HEAVY DUTY

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.  (1 Tim.1:1-4 NKJV)

The call to pastoral ministry is heavy duty.  It is a burden thrust upon the man of God.  Paul certainly understood this and wanted to press upon young Timothy the gravity of his responsibility (v.1).  These words have been preserved by the Spirit of God that we may weigh our obligation as ministers of the Gospel today.

Ministry is not a vocation we seek from a number of options of employment, but is one we are compelled to obey.  Only those who have this sense of calling can understand the solemnity of it.  Without it, don't attempt it!

Timothy's primary call was not to service, but to salvation as a "true son in the faith..." (v.2).  His service would arise out of his salvation.  Saved preachers make better pastors!  The "grace, mercy, and peace," we proclaim passionately arises from our own experience of regeneration.

Sound doctrine is foundational to our ministry--both in our commitment to it personally and to what we teach and allow to be taught in the church (v.3-4).  Proclaiming personal opinions and questionable interpretations that take us past the gate of centuries of church tradition will lead us down the path of schism.  Is it likely that we will discover some new insight that great Bible scholars of the past have not found and commented on?  How much better to stick to orthodoxy which builds up the members in the faith!  The pursuit of novelty can bring disaster to the preacher and the people--illustrated by Hymenaeus and Alexander, mentioned by the end of this first chapter (v.20).

Dear Lord, 
May you help each man of God reading these words to relive their call until it rekindles their enthusiasm for ministry.  Let them tarry in the place of prayer until these truths stagger them with the sense of duty.  May they rise compelled to preach the Gospel!  Guard us from the desire to present some novelty, and focus our attention on orthodoxy.  
In Christ's Name and for His glory. 
Amen.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY BEING DIFFERENT: The Church Confronting the Culture or Compromising with It

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

When Jesus described what His Kingdom people were to be, He used the metaphors of salt and light—both of which have a disproportionate impact on their environment due to their distinctive qualities.  A little salt can season a lot, and a small light can illumine a room.  There is no question we live in a society that is rotting and needs the preservative nature of salt, and that we are in a time of spiritual darkness which desperately calls for the light of the Gospel.  That is our assignment as a church.  It is the duty of church leadership to direct the church to fulfill that holy calling.

Paul understood this.  That is why we find him writing the church at Corinth.  Three times in the first three verses, he mentions our call—that we are sanctified, set apart—for a sacred responsibility. The church will never be the church until she is confronted with her calling, and that is the calling of the preacher.  I do not do what I do because of a vocational choice I made, but because of the will of God thrust upon me.  I am not an apostle, but when I speak their words I am communicating with apostolic authority.

The church at Corinth was facing a daunting task.  They were to grow and bear fruit in a hostile environment.  It would be far easier to cave to the pressure to compromise with the pagans around them, than to convert them to faith.  It might even seem reasonable to “adapt” the message to better suit the culture with a view of reaching the culture.  Yet, the reality is that the church is always most effective when it is being different and thus making a difference.

The good news is that the seeming impossibility of the assignment is made possible by the supernatural resources God gives: grace and peace.  They are always in that sequence.  You can’t have peace with God until you experience the grace of God.  Grace means that God gives us all the tools to do what He wants in this world.  There is a peace in knowing I don’t have to accomplish anything on my own.  The God who called me will equip me!

A GRIEF OBTAINED

Years ago, the great Christian thinker, C.S. Lewis, wrote a book entitled, “A Grief Observed.”  In this brief, but poignant volume, he describes his struggle after his wife dies.  The pious platitudes and Christian clichés so often employed in the midst of sorrow were found to be hollow.  Lewis wavered in maintaining a faith that had seemed so rock-solid.  Once he spoke with such conviction about the things of God, as if he had all the answers.  Suddenly, he was thrust into an abyss where answers could not be found.

The reality of a loved one’s death was brutal…and it still is.  Have you ever watched a seven-year old granddaughter who had been so full of life a year ago be consumed with cancer?  Have you ever sat down with your son-in-law and your daughter to plan a funeral service that you will conduct?  I hope not—and pray you never do!  The pain is excruciating. I know that many of you who read this have been in similar times—a spouse, a sibling, a son—someone so dear and near and now all that remains are tombstones and memories.

I recall as a young pastor, visiting the hospital, seeking to minister by encouragement, Scripture, and prayer—and maybe somewhat effectively.  Nothing helped me be more helpful than when I was hospitalized for a week with a major operation, requiring a month to recuperate.  My sympathy factor increased exponentially and I believe my ministry was enhanced.  It was no longer theory, but experience that gave me a platform of compassion.

