In fact, it is essential that Christian leaders not only exercise their authority in the Lord in this way, but also that they be seen to do so. That means that pastors and elders should always be willing to explain the biblical basis for—and the biblical logic behind—decisions made and actions taken. It never bothers me at all if someone comes to me and says,
What is the biblical reason that we do that?I consider it my duty to be able to explain, in biblical ways at least, why we are doing what we are doing, what we are thinking, and where it comes from in the Bible. We should be willing to show in an open way that it is the rule of Christ through his Word. Now, church members inevitably are not always going to agree with judgment calls that are made, applications that are made. We should never expect that that would be the case. But they should be able to see that the pastors and elders are doing their best to act in accordance with the Scriptures.Another way for elders and pastors to demonstrate that their rule is in Christ’s name is through a Christlike willingness to sacrifice and to be inconvenienced for the well-being of church members. Leon Morris writes, “This is not a cold, external authority, but one exercised in the warmth of Christian bonds. Being in the Lord, it is an authority to be exercised for the spiritual good of believers, not to give the office-bearers an opportunity to lord it over others”.1
Richard D. Phillips
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,