The Law of Navigation Part 7
Spirit-Filled Life-Romans 8:1-39
After declaring that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death, Paul navigates the Spirit-filled life. He is the under-navigator, directing us to the Holy Spirit, the ultimate navigator.
This reveals the difference between Christian mentoring and the world’s mentoring. Christian mentors do not build a reliance on themselves, but point their protégés to God. The life Paul navigates is a life of liberty (Rom. 8:1-8), hope (8:9-15), and power (8:26-39). Observe how the Holy Spirit navigates life for us:
- He intercedes and groans for us (Rom. 8:22, 23, 26, 27).
- He directs and testifies to us (John 16:13; Acts 20:22, 23; Rom. 8:14).
- He empowers and anoints for service (Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:28-37; 1 John 2:27).
- He searches and enables us to discern (Rom. 8:26,27; 1 Cor. 2:9-15).
- He confirms and bears witness with us (Rom. 8:14-16; 1 John 5:5-9).
Strategy to Reach Asia Minor-1 Corinthians 16:5-9
Paul had a plan to reach the major cities of his day. In a conversational manner, he describes his plan to start in Macedonia, then move south to Corinth, and finally visit Asia Minor and the major port city of Ephesus, where “a great and effective door [was] opened” to him (1 Cor. 16:9).
Effective leaders don’t drift from one place to another. Paul had a divine plan to impact major cities that would in turn influence those who visited these cities. He focused on the large metropolitan areas, knowing that well trained followers would bring God’s message to the smaller towns and villages in the region.
Leaders can do anything, but they can’t do everything. Paul did not spend his energies haphazardly, but charted the course to reach the Roman Empire in his lifetime.
What kind of plan do you have?
Jesus Our Forerunner-Hebrews 4:14-16; 6:19, 20
A forerunner was a small boat that navigated its way through dark waters, connecting a rope from the mother ship to the shore so the ship could dock without damage. Jesus is our forerunner, navigating unsafe waters ahead of us. He makes it possible for all His followers to make it home safely.
Leaders Correct and Direct-Revelation 11:3-13
John describes two remarkable “witnesses” whom God will raise up as leaders during the Great Tribulation. Notice how John portrays these two end-times leaders:
- They are given power over people and nature (vv. 3,6).
- They speak for the cause of righteousness (v. 3).
- They are burdened for the world’s condition (v. 3).
- They are a source of light and hope (v. 4).
- They are given divine protection (v. 5)
- They eventually die for their cause (v. 7).
- They and their cause ultimately succeed (vv. 11, 12).
Why will God raise up these leaders? Because the world will always need someone to practice the Law of Navigation. The spiritual vacuum in the world will call for leaders to correct and direct the people back to God. God will raise up these two leaders to chart the course for everyone. How does your leadership stack up to theirs?
Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Communication Part 1.