Si Moises ay napabilang sa listahan ng mga taong kabilang sa bulwagan ng pananampalatayang nakasaad sa Hebreo 11 na kung saan ang may-akda (na marahil ay si Pablo) ay tinuring silang mga taong may malaking pananampalataya. Isang malaking karangalan para kay Moises ang mapabilang sa listahanang ito. Ang kasaysayan na ang bahalang maghusga kung ang pananampalatayang hawak natin sa ngayon ay karapat-dapat ng parangal sa hinaharap. Ano ang mga katangian ng magaling na pinunong Hebreo na ito na nagpalaya sa kanyang mga kapwa Israelita sa pagmamalupit ng mga taga-Ehipto?
Siya ay namulat sa impluwensiya ng maka-Diyos at malakas ang loob na mga magulang at kapatid (talata 23). Ang mga magulang ni Moises ay nanatiling matatag sa kanilang paninindigan na itago siya sa paningin ng mamamatay-taong Paraon. At sila ay nagtagumpay at nabigyan siya ng pagkakataong mabuhay. Sinuong din nila ang panganib nang sila’y makipagkasundo sa anak na babae ng Paraon at lumakad ng may pananampalataya sa Diyos nang hinayaan nilang maitaguyod si Moises sa ilalim ng sistema ng Ehipto. Ang Diyos ay hindi nagpabaya at iningatan si Moises upang sa hinaharap ay maging kagamit-gamit sa Kanyang mga layunin.
Kailangan nating mga magulang ang lakas ng loob ng mga magulang ni Moises. Kailangan nating manatiling malakas kahit na ang mga nangyayari sa ating paligid ay pilit na pinapahina ang ating kalooban. Kailangan nating isaalang-alang ang ating iiwanang patotoo. Naiisip ko ang isang magulang na nananatili sa kasalanan na nagpalaki ng isang anak na babae na ngayo’y mali ang pananaw sa kanyang kasarian at lulong sa pagnanakaw. Ngunit ang ama’y nananatili sa kanyang kasamaan at tumatangging kilalanin ang kanyang mga kasalanan. Anong masamang pamana ang kanyang iniwan sa kanyang anak!
Pinahindian niya ang mga pribilehiyo ng pagiging kasapi ng pamilya ni Paraon (talata 24). Hindi ba’t napaka-impraktikal ni Moises nang tinanggihan niya ang mga benepisyo ng pagiging apo ng Paraon (batay sa pagiging ampon niya)? Bakit niya ginawa ito? Dahil ayaw niyang sumalansang sa plano ng Diyos, kaya’t ipinagkait niya sa kanyang sarili ang mga benepisyo ng pagiging kapamilya ng Paraon upang maganap niya ang layunin ng Diyos sa kanyang buhay. Ang mga pangyayaring ito sa kanyang buhay ay patunay ng higit na pagpapahalaga ni Moises sa kalooban ng Diyos kaysa sa kanyang pananatili sa palasyo.
Bilang mga Kristiyanong mga magulang, ang mga gawain na pinapayagan nating gawin ng ating mga anak ay nagpapakita kung anong uring karakter ang nais nating makamtan nila. Kung minsan ay pinoprotektahan natin sila laban sa ilang paghihirap sa buhay, tulad ng pag-ulit sa antas ng pinag-aralan dahil sa katamaran o di kaya ang pagharap sa kahihiyan dahil sa maling ginawa. Ang mga maling pamamaraan na ito ay siguradong makakaapekto sa kanilang buhay sa pagtanda.
Mas ninais niya na danasin ang paghihirap na nakaugnay sa pagiging kabilang sa mga tao ng Diyos (talata 25). Mataas ang kanyang pananaw sa mga paghihirap na nakaugnay kay Kristo (talata 26). Ang paghihirap ay natural na inaayawan ng ating katawan. Iniiwasan natin ang anumang makakasakit sa atin. Ngunit hindi alintana ni Moises ang pakikisama sa mga Israelita kahit na ito’y nagdudulot ng sakit sa kanya. Ang tingin niya sa mga pasakit na iyon ay marangal at nakalulugod. Ano ang nagtulak sa kanya upang gumawa ng kakaibang desisyong ito sa kanyang buhay? Ang marangal at ang panghinaharap na gantimpala sa langit. Anong dakilang lingkod si Moises!
