Lesson 118: Abusive Church Leadership, Part I (Luke 20:45-21:4)

(Part I) Here and there Jesus gave us real-life examples of how things work in God’s economy. He brought low the proud and exalted the humble, much to the dismay of those enjoying their places of honor on pedestals of false piety. A poor widow was more generous than the rich of society? An elaborate praying scribe keeping his place even though he would eagerly devour such a widow’s house? What kind of a leader does that?! “An abusive one,” is Pastor Daniel’s answer. Challenging believers to think carefully about those they look to for direction, he calls them to “follow those who are sacrificially following Christ.” Offering a number of characteristics of abusive leaders and explaining why such people are dangerous in more ways than one, we are encouraged to put our hope in the Lord and keep our eyes on those who want to lead us in the same.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff