Today Pastor Stan reminded us that God made all of us to be Kings and Priests in His kingdom. The fact is that as His children we are adopted into the family of the King. While this brings great privilege, this also brings tremendous responsibility. Pastor pointed out that while men are called to be the heads of their homes, both men and women are Kings and priests. Our importance to God is not based on our importance to man. It is not contingent on what others think of us. The day we are born again we have taken our place in His kingdom and are His beloved. One of the greatest mistakes we can make is to forget this.
"Abuse happens when men try to prove they are in charge." --Pastor Stan.
I am the head of my home, not because I am able to lift more then my wife or shout louder then my children. My authority does not come from my "superiority". That is a gross misinterpretation of scripture. I am the leader of my family because God says so. Period. He made me to be the leader of my home and my wife to be my "helper comparable to me"( Gen 2:18 ). My wife's willingness to submit to this rank structure is a testimony to her faith in God and not my great leadership skills.
That is a freeing concept.
In the military, sailors are required to obey all lawful orders from Officers. Think about the idea of lawful orders. The entire military of the United States is governed by a code of laws called the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). No officer can force a sailor to violate this code. Outside of that, a commanding officer's authority is nearly absolute. A good officer has no need to "prove" he is in charge with excessive burdens or cruel treatment of his men. It is understood by all members of his crew that his authority comes form the highest levels and is not to be questioned.
This is exactly how God has setup the home. Since most men do not understand where true authority comes from, yet they know in their hearts they must lead their families, we can easily fall into the trap of trying to make our family follow. This will always turn into abuse.
"Our greatest enemy today is ignorance of God's word" --Pastor Stan.
What is the answer here? what can we do about it? How do we defeat ignorance?
"The antidote for ignorance is knowledge." --Pastor Stan.
Jesus is the light of the world ( John 8:12 ). More specifically, the knowledge of Jesus is the light. Many saw him and did not believe, but those who learned from Him and gained His knowledge came out of darkness into light. We must all purpose ourselves to learn God's word. To read our bibles and spend time with fellow believers. Helping each other grow and getting plugged in to a good church that accurately teaches the word of God.
We must understand our place as Kings and priests in the Kingdom of God before we can rightfully accept our inheritance from the King. Never forget your importance to God and the incredible responsibility that comes with that knowledge. True freedom and power come from knowing what you believe and understanding the bible for yourself. Only then can you live as the child of the King you were meant to be.
If you have read this post and do not know for sure if you are a child of the King, follow this trail with me to eternal life:
- Everyone needs salvation because we have all sinned.
Romans 3: 23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - The price (or consequence) of sin is death.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for our death.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9-10, and 13
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ... For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." - Salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 8:1
[There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So Now What?
Go to FWC Podcast to listen to the podcast of today's sermon and many others.
Recommended reading: John 8
Be Blessed.
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