We Must Learn that Our Leaders Are a Gift From God

Introduction:

- Back seat drivers; Monday morning quarterbacks

- We live in an age where people do not respect authority

Discussion:

Ø Biblical Example:

Numbers 16.1-35: Korah and the Rebellion –

(1) Moses was their leader and he was morally pure (v. 15).

(2) Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses.

(a) They got others to join in with this rebellion (e.g., 250 leaders of the congregation – vv. 1-3).

(b) Their complaint is not specifically stated, but they must have had a problem with some of Moses’ decisions and/or they were power hungry (v. 3).

(3) God causes the earth to “swallow them up;” thus, teaching us a valuable lesson.

Ø Personal Example: Fort Olgethorpe

Ø Biblical Teaching:

NT Pattern – Elders and Deacons
Congregation is to:

1. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13.17).

2. “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another” (1 Thess. 5.12-13).

3. “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5.17).

If they do mess up, then what?

1. Matt. 7.12

2. Matt. 18.15-18

3. 1 Tim. 5.19-20

Overall, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil. 2.14).