Exercise Lordship

Many of our church leaders lead as leaders do in the world. They lead more by authority than by sacrifice. "The ecclesiastical idea of a servant of God is not Jesus Christ's idea. His idea is that we serve Him by being the servants of other men. Jesus Christ out-socialists the socialists. He says that in His Kingdom he that is greatest shall be the servant of all. The real test of the saint is not preaching the gospel, but washing disciples' feet, that is, doing the things that do not count in the actual estimate of men but count everything in the estimate of God."⁴⁹ These church leaders are more concerned with their power and status than they are with serving the Lord (much like we discovered in the "The Principality of Idolatry" section). "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45). "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3). They often remind or mandate the congregation to respect their authority, as did Haman in the book of Esther.

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. (Esther 3:1-5)

"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi" (Matthew 23:5-7). "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:43). All Christians, however, are called to put God first in everything; as such, no man can usurp the authority of the head of the church, Jesus Christ—the Word of God. "And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem ... And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye" (Acts 4:5-6, 18-19). "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25). Even kings, regardless of their position, are commanded to not operate in pride but to meditate and obey the Word of God all the days of his life. "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48).

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)

Blessings Flow

These lordship-minded church leaders further elevate themselves by assuming the role of another Christ through whom all blessings flow. They have been heard to say, "I am the vine" or "I am the way." As a "Christ" they often "speak blessings" upon their congregation, in imitation of the various leaders (fathers, prophets) in the Old Testament. They say something like: "As your spiritual father, I speak blessings upon you and your family ..." They, unless they are called as prophets, do not have the authority by God to speak a blessing. "Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 129:8). Let us examine three examples of "blessings" in the Old Testament:

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. (Genesis 24:60)

And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. (Genesis 27:26-30)

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. ... And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh. (Genesis 48:14, 20)

In the first example, Laban and Bethuel "bless" Rebekah; however, they do not have any authority to do so; thus, they are simply expressing a wish. The second and third examples demonstrate a special authority given by God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to bless. "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff" (Hebrews 11:20-21). This authority was also held by the prophets in the Old Testament: "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it (Numbers 23:20). Under the New Testament, apostles and prophets are given this authority. The blessings in the Old Testament were prophetic in nature: they came to pass. God is the source of blessings not man:

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them. (Numbers 6:22-27)

If you are in Christ you are already blessed (Romans 4:7-8) and need not a person to attempt to bless you out of their own power and might: "blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:28).

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions ... Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. (Proverbs 8:12, 32-35)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:3-6). Thus in Christ, not only do you have all spiritual blessings but you also control the option for the lesser, natural (temporal) blessings. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah" (Psalm 68:19). "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Suppress Growth

Church leaders that embrace a lordship mentality tend to be closed to new ideas, especially ideas that may appear to take power away from them. "Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation" (John 11:47-48). Some fallout from this is that they will smother the growth of other men much like mustangs—alpha males—in the wild fight off other mustangs (see "The Principality of Entrepreneurship"). As a result, over time the congregation becomes predominately female and suffers a loss of spiritual power. "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths" (Isaiah 3:12). In addition, they suppress open dialogue about the Word, because they do not want to be perceived as ignorant nor have their "power," which is based on the ignorance of their congregation, challenged. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Christians are commanded to validate what the preacher is saying; that is, to prove all things based on the truth of the Word. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5): "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We see this in practice by those in Berea: "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few" (Acts 17:10-12). Thus, the Word of God is the final authority not the preacher.

UNTOUCHABLE

Many pastors and other church leaders have equated themselves to Moses; that is, they believe that their church members cannot correct (rebuke, reproof, or admonish) them.

(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. (Numbers 12:3-9)

Like the Pharisees, they think that they are above correction from the congregation: "They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out" (John 9:34). Scripture, however, tells us "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish" (Proverbs 12:1); and "Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die ... He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility" (Proverbs 15:10, 32-33). Finally, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20).

Moses, however, in a hierarchical sense, was not a pastor; his brother Aaron's sons were the "pastors" and Aaron the High Priest. Moses was the head of the church: he was the lawgiver; he was "above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." "And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet" (Exodus 7:1). "And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God ... And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. (Exodus 4:15-16, 30).

