KNOWING Disciplines of a Serving Leader

Serving leaders increase their knowing through disciplined study of Scripture and the practice of prayer.

Jesus knew the Scripture which gave him a tremendous advantage over his adversaries. But it was more than a basic knowledge of the truth—he was immersed in Scripture and fully aligned with it. Consider how he overcame temptation by quoting Scripture in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. The tempter's "out-of-context" quotations were rebuffed by Jesus each time. Matthew 5:17 reveals that he not only lived in agreement with Scripture but also fulfilled it: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

Knowing Scripture should be considered on a number of levels. First is reading it or listening to it. We gain truth by exposing ourselves to God's Word through teaching, preaching, and personal study. Second is memorizing Scripture. We take it within ourselves and begin to make it a part of our worldview. Third is meditation. We return again and again to ponder and think deeply about the truth within us. Fourth is applying it. Obedience is evidence that truth has transformed us. Fifth and finally, we teach others the truth. A disciplined pursuit of Scripture will give us both credibility and authority.

The second knowing discipline is prayer. Matthew 7:7-11 instructs us to ask, seek, and knock to get our vision from God. John 9:31 informs us that God listens to those who seek to do his will. And Hebrews 5:7 reveals that Jesus was heard by his Father because of his reverent submission. Gaining knowledge from God through prayer equips us to do His will.

[Next week I will begin looking at the DOING part of our serving leadership framework by discussing the question—"What do Serving Leaders do?"]