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P.O. Box 2, Figline Valdarno
Florence 50063, Italy
Telephone: +39 366 329 1315
E-mail: cfe@connectingforexcellence.com
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Establishing Leadership
"...I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have and exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him." (Romans 12:3)
The Difference between Called and Appointed:
The democratic society we live in is far removed from the definition of a kingdom, where a king rules because he inherited the throne! Democracy differs in that her leaders are elected and not inherited. A system where leadership roles are open to the talented and asserted, but as for the Kingdom of God, it operates on an entirely different premise.
...I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. (Romans 12: 3)
Jesus himself appointed offices of service, found in Ephesians 4:11, only Jesus himself through the Holy Spirit gives this authority to men. When we assume authority rather than receive authority we are on dangerous ground. Self-exaltation, is the promotion of self-purposes rather than seeking first the kingdom of God. Consider those who have been called but not yet appointed, who then commission themselves and who end up serving themselves; our commission can only come from the Lord.
Spiritual leaders, "...Chosen from among men" and are "...appointed to act on behalf of men in things relating to God..." Furthermore, "...One does not appropriate for himself the honour...but he is called by God..." Just as Jesus, "...did not exalt Himself...but was appointed..." (Hebrews 5:1,4,5 Amp)
Appointment comes from God alone, even Jesus did not assume his place, but was appointed by the Father. We may be called, but we also require appointment. Consider Paul who in Romans 1:1 in the NIV states that he was both "called" and "separated."
The call comes first then the appointment! You may have been called before the earth began or while you were still in the womb but that was not when you stepped into your "office!" You step into your call [salvation] before you ever step into your office.
Note: Paul went through years of testing once he submitted himself to the leaders at Antioch. "They must first be tested; and then... let them serve..." (1 Timothy 3:10)
Separated actually means chosen, Jesus said "Many are called, but few are chosen..." (Matthew 22:14). Meaning that not many make it through those "testing" periods, but the few who make it are those who have been successfully "separated" unto the Lord! All ministries must go through a period of testing and preparation (this preparation varies from gift to gift) before we go through or move through into our assigned assignment, our appointed time!
There are "offices" and "positions of service," mentioned in the bible, (1 Corinthians 12: 28) "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that ... helps...." Paul during those first years in Antioch did not occupy a fivefold office (Ephesians 4:11) in fact he served in the ministry of helps, then was promoted to the office of a teacher (2 Timothy 1:11; Acts 13:1).
John Bevere in his book "Thus saith the Lord," (p120, Published by Creation House) says, "Not only would Paul be tested in the realm of helps but in the office of teacher as well. When Paul was promoted from teacher to apostle we again see how God chooses and separates those that He wants to fill certain offices or positions."
In Acts 13:1-2 we can see how Paul is listed along with other teachers in Antioch and how the Holy Spirit wanted them to be separated unto Him. The appointed time had finally come, the one who had been called to be an apostle all those years earlier on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:15 had finally, after many years of testing and loyal service now been separated unto God to be an apostle. First he was "Called," then he served in "Helps," later in the "office of a Teacher" and then lastly in that of an "Apostle." Why? Because Paul was faithful, to promote the Lord and not himself (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Note: God used the established leadership whom Paul had faithfully served...
"Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, THEY SENT THEM away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went..." (Acts 13:3-4)
God did not use anyone Paul was not already in submission to; instead he used an established authority that had already been set up in Antioch. God will not undermine the leadership in the Body of Christ in order to raise someone up into a position of leadership. Why, because your character is far more important than your gifting.
E-mail: cfe@connectingforexcellence.com