 28

Acts 6:4............................................................ 29

Acts 12:1.......................................................... 14

Acts 13:22.......................... 19, 22, 24, 37, 59, 80

Acts 14:11, 14-15, 18....................................... 14

Acts 14:19........................................................ 14

Acts 15:4-7....................................................... 55

Acts 15:5.......................................................... 54

Acts 15:10........................................................ 49

Acts 17:21 ........................................................ 47

Acts 17:28 ......................................................... ix

Acts 20:28 ........................................................ 65

Acts 26:9-11..................................................... 56

Romans 3:11 .................................................... 22

Romans 3:23-24 ............................................... 69

Romans 6:5-8 ................................................... 63

Romans 8:16 .................................................... 29

Romans 8:16-17 ............................................... 70

Romans 8:17 .................................................... 69

Romans 8:18 .................................................... 72

Romans 8:20 ...................................................... 8

Romans 10:1-4 ............................... 18, 34, 47, 53

Romans 11:5 .................................................... 63

Romans 11:8 .............................................. 18, 83

Romans 12:1 .................................................... 13

Romans 12:1-2 ................................................. 52

Romans 12:6-8 ................................................. 64

Romans 12:8 .................................................... 64

Romans 12:10 .................................................. 13

Romans 13:1 .................................................... 76

Romans 14:10 ................................ 19, 38, 60, 81

Romans 15:13 .................................................. 83

1Corinthians 1:26-29 ......................................... 7

1 Corinthians 1:27.......................................... 2, 8

1 Corinthians 1:29.............................................. 8

1 Corinthians 2:9-13 ......................................... ix

1 Corinthians 2:13.............................................. 4

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 ...................................... 30

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 ........................................ 72

1 Corinthians 4:7.............................................. 17

1 Corinthians 8:1.................................. 33, 34, 59

1 Corinthians 9:16............................................ 70

1 Corinthians 9:17............................................ 70

1 Corinthians 9:17-18 ................................ 69, 70

1 Corinthians 10:12.................................... 17, 75

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ........................................ 58

1 Corinthians 14:23-24..................................... 45

1 Corinthians 14:33-34..................................... 45

1 Corinthians 14:40.......................................... 45

1 Corinthians 15:31.......................................... 13

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 ........................................... ix

