(A brother asked me once about the scriptural evidence about the spiritual authority in the Church. Here is the reply I had given to him.)
Dear my loving brother in Christ,
I am not imposing my faith on you. But when the Lord causes someone to ask me a question, I need to be 100% honest in my answer as I shouldn’t be held responsible by the Lord for holding back the truth which He has revealed to my heart to avoid offending the people. I believe brother, it was the Lord who caused our conversation yesterday and the Lord who was with my mouth and spoke to you has the answer for your questions from the Word. Now it’s up to you to meditate on these verses and get convinced with the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit of God. MY APPEAL TO YOU IS THAT READ THESE VERSES SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY…
- “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Pet 5:4)- This proves that Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd as I discussed yesterday.
- “Be shepherds of God’s flock (sheep) serving as overseers….. being examples to the flock.” (1 Pet 5:2-3)- This proves that the people (Pastors/Elders) who are ordained by God to be His servants are shepherds (overseeing the flock- sub shepherds- the term I used yesterday)
3.“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock (sheep), over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (Acts 20:28-29)- Again the Lord is asking the shepherds to look after the sheep on which they are made shepherds (overseers).
- The Shepherd and sheep expression is not only given in new testament, it is given in old testament as well. This means God has authorised (called by His Holy calling) certain persons as shepherds under Him to look after His sheep. PLEASE READ THESE VERSES CAREFULLY
“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. ……. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. (Ezekiel 34:8-16)
EVERY BELIVER MUST BE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF A PASTOR/ELDER (SHEPHERD)
“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”. (Hebrews 13:17)- I spoke to you yesterday that the leaders (of the church) must be held responsible for the people put under him.
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1 Pet 5:5-6)
“For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:” (2 Corinth 10:8)
“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee”.(Titus 2:15)
My brother, the whole purpose of me writing these to you is to prove to you that what I have spoken to you yesterday was from God. I do not want anybody under my spiritual authority OR responsibility unless it is submitted to me.
As we are in the last hour, my brother, make sure you are not deceived….God has a great plan for you, if you make yourself available to Him. Our Lord won’t force us, He only knocks…He reminds us through His servants and His Word. AFTER A SEASON, He won’t be after us. We still will have salvation, but our usefulness to God will be nil.
Be blessed my loving brother….
Blessings from your brother in Christ, Renji