Ang mga batang nakaranas ng paghihirap sa buhay, kahit na iyon pang mga nasa ministeryo, ay may inklinasyon na tanggihan ang tawag ng Diyos sa ministeryo. Bakit? Dahil ayaw nilang maulit ang nakaraan. Ito ang mga taong hindi nakita ang dangal ng pagsisilbi sa Panginoon. Ang nakikita lamang nila ay ang paghihirap hindi ang mga gantimpala sa gawain ng Panginoon. Kaya’t nahihilig silang makisama sa mga ‘di ligtas o sa mga taong kinu-kompromiso ang Salita ng Diyos upang maibigan ang buhay at maiwasan ang paghihirap. Ito ay hindi tunay na kristiyanismo!
Mas takot siya sa galit ng Diyos kaysa sa pagkainis ng mga tao (talata 27). Dahil dito ay iniwan niya ang Ehipto at pumunta sa lugar na kung saan siya itinakda ng Diyos na manatili. Ipinakita ni Moises ang kanyang tapang at lakas ng loob nang iniwan niya ang maling lugar upang hanapin ang tama. Pinagtagumpayan niya ang tukso na manatili sa maling lugar dahil lamang sa benepisyong natatamo niya rito.
Mga magulang, mas binibigyan ba natin ng halaga ang mga batikos ng ating mga kamag-anak kaysa sa pangangaral ng Diyos o turo ng mga lingkod Niya? Nakakalungkot na isipin na para sa marami sa atin, mas matimbang ang sinasabi ng mundo kaysa sa sinasabi ng ating Pastor.
Nabuhay siya ng may pananampalataya at pinangunahan ang Israel patungo sa Diyos (talata 28-29). Una, sinunod niya ang tagubilin ng Diyos ukol sa Paskua sa talata 28. Pangalawa, pinangunahan niya ang Israel na tawirin ang Pulang Dagat (Red Sea) kahit na ito’y imposible sa mata ng tao (talata 29).
Tunay ngang nabuhay siya sa pananampalataya. Iniwan niya ang kasiguraduhan ng buhay sa Ehipto upang sundin ang Diyos sa isang buhay na walang katiyakan at puno ng panganib. Ngunit sa lahat ng mga ito ay sinagip siya ng Diyos. Gumawa pa nga ng mga milagro ang Diyos na kanyang nasaksihan at ikinatatag ng kanyang paniniwala. Anupa’t hindi magiging isang dakilang tagasunod ng Diyos ang isang pinuno kung hindi siya handang sumuong sa panganib o magbaka-sakali sa buhay. Hindi siya maitataas sa posisyon kung hindi siya handang tumahak ng buhay sa pananampalataya o buhay na walang katiyakan. Ang kapangyarihan at panustos ng Diyos ay magiging malinaw lamang sa gitna ng walang katiyakang buhay hindi sa isang buhay na nakasandal sa proteksyon ng kamunduhan.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Elisha’s Preparation as Servant Leader
2 Kings 2:1-15
Leadership is a significant role to play in the ministry of the Lord. Very few are born as leaders. Some became great leaders not because of their birth origin but because of their family exposure. Leadership is not inherited. It is learned through various means. Education is only one of the basic preparations. It is not the qualifying aspect into leadership function. If it is learned then it can be acquired. It can be lost as well due to non-usage. Leadership is a skill. It is a product of repetitively doing the various aspects of leadership. At times people are drawn into leadership roles by the glitters and glories of the office. Some have fallen as they were launched too early into it without the necessary preparations. Some have grown too old to lead and have been overwhelmed by the fear of its consequences. For the saved, nothing really happens which will not be divinely used as preparations into future leadership roles.
Elijah was a great servant leader of God in the Old Testament days. He was a man of faith. He was so courageous to face the false prophets. But he was also too fearful and presumptuous of being alone in the battle God has placed him in. He was greatly used of God. It seems that he was unsurpassable by anyone. But he himself knew well that when he goes someone has to carry on the tasks he received from the Lord. In short, he was faced with the need of succession. In the business world, this is called as the passing of great leadership.