2 Corinthians 4:1.............................................. 70

2 Corinthians 4:6-10 ........................................ 48

2 Corinthians 5:5-7 .......................................... 32

2 Corinthians 5:7.............................................. 25

2 Corinthians 9:7.............................................. 64

2 Corinthians 10:1...................................... 51, 76

2 Corinthians 10:1-3 ........................................ 47

2 Corinthians 10:1-4 ........................................ 52

2 Corinthians 10:4............................................ 52

2 Corinthians 13:3-9 ...................... 18, 37, 59, 80

Galatians 1:7 .................................................... 54

Galatians 1:13 .................................................. 56

Galatians 1:23 .................................................. 56

Galatians 2:4-5 ................................................. 53

87

Galatians 2:11-13....................................... 53, 54

Galatians 2:20 ..................... ix, 18, 37, 59, 63, 80

Galatians 3:28 .................................................. 76

Galatians 4:3 .................................................... 40

Galatians 4:17 ...................................... 46, 51, 58

Galatians 5:4 .................................................... 46

Galatians 5:13-14............................................. 41

Galatians 5:15 ............................................ 41, 46

Galatians 5:16 ............................................... ix, 2

Galatians 5:16-18............................................. 47

Galatians 5:16-17............................................. 53

Galatians 5:22-25............................................. 47

Galatians 5:25 ................................ 19, 38, 60, 81

Galatians 6:8 .................................................... 12

Ephesians 1:3 .................................................... ix

Ephesians 1:11-14............................................ 68

Ephesians 2:2 ................................................... 40

Ephesians 2:8-9................................................ 69

Ephesians 2:10 ................................................. 69

Ephesians 2:19 ................................................. 69

Ephesians 3:14-15............................................ 77

Ephesians 4:2-3................................................ 59

Ephesians 4:15 ................................................. 46

Ephesians 4:29 ................................................. 41

Ephesians 4:30 ................................................. 25

Ephesians 5:18-25............................................ 13

Ephesians 5:31-32............................................ 76

Ephesians 5:33 ................................................. 74

Ephesians 6:17-18............................................ 29

Philippians 2:5-8 .............................................. 75

Philippians 2:13 .......................................... ix, 47

Philippians 3:2 ................................................. 58

Philippians 3:7-10 ............................................ 47

Philippians 3:7-8 ................................................ 4

Colossians 1:12 ................................................ 70

Colossians 2:23 ................................................ 46

Colossians 3:23-24........................................... 68

Colossians 3:24 .......................................... 69, 70

Colossians 4:6 ................................ 19, 38, 60, 81

1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 ...................................... 48

1 Thessalonians 2:7.......................................... 52

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 .................................. 70

