The Meaning of life, page four.

As a result of judging the angels, and for other reasons as well, we have different functions in Christ and in our personal lives. There are different ranks within the heavenly beings, with God being the leader of it all. So, it stands to reason that someone like Moses would be inadequate to judge a subordinate fallen angel whom has never been in command of anything, but did agree with Satan’s plan to oust God’s rule. An angel of this level would simply point back at Moses and say something like, “That’s easy for you to say because you had thousands of people at your command, but I never enjoyed that privilege!” In all probability, Moses will be judging high-ranking heavenly entities.

 Consequently, “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians 4:7) This Scripture does not mean that pastors and preachers are better than others in the eyes of God. This means that the quiet believers who have never enjoyed the Christian glories of this world (gospel singers, evangelists, choir directors, etc.) will have a greater importance regarding the end time judgment than those who are in leadership. Due to their subordinate way of life, these simple Christians will be strategic for God’s judgment. In this life we, unfortunately, tend to look down on subordinate people. For example, a factory worker, back office clerk, or tradesman is not always thought of proudly. People don’t say “my father was a stock clerk” with the same pride as those that say “my father was the store manager for so many years.” Nevertheless, in the next life, these subordinate folks will find that they are in line with God’s will and plan.

 But don’t take my word for it; here it is, straight from God’s Word. Ephesians 4:8 reads, “This is why it says: When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” The captives are the pastors, preachers, and teachers of His Word, and His people that are receiving these captive gifts are the lay members of His church. Therefore, according to this verse, the earthly leaders of the church are prisoners, and the subordinate members are God’s people! This was a common practice after winning a war. The winner took captives and gave them away as gifts to his friends, family, etc. This is why ministers are known as servants of the Lord. We ministers/servants prepare the spiritual food, like this sermon, that nourishes your soul. The intended purpose is for your faith, and mine as well, to continue to grow, regardless of all the turmoil in your life. This, in turn, is to prepare you for the final judgment of God.

 This is all part of God’s strategic war plan. This is why Pastors, like myself, “must give an account” for our actions in regards to the lay members, or submissive members, of God’s Church. Here it is in Hebrews 13:17a, which reads, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” You see, subordinate members of the Body of Christ only give an account for themselves, but pastors must give an account for themselves and for the other members of the Body of Christ as well.