God
Unless otherwise indicated, bible quotes are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
• God is our only master
• Not having second masters
• Not exercising authority over others
• Problem of authorities who want to be our
master
• Practical: what “God is our only master”
means for us
• (Exalting ourselves vs humbling ourselves)
• (Practical: what “humble” means for us)
• Paul’s teachings on submission
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your mind and with all your strength” Mk 12:30
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” Mt 6:24
God
God
We can’t accept
second masters due
to conflict of interest
God as sole master
✔
Has two masters
✘
“The kings of the nations are lords over them; and those who exercise
authority over them are called benefactors. But you are not to be like
that. Instead, the greatest among you should become like the youngest,
and the leader should become like the one who serves” Lk 22:26; similarly
Mt 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45
God
• Lord=master=kurios
• To ‘be lord over’ or
exercise authority
over someone is to
be a second master
to them
Exercise ✘
authority
over him
“The son… can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the
Father does the Son also does” Jn 5:19
“I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me
what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So
whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say” Jn 12:49-50
“The Spirit of truth…
will guide you into all truth” Jn 16:13
God
Jesus said and did only what the
Father told him to.
The HS can do the same for us.
God was Jesus’ sole master
✔
God
(a) Authority claims to represent God and
his wishes. “God wants you to obey us”
“To obey us is to obey God”
God
eg pastor, husband, parents, some rulers.
(b) Dominating power or influence;
may be forceful;
may penalise if not obeyed.
A good “master” can be better than no
master at all (eg good parents for children).
eg secular rulers, employers,
dominant spouse or relative
BUT only Jesus and HS are perfect
representatives of God.
Jesus sometimes refused to do what the authorities wanted:
• Refused to limit healing to 6 days/week when synagogue ruler wanted it; he
contradicted and ‘humiliated’ him Lk 13:14-17.
• Drove moneychangers and merchants out of the temple area Mt 21:12-17
• Refused to answer most of the high priest’s questions Mt 26:62-63 Jn 18:19-23 and Pilate’s
questions Jn 19:9-11.
Jesus sometimes rejected the authorities’ laws and values:
• Called Pharisees and teachers of Law “hypocrites” and said they had let go of the
commands of God and were holding on to the traditions of men
Mk 7:5-8 (over his disciples not handwashing as prescribed)
• Refuted the Pharisees when they declared his disciples rubbing grain on the sabbath
was “unlawful” Mt 12:1-8.
• Denounced the teachers of the Law and Pharisees at length Mt 23.
•
•
•
•
Did what his Father told him—wasn’t always what the leaders wanted.
Obeyed God’s Law—but not the rules of men when they conflicted.
Avoided conflict if possible, eg paid temple tax although he said it was
wrong of them to require it Mt 17:24-27
(Didn’t seek out conflict; not a rebel; not anarchic; not self-pleasing)
Must not do (acc. to Jews)
May do
(acc to Jews)
Jesus
did
Zone of conflict,
Eg sabbath healing
Jesus portrayed human authorities as a source of persecution:
• Would be handed over to councils, flogged in synagogues, arrested and brought before
kings; HS would give them words to say Mt 10:17-19 Mk 13:9-11
• Throughout Acts, disciples were arrested, flogged, imprisoned and killed by various
authorities, eg who forbade them to preach Jesus Acts 5:28
• Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men” Acts 5:29 and continued!
Human authorities are a source of persecution,
not our guides into all truth.
Following Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit will
sometimes lead us into conflict with authorities
“The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees have sat down on the seat of
Moses; so whatever they tell you to keep, keep [it] and do [it]. But don’t
do what they do, for they say [it] but don’t do [it].” Mt 23:2 literally.
• NIV translates it as “you must obey them”—incorrect.
• “Seat of Moses” – a seat in synagogues from which the Law of Moses was read.
• Saying to keep the Law of Moses which the teachers of the Law read out.
• “Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” – primarily religious instructors (associated with the
synagogue system) rather than authority figures.
• “Keep” = Greek tēreō = keep or guard; used of “keeping” laws or commands or teaching,
and “guarding” a prisoner, but never of “obeying” a person.
• Specific to a situation where certain teachers said the right thing but didn’t do it.
Not a general teaching to obey human rulers.
