Double Honor

Be on guard for yourselves and for 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.

Acts 20:28

God’s church requires designated leaders to function. Leaders that are Spirit-filled, seeking God’s Will through prayer and fasting and meet the spiritual qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-13. One major task of the elders or church leaders is to teach God’s Word and promote the faith. Another task is to protect from the enemy. False teachers rise up with unbiblical doctrine and worldly thoughts. Paul calls them “grievous wolves” in Acts 20:29. These “wolves” will draw people away from Christ instead of the narrow path that leads to Heaven. Church leaders and our Pastor (The Shepherd) have a grave responsibility. May we never be guilty of the blood of those who are lost because of weakening God’s Word or not listening to The Holy Spirit. Leaders must teach pure doctrine and adhere to the scripture for their way of life. They must live by the full authority of God’s Word, be disciplined and maintain spiritual fellowship. The commentary in my Life in the Spirit Bible says this, The church that fails to share the Holy Spirit’s burning concern for church purity, refuses to maintain a firm stand for the truth, and refrains from discipling those who undermine the authority of God’s Word will soon cease to exist as a church according to NT norm. It goes on to say lack of discipline and church purity will draw the church further and further from God’s purpose of power and life.

Leaders that build God’s Kingdom, maintain truth, don’t mix doctrines, live and teach moral lifestyles are setting as watchmen to keep “wolves” from entering the church. Leaders are admonished to “watch”, to stay alert, pray, fast and seek God’s Will. Elders should be honored. I will leave you with what God says about elders who lead well…

The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17

Pastor Julia Scott