Under the New Covenant no Christian man is above any other; Jesus Christ replaced Moses as the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23) and replaced Aaron as the High Priest (Hebrews 3:1). Furthermore, "I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians 11:3). Thus, the head of every man is not the pastor; the head of every man is Christ. Pastors or other church leaders are not heads of the church; they are leaders in the church who all report to the same high priest, Jesus Christ (see "As In All Churches (Transformation)"). To claim to be the head of a particular local body of Christ is to operate in the spirit of antichrist (see "The Principality of Antichrist"). We are all brothers together; for God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:10-11). Only in regard to being a chosen leader is a pastor "over" the congregation; that is, he, along with the other church leaders, has the responsibility to oversee and shepherd the flock of God (Acts 20:28). Church leaders are simply first among equals: "all ye are brethren" (Matthew 23:8). Notice, in the scriptures below, there is a condition to be met by the church leaders. We are to remember (acknowledge) them which rule over us based on the condition that their lives are in line with the Word of God. As Aristotle said, "He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled." Every church leader must be ruled by the Word of God and not by their pride and lusts. "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God" (2 Samuel 23:3). And Paul reiterated, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Many church leaders use the following scriptures to validate their claim of being untouchable. These scriptures command us to remember, obey, submit, honor, know, and love our church leaders; however, none of these directives exclude admonishing, reproving, or rebuking.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. ... Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Moreover, these church leaders love to teach their congregation that finding fault in the church leaders is equivalent to judging. That is, if we expose sin, we are probably judging and, as a result, we are not walking in love. They tell them, "If you love me, don't judge me. Don't contradict me. Don't focus on the negative. Remember, charity bears all things and believes all things. God will correct me, if necessary." Thereby, teaching their congregation to turn a blind eye to their sins. If, however, we examine scripture, we see four variations of correction for leaders: direct rebuke by God (Numbers 20:12; Joshua 7:10-11; 1 Kings 11:9-11), rebuke through another person (2 Samuel 12:1-12; 1 Kings 14:6-10), admonishment through another person (1 Samuel 25:23-33; Exodus 18:13-24), and chastisement from God (2 Chronicles 26:18-20; Acts 12:21-23). Moreover, the Word of God is clear: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). For "he that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue" (Proverbs 28:23) and "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19). See "Lack of Charity" for more on the connection between love and correction. Finally, these church leaders also love to twist the meaning of the following verse: "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren" (1 Timothy 5:1). Notice, however, it is dealing with older men in the church, not necessarily church leaders (1 Timothy 5:20). "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:32). "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31). While we are not to rebuke older laymen in the church, we can certainly admonish, reprove, and "exhort with all long suffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2).

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he ... I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. (Job 32:4, 7-9)

Due to their positions of influence, church leaders (elders), on the other hand, even those that are older, are not exempt from rebuke: criticizing sharply, reprimanding, or severely or formally reproving. "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools ... Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished" (Ecclesiastes 4:5, 13). There is, however, a process to follow:

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. (Proverbs 24:23-25)

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. (1 Timothy 5:19-21)

Since there is no respect of persons, those church leaders that are at fault must be corrected following the procedures laid out in Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Timothy 5:19-21; and for severe transgressions, the procedure laid out in 1 Corinthians 5:4-5. Notice, not even Peter, the apostle, was above correction: "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I [Paul] withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed" (Galatians 2:11). Moreover, when there is trouble among the elders, like a single elder trying to exercise lordship, apostles (or prophets) must take corrective action, as did John, the apostle.

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (3 John 1:9-11)

Thus, elders (local leaders) should rebuke other elders—even elders from other churches, and those in authority above elders, namely apostles and prophets, should also rebuke elders. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him" (Luke 17:3). "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" (Romans 15:14). "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). See "Organizational Structure" and "Judge Not" for more on the self-policing nature of the body of Christ. Pastors and other church leaders are not exempt from correction, even from their congregation. Those that try to avoid criticism should look to the words of Aristotle who said, "Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." The charge to church leaders is to follow Christ, mind not high things, and be not wise in their own conceits. "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:21)! "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16).

BECOME BRUTISH

Parents know that their children imitate the parents' actions more than the parents' words. This is also true of followers and leaders. Followers imitate more their leaders' actions than their leaders' words. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Our church leaders must be on continual guard to not let Satan have dominion over them. They must guard against being misdirected from the unadulterated Word of God to popular theology; especially, in the areas of financial prosperity, popularity and false doctrine.

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. (Ezekiel 34:1-10)

One evil that spreads like a cancer is bitterness. The spirit of bitterness within an organization defiles many; however, bitterness from the top of the organization defiles the entire organization. "If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked" (Proverbs 29:12). The spirit of bitterness is fueled by rejection, judgment and hate and, in turn, fuels being unmerciful. Our church leaders have to be diligent to cleanse themselves of all bitterness by releasing the associated seeds—rejection—and roots—judgments—of bitterness. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:14-15). Furthermore, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

There are many church leaders that are still bitter about what they "lost" in the world, or about what they have not been "allowed to do" in Christ, or about some childhood rejection that they have not renounced (see "The Principality of Rejection" and "Strong Holds (Idols of the Heart)"). "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). They give evidence to this by the continual "testimonies" from their past life. These testimonies cover their life before Christ in business, in the military, on the streets, etc. These testimonies inadvertently give glory to their time in the world and not to Christ.

Beware if in personal testimony you have to hark back and say – "Once, so many years ago, I was saved." If you are walking in the light, there is no harking back, the past is transfused into the present wonder of communion with God. If you get out of the light you become a sentimental Christian and live on memories, your testimony has a hard, metallic note. Beware of trying to patch up a present refusal to walk in the light by recalling past experiences when you did walk in the light. Whenever the Spirit checks, call a halt and get the thing right, or you will go on grieving Him without knowing it.⁵⁰

As a result of these repeated and outdated testimonies, the congregation judges them as saying the same thing all the time and "tunes them out." Therefore, the Word of God invariably falls on deaf ears—hardened hearts.

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