1. Follow Spiritual Leadership Heart Attitudes

2. FREEBIE: Why do we do what we do?

3. 1. What is “spiritual authority” ἐξουσία (exousia) – authority God created authority because it is necessary.

4. 1. What is “spiritual authority” In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. Judges 21:25

5. 1. What is “spiritual authority” Spiritual authority is a gift.

6. 1. What is “spiritual authority” And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles,

7. 1. What is “spiritual authority” also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28

8. 1. What is “spiritual authority” Spiritual authority is a calling.

9. 1. What is “spiritual authority” Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

10. 1. What is “spiritual authority” 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3

11. 1. What is “spiritual authority” Spiritual authority is a challenge.

12. 1. What is “spiritual authority” Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

13. 1. What is “spiritual authority” 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

14. 1. What is “spiritual authority” 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30

15. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? Authority should be temperate and trustworthy.

16. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

17. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

18. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:7-9

19. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? Authority should seek unity not division.

20. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

21. 2. How do I evaluate spiritual authority? 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Romans 16:17-18

22. 3. Why should I follow spiritual authority? All authority comes from God.

23. 3. Why should I follow spiritual authority? Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

24. 3. Why should I follow spiritual authority? Because it benefitsyou.

25. 3. Why should I follow spiritual authority? Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17

26. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? God purposefully places us under imperfect authority.

27. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? Rebelling against valid authority, is rebellion against God.

28. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

29. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2

30. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,

31. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? 16to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

32. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? Submit to valid authority whole-heartedly.

33. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

34. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.

35. 4. How do I follow spiritual authority? 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

36. Put the Success of Other Above Yourself Authentic and Honest Life Clear Up Relationships Invest Your Time & Talents Follow Spiritual Leadership Invest Your Treasure Correction: Give and receive it