• Rest of Mt 23 is a resounding denouncement of their many sins!
• Moses’ original seat = sat as judge and informed the people of God’s laws Ex 18:13-16.
Ruins of synagogue at Chorazin, Galilee, Israel
A “Moses seat” at Chorazin synagogue, Galilee, Israel
God
God
Uncommon because we love our neighbour, willing to help, follow Jesus teaching.
Led by God into conflict with an existing authority:
• Vow
• Prosecuting College of Surgeons for breach
• Senior Pastor fired Associate Pastor for following the Holy Spirit
• Don’t automatically accept church views on bible, salvation etc
God
work
Recipe for burnout, confusion,
frustration etc
church
spouse
children
parents
Detached from mastery of:
• Girlfriend 1992
• Parents 1984, 1993
• Work 2000
• Spouse 2001
• Church/pastor 2006
God
? Accept ?
In practice: we don’t enter into slave-master relationships
• eg mission organisation wanted slave-master contract
We don’t need anyone’s permission if we’ve heard from HS
• eg offering seminars; going around Zambia
We only agree to do things (or accept restrictions) if we think the HS wants us to
• eg Harry; didn’t commit to Sundays because HS might want something else
God
God
God
God as Master
Human master
✔
✘
though a good master who represents God
reasonably well is better than no master*
No master
Self-pleasing
“Lone Ranger”
✘
*Joshua
God
Exalt = hypsoō
= to lift up,
put in a high
position:
People have different power
and status in society
God
Exalt = hypsoō
= to lift up,
put in a high
position:
People have different power
and status in society
God
Humbles = tapeinoō
= take a low
position:
People have different power
and status in society
God
Humbles = tapeinoō
= take a low
position:
People have different power
and status in society
Being humble is not merely
• Being modest about my high position and status
• Using my high position and status to help others
Being humble involves
• leaving my high position and taking a lower position
• and helping others
Exalting group A over group B can be achieved 2 ways:
God
God
God
Exalting group A
Putting group B down
God
Putting A in authority over B
is the same as
requiring B to submit to A
A
B
“The kings of the nations are lords over them; and those who exercise authority
over them are called Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the
greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the leader should
become like the one who serves” Lk 22:26; similarly Mt 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are
all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father,
and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one
Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever
exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Mt 23:8-12
God
God
vs
Equality: brothers under God
✔
• We are all brothers on the same level
• Those who exalt themselves will be
brought down (so don’t do it)
• Those who humble themselves will
become great and be exalted (do this)
• Titles reflect status and authority, so
don’t use them
Hierarchy, different status
✘
“The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven?” He called a child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell
you the truth, unless you change (lit. turn) and become like children (paidion=
child 0-12y), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 18:1-4
Need to take a low position like a
child to enter the Kingdom.
Children aren’t powerful and titled.
Exalting behaviours (bad)
Be Lord or master over others;
Exercise power or authority over others
Humble behaviours (good)
Helping others like a servant or slave
Mt 20:20-28 Mk 10:42-45 Lk 22:24-27
Mt 20:20-28 Mk 9:33-35 Mk 10:42-45
Lk 22:24-27
Using titles (like Rabbi or Teacher or
Father ) Mt 23:7-12
Take a position as low as a child
Mt 18:1-4; welcome children Lk 9:46-48
Taking important seats and places
Take a low, unimportant seat
Mt 23:6 Lk 11:43 Lk 14:7-11
Judgmental of others
Admitting own fault, asking God’s help
Lk 18:9-14
Lk 18:9-14
Clothes which give status (flowing
robes, long tassels) Mk 12:38, Mt 23:5
Ordinary clothes?
• Seek to help, offer, explain, discuss—not dictate or insist
• Don’t exercise authority over Teena; work as equals under God
• Give opportunities to others who would otherwise stay in a low position (“facilitation”)
• Don’t use “Dr” title
• Gave away my best clothes!
• Take on low tasks, eg cleaning up, emptying chemical toilet, helping Zambians build a
house and working alongside them
• Don’t let others put us on a pedestal, eg Zambians: “Your wish is my final decision”,
“Father”
“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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring
judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers bring no fear for those who do right, but
for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in
authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s
servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the
sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment
on the wrongdoer.” Paul, letter to Romans 13:1-4, ~ 56 AD
A new teaching: not in gospels, Law, psalms or prophets.
