The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Thursday, August 13, 2020
CHRISTIAN COURTESY – ESTEEMING OUR LEADERS HIGH 2
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.â€
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
Main Text:
However, our focus is not on governmental leaders, our focus is on church leaders. It’s imperative we know why we have to honor this men and women in the first place. There are two major reasons the scripture gives;
i. Because they are accountable to God for watching over our souls.
ii. Because if you cause them grief, you cause yourself grief.
Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (NIV)
God has delegated authority to those Reverends, Pastors or Deacons to oversee the church and serve as our examples. Respect for church leaders is to our benefit. Disobedience and dishonor to them would be unprofitable for us because God designed authority to protect and bless. It is to our advantage that the shepherd is joyful, for we too will partake in that joy.
Believers should love and value their spiritual leaders because of the work they do as the Lord’s servants. Paul indicates a link between proper respect for church leaders and peaceful relations amongst the church members. It is important we hold our leader high for therein lies our peace.
Confession; I declare I have the wisdom of God in me, I declare I shall not want because the Lord is my shepherd. I am a representative of the Kingdom, I know who I am, I function in the Kingdom, for the Kingdom, I am an Ambassador, a royal ambassador of the Kingdom of God. I am blessed!
Further Readings;
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13;
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves
Hebrews 13:17;
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Read through the Bible: 1 Samuel 3 & Romans 3