1 Thessalonians 5:17.................................. 28, 36

1 Timothy 1:5 .................................................. 41

1 Timothy 1:8-10 ............................................. 41

1 Timothy 3:1 .................................................. 13

1 Timothy 4:3 .................................................. 47

1 Timothy 4:5 .................................................. 29

1 Timothy 6:6-10 ............................................. 64

1 Timothy 6:12 ................................................ 52

1 Timothy 6:17 ................................................ 65

2 Timothy 1:7 ...................................... 10, 25, 53

2 Timothy 2:10-12 ........................................... 69

2 Timothy 2:3-7 ............................................... 69

2 Timothy 2:12 ................................................ 69

2 Timothy 2:19 .......................................... 27, 29

2 Timothy 3:2................................................... 64

Titus 1:11 ................................................... 46, 63

Titus 2:11-12.................................................... 46

Titus 2:11-14.................................................... 48

Titus 3:5 ........................................................... 47

Hebrews 2:10 ................................................... 72

Hebrews 3:13 ................................. 19, 38, 60, 81

Hebrews 10:5-9................................................ 32

Hebrews 11:6 ................................................... 22

Hebrews 11:25 ................................................. 70

Hebrews 12:2 ................................................... 70

Hebrews 12:14 ................................................. 49

Hebrews 12:15 ........................................... 18, 46

Hebrews 13:9 ................................................... 49

Hebrews 13:17 ................................................. 41

James 1:2-8 ........................................................ 9

James 1:5................................................ 4, 25, 54

James 1:5-7 ...................................................... 33

James 1:5-7 ...................................................... 34

James 1:9-10 .................................................... 64

James 1:9-12 ...................................................... 9

James 1:17........................................................ 71

James 1:19...................................... 19, 38, 60, 81

James 2:5.......................................................... 70

James 2:14-26 .................................................. 33

James 2:21-23 .................................................. 71

James 3:13.......................................................... 4

James 3:14-16 .......................................... 4, 7, 63

James 3:17........................................................ 13

James 3:17-18 .................................................... 4

James 4:1.......................................................... 63

James 4:5-10 .................................................... 22

James 4:13-5:6 ................................................. 43

James 5:16................................ 19, 38, 48, 60, 81

1 Peter 1:23 ...................................................... 63

1 Peter 2:2 ........................................................ 32

1 Peter 2:15-16................................................. 48

1 Peter 4:1-2............................................... 69, 71

1 Peter 5:1 ........................................................ 14

2 Peter 1:5 ........................................................ 32

2 Peter 1:5-7..................................................... 33

2 Peter 1:5-7..................................................... 34

2 Peter 3:9 ........................................................ 41

2 Peter 3:18 ................................................ 32, 48

1 John 1:5......................................................... 29

1 John 1:5-10.................................................... 18

1 John 1:5-10.................................................... 37

1 John 1:5-10.................................................... 59

1 John 1:5-10.................................................... 80

1 John 1:9......................................................... 48

1 John 2:9-11.................................................... 17

1 John 2:15....................................................... 47

1 John 3:2......................................................... 63

1 John 3:14....................................................... 17

1 John 4:1......................................................... 27

1 John 4:3-5 ..................................................... 27

88

1 John 4:6-7 ..................................................... 27

1 John 4:20-21 ................................................. 17

1 John 5:14....................................................... 29

2 John 1:8................................................... 69, 70

3 John 1:9-11 ................................................... 64

Jude 1:20............................................................ 4

Jude 1:20-23..................................................... 54

Revelation 2:1-3:22...................................... x, 25

Revelation 3:17 ................................................ 70

Revelation 3:20 ................................................ 36

Revelation 4:10-11........................................... 72

Revelation 4:11 ................................................ 14

Revelation 5:11-12........................................... 15

Revelation 12:10-11......................................... 71

Revelation 17:6 ................................................ 66

89

Subject Index

Abraham ................................................ 3, 33, 71

abundant........................................................... 49

Adam ........................................................... 8, 76

Ahithophel ......................................................... 3

Americans ........................................................ 63

apostle .............................................................. 27

apostolic doctrine....................................... 27, 28

arrogance............................................ 4, 6, 43, 75

Asia Minor ................................................... x, 25

assembly .......................... x, 9, 45, 46, 48, 49, 56

atmosphere .....x, 9, 40, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 54,

56, 57, 62, 83

atmospheric.................................... 40, 44, 54, 57

authoritarian ..................................................... 14

authority........8, 12, 21, 33, 42, 56, 65, 69, 70, 76

autonomy ......................................................... 41

Baal ............................................................ 22, 24

baggage .......x, 5, 7, 12, 16, 17, 21, 40, 54, 62, 83

believers.......................... ix, 2, 27, 53, 54, 62, 64

Bible............................... v, 3, 4, 7, 28, 32, 45, 77

bully ................................................................. 10

bullying ............................................................ 10

burdens......................................................... x, 12

character........................3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 48, 49

cheerfulness ..................................................... 70

childishness...................................................... 75

childlikeness .................................................... 75

church .ix, x, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 25, 29, 31,

40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 54, 55, 56, 57,

62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 76, 78, 83

confidence...................4, 6, 12, 26, 29, 42, 47, 52

confront............................................................ 52

conscience........................................................ 41

consciousness............................................... 3, 15

cosmic .......................................................... 3, 51

counsel ......................................................... 3, 68

covenant ..................................................... 12, 14

creation .............................................................. 8

crown ..................................................... 9, 10, 14

crowns.............................................................. 72

cultural ............................................................. 47

curse........................................... 8, 71, 74, 75, 77

David ............................................... 3, 22, 23, 24

death..3, 14, 47, 48, 49, 52, 55, 56, 63, 71, 74, 75

deceitful ............................................................ ix

deity ................................................................. 15

demons....................................................... 33, 63

devil ................................................................. 56

dictatorial ......................................................... 14

directive ............................................................. 3

disciples .................. ix, 14, 28, 42, 49, 52, 55, 75

discipline ........................................ 41, 43, 44, 75

doctrine .......................................... 28, 29, 33, 41

domineering ......................................... 14, 53, 74

ego................................................................. ix, x

egoless.. ix, 11, 12, 15, 16, 21, 34, 40, 43, 62, 63,

83

egoless elders ............................................ ii, v, ix

egos ............................................................. ix, 12

elders ix, x, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 27, 28,

31, 34, 40, 43, 47, 52, 54, 55, 62, 63, 72, 83

elite....................................................... 12, 15, 16

endurance ..................................................... 9, 11

enemy................................... 9, 21, 24, 29, 55, 63

equality............................................................. 76

evil spirits......................................................... 47

experience ............................. ix, 2, 3, 4, 6, 43, 54

factions............................................................... 7

failure ............................................................... 48

faith .... ix, 4, 9, 12, 13, 22, 25, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40,

