MULTIPLIERS OF THE DOCTRINE – PASTOR RONALDO BEDA
This season, we have seen a great demand for logical explanations and justifications regarding the move of God and His will in our lives. Our calling is grounded in being led by faith rather than by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight.)
The vastness, wisdom, and power of God can only be explained through the spiritual realm; this is where the multiplication of the instructions we have received through the established man comes into play.
The Book of Job reveals this very clearly.
• Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar:
Their principles resemble the teachings of the old order. They represent the religiosity and traditionalism that attribute suffering to committed sin—a simplistic thesis that questions God’s justice and reveals a punitive theology. They lead nowhere. They are like the Pharisees, each wanting to sit in the seat of Moses. They despise and loathe the vision of the established man, acting as if we were idolizing him. They are like old, cracked wineskins that have lost their wine. They are like clay vessels painted gold; they refuse to be broken so that the Potter can remake them.
• Elihu: • Represents Christ; he shows Job the path to the manifestation of God through discipline, correction, and acceptance of God’s sovereign will. Amidst the silence of his brethren, Elihu rises as a prophet, revealing to man where God stands and the position man must assume as a true, blessed son.
Similarly, the instructions we have received through this platform have greatly helped us attain a deeper understanding of God’s will. Leaders of corporate-style (franchise) churches increasingly seek greater depth in the instructions they receive regarding the entertainment they should present in their churches.
This has been a major concern for leaders who remain committed to the genuine gospel. Yet, these very leaders who worry show no interest in following the instructions presented to them—much like Shebna, whom we studied in Lesson 23, “The Two Orders of Leadership.”
Those who propagate apostolic and prophetic doctrine move in the opposite direction. They know that their foundation is firmly established in the instructions of the Eliakim anointed by God, in the teachings of the Bible, and in the examples of how the doctrine is applied that we have received.
If we follow the path of the dysfunctional gospel we see around us, no one will notice the Christ formed within us.
Matthew 26: 34 But Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth: this very night, before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me.” 35 Peter replied, “I will never say I do not know you, even if I have to die with you!” And all the other disciples said the same thing.
Even one of Jesus’ greatest disciples was mistaken in this regard, failing to uphold all the teaching he had received.
THE DETAILS DISQUALIFY US
2 Kings 5:26 But Elisha said, “My spirit was with you when that man stepped down from his chariot to speak with you. This was not the time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or male and female servants.” This is the time for us to manifest the spirit of Elihu—the spirit of Christ—which brings discernment regarding all things through the word that proceeds from the mouth of God via the appointed human vessel. We must conduct ourselves with authenticity regarding the commitment we have made to the man of God; otherwise, we will be afflicted by a spirit of opposition to the proper order of leadership.
THE APOSTLE PAUL PRIORITISES KNOWING CHRIST AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM OVER ALL HIS CREDENTIALS
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the of flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The Apostle Paul was greatly educated in Jewish Law, having studied under the renowned Jewish teacher Gamaliel. He lists all his credentials as a Jew to remind those he considered as “dogs/evil workers ” that he also can place his confidence in the flesh. The “Dog” is a symbol of a religious legalist. Paul also stated that concerning righteousness that is in the Law, he was blameless.
Paul declares that he counts as loss and regards as rubbish all his impressive credentials that only serve to strengthen his confidence in his flesh. His strength is now found in the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord and His righteousness which comes through faith in Christ.
THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN JOB, HIS THREE FRIENDS, ELIHU AND THE VOICE OF GOD SPOKEN FROM THE WHIRLWIND CAN BE VIEWED AS A PLATFORM FOR A DISCOURSE CONCERNING JOB
The counsel given to Job by Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar revealed a standard theological, “institutional” response that exudes a spirit of assumption which excludes the “mind of the Lord”. This clearly does not resonate with Job’s internal code of integrity and righteousness and he resists their observations.
Job 13:4 But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians. 5 Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!
Job knew in his spirit that his calamity was permitted by the Lord to reveal the Glory of His resurrected power. He demanded that his experience be inscribed on a rock as an eternal reference. He knew his Redeemer lives.
Job 19:23 “Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Elihu enters the discourse, after listening intently to the words of the elders. He brings with him the spirit of a mediator/peacemaker, presenting himself as a representative/spokesman/messenger before God.
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me;Take your stand. 6 Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay. 7 Surely no fear of me will terrify you, Nor will my hand be heavy on you.
Job is invited to present his case and “take his stand”. This is the whole purpose of the discourse. It is to discover the mind and intent of the Lord through a discourse. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar should not be offended when Job referred to their standard theological rhetoric as lies and worthless. It is this level of resistance and diversity that brings legitimacy and authenticity to any discourse that attempts to reveal the “mind of Christ”
Elihu, the spokesman/messenger for God, does not elevate himself above Job. He declares ….
Job 33:6 Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay.
After every person has spoken the voice of God enters the discourse, out of the whirlwind
Job 38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man;I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
For Job, this is the ultimate purpose of the discourse; to hear the voice and the Word of the Lord; to know the mind of the Lord concerning his affliction; to be able to answer and be accountable to Almighty God.
Job 42:1 Then Job answered the LORD and said: 2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. 3 You asked, Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ 5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
LEADERSHIP/GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLE
We are spokesmen/spokeswomen/messengers of God. If Job could have this profound conversation with God, how important is it for leaders to ensure those under their oversight understand their strategies and vision? This is mandatory for corporate or group/individual communication.
Job confesses a lack of understanding (V3); a lack of being informed.
The governance solution here is …..
- Leaders must engage various groups of individuals to share our expectations
- Groups of 5 (Like Job); groups of 15; groups of 50; groups of 100.
- Clarity of communication in these groups is vital to understanding the assignment as well as its success
Job 42:3 “Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’’
Blessings, grace and peace 🙏
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