We, too, face the same problem in every church ministry as we deal with various causes of moving out from the task we used to do. But the local church must continue. So she must be prepared in providing fit leadership for the future. Our current generation must prepare the next towards leadership tasks they will face. How do we do it? In my search from the word of God, I stumbled over this Elijah-Elisha succession which exemplifies godly servant leadership succession. I wish you, brethren, would look into other biblical evidences for further corroboration of this biblical study. Both the departing and succeeding leaders will learn much from it.
Elijah chose Elisha out of the working field to serve him. We see this in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Studying the text closely will reveal some important elements in the selection. First, Elisha was busy plowing the field (v.19). Second, Elijah searched and chose him (v. 19). Third, Elijah signaled to him as he passed by (v. 19). Fourth, Elisha left his work and followed Elijah (v. 20). Fifth, he sought permission from Elijah to inform his parents before departure (v. 20). Sixth, Elisha kept his word and followed Elijah (v. 21). Finally, he served Elijah (v. 21).
The narrative does not show evidence that Elijah specifically detailed with Elisha the tasks he would do. But, he fully understood the meaning of the older prophet’s signal. I think there were many risks involved in the action of Elisha in committing to follow Elijah. There lies the first greatness of this rising servant leader of the Lord.
Another evidence of Elisha’s greatness is his urgency to follow Elijah though he sought parental information prior to his all out obedience to the older prophet. Further, the text also indicates his dedicated service to Elijah, a task not specified but probably presumed and carried on by Elisha.
I admire Elijah in his discernment to get Elisha though he was divinely directed in the process. We can not absolutely claim similar guidance from the Lord. However, we can rely upon His word and prayer for discernment to achieve similar ends. The older prophet was also prudent to prepare for the future need of his ministry successor.
To those who will be chosen to serve, consider the circumstances of Elisha prior to his selection. You ought to emulate the same as lessons can be learned as well there even in a secular and neutral field!
Elisha remained with Elijah until he was taken by the Lord. This is mentioned three times in 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6 where the former always said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. What does this mean? Is it disobedience on Elisha’s part or indication of his dedication to the older prophet? Elijah must have tested him to leave him and go elsewhere even for ministry’s sake. But it seems that the young prophet passed the test. Elisha was stony dedicated to serving Elijah. His commitment to serve Elijah in 1 Kings 19:21 remained. He was unaffected by the ups and downs of Elijah’s ministry including his upcoming departure.
As a servant of the Lord to have Elisha’s spirit, attitude, and action nowadays is a great asset in the ministry. Such a fellow church worker is indeed a precious possession. I would rather have one such church worker than five people who do not have such commitment. Thus, it is my diligent prayer and preaching that God will mercifully multiply Elisha’s model in our local church. Such is not developed alone by asking the Lord. We have the duty to teach, to preach, and to model such pattern among our leaders and members. Consider this, mission workers and pastors! Your failure to define this goal and work hard to achieve it will lead to ministry defeatist attitude.
Cornerstone members here and there, you ought to imitate Elisha in your ministry at the church. Be privileged when you are chosen to serve by the Lord through the local church authority. Stick to it until your leader is gone before the Lord. May you be described in the future or in eternity as one who remained faithful and uncompromising until the end of our leader.
Elisha received the most potent provision (vv. 9-10). Elisha did not demand from Elijah any favor. But in God’s providence, the older prophet saw the need to ask Elisha about what he desired in life before the former left him. With humility and readiness, perhaps with no confusion, he asked for the very power behind Elijah’s ministry success or faithfulness. Elisha knew what to ask that matters most in his current life and work. He was not worldly neither lustful in requesting for favors. He showed a mature and godly character by this request. Elijah readily granted his permitted request (v.10). What a great possession Elisha received!
What would you like the Lord to give you in the ministry you are currently engaged in? Would this indicate Elisha type of character or the world? As parents, what do you desire most for your children? In such longings do we demonstrate Elisha’s character or that of the world? As youth and single, what do you long for in life? Would the Savior be pleased with your desires and longings in thoughts and prayers?
Think of what the Lord might be thinking of us Cornerstone people as a local church. What do we desire as a church and why? Would the Lord be honored with our prayer request, plan, and prodding?
