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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | Listener | 32716 | ||
Charis, Thank you for your biblical and straightforward response. You are correct in that I tend not to have faith in men/women of any stripe - whether they be doctors, clergy or anything else. Your biblical reference pinpointed this problem. As a thinking person, though, I am not sure how to overcome this. My observation, personally and from history, is that clergy are just as prone to error and self-will as the rest of us. Must I ignore history and personal observation? If not, how can I, in good faith, "Obey your leaders and submit to them"? Even Paul commended his listeners when they compared what he said with the scriptures, to see if they lined up (Acts 17:11). Jesus directed us to be as wise as serpents yet as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). How can we balance obedience and submission with discernment and wisdom? Obviously clergy who incite violence at abortion clinics should not be followed, and there are many other examples, both contemporary and historical. How is this reconciled with submission and obedience? If I say that I will submit and obey only in as much as what they say lines up with the Bible, then there is always room for contention on minor points of doctrine and practice. If I say I will submit and obey even in contradiction to the Bible, as long as the issue is minor - then how can I be sure what is minor in the Lord's eyes? The above paragraph is an attempt to clarify my dilemna in hopes of a usefull response and subsequent solution. I am confident that with His blessing, through the written word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and brethren who are vessels of His blessing, this attitude can be changed to one which pleases Him. Thanks, Listener |
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2 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | alreadytaken | 32755 | ||
Well Said Listener. I have watched people be deeply hurt, overworked, burned out, turned away from the church, and brainwashed in my younger years of ministry becuase they listened to man's advice only and did not take the time to "be still" and listen to what God was speaking to them. There are great men and women of God out there that offer great counciling, but we should never rely on their word alone. We are all still human. It's easy to tell someone else to trust God, when it's not your loved one that is in danger of loosing thier life. | ||||||
3 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | charis | 32778 | ||
Dear alreadytaken, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I agree heartily that all believers must take the time to be still before God and hear His voice. But you must understand that when you listen in submission to an approved (by God) man of faith, called to shepherd the flock of Christ, you ARE listening to the counsel of God. In the same way that reading the words on a page are nothing until the Holy Spirit causes the Bible to be life to the believer. Yes, God does speak to us in our hearts, but this can be just as unreliable as false (self-serving) teachers or miappropriated Scripture. You (and I) need all three means to hear the voice of God. Truly, if they are the voice of God, they will be in harmony. Note carefully that we are *responsible* to entrust ourselves to men of God. It is not an option! To say, "I like the church (the worship, the teaching, the youth group, whatever) but I can't stand the pastor/leadership!" is not something God would be pleased with. Yes, shepherds must be held accountable! But sheep must be shepherded! Period! If you are not a partaker in this tri-fold counsel of God, you are in grave danger of walking out of God's counsel. When a minister of the Gospel speaks in the authority of the name of Jesus (preaching, teaching, counseling), he is more than 'just a human.' Truly, he cannot be called infallible or perfect, but by heeding his words in faith and submission, God will honor His servants. And He will honor you! Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | Reformer Joe | 32803 | ||
Well-said! --Joe! |
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