Central Truth

Christ does not call us to live this life to the beat of our own drum. Sometimes a godly leader is there to set the pace for us.

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Reflections

One motto for the French revolutionaries was "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity!" With the enlightenment gaining steam in Europe and America, the people of France wanted freedom to express their individuality, equality instead of a caste system, and a sense that everyone had a voice in the political system. The aftermath of the struggle saw the end of the monarchy, as well as the end of the other high caste level - the clergy. The people felt oppressed by those over them. Among their oppressors were men claiming to represent Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder missionary to France Linda Guest says in her April 1 devotional, "France is a bleak and secular country with little interest in learning about Jesus."

Much to the chagrin of "enlightened" minds submission is inherent to the good news of Jesus Christ. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords took one on the chin for us on the cross, and all He asks in return is that we submit, follow, and trust Him. In His stead He gives His newly adopted children earthly leaders to guide and love on them. All the while the children of the King of Heaven are waiting for their reunion with Him. Unfortunately, sometimes we, the children of the King, find we have been submitting to bad leaders (like the revolutionaries). Other times we find we just have a problem with submission to good leaders (like the Corinthian church).

Jeremy Dawson, pastor of Delhi Bible Fellowship in India, sat down with our mission team last fall to talk about church planting and small groups. He made a poignant observation. As we shared about fancy online reporting of small group attendance and prayer requests, he stated, "The church in America does not have a problem with accountability [tracking data]. It has a problem with authority." He explained that when he gives instructions there are no questions of why or why not. He has proven over and over to be a good leader for them. So, they obey. I wonder how many in Corinth realized the same about the Apostle Paul.

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Discussion Questions

1. What was your reaction to Pastor Jeremy's statement about the American church? What was your reaction to the submission of his people to his direction?

2. How often do Fellowship Dallas leaders make requests or demands on our church? Is there anything they have asked of you or us recently that brought out a mini-French Revolution in you?

3. The Corinthians had trouble breaking out of their old decadent lifestyles and it showed in their Christian walk. What part of your "enlightened" background shows through in your Christian walk?

4. Our leaders are organizing a mass service project for this Sunday and asking everyone to be on board. Is there any reason why you will not be there? Fellowship Serves May 2 at 9:30am. For more details go to http://www.fellowshipdallas.org/event/2010-05-02-fellowship-serves/

5. If the French Revolution had a catchy three word motto, what motto would you make to rally the spiritual patriots at Fellowship?

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