Titus 1:7-9
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Establishing leadership alongside Moses had its benefits but also its dangers. When God starts speaking directly to people, eventually they think they are spiritual enough in their own rights and assume themselves answerable to God only. It is the classic prophet-Syndrome where people believe themselves exempted from submission to authority even when ordained. This creates anarchy and goes diametrically against the idea of appointing these judges as what Moses did, was to establish the validity of clerical authority (Exodus 18:21)..
A Congregation leader I know took an informal poll of his congregation with the questions, “Do you believe in submission to spiritual leadership and authority?” The congregation answered affirmatively. The next question was, “What happens if you disagree with a ruling or a decision from that leadership?” Some answered “I won’t follow”, others, “I’ll leave”. While everyone does have free choice, to submit only when you agree is not submission. If it is, it is submission only to yourself; you then become your own leader, which makes you as Yeshua put it, a ‘blind guide to the blind!’
Submission to an earthly authority is a divine exercise which teaches godly humility. It is impossible for one to say, “I submit to God’s authority only”. That very claim is born of pride because it infers that you have a private personal connection with God and His will. We only learn to submit to God by learning to submit to the earthly authorities He has set upon us especially when they disagree with us. Paul encouraged it (Romans 13:1), and even himself submitted to the council of elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15). He even went to check with them to see if what he was doing was right (Galatians 2:2).
This is why spiritual leaders have a great responsibility and therefore need to be men of integrity. They need to be able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe (Exodus 18:21). Paul also advises that whereas they can receive gifts from people, they do not be at charge to the people but earn their own keep (1 Corinthians 4:12). Many spiritual leaders claim tithes as their due, but that tithe was designated for God in the service of the Temple and helping the needy of the congregation. What priests and Rabbis got were voluntary gifts and offerings.
May God provide us today with such leaders for the flock of God. Leaders with the wisdom of Solomon, the insight of Daniel, the teaching style of Ezra, the sagacity of Abraham, the courage of David, the strength of Samson and the love of Yeshua.
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Establishing leadership alongside Moses had its benefits but also its dangers. When God starts speaking directly to people, eventually they think they are spiritual enough in their own rights and assume themselves answerable to God only. It is the classic prophet-Syndrome where people believe themselves exempted from submission to authority even when ordained. This creates anarchy and goes diametrically against the idea of appointing these judges as what Moses did, was to establish the validity of clerical authority (Exodus 18:21)..
A Congregation leader I know took an informal poll of his congregation with the questions, “Do you believe in submission to spiritual leadership and authority?” The congregation answered affirmatively. The next question was, “What happens if you disagree with a ruling or a decision from that leadership?” Some answered “I won’t follow”, others, “I’ll leave”. While everyone does have free choice, to submit only when you agree is not submission. If it is, it is submission only to yourself; you then become your own leader, which makes you as Yeshua put it, a ‘blind guide to the blind!’
Submission to an earthly authority is a divine exercise which teaches godly humility. It is impossible for one to say, “I submit to God’s authority only”. That very claim is born of pride because it infers that you have a private personal connection with God and His will. We only learn to submit to God by learning to submit to the earthly authorities He has set upon us especially when they disagree with us. Paul encouraged it (Romans 13:1), and even himself submitted to the council of elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15). He even went to check with them to see if what he was doing was right (Galatians 2:2).
This is why spiritual leaders have a great responsibility and therefore need to be men of integrity. They need to be able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe (Exodus 18:21). Paul also advises that whereas they can receive gifts from people, they do not be at charge to the people but earn their own keep (1 Corinthians 4:12). Many spiritual leaders claim tithes as their due, but that tithe was designated for God in the service of the Temple and helping the needy of the congregation. What priests and Rabbis got were voluntary gifts and offerings.
May God provide us today with such leaders for the flock of God. Leaders with the wisdom of Solomon, the insight of Daniel, the teaching style of Ezra, the sagacity of Abraham, the courage of David, the strength of Samson and the love of Yeshua.
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