True Judges... Psalm 82 New International Version (NIV) A psalm of Asaph. 1 God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”: 2 “How long will you[a] defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?[b] 3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. 5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ 7 But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” 8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.

1. The l-aw of lnfluence: Measulring Your Leadership '
Psalm 82:7-B'
frfl uny passages in Scripture declare God to be the Ultimate ludge (Pss. 7:8;9:8;1"0:18; 26:1; Prov. 31:9;
IUI ts. l.:17; etc.). A iudge brings lustice to bear, punishing the criminal and rewarding the righteous.
But before the final Day of ludgment, God uses His leaders to vindicate His people and urge the wicked to
repent. God has entrusted His leaders with the gospel of lesus Christ, through which men can be delivered
ftom final iudgment. Listen to the Lord's prornise to His people: "l will restore your judges as at the firstl
(ls. t26). Spiritual leaders are to take this task seriously and to use their influence to promote iustice" This
differentiates true judges from false iudges:
True ludges Ealse ludges
1. Chosen and appointed by God (Deut. 16:18) X. Rule by their own power (
ier. 5:30, 3tr)
2. Responsible for certain areas (2 Chr. 19:5) 2. Lead others astray (Mic. 3:5) .
3. Righteous and trustworthy (Deut. L6:1.8) 3. lrresponsible, selfish (Mic.3:1.2)