“Rulers bring no fear for those who do right…. Do what is right and he will
commend you.” Paul, letter to Romans 13:3
The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer
64AD, Emperor Nero rumoured to have started the great fire; and so "to get rid of the
report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for
their abominations, called Christians by the populace“ “A vast multitude were convicted…
And in their deaths they were made the subjects of sport…” (Annals by Tacitus)
“There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God…. He is God’s servant” Paul, letter to
Romans 13:1,4
Septimius Severus (Roman emperor 193-211) enacted a law
prohibiting the spread of Christianity and Judaism, leading to
widespread persecution. Clement of Alexandria wrote, “Many
martyrs are daily burned, confined, or beheaded, before our eyes.”
Joseph Stalin (Soviet premier 1941-53) rose to absolute power
with purges in 1937-8 killing 700,000 potential enemies in quick
“trials”. Directly responsible for ~ 9 million deaths by execution,
gulags, deportations and POWs. Regime recorded 3 million
executions.
Idi Amin (president of Uganda 1971-9) killed ~ 300,000 in 1971-2;
expelled Uganda’s entire Asian population (80,000) and seized
their businesses.
“There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God…. He is God’s servant” Paul, letter to
Romans 13:1,4
• Rulers are no more righteous than the rest of the world (just more
powerful)
• Rulers are often very evil, killing innocent people
• Misrepresentation of God to claim he put them in power or is responsible
for their actions
• Makes it difficult to trust a God who would support such evil regimes
• I don’t accept
• What does the HS have to say to me about this area?
• Who are the major masters or would-be-masters in my life?
• Am I sure enough about what God wants me to do that I can
recognise and resist when “masters” want something contrary?
If not, what can I do to be more sure about what God wants?
• Does the HS want me to reduce or end their mastery in my life?
In what way?
• Is there anything the HS wants me to do but I’m reluctant to do
it because I may run into opposition from a human “master”?
• Judged disputes and administered punishment Deut 21:19, Deut 22:15, Josh 20:4
• Selected kings and advised them eg 2 Sam 3:17, 2 Sam 5:3; 1 Ki 12:6
• Guardians of Jewish traditions Mt 15:2, Mk 7:3-5
• Had a ruling and judicial function together with the chief priests Mt 16:21, Mt
26:47, Mt 26:57, Mt 27:1, Mt 27:3, Mt 27:12, Mt 27:20, Mt 28:12, Mk 11:27, Mk 14:53, Mk 15:1
• Never had anything positive to say about elders
• Denied the validity of the “traditions of the elders” Mk 7:5-6
• Said that the elders would reject and kill him Mk 8:31, which they did
• Cast the “elder” brother as caring little for his younger brother in the parable
of the son who returned Lk 15:25-30
• To the elders who came to arrest him, “This is your hour, when darkness
reigns” Lk 22:53
• Refused to answer their questions and accusations Mt 21:23-27, Mt 26:57-63, Mt
27:12, Mk 11:27-33, Lk 20:1-8
• Does this look like someone who respected the status and wishes of the
leaders in his society?
• Did Jesus give any indication that he wanted elders exercising authority over
other believers?
Greek lacks neuter words like “they”, “whoever”, “person” and “disciples”.
Therefore masculine used when gender mixed or unknown;
but this appears sexist if translated literally into English.
Words are in blue italics where the underlying Greek is masculine:
“Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants, he is my brother and sister and
mother”Mt 12:50.
“You give them something to eat”Mt 14:16—though women were in the crowds.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the son will not
see life, but instead God’s anger stays on him”Jn 3:36—a general teaching.
“If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if [he] repents, forgive him”Lk
17:3 —a general teaching written in the masculine for lack of a neuter.
THEREFORE wherever Jesus taught “he” or “man” or “brother”, we should assume it
applies to both men and women unless there is a clear reason not to.
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are
all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father,
and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one
Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever
exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Mt 23:8-12
• “All brothers” would be “all brothers and sisters” in English
• Applicable to women and male-female relationships as well as to men and
male-male relationships