I believe that is what Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.   If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.  Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (ESV)

I have no idea how many hundreds of funerals I have officiated, and can truly say I have sought to weep with those that wept and bring them comfort.  People have told me that they have been helped by my ministry.  Yet, I know now what I have never known before.  In the space of a week I have spoken at my father and granddaughter’s funerals, and felt a heartache from which I will never recover until the great Resurrection Day.  That hope seems more precious than ever to me!  I can testify that God’s grace is enough—that His comfort is real—and He will do the same for you, no matter what trial may come.  “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21 ESV)

STARTING RIGHT

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."  (2 Tim.2:1-2 ESV)

I can still remember my zeal as a young man called to Gospel ministry--that it was zeal without knowledge.  While my passion for serving Christ and His church did not need to diminish, my understanding of how to fulfill my assignment needed to grow--and quickly.  If you don't know where you are going, you'll get there every time!

Theological education can certainly help.  Seeking counsel from older, godly pastors will be beneficial.  You will hear many opinions--and a lot of it good--some even contradictory.  This can add to the confusion. 

There is no substitute, however, for simply asking the Holy Spirit to open your understanding of the Word of God--especially the pastoral epistles, for these were written to young preachers for the express purpose of equipping them for their task.  With this in mind, an examination of 2 Tim.2:1-2 will be foundational.

Paul reminds his youthful protégé' that he must ever depend on grace.  The minister's assignment is always too large for him--the burden too heavy--and what is required is supernatural power--the grace that flows from Christ's life within us as His grace operates in us and through us.

Pulpit ministry is vital, beyond question.  The masses in the congregation need your message.  But, we dare not think that will be sufficient.  We must prayerfully seek out faithful men.  These will be men of character, "faithful," and competence, "able to teach."  Gathering this group, we commit to relay what God has taught us in view of them training others--and this is the discipleship process.  It is life-on-life--pouring yourself into equipping a few leaders who will extend your effectiveness and multiply your ministry far beyond what you can do alone.

There will be many distractions--and some of these will be good things others in the congregation demand that you do.  You must not allow the good to divert you from the essential.  Gather those men--three at minimum and twelve at maximum--and equip them even as you are growing in your leadership capacity.  Pour yourself into them.  Be with them in contexts outside the "class" time--in recreation and home life--so that truth is not only taught, but caught--through the power of incarnational application of your life example.

If I could start all over, this would be my focus.  I did some, but not enough.  Perhaps, you have been in ministry for a long season.  Is there hope for pursuing this Biblical philosophy which you have neglected?  Of course!  Do what you can starting now, for as long as you can into the future.  Should any of you like to know more, then please email me and we can connect and discuss this non-negotiable in ministry effectiveness.  I want to encourage and/or equip you as I God gives me grace to do so.

THE TIMELESS TOPIC FOR SERMONS

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ….  (Ephesians 3:8)

Dryness can enter the soul of the preacher.  He sends a bucket into the well of his heart and pulls it back empty.  The bucket is dropped and retracted repeatedly; it is Saturday and there is only mud in the bottom.  What is the answer?

We do not have to worry, for there is an inexhaustible source of sermonic wealth—a timeless topic for the message—that will overflow our own being and spill out in blessing to others.  It is a grace given to impoverished preachers in being chosen to glory in it and bring glory to God from it: “the unsearchable riches of Christ”!

In two weeks, God willing, I will complete seventy-five sermons on the life of Christ as I have preached through the Gospel of Luke.  Along the way, some have suggested that the subject was worn out and that I should “let the Holy Spirit lead me” to different topics each week.  I don’t know who they thought inspired the Book, the One I lean on to aid me, or the subject He has made pervasive throughout!

Brothers, I am not saying you have to preach verse by verse through a book.  It is not for me to say you must spend a year and a half in a Gospel.  What I am saying is that if Christ is not conspicuously and consistently at the center of our preaching, we are failing in our assignment!

Let us learn of Him and the more we learn of Him, the more we will love Him.  The more we love Him, the more eagerly we will share Him and the more we share Him, the more we will be driven back to learn more and more. The cycle begins anew, feeds itself, ever expands, and both the preacher and the church are edified.  Such preaching may not be what the masses crave today, but it is what the masses need.  Wherever you take a text, just give them Jesus!

THE WEIGHT OF OUR WORDS

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV)

The preacher who departs from sound doctrine—in his preaching or his lifestyle—should fear for his soul.  That course leads to the abyss.  What is more dreadful is that due to his responsibility in leading the flock, he directs other precious souls to hell with him.  No matter the profession such a preacher has made in the past, the Scriptural sermons, or apparent fruit from his ministry, his failure to persevere indicates that he was never regenerate.  We need look no further than Judas Iscariot to find such a preacher.  Brothers, let us preach as though our souls were hanging in the balance—along with those who sit there listening!  There is such weight in our words!

