Footsteps #220

Spiritual authority is committed to prayer and truth. “⁷ We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. ⁸ For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. ⁹ We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.” NLT (2Cor.13:7-9). The fact that Paul is earnestly praying for the church should surprise no one who is familiar with his writings. In virtually every one of his letters, he states clearly that he is praying for his flock.(see e.g. 1Eph.1:18-19; Phil.1:9 and Col.1:9-12). Contrast this with how we sometimes glibly say to someone in need that we will pray for them and then forget, or give them a one-sentence inclusion in our bigger prayer life. 

The focus of Paul’s prayer life for his churches was always on their spiritual health and spiritual growth. Paul has already prayed for their obedience; now he prays for their wholeness. In v8 Paul takes up the second key responsibility of those in spiritual authority–a commitment to truth: He in effect says; If you desire true spiritual authority, your word must be reliable and your teaching must resonate with Scripture. Otherwise, your claims will ring hollow. Now fourthly and finally we come to the heart of the issue of spiritual authority: Spiritual authority thrives on edification, not demolition. (v10) Spiritual authority is like a hammer. It can be used either to tear something apart or to build something strong. Christian leadership is different from leadership in the world. Jesus made that clear in Matt.20:25-28. He said, “that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus has given as the primary purpose of that authority the edification of the flock. Of course, when Paul speaks of the importance of using authority for building people up, he’s not talking about making them feel good all the time; he’s not talking about tolerance of sinful behaviour; he’s talking about constantly seeking that the flock is being fed and trained and encouraged and brought to maturity.