Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Tue, 21 June 2022

The Work of Spiritual Leaders (2)

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about the work of spiritual leaders in this text?

Deeper Reflection
CONCERNING SPIRITUAL LEADERS, JESUS HAS MADE IT absolutely plain that “the very first thing which needs to be said about Christian ministers of all kinds” is that they are “‘under’ people (as their servants) rather than ‘over’ them (as their leaders, let alone their lords)”47 (Mk 10:42-45). They are to be servant-leaders. In God’s kingdom, the first are last, leaders are servants and chiefs are slaves. Jesus insists that the chief characteristic of Christian leaders is “humility, not authority, and gentleness, not power”48 – as He says about Himself, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt 11:29). Nevertheless, biblically, authentic servant-leadership still carries an element of authority: Spiritual leaders are “over” (proistēmi) the people of God (v.12).Proistēmi means “to so influence others as to cause them to follow a recommended course of action – to guide, to direct and to lead”49. Leadership is influence. Proistēmi was applied to superintendents, village heads, landlords and guardians of children, with the notions of “leading” and “caring” combined together.50 Paul had set the example. While having the God-given apostolic authority, he was a servant to the Thessalonians by working to earn his own living instead of burdening them, and he was like a gentle nursing mother and caring father to them (1 Thess 2:6-9, 11-12).Christian leaders are to “admonish” (noutheteō) their sheep (v.12). Noutheteō means “to warn against bad behaviour and its consequences,51 with the aim of “both enlightening and warning the ignorant about potential problems ahead and rebuking those already entangled in wrongdoing”52. However, admonishing “does not connote a harsh ministry”53.
47 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 120 – emphasis mine 48 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 120 49 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, 36.1 50 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 120 51 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 120 52 G. K. Beale, 161 53 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 121
Application:

What changes do I need to make as a leader at home, in my workplace or ministry?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for pastors and staff: To work hard by God’s all-sufficient grace in leadership
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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