LEADER AND THE ENEMY

(A study presented at the Maharashtra Assembly Leadership Conference

held at Khandala from 25 November to 29, 2009)

Introduction

Leaders are always the target of the enemy. Satan seeks and experiments all the schemes to put them down. 1Peter 5:8; 2 Cor.2:11. Of course any one can be a victim but some devices against those who are in the front line. He knows well that if leaders are fallen the followers will be scattered and demoralized. Zechariah 13:7.

It is our responsibility to be aware of the tactics of our enemy and keep our guard. Do not just assume that I am standing, and I will keep on standing! 1 Corin. 10:12, 13.

Assuming a leadership position is not an easy thing. Cf. Jam.3: 1:- They are strictly judged too!

Definitely, there are many weapons the evil one uses against the Lord's servants. We will consider only few that are very prevalent.

1. Pride. 1Tim.3: 5, 6.

Oldest and most subtle. Spiritual, material, intellectual pride. May be due to the respect and encouragement of people or the authority of office.

Result :--fate of Lucifer! Isaiah. 14:13 —14. Be careful in promoting some one out of turn!

1Tim.3: 5, 6. If an individual gets an opportunity to take the role of a leader on a certain occasion, even if because of the compulsion of the circumstances, there are chances, if he is immature, it will inflate him! For the sake of that individual, and the church at large, better not to give such leadership position to immature believers.

Example: - King Uzziah. . 2 Chroni. 26:4, 5, 16 – King Uzziah started as godly, later heart puffed up.

Be humble – even pray as we progress ‘Lord, make me more humble!'

2. Depression. 1King.19:3, 4.

If Satan fails to push us ahead, pulls us back! Psa.32:9. Due to some failure- guilty consciousness, fear, doubt, fruitless ministry, burnout, etc -discouraged, unbelief.

Devil will prepare such circumstances that will some how take away our confidence and strength. Tempt us to commit a mistake to feel guilty about it. Or he may bring to our memory something that has already been settled before the Lord.

Result: - Paralyzed - programs stopped - people suffer.

Example: - Joshua 7:7; Elijah- 1King 19:3, 4, 6 (17:1; 18:38 , 40); John the Baptist- Mt.11: 2—6. Notice- the Lord did not accuse them! But counseled, strengthened them and even used them again .Joshua-to conquer the land and Elijah in further service.

Cf. Isaiah. 35:4—6; 50:10, 11. Lord wants to encourage us. He will not leave us in a disheartened state.

3. Anger

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