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D: LEAD THE FLOCK BY EXAMPLE. The people of God deserve leaders who are truly examples and role models of the Kingdom of God. The Apostles were able to exhort the New Testament believers, "Be followers of us, as we also are followers of Christ." Leaders who exhort the people to follow Christ and be like Him, yet are not themselves truly Christ like, are hypocrites, and unworthy of their calling. E: SUBMIT HUMBLY TO ONE ANOTHER. There is protection and safety in genuine submission to other leaders. The humility which enables one to submit is a factor which attracts the Grace of God, for God resists the proud, but gives abundant grace to the humble. Humble submission precludes pride. It also accomplishes a positive work in us which fits us for the privilege of Kingdom responsibility. F: RECEIVE A "CROWN OF GLORY." (For faithful, obedient, pastors ) Faithful pastors bring great honour and glory to their Lord. God is exalted and glorified through a faithful shepherd. Therefore he is a crown of glory to the Lord and this is precisely the reward he receives for his faithful labours. There are actually five crowns mentioned in Scripture, each of them a special reward for faithful service rendered to God. Let us look briefly at each. THE FIVE CROWNS IN SCRIPTURE: 1. CROWN OF LIFE. (James 1:12-18) For enduring and overcoming temptations and testings: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love Him." There may be three factors involved in winning this crown :• Enduring and overcoming trials and temptations. • Loving Christ despite the many trials which come. • Remaining faithful even unto death. Rev. 2 :10. 2. INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN. (1 Cor. 9:24-27) Striving for mastery and temperance in all things, for God's Glory: "And everyone who competes is temperate (controlled, balanced) in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we for an incorruptible one." See 1 Cor. 10: 5-13. 3. CROWN OF REJOICING. (1 Thess. 2: 19,20) "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even YOU in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His Coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." This is the Soul Winner's crown. The souls whom he has won to Christ, are his crown! When the soul winner enters into God's eternal presence
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