AN EVANGELISTIC CHURCH

“Great things are done by the Holy Spirit when a whole church is aroused to sacred energy: then there are hundreds of testimonies instead of one, and these strengthen each other; then advocates for Christ succeed each other and work into each other's hands, while supplication ascends to heaven with the force of united importunity; thus sinners are encompassed with a cordon of earnest entreaties, and heaven itself is called into the field. It would seem hard in some congregations for a sinner to be saved, for whatever good he may receive from the pulpit its frozen out of him by the arctic atmosphere with which he is surrounded: and on the other hand some churches make it hard for men to remain unconverted, for with holy zeal they persecute the careless into anxiety. It should be our ambition, in the power of the Holy Ghost, to work the entire church into a fine missionary condition, to make it like a Leyden jar charged to the full with divine electricity, so that whatever comes into contact with it shall feel its power. What can one man do alone? What can he not do with an army of enthusiasts around him? Contemplate at the outset the possibility of having a church of soul-winners. Do not succumb to the usual idea that we can only gather a few useful workers, and that the rest of the community must inevitably be a dead weight: it may possibly so happen, but do not set out with that notion or it will be verified. The usual need not be the universal; better things are possible than anything yet attained; set your aim high and spare no effort to reach it.. Labor to gather a church alive for Jesus, every member energetic to the full, and the whole in incessant activity for the salvation of men. To this end there must be the best of preaching to feed the host into strength, continual prayer to bring down the power from on high, and the most heroic example on your own part to fire their zeal: then under the divine blessing a common-sense management of the entire force cannot fail to produce the most desirable issues. Who among you can grasp this idea and embody it in actual fact?” (Lectures to My Students, Charles Spurgeon, pp. 346-347, Kindle Version).

STAY THE COURSE

 

Paul reminds us in this text that God is sovereign. He sets the terms of our service. He ordains the place where we serve and the period for our service. We are tempted when seeing the apparent success of others to covet their status. Why them?  We may be tempted to give up when facing adversity. Why us?  We need to hear the Apostle’s challenge to us. 

He calls for COMMITMENT to our calling. “Let each one remain with God.”  It is not so much what we do for God, but who we are in God. He is shaping us into the image of Christ for His glory. Sometimes we will be painfully pruned in order to bear much fruit. Abiding is the key, (cf. John 15). I heard a pastor this week who had complained at a Bible Conference that he was being mistreated at his church. The evangelist asked, “Have they nailed you to a cross yet?”  Lesson learned. To follow Jesus is to walk the Calvary Road. 

Paul demands CONTENTMENT in our calling, “remain…in that state in which he was called.”  We must stay in that state—even if it is Arkansas!  God divinely directs us. In His providence, He places us where He knows best. God does not want us to be tumble-weeds but trees that are rooted.   For trees that are rooted become fruited!  Unpack your bags, hang the pictures on the walls of the pastorium, throw away the business card of the moving company, and be grateful for the high and holy privilege of serving Him. As my mentor in ministry told me, “God knows where you are and He can get you where He wants you to be!”

Love and prayers to you my brothers—may we stay the course!

THE DUTY OF DISCIPLINE

 

As concerning church discipline, when all is said and done, there is often more said than done. We may be hearers of the Word, but not doers of the Word—and that is self-deception. Too often we use grace as a license to tolerate the intolerable. That is what had occurred in the Corinthian church as we hear Paul forcefully confronting a matter of egregious promiscuity in 1 Corinthians 5. 

Paul underscores the duty of THE ASSEMBLY, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit,” (v. 4a). The saints assemble in the name of the Lord to proclaim the glory of His name. All that occurs in that assembly is to honor Him. If we tolerate that which He would never endorse, then we defame His name. Notice that Paul calls on the church to take action. He does not act on his own, nor tell the pastor to excommunicate the unrepentant member. The sin was public and so the correction was to be public also. 

Church discipline does not begin here. There is a process as our Lord declared in Matt. 18:15-20. But if one on one confrontation does not bring repentance, then there must be two or three to communicate the seriousness of the sin, and should that fail it is the duty of the assembly to demand repentance, or else the member is to be removed.

