Multiple Rulership (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Multiple Rulership” – remember, Paul questioned the Corinthian Church, “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to [the] law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the [multiple rulership of the] saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (I Corinthians 6:1-2). Paul asked them again, “Know ye not that we [all] shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” (I Corinthians 6:3). In other words, Beloved, rather than going to the civil courts for matters that pertain to “this life,” let us exemplify proper spiritual behavior. Let the church be the court as God intended it - to have “multiple rulers” governing petty affairs! Notice, Beloved, a case in the court labeled “the people of the state (or other jurisdiction) versus the defendant.” Surely, this does not mean that all people of that state are present to judge the matter. Likewise, individuals who are spiritually governed, should be able to represent the entire congregation of the church when “ruling” over grievances between brothers and sisters.

Precious Ones, these individuals will then be the ones to whom you bring your brother who has trespassed against you and who has refused to accept your overtures even when you have brought witnesses to assist you. Remember, Jesus left it on record “multiple times” – “...whatsoever ye [we] shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye [we] shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). Surely, this is God-given authority, but let us be very certain to use it properly. Again, let us remember that the church is governed by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit sets one man over the church. However, the church is not a one-man operation. That is why it takes more than one to get an audience with God over the affairs of the church. Note, “if two [or three] of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done...” (Matthew 18:19).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this,

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy