Follow the Leader

Based on 1 Corinthians 4-5, Psalm 38

Sometimes, we just don't realize what others go through to help us succeed & prosper. Yes, we do have our own work to do & our own sacrifices to make, but what about those people we trust to take us the rest of the way? We can't fully be healed without doctors. We can't learn about certain careers without teachers. We can't be the best Christians without Pastors. In these chapters, Paul reveals what it's like to be a real leader, showing people the way to Christ. And there's sometimes a lot of heartache which comes with it:

"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised."
1 Corinthians 4:10.

They are the ones who stick their necks out for us, so we may know the way. We follow the leader, and the leader is responsible for taking the first bold steps of faith. Of course the world notices them first. Questions them first. Ridicules them first. And we're just following the leader. Next time we feel uncomfortable, let's consider who had to pace the way for us to even have a chance to walk closer with God!

"Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." 1 Corinthians 4:13‭-‬15.

They are made as the filth of the world so we can stand on our own two feet as Christians. So much sacrifice had to be made so that we could have church buildings to gather in! There are many people out there who could try to sway us & lead us in certain directions. But one person really cares for our soul like a father would a child: and that's our Pastor! If you haven't gotten to know our Pastor Sagil yet, come on by our church! He gives so much time to us in prayer, & teaching in God's Word, and I have seen the Paul-like sacrifices he has made so we can all go forward as a strong church.

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Corinthians 5:7‭-‬8.

With these types of difficult sacrifices that Pastors make for us comes the ability to have authority over sin. We should all call out & rebuke the sin in our lives before it is brought to the surface, but when it is, we need to deal with it. Again, think about Jesus' sacrifice. While we were yet sinners, He died for us! And our Pastors prayed for us before we ever committed to Christ. They care about us living a better life outside of sin, and we must care just as much about ourselves as they do! Our eternity depends on it!

"For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." Psalms 38:17‭-‬18.

We need to speak these words above. We need to halt, stop & think about what God has done for us & what God has put on the hearts of Pastors to sacrifice for theircongregations. We need to declare our iniquity, be sorry, and live the life of freedom in Christ that they sacrificed so much for!