Lesson 53 – Followship

Text: 1 Peter 2:21 KJV  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Intro:

We have all clearly seen the importance of leadership in the Kingdom of God. God’s government operates on the basis and necessity of spiritual authority. God’s church is a theocratically designed institution that calls all true believers to be followers.

A less commonly spoken of role is that of Followship. Perhaps that is because followship is not a person, it’s a role. It is “the willingness to cooperate with others to accomplish a greater common goal by being a committed team player, supportive and excelling at what you are doing without having star status.” After all, would there be a necessity for good leaders if there were no good followers?

Greek Philosopher Aristotle (384–322 B.C.E.) said it best. “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” Instead of rushing to the finish line and declaring yourself a great leader, take the time to be a good follower. The sort of loyalty you display as a follower will be the loyalty you receive as a leader.

Who are We Following:

God’s plan to reach lost souls involves using people to reach them. This means that God’s method for getting people to heaven is to send them a believer whom they can follow. This is seen in the story of the rich man and Lazareth. (Luke 16:19-31) In hell, the rich man asked Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his family. But Abraham responded that they have the scriptures and the prophets that can save them if they will follow them. A true believer does not proclaim to solely follow Jesus. EVERY true believer, regardless of their position or title, will closely follow a spiritual authority that is following Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Paul received an assignment from God to lead the Gentiles. This assignment was confirmed by the recognized ministry of the Apostolic church at that time. A disciple named Ananias was sent to direct Paul’s conversion and confirm his calling. Before Paul was accepted by the church as a leader, he was first recognized as a follower. Paul followed Barnabas for approximately 15 years before he set out on his own. Good followers crucify their egos, work well with others, and rejoice in the success of other people in the kingdom.

With the understanding of how important it is to learn to follow, Paul instructs the church he has established in Corinth to follow him. With wisdom, he puts a requirement in place that they are to follow him ONLY if he continues to be a follower. Paul was the one responsible for those believers coming into the kingdom of God. Yet he said that if he were to no longer be a follower, they should no longer recognize him as a leader.

Apostle John also speaks on the importance of following. In his writings, he incorporates the necessity of Apostolic doctrine as a determining factor in who we follow. Those who are “leaders” but have the wrong doctrine are to be avoided and not followed. God’s curse is upon them and, though we are loyal, we will receive the same curse those we follow receive.

2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

We never blindly follow individuals who are not following Jesus’ example and his teachings. We also do not follow those who do not live, teach, and command the same doctrines the Apostles taught. These doctrines include The Infallible Word of God, New Birth, Oneness of God, Holiness and Separation, Spiritual Authority, etc.

Philippians 3:14-21 ESV  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  (15)  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.  (16)  Only let us hold true to what we have attained.  (17)  Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  (18)  For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.  (19)  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.  (20)  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  (21)  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Followship:

Some suggest that a follower is somehow less valuable than the leader. This simply isn’t true. The follower is the imitator of their God-appointed leader. Kingdom leaders set the example of a Christian life for others to follow and imitate.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 KJV  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Paul desired to not only please our Lord but to set a good example for those who were following him to follow. This example was more than activities that take place inside the church. Paul’s greatest example to those who were following him was his life, not his ministry. Those following him did not choose him as their leader, God appointed Paul as their leader because he was the one who preached the true gospel to them.

1 Corinthians 4:15-16 KJV  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  (16)  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV  And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,  (12)  so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Paul countless times expresses the importance of imitating his manner of life. He stressed that we should not only follow the proper leader, but we should imitate their life. If we expect to receive the blessing that is upon the life of those we are following, we must live exactly the way they live. As they endeavor to follow Christ, we carefully follow in their footsteps.

Conclusion:

John 13:15-17 KJV  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  (16)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  (17)  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Jesus said even leaders must follow. Learning to follow qualifies us for leadership. Followship conditions us for leadership. We must be loyal to the leader who is our spiritual authority. We must be accountable and completely transparent to them. Good followers never argue or dispute with their leader. With humility and integrity, we keep a steady pace behind them so they never have reason to question our actions or motives. When a godly leader turns to see their followers, may they see imitations of themselves.

Proverbs 2:20 KJV  That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.