Finally, Elisha received the very mantle of Elijah (vv. 13-14). The mantle symbolized the older prophet’s authority which the young prophet received both by divine delegation and Elijah’s turning over. Elisha mourned over the departure of Elijah as he would be surely missed. The authority also includes the prophet’s power which he inherited by divine transfer. This authority and power received were both manifested in Elisha’s life and witnessed by people (v. 15). This is the climax of Elisha’s succession to the office of the prophet.
Elisha did not aspire for the mantle even if he knew he was the chosen successor. This indicates his humble character even in managing the glories of promotion. He was not mesmerized by the nobility of power. He was not also blinded by the very authority inherent in his office. He knew this must be used to minister to Israel the very words of God. Elisha was prepared well so he was greatly exalted by the Lord into succeeding Elijah.
Cornerstone leaders, let us indeed be servants of the Lord according to Elisha’s character in matters of dealing with promotion. Let us use our divinely given power to advance the local church of Christ. Wait until the Lord gives you the exaltation into the ministry office. Let us think less of ourselves even as we think more of the church people to build them up until the Savior comes. Amen!
Elijah was a great servant leader of God in the Old Testament days. He was a man of faith. He was so courageous to face the false prophets. But he was also too fearful and presumptuous of being alone in the battle God has placed him in. He was greatly used of God. It seems that he was unsurpassable by anyone. But he himself knew well that when he goes someone has to carry on the tasks he received from the Lord. In short, he was faced with the need of succession. In the business world, this is called as the passing of great leadership.
We, too, face the same problem in every church ministry as we deal with various causes of moving out from the task we used to do. But the local church must continue. So she must be prepared in providing fit leadership for the future. Our current generation must prepare the next towards leadership tasks they will face. How do we do it? In my search from the word of God, I stumbled over this Elijah-Elisha succession which exemplifies godly servant leadership succession. I wish you, brethren, would look into other biblical evidences for further corroboration of this biblical study. Both the departing and succeeding leaders will learn much from it.
Elijah chose Elisha out of the working field to serve him. We see this in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Studying the text closely will reveal some important elements in the selection. First, Elisha was busy plowing the field (v.19). Second, Elijah searched and chose him (v. 19). Third, Elijah signaled to him as he passed by (v. 19). Fourth, Elisha left his work and followed Elijah (v. 20). Fifth, he sought permission from Elijah to inform his parents before departure (v. 20). Sixth, Elisha kept his word and followed Elijah (v. 21). Finally, he served Elijah (v. 21).
The narrative does not show evidence that Elijah specifically detailed with Elisha the tasks he would do. But, he fully understood the meaning of the older prophet’s signal. I think there were many risks involved in the action of Elisha in committing to follow Elijah. There lies the first greatness of this rising servant leader of the Lord.
Another evidence of Elisha’s greatness is his urgency to follow Elijah though he sought parental information prior to his all out obedience to the older prophet. Further, the text also indicates his dedicated service to Elijah, a task not specified but probably presumed and carried on by Elisha.
I admire Elijah in his discernment to get Elisha though he was divinely directed in the process. We can not absolutely claim similar guidance from the Lord. However, we can rely upon His word and prayer for discernment to achieve similar ends. The older prophet was also prudent to prepare for the future need of his ministry successor.
To those who will be chosen to serve, consider the circumstances of Elisha prior to his selection. You ought to emulate the same as lessons can be learned as well there even in a secular and neutral field!
Elisha remained with Elijah until he was taken by the Lord. This is mentioned three times in 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6 where the former always said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. What does this mean? Is it disobedience on Elisha’s part or indication of his dedication to the older prophet? Elijah must have tested him to leave him and go elsewhere even for ministry’s sake. But it seems that the young prophet passed the test. Elisha was stony dedicated to serving Elijah. His commitment to serve Elijah in 1 Kings 19:21 remained. He was unaffected by the ups and downs of Elijah’s ministry including his upcoming departure.
As a servant of the Lord to have Elisha’s spirit, attitude, and action nowadays is a great asset in the ministry. Such a fellow church worker is indeed a precious possession. I would rather have one such church worker than five people who do not have such commitment. Thus, it is my diligent prayer and preaching that God will mercifully multiply Elisha’s model in our local church. Such is not developed alone by asking the Lord. We have the duty to teach, to preach, and to model such pattern among our leaders and members. Consider this, mission workers and pastors! Your failure to define this goal and work hard to achieve it will lead to ministry defeatist attitude.