41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 63, 64, 67,

69, 70, 71

faithful........................................ x, 13, 48, 68, 69

family ....................................... 45, 74, 75, 77, 78

father ............................ 33, 52, 68, 71, 74, 75, 76

fear ..............10, 13, 24, 25, 40, 42, 43, 53, 55, 71

fight .............................. 42, 43, 51, 52, 63, 64, 76

filling.......................................................... 13, 42

flesh.. ix, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 27, 32, 41, 43, 46, 47, 49,

51, 52, 53, 55, 64, 65, 69, 71, 76

force ............................................... 10, 13, 63, 76

forceful................................................... 9, 41, 55

forgiveness ........................................... 46, 48, 49

forthrightness ............................................. 46, 75

freedom ...................................................... 67, 71

futility................................................................. 8

gentle...................... 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 51, 52, 54, 75

gentleness................. 6, 12, 43, 47, 51, 52, 75, 76

God .. ix, x, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 21,

22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42,

45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 62, 63,

64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78,

83

God’s Word.................................................. 4, 28

godly .................................................. 4, 5, 46, 48

grace.....14, 22, 25, 32, 34, 41, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,

50, 51, 53, 54, 63, 64, 65, 68, 69, 72

gracious ..x, 40, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,

53, 54, 56, 57, 83

graciously....................................... 41, 46, 53, 68

90

greedy .............................................................. 65

heart ....ix, x, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 21, 22, 24, 25, 32,

34, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 62,

63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 75, 83

hearts...ix, 4, 7, 22, 32, 41, 43, 48, 50, 51, 53, 63,

68, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77

heaven ....8, 14, 32, 41, 53, 65, 68, 70, 71, 73, 75,

77

heavenly................................ ix, 4, 14, 21, 68, 69

Hebron ............................................................. 23

heirs ..................................................... 69, 70, 71

Herod ......................................................... 14, 54

household ......................................................... 69

humanly .................................................. ix, 3, 53

humans.................................................. ix, 46, 75

humble ............................... 13, 14, 21, 22, 41, 75

humiliate .......................................................... 75

humiliation............................................. 9, 10, 64

humility................................................ 12, 13, 14

idea..................................................... 2, 3, 12, 76

ideas ........................................... 2, 3, 4, 7, 23, 42

identity ............................................ ix, 63, 64, 67

indecision................................. 32, 34, 40, 62, 83

indulgence........................................................ 46

inheritance...................................... 68, 69, 70, 72

intelligence....................................... 2, 3, 4, 6, 54

involvement ....................................... x, 3, 23, 42

Isaac ....................................................... 3, 33, 71

Jesus.. vi, ix, x, 4, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 27,

28, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,

51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 63, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70,

71, 72, 75, 76, 83

John13, 14, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 45, 47, 48, 49, 51,

52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 63, 64, 69, 70

Jordan................................................................. 3

joyful..................................... vi, 9, 11, 32, 35, 71

kingdom ............14, 21, 22, 53, 54, 64, 70, 71, 75

law .32, 34, 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,

54, 55

leaders .....ix, 3, 14, 22, 24, 25, 29, 40, 41, 46, 54,

57, 62, 64, 66

leadership ......................... x, 9, 13, 14, 17, 21, 83

leading...x, 3, 4, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 34, 41, 73

legalism................................................ 41, 50, 52

leprosy................................................................ 3

life ...ix, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 28,

29, 32, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 52, 54, 55,

57, 64, 68, 69, 71, 73, 77

Lord ix, x, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25,

26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 49,

52, 54, 55, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75

lordship ................................................ 12, 14, 21

loveix, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 25, 27, 33, 34, 35, 40,

41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 55, 64, 65, 67, 70, 71,

74, 76

loving ......................................................... 13, 76

lowliness ................................................ 8, 12, 43

lowly ...8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 21, 47, 51, 52, 64, 75, 76

luggage........................... 7, 12, 17, 21, 40, 62, 83

master......................................................... 64, 72

meditating .................................................... 4, 22

meek....................................... 8, 9, 10, 13, 52, 75

meekness .......................... 4, 6, 12, 47, 51, 52, 76

merciful ............................................................ 52

mighty .............. 7, 8, 9, 10, 23, 34, 40, 52, 62, 83

mind .....2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 25, 29, 30, 31, 33,

