Welcome to Hamilton Central Baptist Church! This is the sixth sermon in the Heading For The Promised Land teaching series.

REFLECTION:

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say…..How does this work out in practice in a relational community of Gods people? How does mutual submission and accountability work together – ie does the Bible teach blind obedience to leaders or a journey together under the Holy Spirit with all being willing to submit to each other and so maintain unity. What do you think? What scriptures are there that indicate the need for both submission and accountability?

Exit Ramp 3 “I want to be respected, heard and honored because I deserve it”What is wrong with this statement? What is the underlying sin that is lurking. In what ways does this evidence itself these days in churches? The Bible teaches that those who teach the Word have authority not in their title or office but in the degree to which they convey biblical truth accurately. Ie authority lies in the quality and accuracy of their teaching and leading not in their position, title of office. Agree? What implications are here for those who teach listen?

Churches are relational communities, they are not buildings or locations. Leadership in these communities of faith is Gods way of moving them forwards. What does ‘mutual submission’ look like in this regard? How could it work with leaders leading, and people following but also participating in the process and not just being passive? Give some examples of what mutual submission might look like.

Can you see how the Devil (our adversary) has pushed to extremes the issue of leadership and authority? It has become either ‘Don’t question the leader or you are questioning God’….touch not the Lords anointed etc!! Or the other extreme which is such a flatline of leadership that nobody dares to lead or take initiative. We are called to navigate between these extremes in relationship with each other. Not an easy path. Can you think of times when either extreme has prevailed and the outcome was bad. What helps us navigate a middle pathway in this matter?

We have done a lot of work at hcbc defining our mission and our vision. Without clearly defined values to live out the mission and vision we easily revert to old pathways. Having a clear mission and vision requires clearly defined and agreed values. Where do these values come from? What might they look like? How and who will agree to them?

MESSAGE OUTLINE - Exit Ramp 3 “I want to be respected, heard and honored because I deserve it – A lie of self aggrandizement.

- Leaders authority comes from the truth they convey and live not their title or office

- Leadership is Gods idea not ours

- Mutual submission is the culture of the kingdom in relational community

- We are all Leaders – lead your own life firstly. You don’t become a good leader until you have learned to be a good follower.