Collateral Damage

[Coonskinner]

Jam 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


Jam 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.


The word "masters" there does mean teacher.

[Coonskinner]

I am responsible to God for what I teach and preach and how I lead.

The saints are responsible for how they follow and obey.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Ron

Let's put it this way, do you think being a Pastor (spiritual leadership) is just a job?
Do you not think that there will be an accounting of what has been intrusted to you?

I am in a secular job. I oversee a few people, and there are "secular" laws that I am responsible both in how I treat the ones I am responsible for, and for how I teach them.

Would not God do the same?

Jere 32:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Sounds like God is going to hold Pastors to account does it not?

What will he hold me accountable for?
What if they are little devils?
Is it my responsibility to save them?

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Jam 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


Jam 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.


The word "masters" there does mean teacher.

Doesn't a teacher become something entirely other than a teacher when he attaches mortal and eternal consequenses to what he presents by his interpretation?

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We have often discussed the misnomer that a pastor will anwer for all of the parishoners in his church at judgement day. From what I have read on AFF, most of us are in agreement that each individual will stand before God alone. The pastor will not be there to mediate, nor will he be held responsible for those who refused obedience to the Word. His only obligation is to preach the whole counsel of God.

But what if leadership unknowingly causes someone to stumble and fall? What if leadership adds an unnecessary burden that a Christian cannot bear? What if a leader's politics builds his own kingdom instead of God's?

What will happen to those who kill innocents through "friendly fire"? Is a certain amount of collateral damage necessary to win this spiritual war?

The answer in one word "Humility"

by the way you sound like Loren Yadon, preaching at Landmark 1993.

[Coonskinner]

Didaskalos:

1) a teacher

2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Doesn't the pastor have an obligation to set boundaries in the church? At some point every pastor has to apply the Word in different situations. I believe this where prayer is imperative.

I agree that Pastors have that right.
I just believe we all are going to be held into account for what is entrusted to us, whether it is money, talents, abilities, or the Spiritual Instruction of souls.

Kinda sobering.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Jam 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


Jam 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.


The word "masters" there does mean teacher.

So, there is collateral damage through friendly fire.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

Doesn't a teacher become something entirely other than a teacher when he attaches mortal and eternal consequenses to what he presents by his interpretation?

The Word of God attaches eternal consequences to obedience or disobedience, Carp.

I don't make that decision; it is made for me.

I know what you are getting at, though.

Bottom line, it is critical that we as teachers rightly divide the Word.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Doesn't the pastor have an obligation to set boundaries in the church? At some point every pastor has to apply the Word in different situations. I believe this where prayer is imperative.

Yes, boundaries such as the list Coonskinner started. Boundaries that are Biblical - not rules that aren't.

If more was taught on prayer (for the saints) and they all develop that close personal walk with God would there been need for silly rules?