4/2/18 – Job 33, Job 34 Matthew 23:1-39 Psalm 18:25-36

Matt 23:8-12

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus wasn’t keen on titles. He wasn’t keen on religious leaders who used position to place them above everyone else, as if their title or position made them better.

Jesus is not saying there should be no leader or teachers – in verse 2 and 3 of this chapter He says they sit in Moses’ seat so be careful to do everything they tell you. However He also said don’t do what they do, because they were not living according to what they were telling people to do. He had no place for hypocrisy in those who taught.

Do not call them Rabbi – or Father… yet many in churches do use that term father for those in spiritual governance. Many feel that if the church leader has not spoke to them in a given week then something is up.

It feels to me sometimes that even though we had a reformation, some pre-reformation mindsets have stuck with us. One of the big problems before the reformation was that people were encouraged to treat the priesthood as above them. We have one father – Our father in Heaven. We have one instructor, The Messiah.

Leadership is not about ordering people about, leadership is about serving. Humbly. Don’t chase a title – chase a life of serving your church.

Ps 18:46-49

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!

Exalted be God my Savior!

He is the God who avenges me,

who subdues nations under me,

who saves me from my enemies.

You exalted me above my foes;

from a violent man you rescued me.

Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

I will sing the praises of your name.

When you give your life to Jesus – you are involved in a spiritual battle. The world will reject you – the world will try on you. As a spiritual warrior you have been given spiritual armour. Trouble will come, but you serve the God who is your Rock and Your Saviour. You shall be saved from those who come against you – for the Lord is on your side! The Lord lives! That means He is with you every step of the way. He’s not a dead, dusty God but one who rules and delivers you from trouble. Praise Him, follow Him and you shall have the victory!