Introduction: Christians are to try and make disciples of others. "But how is this to be done? To what lengths may I go in accomplishing such? Once a person has been made a disciple, to what extent may I apply pressure to produce growth in him? These and other related questions are very relevant today due to the attitudes and practices of some towards the lost and weaker brethren, especially where expectations are high and often not lived up to.

I) Consider These Scripture References

"not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand." (II Cor. 1:21-24; esp. v.24)

"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (Even elders are restrained - I Pet. 5:3)

"...do not be called 'Rabbi'...do not call anyone on earth your father...do not be called teachers..." (Matt. 23:8-12; The power of the word "called" is to not be such, not simply avoid audible references. Similar to Romans 7:3).

"but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us."
(III Jn. 9; The preeminence is condemned, as are all of his actions.)

"let not many of you become teachers.." (James 3:1; This is not said to encourage a few to be the teachers over everyone else, but rather to warn all of the strictness of judgment accompanying such work).

I Cor. 1:10-17; 3:1-11, 21-23. In these passages we learn of the mistake made in elevating men above others. "Therefore let no one glory in men." (3:21).

"Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you..." (Philemon 8-9)

* Jesus Christ possesses ALL authority - Matthew 28:18
* His apostles were given authority - II Cor. 10:8; 13:10
* But no man today has been given that same kind or degree of authority!

II) Some Exceptions?

* What about "Evangelistic Oversight"? (Titus 1:5) Response: This passage does not give evangelists permission to arbitrarily set things in order with no consideration given to the church.

* Don't elders rule the church? Response: Elders' rule is tempered by I Pet. 5:3.

* The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8) denies the need for discipling oversight after conversion. After baptism, he went on his way rejoicing.

III) Only One Mediator (I Timothy 2:5)

IV) Good Intentions?

* What about other's shortcomings? Surely, some pressure applied might bring about conformity. But listen: "Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind." (Rom. 14:5) "If you believe with all your heart, you may." (Acts 8:37)

* In Conversion: No compulsion is permitted beyond the gospel. It is the power to save. No human wisdom, reasoning, or technique should replace it, even if like Agrippa, someone is almost persuaded, but not fully so. "Then those who gladly received the word were baptized.." (Acts 2:41). Acts 22:16 is not properly applied to support a practice of coercing a prospect. Paul was not "dragging his feet" to baptism, needing some badgering to get the job done.

* In Giving: II Cor. 9:7 teaches us that there should be no sense of necessity or compulsion attached to our giving. II Cor. 8:12 says, "For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted.." Acts 5:4 says "while it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control?

* In Worship: Jesus said, "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." People must want to worship God for it to be acceptable.

* In All Things: "And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17). All men must desire to follow the Lord and freely place themselves at His feet.

* We are only to imitate men as they imitate Christ. If any man speaks, he must speak as the oracles of God. We must not think of men too highly - I Cor. 4:6. In the commission to the apostles, making disciples involved baptizing and teaching them to observe all things Jesus had commanded - Matthew 28:18-20. Anything more is of the devil.

Conclusion: All Scriptures dealing with one ruling over another (e.g. Hebrews 13:7, 17) must be harmonized with all of the above. Let us not in our zeal for new converts or our passion for all brethren to be as they ought, step outside the bounds which God has placed for accomplishing edification. Let us be persuasive, convince, rebuke and exhort, but do so with longsuffering and teaching within the Bible. If the Word of God does not change a person, he must not be changed any other way, for only by him having faith can he stand. Therefore, let us speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where it is silent.