Glorifying God Through Obedient Worship
Let's delve into the profound theme of glorifying Jesus by worshipping God the Father. Our background scripture is John 7:14-24, with the focus verse being John 7:18: "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."
Jesus' Knowledge and Authority
In John 7:14-17, we find Jesus teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Jews marveled, saying, "How does this man know letters, having never learned?" Jesus responded, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself."
This passage highlights the divine source of Jesus' teaching. Unlike the religious leaders of His time, who relied on human credentials and education, Jesus’ wisdom and authority came directly from God. This contrast emphasizes the importance of seeking God's glory rather than human accolades.
The Challenge of Authentic Leadership
Today’s church faces a similar challenge. Many church leaders are chosen based on their educational background and credentials rather than their divine calling. Pastoral selection committees often prioritize worldly qualifications over spiritual discernment. This practice undermines the church's spiritual authority and leads to the selection of leaders who may not truly be called by God.
The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Scripture warns us to "try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). It is crucial for church members and leaders to seek God's guidance through prayer and fasting when selecting pastors and leaders. True spiritual discernment comes from a deep relationship with God, not from worldly qualifications.
The Role of True Leaders
Jesus exemplified true leadership by seeking God's glory rather than His own. In John 7:18, He said, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." This principle is vital for contemporary church leaders. They must focus on glorifying God rather than seeking personal recognition.
False Leaders and Their Consequences
False leaders, who seek their own glory, often lead congregations astray. These "educated sociopaths," as I call them, may have impressive credentials and eloquent sermons, but they lack the genuine calling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their leadership results in spiritual stagnation and confusion within the church.
The Judgment of True and False Leaders
The Bible provides numerous examples of true and false leaders. In John 7:19-24, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time, accusing them of hypocrisy. They claim to uphold the law, yet they plot to kill Him. Jesus highlights their inconsistency by pointing out that they circumcise on the Sabbath to avoid breaking the law of Moses, yet they condemn Him for healing on the Sabbath.
Jesus instructs us to "judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). This means evaluating leaders and their actions based on God's standards rather than superficial appearances. True leaders are those who consistently demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit and align their actions with God's will.
The Consequences of Misguided Leadership
When churches prioritize credentials over calling, they risk spiritual decline. Congregations led by uncalled leaders often experience a lack of spiritual growth, confusion, and disunity. These leaders may rely on borrowed sermons and teachings, lacking the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit.
True leaders, like King David, are characterized by their willingness to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. David was a man after God's own heart because he consistently turned to God in repentance. In contrast, false leaders harden their hearts and refuse to acknowledge their sins, leading to spiritual reprobation.
Emphasizing Spiritual Discernment
Churches must emphasize spiritual discernment in their selection of leaders. This involves dedicated prayer, fasting, and seeking God’s guidance. It is essential to look beyond worldly qualifications and focus on the spiritual integrity and calling of potential leaders.
Congregations must hold their leaders accountable to God's standards. This includes confronting sin, encouraging repentance, and ensuring that leaders remain true to their divine calling. As Jesus said, "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault" (Matthew 18:15).
Encouraging Genuine Worship
True worship involves glorifying God and seeking His will above all else. Churches should foster an environment where genuine worship is prioritized over performance and tradition. This creates a space for the Holy Spirit to move freely and for God's presence to be felt.
In conclusion, the lesson from John 7:14-24 is clear: true leaders seek God's glory rather than their own. The church must prioritize spiritual discernment and divine calling over worldly credentials. By doing so, we ensure that our leaders are genuinely anointed by God and capable of guiding us in His truth.
The Call to Action
I urge you, saints, to pray fervently for your leaders and for the selection process of future leaders. Seek God's guidance and rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal His chosen servants. Let us commit to glorifying Jesus by worshipping God the Father in spirit and in truth, ensuring that our churches are led by those truly called by Him.
May God bless you and guide you in all truth.
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