This action rests in THE AUTHORITY, “with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (v. 4b).  When the church assembles, the Living Lord Jesus Christ is present with the congregation. It is not human authority, but heavenly authority that is foundational to such a grave action. In Revelation, we see Jesus walking among His churches, (cf. Rev. 1-3), and over and over He calls out to them, “Repent, or else!”  

The church is not the pastor’s church.  It is not the people’s church. It is the Lord’s church—and He carries absolute authority. So, the body of Christ can act with authority in directing and disciplining the membership as those who are under His authority. The body cannot be healthy unless its immune system defends against the infection of iniquity. Failure to do so brings the eventual death of that congregation.

The seriousness of church discipline is seen in THE ACTIVITY, “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,” (v. 5‬‬). When a member is excommunicated from the body, they are moved from the church’s spiritual protection and thrust into the domain of Satan. They will suffer physically in order to be saved spiritually. 

The activity of discipline is not ultimately punitive, but restorative. The church’s responsibility is not ended when the wayward member is removed. Through intercession and compassion, they may be led back to the fold as they confess their sin. The act of discipline reveals whether they are a straying saint or a stubborn sinner—the difference seen in Peter’s repentance after denying Jesus and Judas’ recalcitrance after betraying Jesus.

THE PREACHER’S PERFORMANCE

For the twenty five years I served as a minster at Pole Creek Baptist Church, I was subject to an annual review by the Personnel Committee—as were all our staff. It was not a bad time, but productive as a time of self-reflection and objective evaluation. I first had to fill out a form sharing progress toward the previous year’s goals and setting forth what I believed God was directing me to do in the year to come. 

But, the truth is, people are always scrutinizing us and judging us. It is not an annual matter, but a daily one. Each week they judge our sermons as to content and delivery. They look at our work and judge us as successful or failing. They not only look at what we do but the way we do it—evaluating actions and attitudes. 

The reality is that you cannot please everyone. Not even a champion like Paul was immune from criticism. People have their favorite preachers, and it can become political, as Paul confronted in the Corinthian church in the prior chapter. 

So, what about the preacher’s performance?

Consider OUR REQUIREMENT, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (v. 1-2).

We are required to be servants of the Savior—“servants of Christ.” Church folk will have an expectation that we serve them. Yet, our duty is to serve our Master—and that will, of course, lead us to serve the members. The key, however, is that we are not seeking to be people-pleasers, but rather to please our Lord. This gets to our motivation. We are not hirelings, who labor for earthly payment, but we are shepherds who toil for eternal reward. 

We are also required to be stewards of the Scripture—“stewards of the mysteries of God.”  Good shepherds are faithful to feed the flock of God. The sheep need the Word of God. Our call is to stay true to the sound doctrine delivered to us and to fearlessly proclaim it. We hope the congregation will receive it, but the reality is that the Lord will review it. 

What does God require of the preacher?  Paul says it is, “that they be found faithful.”  We cannot always assure fruitfulness, but we can pursue faithfulness.

Thus, we should expect OUR REVIEW, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” (v. 3-5a).

There will be human judgment. “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court,” (v. 3a).  You do not have to ask—judgment will be shared. Sometimes it will be to your face, and at other times behind your back. The preacher will hear words of commendation and condemnation. It is not all that unusual for a preacher to be tempted to puff up when he receives accolades. On the other hand, his bubble may burst with the sharp word of criticism. Some brand us a hero and others count us a zero. The reality is we are more likely somewhere in the middle. Yet, Paul refused to even render a final judgment based on his own self-reflection, “In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.“ (v. 3b-4a). Why?

There will be heavenly judgment. “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” (v. 4b-5a).  This is the ultimate “performance review.”  Only God is qualified to render absolute judgment on our ministry, for only He is omniscient. The truth is that if others knew us like we know ourselves, then they would not think as highly of us as they do!  Yet, there are times we think we have failed, and God will find us faithful. We do not even see all the results—nor do we always grasp our motive. To God, what we do is important, but also why we do it. 

Ultimately, we will see OUR REWARD, “Then each one will receive his commendation from God,” (v. 5b). 

There will be this consideration. In the preceding chapter, the Apostle has noted that at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be tried by holy fire. Sadly, I fear much of what I have done will be consumed as wood, hay, and straw. Hopefully, there will also be that which is revealed as gold, silver, and gems—worthy of eternal reward. 

