A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

204

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

b. All growth of the individual members is done into the head, our Lord Jesus, Eph. 4.15-16 – Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. c. We are to hold fast together to the head, and from the head, be nourished and grow, Col. 2.19 – and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

2. In the body of Christ, we are to submit to those who keep watch over our souls, i.e., our pastors (bishops), elders, and deacons.

a. Those exercising leadership are to be considered and imitated, Heb. 13.7 – Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

b. God’s design is that godly leaders be appointed for every believing assembly, Acts 14.23 – And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. c. Our spiritual leaders are to be respected and highly esteemed for their labor over us in the Lord, 1 Thess. 5.12-13 – We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.