Cornerstone members here and there, you ought to imitate Elisha in your ministry at the church. Be privileged when you are chosen to serve by the Lord through the local church authority. Stick to it until your leader is gone before the Lord. May you be described in the future or in eternity as one who remained faithful and uncompromising until the end of our leader.
Elisha received the most potent provision (vv. 9-10). Elisha did not demand from Elijah any favor. But in God’s providence, the older prophet saw the need to ask Elisha about what he desired in life before the former left him. With humility and readiness, perhaps with no confusion, he asked for the very power behind Elijah’s ministry success or faithfulness. Elisha knew what to ask that matters most in his current life and work. He was not worldly neither lustful in requesting for favors. He showed a mature and godly character by this request. Elijah readily granted his permitted request (v.10). What a great possession Elisha received!
What would you like the Lord to give you in the ministry you are currently engaged in? Would this indicate Elisha type of character or the world? As parents, what do you desire most for your children? In such longings do we demonstrate Elisha’s character or that of the world? As youth and single, what do you long for in life? Would the Savior be pleased with your desires and longings in thoughts and prayers?
Think of what the Lord might be thinking of us Cornerstone people as a local church. What do we desire as a church and why? Would the Lord be honored with our prayer request, plan, and prodding?
Finally, Elisha received the very mantle of Elijah (vv. 13-14). The mantle symbolized the older prophet’s authority which the young prophet received both by divine delegation and Elijah’s turning over. Elisha mourned over the departure of Elijah as he would be surely missed. The authority also includes the prophet’s power which he inherited by divine transfer. This authority and power received were both manifested in Elisha’s life and witnessed by people (v. 15). This is the climax of Elisha’s succession to the office of the prophet.
Elisha did not aspire for the mantle even if he knew he was the chosen successor. This indicates his humble character even in managing the glories of promotion. He was not mesmerized by the nobility of power. He was not also blinded by the very authority inherent in his office. He knew this must be used to minister to Israel the very words of God. Elisha was prepared well so he was greatly exalted by the Lord into succeeding Elijah.
Cornerstone leaders, let us indeed be servants of the Lord according to Elisha’s character in matters of dealing with promotion. Let us use our divinely given power to advance the local church of Christ. Wait until the Lord gives you the exaltation into the ministry office. Let us think less of ourselves even as we think more of the church people to build them up until the Savior comes. Amen!
On Being a Servant of the Local Church
Romans 16:1-20
Paul wrote this epistle to the believers residing in the city of Rome. The epistle is strongly doctrinal in nature. The theological discussion is the foundation of the letter. From chapter 12, Paul began to discuss the moral and practical implication of his theology. Finally in the last chapter he enumerated the people who worked with and for him. It is a long list of names of people. He mentioned them for commendation. He seemed to make them for others’ emulation. At the start he called them servant of the church.
As an inspired book aimed at building up the readers, it is of great importance that we modern readers take a serious look at this Pauline servitude principle. He wanted the readers to imitate these named people so local churches may also be strengthened through the life and work of such people. Clearly, the Lord wants every church member to be a servant of the local church. But how do we express such desire to serve? As I consider the text, there are some clear and noticeable serving principles.
Be a servant of the local church like Phebe in verse 1. As such you would have to make yourself available in any type of work in the local church even without remuneration. Servitude is doing whatever task is assigned by the Pastor or his duly designated representative. It involves work of whatever nature, i.e. physical, mental, occupational, and spiritual. You will not demand the work and how it will be done. Someone in authority will delegate it to you.
Be a succourer of people as said in verse 2. Choose to help needy church members whether they ask for it or not. Consider being a help to the Pastor and to his family. Typically, the latter is expected to do all. And they do not easily complain as they are church leaders expected to work hard. So your help to them will serve as a consolation and reinforcement in life and ministry. To do this you must discover the need of the needy. Exercise discernment in learning their problems and needs. You would not wait to be told to help others. Upon seeing the need you will prepare to be of help and implement the prepared aid.
Be sacrificing for the ministry as exemplified by the married couple in verses 3-4. There is less evidence that this couple were ordained missionaries. However, there is much indication that they were great helpers in Pauline missionary tasks. They did so much to help the apostle. They willingly risked their lives to secure the apostle’s life and ministry. This is unlikely to happen in humanity even among the saved. We call this Christian heroism. Others are envious to hear and to see such church members. They undermined them as religious fanatics.