This brings the commendation. God gets the final word. What we may discover is that some country pastor will be summoned to the front of the line—a man who labored in obscurity—and he is shocked to receive great reward. Then, we may witness some celebrity preacher who is sent to the back of the line—a man who worked in notoriety—and he is sad to receive little reward. Who knows?

God knows. 

There will be reason for all to celebrate the grace of God that enables us to do anything. Truthfully, we confess as servants, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Lk. 17‬:‭10‬‬).  Honestly, we confess as stewards that our gifts and opportunities come from God—that we neither deserve them, nor earn them.

There is a crown for the preacher to seek. Peter mentions this in 1 Peter 5:1-4. “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. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Yet, what will the elders do with those crowns of glory?  In heaven, “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’” (Rev.‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬). Our motive in seeking this crown is to glorify the Lord God who chose such unworthy servants and blessed us with an amazing stewardship.

Let us then be true and faithful—and leave the judgment to God.

THE SUCCESSFUL SERVANT

 

The story of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24 illustrates successful service for the Lord. Eliezer was sent to seek a spouse for the son, Isaac. Similarly, as servants of God, we are sent to seek those who will become the Bride of the Son, Jesus Christ. 

We begin with THE PLEDGE OF A WORKER, (v. 1-9). God—in His supremacy—did not need us, yet in His sovereignty has chosen us. He calls laborers to work in His field. He calls men to commitment. He is still calling today; but are we listening? I remember when I surrendered to Jesus to preach the Gospel in 1976. My pledge was that with the help of God: “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere—I am ready.”

Then, we hear THE PRAYER OF THE WORKER, (v. 10-14).  The availability came from the servant, but the ability came from the Lord. This man understood the need for God’s intervention, if his work was to be successful. So he prayed. We will never see fruitfulness in our labors apart from faithfulness in our prayers. 

Further, We see THE PREPARATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 15-28).  God was already at work—even before the servant concluded his prayer!  Our intercession does not change the will of God, but includes us in the accomplishing of it. The woman was a beautiful virgin with the humble heart of a servant. This is the Bride that God the Father has prepared for His Son. Paul wrote: “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish,” (Eph. 5‬:‭26‬-‭27‬‬). 

There is THE PROVISION FOR THE WORKER, (v. 29-33a). Provisions were prepared for the servant. When we take the step of faith to pursue God’s will, He has promised He will supply our needs. I have never lacked anything that I truly needed during a half century of Gospel ministry. The Lord told His disciples, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food,” (Matt.10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬). Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides!

Also, note THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WITNESS, (v. 33b-49). Abraham’s servant had something to say—and it was urgent—so much so that he would not even eat until he shared it. He relates the story of his search for a bride for his master’s son, and how the Lord had providentially led him there. He delivers the word and calls for decision. Our task is to proclaim the Word; those who hear are accountable for their response to it. 

Next, observe THE PROSPERITY IN THE WORK, (v. 50-60). God blesses these words and the servant prospers in his work. He sought a bride and a bride was found!  God might have sent a heavenly angel to visit Rebekah with a vision, but instead selected a human messenger to make the appeal. This is how God typically prepares a Bride for His Son. The Father seeks a man and sends a man, supplying the man with the means for mission. When it seems the Word is falling on deaf ears, be encouraged and rejoice in the promise of God, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55‬:‭11‬‬). 

We conclude with THE PRESENTATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 61-67).  What a sight the son beheld when his bride was presented to him by the servant!  She is chaste and pure—“prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Rev. 21:2).   What a glorious day that will be—and to know that God used humble servants like us to bring the bride home!

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” ‘ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Rev. ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬‬).

A BURDEN FOR SOULS

Spurgeon was a passionate preacher and a zealous soul-winner.  But, all God’s men should be.  What is it that fueled such a fire in Spurgeon’s heart—and might it not also do so for me and for you?  Here are his words:

Death-beds are grand schools for us. They are intended to act as tonics to brace us to our work. I have come down from the bed-chambers of the dying, and thought that everybody was mad, and myself most of all. I have grudged the earnestness which men devoted to earthly things, and half said to myself,–Why was that man driving along so hastily? Why was that woman walking out in such finery? Since they were all to die so soon, I thought nothing worth their doing but preparing to meet their God. To be often where men die will help us to teach them both to die and to live.  

