Lesson 11 for March 15, 2014

1.Choosing spiritual leaders. 2.The intellectual knowledge of leaders. 3.The spiritual experience of leaders. 4.The moral qualities of leaders. 5.A successful leader.

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13) Jesus established the organizational structure of the Church, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12) Although all believers are equal, not all have been given the same responsibilities. Each one of us must strengthen the Church from the position God has given us in it.

What requirements must a believer fulfill to become a Church leader? CHOOSING God chooses the leaders through prayer. PREPARING God prepares the leaders by giving them the required spiritual gifts. TRAINING The Church must train the leaders so they can lead as efficiently as possible. “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13)

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24) Intellectual knowledge is good and desirable for becoming a spiritual leader, but it is not essential. The only essential knowledge for spiritual leaders is biblical knowledge. It must always be led by the Holy Spirit. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26) Intellectual knowledge is good and desirable for becoming a spiritual leader, but it is not essential. The only essential knowledge for spiritual leaders is biblical knowledge. It must always be led by the Holy Spirit. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26)

“There is nothing more calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect than the study of the word of God. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. The search for truth will reward the seeker at every turn, and each discovery will open up richer fields for his investigation” EGW (Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, cp. 65, pg. 460)

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28) Every spiritual leader must have a personal relationship with Christ. That way they could lead the Church and others to live that kind of saving experience with the help of the Holy Spirit. A proper balance between knowledge and experience help us to avoid being “blind leaders of the blind” (Mt. 15:14) “But feeling is not faith, emotion is not faith. We must bring our works and thoughts and emotions to the test of the word” (EGW, The Bible Echo, June 11, 1894) Love, forgiveness and other spiritual qualities cannot be intellectually learnt.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29) Gentleness and humbleness are essential. The Holy Spirit needs them to mold our lives and to make us suitable leaders for leading God’s people. Being willing to humble before God is necessary to become a leader (1 Peter 5:5) “He who knows the hearts of all understood this. If the educated and noble would not do the work they were qualified to do, Christ would select men who would be obedient and faithful in doing His will. He chose humble men and connected them with Himself, that He might educate them to carry forward the great work on earth when He should leave it” (EGW, Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, cp. 73, pg. 512)

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3) The Church leaders set some requirements for the new spiritual leaders when they chose the successor of Judas or the deacons (Acts 1:21-22; 6:3) 1.Having a personal relationship with Jesus. 2.Letting the Holy Spirit lead oneself. 3.Receiving wisdom from above.

“Since His ascension Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and ministers to their needs. The great Head of the church superintends His work through the instrumentality of men ordained by God to act as His representatives. The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ’s stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God, and they can fulfill their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above” E.G.W. (The Acts of the Apostles, cp. 34, pg. 360)