Such envy is developed due to the absence of their own people to be biblical. It shows the Lord’s purpose for their lives is to readily commit to die serving the apostle in the mission field. Do you have the same attitude as married church member couples? There will be no church advancement to occur until the church members are becoming more like this married couple. Life will pass anyway. When life is consumed in the advancement of His church it will count for eternity.
Be sowing much labor as called upon in verses 6 and 12. These people work to exhaustion. They get so weary in rendering the ministry required labor of whatever kind. They were unlike the youth who will escape from hard labor but will linger at easy engagement. Service at the local church requires investing much labor of all kinds. Labor involves spiritual, physical, and financial, too. Some singles and adults who failed to master this principle while young are in a mess for failing in their current roles. The Lord’s ministry at the church necessitates greater work than in the secular field.
Be a supportive household as said in verses 10, 11, 13-15. The writer mentioned various family names by their fathers who exemplified very supportive attitude and actions towards the work of the local church. These families did acts that enabled missionaries to do church planting work as well as build up the churches started. Another aspect of church life is how to maintain the members in which some leaders are quite weak. So in this ministry aspect some families are needed to reinforce the weaker areas and prevent them from failing. By the grace of God, I could also enumerate family names at Cornerstone who have shown similar actions. But I continue to minister that all of you families both here and at the mission churches may be found as such. Fathers and mothers, your leadership is crucial in creating a supportive household.
Be separating from divisive brethren as declared in verse 17. This is hard to do as many would not want to carry this on. But, we are under obligation both by the Lord and our church commitment to keep this injunction. Divisions will never strengthen the local church. It will weaken its resources and power. Thus, to the doctrinal and ministerial deviants, we must sever relations. We do not enjoy this action. But we are to humbly do it for Christ’s sake and the preservation of the church. Note well the actions and words of some brethren. Counsel them to repent and return to the godly and historical position. We must do this even among fellow professing fundamentalists who failed to walk in a holy manner and attempted to lead us away from the doctrines and practices we learned before. Discern how some are indirectly suggesting less militancy in the perspective of verbal preservation of the entire Bible in the name of scholarship. Some are commencing to suggest the advantage of using versions other than the historically tested and providentially preserved King James Version in the English language. Analyze how the nationals are indirectly subjected into educational dependency by the foreign workers. Some less militant nationals are being used for their missionary work. Division is being sown among the militant fundamentalists. Non-fellowship with some sectors of fundamentalists is viewed as extremism or branded as departure from the sound position! Beware of such false views. Let us return to the strengthening of Cornerstone local church and its daughters and replicate the same in other like-minded churches. The battlefield must be drawn at the local church. Beware of working to build up a para-church institution at the neglect of the local church unity and primacy.
Be speaking to build up the young ones as exhorted in verse 18. The deceived are enlisted by fair speeches. The Western and more educated are deemed more authoritative than the ones taught elsewhere. This is plain educational and religious imperialism. When the youth sit under such environment expect future parroting of the acquired message. The latter is not encouraged to be critical towards the more authoritative ones. So when someone speaks contrary to the masters’ view, without similar educational acquisition, they are undermined. Religious assemblies are organized to build up the foreign workers’ dominance instead of the nationals. The rural church people are on the sidelines while the urban foreign leaders are in dominance though they enjoy the presence of the former for statistical uses. The themes are hard to reach the lowly ones as they are geared towards the religiously advanced ones. Even the medium used is of the foreigner as the nationals’ way is deemed inferior. Let us start and keep on correcting these great errors of our environment and our forebears. We enjoin you into the wagon of reformers who will stand up to build up the lowly and young nationals instead of merely pleasing the foreigners. One day they will leave and it is you Cornerstone people and our countrymen who will keep on laboring to preserve the church!
Be submissive to local church authority as taught in verse 19a. With Paul hearing the Romans as being insubordinate is discouraging. He boasted upon learning that their submissiveness is publicly known. In the same manner Cornerstone people, there is joy in my heart to hear that everyone of you submits to local church authority led by the missionary pastor. Workers labor hard to teach this principle. Correct those who violate this. Boast in the Lord those who practice this diligently that others may emulate the same. I had few experiences from some Cornerstone members who were indirectly influenced by another to leave Cornerstone through various religious gimmicks. But I thank the Lord for His mercies in preserving them as the target prey remained. Such is demonstrative of indirect encouragement of a church member not to be submissive to pastoral authority. Glory to God! Woe to the deceivers!
