Jump out a little bit deeper

Posted by ericgmorgan

April 18, 2008

My weekly Thursday night small group (Journey Group) is really diving into some deep discussion in the last few weeks. I am intrigued about where some of the “rabbit trails” are ending up. Honestly it is very challenging and setting many of us in a posture of serious biblical study. This week we went down the trail of Israel and Israel’s current standing as a nation with God. It is interesting to note that dispensational and reformed theology differ greatly on this subject. It is one of those things that depending on where you land will determine your eschatology.

If I were honest, I would have to admit that this is scary to me. Not because I do not have a biblical opinion, but because of relevance. Deeper study, while a good thing, has a tremendous “gotcha” that can easily lead to pride and arrogance. So, for me, there is much trepidation.

In the same vain, I was listening to a Q and A session with John Piper and Matt Chandler from the Text and Context Conference. I am always blown away how learned and studied these guys are. There were somethings I was completely clueless about. As I listened I though, “it is a tremendous blessing to have the time and resources to process and study issues and areas of interest”. This is where my pastor/shepherd gifts begin to kick in. Not that I need to have all the answers but I need to be more read and studied. I need to know where to find “good pasture” for the flock to “feed”…so to speak. Scripture as my authority. Knowing it well enough to guide to it and through it.

During the Q and A session John Piper made a statement that I have often thought, “I don’t want to let anything in my life be a hinderance to the gospel”. Leading by example, walking a life others can follow. Not that I am to be perfect, however, there should be a “manner or life” that should encourage, edify, and equip those in my circle of influence or that come in my wake.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
1 Ti 4:12-13

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
1 Pe 5:1-3