Ruling in the Fear of God Session 11

Wounded Hearts  Theresa’s story  Robin’s story

Wounded Hearts Joel & Theresa Phil & Robin

Last Words of David He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God (II Samuel 23:3).

Ruling in the Fear of God And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear [sunshine] after rain (II Samuel 23:4).

The Grand Reality God The Creator Man The Creature

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isaiah 46:9-10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. Isaiah 46:9-10 (cont.)

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Psalm 115:3

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Psalm 33:6-8

Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. Psalm 33:6-8 (cont.)

Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Job 42:1-3

Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I under-stood not; things too wonder-ful for me, which I knew not. Job 42:1-3 (cont.)

Biblical Sovereignty Greatness / Goodness TM Biblical Subordination Humility / Hope The Grand Reality Principle

God’s Rules for Rulers  No one who has been granted authority is free to use that authority in ways not authorized by God Himself.

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Colossians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters [i.e., don’t be ambitious to be teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation [i.e., the stricter judgment].

I Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you, I exhort... feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by [compulsion], but willingly; not [out of greed for gain], but [eagerly];

I Peter 5:1-4 (cont.)... neither as [lording it over] God’s heritage, but being [examples] to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The Chief Greenhouse Keeper  The home is a greenhouse for growing spiritual plants.

The Chief Greenhouse Keeper  A husband and father can use his headship to accomplish only God’s purposes for his wife and children.

The Chief Greenhouse Keeper  Any use of his power for his own ends or in a wrong spirit is an abuse of power!

Home is NOT  a man’s palace  a man’s crash pad  a man’s entertainment center  a man’s hunting lodge  a man’s business center

Self-Serving Authoritarianism  Pleases himself by:  Controlling others more than God intends—too strictly.  Ruling others in a spirit God forbids—too harshly.  Spirit of Saul  Pleases himself by:  Controlling others more than God intends—too strictly.  Ruling others in a spirit God forbids—too harshly.  Spirit of Saul

Self-Serving Permissivism  Pleases himself by allowing more than God intends—too tolerantly.  Spirit of Eli  Pleases himself by allowing more than God intends—too tolerantly.  Spirit of Eli

Conclusion Leadership isn’t about controlling others as much as it is about controlling our own lusts—our own pride.

Last Words of David He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God (II Samuel 23:3). And he will be welcomed like a fresh, cloudless morning.

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