John Piper has these sobering words for us in “The Supremacy of God in Preaching”:

[T]he first act of saving faith is like an acorn that has within it the spreading oak of all the subsequent perseverance in faith that the Bible says is necessary for final salvation.  We are justified by faith once for all at our conversion, but we must (and most certainly will) also persevere in faith and its fruit in holy affections given to us in seed form at our conversion….  

Preaching is a means of grace to assist saints to persevere.  Perseverance is necessary for final salvation.  Therefore, every sermon is a “salvation sermon”—not just because of its aim to convert sinners, but also in its aim to preserve the holy affections of the saints and so enable them to confirm their calling and election and be saved. (p.83)

So, preach the Gospel—clearly and consistently—to yourself and to your people.  For this we will give account on the Day of Judgment.

FATHERING THE FLOCK

As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Paul has likened himself in his gentle dealing with the new converts of Thessalonica to a nurturing mother (v.7-8).  In verses 11-12, the Apostle comes to another dimension of spiritual parenting, as he assumes the role of a father to the flock.  The discerning church leader knows when someone needs a mother's tenderness, and when they need a father's firmness.

Fathering the flock involves encouragement.  This was to stimulate their advancement in the faith.  The pastor who successfully leads the people forward communicates to them, "By the grace of God, you can do this!"

It also means comforting them.  Our members may trudge into the sanctuary on Sunday, beaten down, weary of the burdens they carry.  Sometimes they stumble and need someone to say, "By the promises of God, I want to assure you that you will be alright!"  That's the pastor's job to say.

Fathering the flock, furthermore, causes us to implore the people.  This is a strong urging.  We must have persistence in our insistence.  We set the bar high and communicate biblical expectations.  No excuses are permitted.  The pastor says, "By the authority of God's Word, obey it now!"

Paul's aim was to bring the believers in Thessalonica into a worthy walk with God.  This is one that befits our status as children of the King who will come into the full inheritance in glory someday.  This is who we are as sons and daughters of God.  This demands the pastor's model and message.

It is our task, brothers, to encourage the saints to walk through these discouraging times with their heads held high, to comfort the people to walk through the valleys of life with confidence in Christ, and to implore the members to walk toward glory with a sense of urgency.

IN THE TRENCHES

“For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 ESV)

Meaningful ministry happens in the trenches.  The pastor is willing to roll up his sleeves and plunge into the midst of the messes his people find themselves in--to lift them and lead them out.  It is as much perspiration as inspiration.  Those who are after a life of ease, filled with perks and privileges, understand nothing of the call of God, and need to get right or get out.  Ministry as God intends it involves labor and toil.  A lazy preacher is a contradiction to his calling.

Paul describes what we call today, "bi-vocational ministry."  Though he had the right to expect the congregation to support him, he refused and chose instead to provide his own financial support.  The bi-vocational minister is not a "part-time" preacher, but has two full-time jobs.  I have done this and can testify to the exhausting responsibility.  Still, God never calls us to a task without providing the grace to accomplish it.

Whether we work in a secular field or depend on the church to meet our needs, sloth has no place in a pastor's life.  None could accuse Paul of that vice--nor of any other.  His behavior was "holy"--that is, he recognized himself as set apart for God and His purposes, and behaved accordingly.  His conduct was "righteous"--in doing the right thing in his dealings with his fellowmen.  His character was "blameless"--with no glaring moral deficiency that could be found.  It is a lofty standard, but one we must incessantly strive to attain.

ARE YOU A FLATTERER?

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.   Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.  (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6)

Encouraging people for their blessing is a commendable thing for a pastor to do.  Flattering folks for the pastor’s benefit is an evil.  Scripture warns about the flattering tongue.  For example, we read this: “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”  (Prov.26:28) and this: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.”  (Prov.29:5)  The flatterer is in peril of judgment (Ps.12:3).

Paul never told people what he thought they wanted to hear, but spoke what they needed to hear.  Sometimes those are the same, but often not. 

The flatterer has greed for his motive.  His preaching is a pretext for exalting his own ego rather than edifying the saints.  Such a pastor wants to go places and gain riches, so he primes the pump of the movers and shakers with flattery, that he may profit from their deep pockets.

Giving people a cheerful word when they are downcast is ministry.  Puffing people up with flattery is manipulation.  The congregation may not be able to judge the motive, but be sure God can—and does.

The way to avoid being a flatterer is to be consumed with the glory of God and the good of others.  The flatterer in the pulpit is the one who seeks his own glory and gain.  Brothers, let us search our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit’s fire to refine our motives.