1. Ways and Evidences in Which Men Are Exalted

Understanding how men are exalted is crucial for maintaining humility and unity within the Christian community. The Bible outlines several ways in which individuals may seek elevation above others, often contrary to scriptural teachings.

A. Taking Advantage of Others (2 Corinthians 11:20)

Men may exalt themselves by taking advantage of others. As stated in 2 Corinthians 11:20, such individuals may enslave, devour, exploit, exalt themselves, and even strike others in the face. This behavior starkly contrasts with the humility and service that scripture advocates.

B. Titles of Honor Are Wrong (Matthew 23:8)

The misuse of titles is another form of self-exaltation. In Matthew 23:8, Jesus instructs, “But do not be called Rabbi,” emphasizing that titles should not be a source of pride or distinction among believers.

C. Thoughts About Who Is Greatest (Mark 9:34)

Contemplating who is the greatest among people can lead to unnecessary conflict. Mark 9:34 illustrates how disputes over greatness can undermine unity, as believers argue over who should hold the highest status.

D. Prayer for Greatness Is Wrong (Matthew 20:21)

Praying for personal greatness, even on behalf of others, is discouraged. In Matthew 20:21, Jesus teaches that seeking positions of honor, such as sitting on the right or left in His kingdom, is misguided. Believers are encouraged to seek humility and service instead.

E. Divisions and Strife Over Leaders Are Wrong (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Divisions and strife over leadership disrupt the church’s harmony. 1 Corinthians 1:10 urges believers to maintain unity, warning against factions that claim allegiance to different leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas.

F. Loving Preeminence Is Wrong (3 John 1:9)

Loving preeminence, or the desire to be first, leads to negative behaviors such as discounting good men, accusing others, and fostering division. 3 John 1:9 highlights individuals like Diotrephes who exemplify this destructive attitude.

2. Then, What Does It Mean to Esteem Some? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

While self-exaltation is discouraged, the Bible instructs believers on how to properly esteem and honor their leaders. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 encourages the appreciation of those who labor diligently and provide instruction, urging believers to hold them in high regard out of love.

A. The Meaning of “Esteem” (Greek: hegeomai)

The term “esteem” in 1 Thessalonians 5:13 is derived from the Greek word hegeomai, which appears in various scriptures such as:

  • Matthew 2:6: Referring to a Governor.
  • Acts 7:10: Describing a governor over Egypt.
  • Philippians 2:3: Encouraging believers to esteem each other better than themselves.
  • Hebrews 13:7-17: Emphasizing the importance of respecting and obeying leaders.

B. Esteeming Leaders as Worthy of Respect

Esteeming leaders means to deem or count them as worthy of respect and authority. Hebrews 13:7 can be interpreted as a call to “Obey your esteemed,” highlighting the necessity of submission to those in leadership roles.

3. Valuing Those Who Suffer for Christ (Philippians 2:29)

Some Christians endure greater suffering for Christ, which serves as a reason to value and hold them in high regard. Philippians 2:29 urges believers to receive such individuals with joy and hold men like them in high esteem.

4. Submitting to Those Who Serve More (1 Corinthians 16:15-16)

Certain Christians serve the community more diligently, providing additional reasons for submission. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 commends those like Stephanas and others who devote themselves to ministry, encouraging believers to be subject to such individuals and everyone who helps in the work.

5. Ensuring Esteeming Does Not Threaten Us

Esteeming leaders does not pose a threat or hinder believers. Instead, these leaders are helpers who have genuinely assisted the community, and their appreciation should be shown in love, as Paul shows the right balance.

A. Leaders as Servants of God (1 Corinthians 3:5)

Paul reminds believers that both he and Apollos are servants through whom they believed, emphasizing that all leadership honors come from God.

B. Defending Apostleship and Gaining Appreciation (1 and 2 Corinthians)

Despite occasional conflicts in 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul’s primary goal was to defend his apostleship and regain the community’s appreciation, illustrating the balance between humility and rightful respect.

6. The Importance of Esteeming Leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

Paul requests that believers adopt an attitude of esteem towards their leaders. Failing to do so can have serious consequences.

A. Lack of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

Without proper esteem, churches can experience envy, resentment, and insubordination, which destroy peace and jeopardize the body’s life.

B. Hindrance to Kingdom Usefulness (1 Corinthians 14:38)

Failing to esteem leaders can cripple one’s usefulness in the kingdom, hindering personal and collective effectiveness. Those who won’t submit to authority cannot be trusted or placed in authority themselves.

C. Severe Consequences (Numbers 16:3)

At worst, rejecting authority can lead to severe consequences, as illustrated by the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16:3. This serves as a warning against exalting oneself above the assembly of the Lord.

7. The Need to Evaluate Leaders (Acts 17:11)

Despite the importance of respecting leaders, the Bible also advises believers to critically evaluate even the most outstanding leaders and teachers, much like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. No leader is infallible, and ultimately, each individual’s spiritual welfare and progress depend on their personal relationship with God.