34, 40, 45, 52, 53, 64, 69, 71, 75

ministry ................................ v, 28, 29, 64, 70, 98

money........... 7, 52, 53, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68

Moses ................................. 25, 45, 49, 53, 54, 55

Naaman .............................................................. 3

necessity........................................................... 70

noble............................................................. 7, 21

obedience ....................................... 31, 32, 35, 43

obey................................................ 23, 34, 41, 42

obligation ............................................. 41, 70, 73

one-downmanship .......................... 13, 14, 15, 16

one-upmanship ..................................... 12, 14, 16

order ............... 3, 8, 40, 41, 45, 46, 50, 54, 62, 83

partial ............................................................... 70

Passover ..................................................... 14, 52

pastor......................................................... ix, 2, 4

pathetic............................................................. 71

Paul .................................. 4, 8, 14, 47, 51, 52, 76

peace ............ 4, 13, 33, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 55

performance ................. 12, 15, 21, 40, 47, 62, 83

performers ........................................................ 46

Peter .....13, 14, 32, 33, 34, 35, 41, 42, 48, 53, 54,

55, 56, 63, 65, 69, 71

pharisaic ........................................................... 34

Pharisees .................................. 52, 53, 54, 55, 64

Philistines................................................... 23, 24

power ...7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21, 25, 40,

46, 47, 48, 53, 54, 62, 64, 65, 71, 72, 83

powerful ........................................................... 10

pragmatic ......................................................... 62

pray ................... ix, 25, 28, 29, 42, 45, 48, 70, 75

prayer .............. ix, x, 4, 27, 28, 29, 34, 47, 48, 53

prayer prompters ........................................... ix, x

prayerfulness .................................................... 70

pretenders................................................... 51, 54

Promised Land ................................................. 25

prophetically .................................................... 75

proud ........................ 9, 12, 14, 21, 22, 26, 43, 64

proverbs ............................................................. 3

purity............................................................ 4, 46

realm ................................................................. ix

rebellion ........................................................... 21

reciprocal ................................. 22, 27, 28, 29, 30

reconciliation.................................................... 70

redemption ........................................... 25, 68, 69

regulations.................................................. 46, 47

91

religion............................................................. 46

repent ............................................................... 75

reproduction..................................................... 76

resources .............................................. 10, 62, 63

respect .............................................................. 74

rewards..........................14, 22, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73

riches.......................................... 8, 15, 43, 62, 65

righteousness..ix, 4, 33, 34, 46, 47, 48, 53, 64, 71

Rome................................................................ 66

rubbish ......................................................... 4, 47

rule ................................................... 8, 21, 23, 41

rules ................................................. 7, 46, 47, 69

sacrifice................................ 3, 13, 52, 69, 71, 74

sacrificial.................................... x, 27, 49, 71, 72

Sadducees ............................................ 51, 52, 54

salvage ............................................................. 71

salvation........................46, 48, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73

