“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." The sons of the Kingdom were set apart to be very different from the religious of their day. The Scribes and Pharisees were devoted to displaying their outward religious appearance. They wore their religion and were recognized as such because of their attire, not by their behavior.
The Lord Jesus made this point to make us aware, or should I say to beware, of certain titles, which carry with them certain un-kingdom attitudes. First, "Be not called teachers" for the attitude of a teacher is "I know more than you know--listen, for wisdom is now speaking". This attitude is self-assertive. The attitude of the Kingdom is to become as a little child. Not childish, but childlike--open, receptive, eager to learn. Second, "And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father." For the attitude of the Father is "Because of my age, I know and you don't know--respect and listen to me". The father's attitude is the attitude that the Lord Jesus condemned when He said Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Third, And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. Don't be called leaders for the attitude of the leader is "I am your leader, follow me". It is also self-assertive. I have studied God's Word about the Kingdom and I teach the Kingdom concepts without being called a teacher. There are churches that hold leadership classes, but this does not always produce leaders. It only produces uncertain managers, followers with a list of instructions to do. Often men who can't control their own habits or their own households. Sons of the Kingdom know how to lead their families first and foremost because they are led by the Governor (Holy Spirit). They want to always follow His leading. Then they know how to conduct themselves, as well as their own household. ...you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth...But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
The root of the problem of such titles is that it brings pride and being separate from the very people they are to help. The titles and special attire draws attention and that invites pride.
On a personal note, I am learning every day to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am learning to stay focused on His voice and guidance. That way I will always be in line with His Word.
Remember, as always, that your greatest asset is your faith in King Jesus. No titles nor robes required.
Matthew 23:8-12 Luke 9:61-62 I Timothy 3:15; 5:8
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
The Lord Jesus made this point to make us aware, or should I say to beware, of certain titles, which carry with them certain un-kingdom attitudes. First, "Be not called teachers" for the attitude of a teacher is "I know more than you know--listen, for wisdom is now speaking". This attitude is self-assertive. The attitude of the Kingdom is to become as a little child. Not childish, but childlike--open, receptive, eager to learn. Second, "And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father." For the attitude of the Father is "Because of my age, I know and you don't know--respect and listen to me". The father's attitude is the attitude that the Lord Jesus condemned when He said Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Third, And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. Don't be called leaders for the attitude of the leader is "I am your leader, follow me". It is also self-assertive. I have studied God's Word about the Kingdom and I teach the Kingdom concepts without being called a teacher. There are churches that hold leadership classes, but this does not always produce leaders. It only produces uncertain managers, followers with a list of instructions to do. Often men who can't control their own habits or their own households. Sons of the Kingdom know how to lead their families first and foremost because they are led by the Governor (Holy Spirit). They want to always follow His leading. Then they know how to conduct themselves, as well as their own household. ...you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth...But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
The root of the problem of such titles is that it brings pride and being separate from the very people they are to help. The titles and special attire draws attention and that invites pride.
On a personal note, I am learning every day to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am learning to stay focused on His voice and guidance. That way I will always be in line with His Word.
Remember, as always, that your greatest asset is your faith in King Jesus. No titles nor robes required.
Matthew 23:8-12 Luke 9:61-62 I Timothy 3:15; 5:8
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
