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

Ses s i on 5: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Charac ter : The Outward Di sc i p l i nes 205

d. We ought to obey and submit to our leaders, and do it in such a way as to cause them joy in that respon sibility, Heb. 13.17 – Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

3. In the body of Christ, we are to submit to the apostles’ doctrine, i.e., the Word of God in Scripture.

a. The Scriptures are the norm for faith and practice in the body, 2 Tim. 3.16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

b. The early church immediately submitted to the authority of the apostles’ teaching

(1) Acts 2.42 – And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (2) Acts 11.23 – When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. (3) Acts 14.22 – strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (4) Eph. 2.20 – built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.