An Authentic Calling: Representing Christ and His Kingdom through the Church

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Sess i on 5: A Ca l l to Commun i t y

a. There can be no community without discipleship , Rom. 10.9-10.

b. Likewise, there can no discipleship without submission , Rom. 14.7-9.

c. There can be no submission without legitimate authority, 2 Cor. 13.8-10 (ESV) – For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. [9] For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. [10] For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

d. Joyful submission to the process is the sign/token of God’s confirmation of one’s leadership.

(1) Gal. 2.6-10

(2) 2 Tim. 2.2 (ESV) – and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (3) 1 Cor. 9.17 (ESV) – For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. (4) 2 Cor. 5.20 (ESV) – Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (5) Gal. 2.7 (ESV) – On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the Gospel to the circumcised.