M'Cheyne was wont to visit his sick or dying hearers on the Saturday afternoon, for, as he told Dr. James Hamilton, "Before preaching he liked to look over the verge."  

I pray you, moreover, measure your work in the light of God. Are you God's servant or not? If you are, how can your heart be cold? Are you sent by a dying Savior to proclaim his love and win the reward of his wounds, or are you not? If you are, how can you flag? Is the Spirit of God upon you? Has the Lord anointed you to preach glad tidings to the poor? If he has not, do not pretend to it. If he has, go in this thy might, and the Lord shall be thy strength. Yours is not a trade, or a profession. Assuredly if you measure it by the tradesman's measure it is the poorest business on the face of the earth. Consider it as a profession: who would not prefer any other, so far as golden gains or worldly honors are concerned? But if it be a divine calling, and you a miracle-worker, dwelling in the supernatural, and working not for time but for eternity, then you belong to a nobler guild, and to a higher fraternity than any that spring of earth and deal with time.  

Look at it aright, and you will own that it is a grand thing to be as poor as your Lord, if, like him, you may make many rich; you will feel that it is a glorious thing to be as unknown and despised as were your Lord's first followers, because you are making him known, whom to know is life eternal. You will be satisfied to be anything or to be nothing, and the thought of self will not enter your mind, or only cross it to be scouted as a meanness not to be tolerated by a consecrated man. There is the point.  

Measure your work as it should be measured, and I am not afraid that your earnestness will be diminished. Gaze upon it by the light of the judgment day, and in view of the eternal rewards of faithfulness. Oh, brethren, the present joy of having saved a soul is overwhelmingly delightful; you have felt it, I trust, and know it now. To save a soul from going down to perdition brings to us a little heaven below, but what must it be at the day of judgment to meet spirits redeemed by Christ, who learned the news of their redemption from our lips! We look forward to a blissful heaven in communion with our Master, but we shall also know the added joy of meeting those loved ones whom we led to Jesus by our ministry. Let us endure every cross, and despise all shame, for the joy which Jesus sets before us of winning men for him.  

One more thought may help to keep up our earnestness. Consider the great evil which will certainly come upon us and upon our hearers if we be negligent in our work. "They shall perish"–is not that a dreadful sentence? It is to me quite as awful as that which follows it,–"but their blood will I require at the watchman's hand." How shall we describe the doom of an unfaithful minister? And every unearnest minister is unfaithful.  

I would infinitely prefer to be consigned to Tophet as a murderer of men's bodies than as a destroyer of men's souls; neither do I know of any condition in which a man can perish so fatally, so infinitely, as in that of the man who preaches a gospel which he does not believe, and assumes the office of pastor over a people whose good he does not intensely desire. Let us pray to be found faithful always, and ever. God grant that the Holy Spirit may make and keep us so. (Lectures to My Students, pp. 319-320, Kindle Version)

That is my sincere prayer for myself and those preachers who read these words. Let us get alone with God and not come out until the fire of God for the perishing burns with holy zeal in our soul!  When we stand to preach, the people will know, and they will come to watch us burn.  

SIMPLE MESSAGE; SUPERNATURAL MIGHT

 

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Here you have the whole plan of salvation. Christ is preached, sinners hear the message of the gospel, they believe it, and so they are saved. What a mass of rubbish people have interjected into this blessed simple plan! How different this is from the cumbersome, complicated plan by which men would destroy our souls. Cling to the old-fashioned gospel and never turn away from it! Nothing can take the place of the simplicity of divine truth. DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON) May there be none in our church this weekend who shall fancifully seek after a pretended salvation which will leave them as they are; but may they know that Jesus saves his people from their sins; and, oh, that with self-loathing, and deep contrition, and earnest heart-searching, souls may come to you again and cast themselves before your face, trusting in Jesus, and crying out to be delivered from sin; and may this be the day of deliverance. Oh, that this Sunday as our church gathers, while we are trying to preach, you might raise up children of Abraham from these stones. Men that seem naked and cold as stones, quicken by the mighty Spirit this very day; and may they be led to yield themselves unto God, and their members instruments of righteousness. May the Lord grant it and we will bless his name. Amen.