Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
💡 Tip
Jesus was not a fan of self-righteousness derived from titles, to say the least. Some modern day equivalents we might hear today: pastor, queen mother, bishop, first lady, senior first lady, director,
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
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That more excellent way Paul hinted at? It’s Love. Love trumps all of these “positions” in importance. Furthermore, one might mistakenly view this as defining a rigid hierarchical structure of the church. However, given the context, Paul is simply listing these appointments in chronological order (remember, the apostles were the first foundation of the church after Christ).
There’s also an issue here—there’s an “8 fold ministry here”! We’ve been duped!
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
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I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.
Romans 12:4-8
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
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Leaders are listed here (by Paul, again!) way at the bottom; erasing any claim of hierarchical authority.
Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
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The duty of these roles is to mature the body of Christ, which provides protection from human cunning, craftiness and deceitful schemes (sound familiar?).
v. 15: we are to speak the truth in love - in order that we grow up into the true head which is Christ. Therefore, these MOGs have abdicated their actual responsibility to equip saints to proper maturity—instead choosing to stunt the growth of believers on false doctrine for personal gain.
Ask yourself: Why does the MOG frequently refer to himself as the “leader” or “head” of the church? Why does he shout “the truth” every Sunday—insulting and talking down to believers—while simultaneously stating, “I love you, but sometimes tough love is needed!”? (prompting you to stand and applaud, lest you get hit with the ol’ “I don’t think anyone heard me!”)
1 Peter 5:1-3
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
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Peter identified himself as being equal to the various elders within the body of Christ. These elders were not special celebrities or as the “head” of the church building. Peter did not refer to himself as the MOG or even as “the shepherd.” Instead, he instructed these elders to shepherd—used here as a verb to describe ‘caring for’ and guiding—and to oversee, not to rule. Their oversight should be exemplified through their conduct as models to the flock, not through domineering authority.
Furthermore, note that Peter instructs them to watch “over those in your charge” rather than implying they are “in charge of” the people. This subtle distinction emphasizes a role of nurturing care and guidance rather than one of authoritarian control. Instead of seeking to be a “leader’s leader”, an elder’s role is instead to help build up the body of Christ through sound doctrine and ‘rightly dividing’ the word of God to maturity. Rightly dividing does not mean ripping out specific verses to fit your particular theme / condemnation / opinion.
1 Timothy 3:1–7
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
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MOGs will usually make it a point to distinguish themselves as different than just average ’elders’. As we covered in 1 Peter—Peter himself referred to himself as an elder. Therefore, a MOG should expect to have the same instructions if he is stepping into the role he incorrectly presumes to be ‘anointed’ for.
Titus 1:5-9
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
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As we have clearly established by now, the MOGs we have examined are not holding firm to the trustworthy word as taught, nor are they able to give instruction in sound doctrine. Therefore, Scripture is clear— the spirit of MOG is entirely unfit for the office with which it lays claim to.
This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.
This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.