Bob and Peggy KuestHistorical Background
325 years before Jesus, the Greek empire was the power of the world and a philosopher called Plato wrote the first book on leadership called “Republic”. He stated that “if governments will follow” his ”guidelines, they’ll will have a perfect society.” It was a powerful book and is still studied in Universities today.
Plato’s philosophy was that the greatest success for a man, is to achieve power over other men. He said that only the strongest should rule. Examples of this were the 3 levels in society: a) aristocracy, b) auxiliary, warriors and c) producers. The aristocracy battle for positions of power. Plato said it was based on wealth i.e. the number of servants in the house. It means one can lie, cheat, murder to get power or a better position. This was the history of the Greek Empire. It still affects our thinking today, people think the more wealth you have, the more respect and power you deserve. The enemy is using this to trick people – to break relationship for power.
Aristotle became the number one tutor in the world. Teachers taught Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s writings. From the time Plato wrote books to the coming of Jesus, it’s seven generations. In that time Rome conquered Greece.
Jesus comes and announces a new Kingdom. He establishes His own power and overthrows Rome. He feeds thousands of people, heals the sick and people are fascinated with him. Jesus didn’t come for a “man” kind of power, but a “God” kind. He chooses fishermen to be his disciples. The common thinking of the day is power. Key verse: Matthew 20:22 we see people seeking position. It’s into this context that Jesus speaks. Matthew 20:25 – 28. Micro-managing is the order of today but Jesus says “Not so with you.” Jesus came to establish a new thinking, new acting and it’s based on a higher way of doing things. Jesus served the needs of the people and His leadership is based on relationship. Man’s view of leadership is power and it’s destructive. It destroys relationships, marriages and so on. We look at the Trinity and see community or the first Church in Acts and see community.
The struggle today in the Church and at Ebenezer is to come back to God’s Higher Way of thinking. We need to lead God’s Way and it’s a matter of relationship and service. Leadership is not a matter of power but serving others to maturity for them to be leaders.
325 years before Jesus, the Greek empire was the power of the world and a philosopher called Plato wrote the first book on leadership called “Republic”. He stated that “if governments will follow” his ”guidelines, they’ll will have a perfect society.” It was a powerful book and is still studied in Universities today.
Plato’s philosophy was that the greatest success for a man, is to achieve power over other men. He said that only the strongest should rule. Examples of this were the 3 levels in society: a) aristocracy, b) auxiliary, warriors and c) producers. The aristocracy battle for positions of power. Plato said it was based on wealth i.e. the number of servants in the house. It means one can lie, cheat, murder to get power or a better position. This was the history of the Greek Empire. It still affects our thinking today, people think the more wealth you have, the more respect and power you deserve. The enemy is using this to trick people – to break relationship for power.
Aristotle became the number one tutor in the world. Teachers taught Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s writings. From the time Plato wrote books to the coming of Jesus, it’s seven generations. In that time Rome conquered Greece.
Jesus comes and announces a new Kingdom. He establishes His own power and overthrows Rome. He feeds thousands of people, heals the sick and people are fascinated with him. Jesus didn’t come for a “man” kind of power, but a “God” kind. He chooses fishermen to be his disciples. The common thinking of the day is power. Key verse: Matthew 20:22 we see people seeking position. It’s into this context that Jesus speaks. Matthew 20:25 – 28. Micro-managing is the order of today but Jesus says “Not so with you.” Jesus came to establish a new thinking, new acting and it’s based on a higher way of doing things. Jesus served the needs of the people and His leadership is based on relationship. Man’s view of leadership is power and it’s destructive. It destroys relationships, marriages and so on. We look at the Trinity and see community or the first Church in Acts and see community.
The struggle today in the Church and at Ebenezer is to come back to God’s Higher Way of thinking. We need to lead God’s Way and it’s a matter of relationship and service. Leadership is not a matter of power but serving others to maturity for them to be leaders.
Pt 3 focuses on Relationships in Leadership
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