Moses' Seat?

8/26/2003

Hi,

I’ve been thinking about the Lord’s words concerning how the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat; to obey them but not imitate them. Do you believe the Lord is saying that if we are in a situation where there are recognized leaders that run on legalistic external standards (for example formal clothing even in hot weather or certain ways to communicate the Lord’s things or silly and petty things like that) we are to obey?

Also what about if a brother is so mistreated and maligned that he is shut out from fellowship. Say he is concerned for the souls in that place. What would be a scriptural and wise way to make things right even when the “people sitting in Moses’ seat” refuse to listen?

Is anyone ever justified to spread wide abroad the “very serious” flaws in this one’s character?

Learning Him,

Chris

Hi Chris….. There certainly IS some application of this principle to such a setting as you describe, IF one is really supposed to be there. Another example would be Saul and David. Saul was way out of line, and fighting against God, but David still showed him some respect and did not “kill” him when given the chance. David DID, however, call out publicly to Saul, making his sin known in essence even to his own men. So. Application? The “people” BELONG to God, not to men. They DESERVE a chance to consider Truth themselves, without being controlled by Nicolaitanism/Clergy/man-made structure. At the same time, they DESERVE to not be gossiped about and slandered and undermined “behind their backs”. When they sin, 1Tim.5 tells us how to go about it. When they are wrong, they are not mini-gods that must not be questioned. “NOT SO WITH YOU” was the Command of the only One who is allowed to make the rules. “Judge for yourselves whether it is better to obey God, or man!” So, there you have it. As with a pagan husband, there IS a level of authority and “respect” that is due them. HOWEVER, they are NOT to ever make us sin or violate our consciences. THAT would be to usurp the Authority of whom it is said “ALL Authority, in Heaven and on Earth.” May it never be.

Love in Him,