Be simple to evil things as encouraged in verse 19b. Servants ought to know well the godly way with implementation in view. But they must avoid mastering the details of how evil works to keep them from getting influenced in the process. The Bible is clear that we must avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thess.5:21-22). It is dangerous to study well how prostitution is committed and not be contaminated by its details. All ages must exercise discernment in such situation. In counseling ministry, servants of the Lord, must exercise utmost care! Parents reject the world’s way of subjecting your children to their ways for educational advancement’s sake! Such is contrary to injunction among the Thessalonians.
Be struggling to victory over Satan as enjoined in verse 20. God has assured us victory over Satan. This is possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. See 1 Cor.15:55-58 as basis for this. Our part is to claim the promised victory and implement His commands in our daily lives. Service to the local church is a command. It is a godly and noble ministry in whatever capacity. Refusal to serve Him according to the above guidelines results in defeat by Satan. Serving Him by our own strength is victory for the Devil. Start serving the Lord as church member in certain area of ministry. Serve Him faithfully through Cornerstone where God has placed you until death. Such is the norm for all of us beloved brethren here and there! Amen!
As an inspired book aimed at building up the readers, it is of great importance that we modern readers take a serious look at this Pauline servitude principle. He wanted the readers to imitate these named people so local churches may also be strengthened through the life and work of such people. Clearly, the Lord wants every church member to be a servant of the local church. But how do we express such desire to serve? As I consider the text, there are some clear and noticeable serving principles.
Be a servant of the local church like Phebe in verse 1. As such you would have to make yourself available in any type of work in the local church even without remuneration. Servitude is doing whatever task is assigned by the Pastor or his duly designated representative. It involves work of whatever nature, i.e. physical, mental, occupational, and spiritual. You will not demand the work and how it will be done. Someone in authority will delegate it to you.
Be a succourer of people as said in verse 2. Choose to help needy church members whether they ask for it or not. Consider being a help to the Pastor and to his family. Typically, the latter is expected to do all. And they do not easily complain as they are church leaders expected to work hard. So your help to them will serve as a consolation and reinforcement in life and ministry. To do this you must discover the need of the needy. Exercise discernment in learning their problems and needs. You would not wait to be told to help others. Upon seeing the need you will prepare to be of help and implement the prepared aid.
Be sacrificing for the ministry as exemplified by the married couple in verses 3-4. There is less evidence that this couple were ordained missionaries. However, there is much indication that they were great helpers in Pauline missionary tasks. They did so much to help the apostle. They willingly risked their lives to secure the apostle’s life and ministry. This is unlikely to happen in humanity even among the saved. We call this Christian heroism. Others are envious to hear and to see such church members. They undermined them as religious fanatics.
Such envy is developed due to the absence of their own people to be biblical. It shows the Lord’s purpose for their lives is to readily commit to die serving the apostle in the mission field. Do you have the same attitude as married church member couples? There will be no church advancement to occur until the church members are becoming more like this married couple. Life will pass anyway. When life is consumed in the advancement of His church it will count for eternity.
Be sowing much labor as called upon in verses 6 and 12. These people work to exhaustion. They get so weary in rendering the ministry required labor of whatever kind. They were unlike the youth who will escape from hard labor but will linger at easy engagement. Service at the local church requires investing much labor of all kinds. Labor involves spiritual, physical, and financial, too. Some singles and adults who failed to master this principle while young are in a mess for failing in their current roles. The Lord’s ministry at the church necessitates greater work than in the secular field.
Be a supportive household as said in verses 10, 11, 13-15. The writer mentioned various family names by their fathers who exemplified very supportive attitude and actions towards the work of the local church. These families did acts that enabled missionaries to do church planting work as well as build up the churches started. Another aspect of church life is how to maintain the members in which some leaders are quite weak. So in this ministry aspect some families are needed to reinforce the weaker areas and prevent them from failing. By the grace of God, I could also enumerate family names at Cornerstone who have shown similar actions. But I continue to minister that all of you families both here and at the mission churches may be found as such. Fathers and mothers, your leadership is crucial in creating a supportive household.
Be separating from divisive brethren as declared in verse 17. This is hard to do as many would not want to carry this on. But, we are under obligation both by the Lord and our church commitment to keep this injunction. Divisions will never strengthen the local church. It will weaken its resources and power. Thus, to the doctrinal and ministerial deviants, we must sever relations. We do not enjoy this action. But we are to humbly do it for Christ’s sake and the preservation of the church. Note well the actions and words of some brethren. Counsel them to repent and return to the godly and historical position. We must do this even among fellow professing fundamentalists who failed to walk in a holy manner and attempted to lead us away from the doctrines and practices we learned before. Discern how some are indirectly suggesting less militancy in the perspective of verbal preservation of the entire Bible in the name of scholarship. Some are commencing to suggest the advantage of using versions other than the historically tested and providentially preserved King James Version in the English language. Analyze how the nationals are indirectly subjected into educational dependency by the foreign workers. Some less militant nationals are being used for their missionary work. Division is being sown among the militant fundamentalists. Non-fellowship with some sectors of fundamentalists is viewed as extremism or branded as departure from the sound position! Beware of such false views. Let us return to the strengthening of Cornerstone local church and its daughters and replicate the same in other like-minded churches. The battlefield must be drawn at the local church. Beware of working to build up a para-church institution at the neglect of the local church unity and primacy.
Be speaking to build up the young ones as exhorted in verse 18. The deceived are enlisted by fair speeches. The Western and more educated are deemed more authoritative than the ones taught elsewhere. This is plain educational and religious imperialism. When the youth sit under such environment expect future parroting of the acquired message. The latter is not encouraged to be critical towards the more authoritative ones. So when someone speaks contrary to the masters’ view, without similar educational acquisition, they are undermined. Religious assemblies are organized to build up the foreign workers’ dominance instead of the nationals. The rural church people are on the sidelines while the urban foreign leaders are in dominance though they enjoy the presence of the former for statistical uses. The themes are hard to reach the lowly ones as they are geared towards the religiously advanced ones. Even the medium used is of the foreigner as the nationals’ way is deemed inferior. Let us start and keep on correcting these great errors of our environment and our forebears. We enjoin you into the wagon of reformers who will stand up to build up the lowly and young nationals instead of merely pleasing the foreigners. One day they will leave and it is you Cornerstone people and our countrymen who will keep on laboring to preserve the church!
Be submissive to local church authority as taught in verse 19a. With Paul hearing the Romans as being insubordinate is discouraging. He boasted upon learning that their submissiveness is publicly known. In the same manner Cornerstone people, there is joy in my heart to hear that everyone of you submits to local church authority led by the missionary pastor. Workers labor hard to teach this principle. Correct those who violate this. Boast in the Lord those who practice this diligently that others may emulate the same. I had few experiences from some Cornerstone members who were indirectly influenced by another to leave Cornerstone through various religious gimmicks. But I thank the Lord for His mercies in preserving them as the target prey remained. Such is demonstrative of indirect encouragement of a church member not to be submissive to pastoral authority. Glory to God! Woe to the deceivers!
Be simple to evil things as encouraged in verse 19b. Servants ought to know well the godly way with implementation in view. But they must avoid mastering the details of how evil works to keep them from getting influenced in the process. The Bible is clear that we must avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thess.5:21-22). It is dangerous to study well how prostitution is committed and not be contaminated by its details. All ages must exercise discernment in such situation. In counseling ministry, servants of the Lord, must exercise utmost care! Parents reject the world’s way of subjecting your children to their ways for educational advancement’s sake! Such is contrary to injunction among the Thessalonians.
Be struggling to victory over Satan as enjoined in verse 20. God has assured us victory over Satan. This is possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. See 1 Cor.15:55-58 as basis for this. Our part is to claim the promised victory and implement His commands in our daily lives. Service to the local church is a command. It is a godly and noble ministry in whatever capacity. Refusal to serve Him according to the above guidelines results in defeat by Satan. Serving Him by our own strength is victory for the Devil. Start serving the Lord as church member in certain area of ministry. Serve Him faithfully through Cornerstone where God has placed you until death. Such is the norm for all of us beloved brethren here and there! Amen!
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