Saul ............................................................ 22, 23

Savior....................................... 13, 21, 32, 48, 51

scriptural ............................................................ 9

Scripturex, 2, 4, 10, 22, 28, 33, 46, 54, 63, 69, 71

seasoned......................................................... 2, 3

seeking ............................................................. 24

self-deprecation................................................ 13

self-effort ......................................... 2, 12, 16, 47

self-importance .......................................... 2, 4, 6

selfish......................21, 48, 63, 64, 66, 69, 71, 77

selfishly............................................................ 13

selfless effort.................................................... 14

self-seeking .............................................. 4, 7, 63

self-will .................................................. 2, 13, 35

self-willed ........................................................ 33

senseless....................................... 2, 3, 16, 46, 64

service ....................... vi, x, 13, 52, 69, 70, 71, 72

serving................................................................ 2

shame ................................... 2, 4, 7, 8, 51, 70, 73

shepherd............................................... 14, 27, 28

Simon............................................. 13, 48, 53, 55

Simon Peter...................................................... 13

situation specific .......................................... 3, 34

slave ........................................................... 14, 76

smart .............................................................. 2, 3

solitary ............................................................. 76

Solomon......................................................... 3, 8

soul............................................. 2, 22, 63, 65, 76

sovereign.............................................. 21, 22, 26

Spiritix, x, 2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 25, 28,

29, 32, 35, 46, 47, 48, 53, 54, 65, 68, 70, 76

Spirit of God ........................... ix, 2, 4, 25, 29, 54

Spirit of Grace.................................................... x

spiritual .. ix, x, 2, 4, 6, 13, 14, 21, 30, 32, 35, 40,

53, 62, 63, 83

spirituality ............................ 2, 46, 51, 53, 57, 73

spoiled.............................................................. 71

strength................. 7, 9, 15, 22, 32, 47, 53, 71, 74

strife ......................................... 3, 4, 7, 16, 63, 67

striving ............................................................. 12

strong ....................................... 7, 8, 9, 41, 55, 78

submission ........................................... 13, 21, 53

submissive...................................... 14, 24, 41, 45

submit............................................. 13, 14, 22, 42

suffering ............................................... 69, 71, 72

surrender .......... 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 32, 83

surrendering ............................................... 13, 23

thankfulness ..................................................... 70

trials ............................................. 3, 9, 11, 13, 72

trust ................................. ix, 2, 32, 33, 34, 65, 75

trustworthy ................................................. 27, 33

truth....4, 7, 27, 33, 34, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53,

54, 63, 68

truthfulness........................................... 46, 49, 53

unassuming ................................................ 14, 75

uninterested ........................................................ 3

unpretentious.................................................... 13

victory ........................................................ 23, 24

virtue ............................ 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 62, 83

virtuously ......................................................... 34

war ................................................... 2, 47, 52, 63

ways ...2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 21, 22, 26, 29, 32, 33, 41, 51,

52, 64, 66, 68, 74, 75

weak ..................................................... 7, 8, 9, 41

weary.......................................................... 12, 16

wicked......................................................... ix, 75

willing .................. x, 4, 13, 31, 33, 35, 41, 70, 72

willingness . vi, 16, 25, 32, 33, 34, 57, 70, 71, 72,

73, 78

wisdom...x, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 15, 25, 28, 33, 34,

44, 46, 54, 63, 65, 67

worldvi, ix, 2, 7, 8, 27, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49,

51, 52, 64, 65, 69, 70

worldliness ....................................................... 27

worldly wisdom 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 17, 21, 40, 62, 83

worldly wise................................................... 3, 6

yearn..................................................... 22, 53, 68

yield ....................................................... 4, 13, 53

zeal ............................................. 2, 34, 47, 52, 53

92

“Egoless Elders captures both the character God desires for His

servants as well as the journey He requires for their spiritual maturity,

vividly painting a picture in a most understandable manner to a culture

addicted to self, even within the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Robert Doleshal, Senior Pastor, Desert View Baptist Church, Gilbert, AZ

HOW TO CULTIVATE CHURCH LEADERS TO HANDLE CHURCH CONFLICTS

If those involved in church conflict read Egoless Elders, they will:

• Realize why church leadership becomes dysfunctional.

• Learn how to sustain fellowship with God and team members.

• Actively participate in restoring functional harmony to the

church.

• Pray effectively in faith for problems in the church.

Because Egoless Elders will:

• Differentiate between natural and spiritual styles of leadership

and distinguish legalistic techniques from gracious treatment.

• Outline simple steps for self examination and peer

accountability, so leaders can get together and get along.

• Generate specific situations so leaders can examine themselves

before the Lord and evaluate their effectiveness while working

with one another.

• Help leaders participate in peaceful, joyful meetings that restore

hope through effective and fervent prayer.

Michael Loehrer has served in pastoral ministry for over thirty years. He

received a B.A. from California State University, Fresno, a Th.M. from

Dallas Theological Seminary, an Ed.D. and then a Ph.D. from Biola

University. He also currently serves as Associate Pastor of Bear Valley

Church in Tehachapi, California.