THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

Who runs the church?  Is it a pastor, or maybe the elders, or perhaps the deacons, or some combination—who is in charge?

It better be Jesus!  He is “the head of His body, the church.”  Now, many local congregations may not behave accordingly, but in so doing they are in rebellion against God!

There would be no church without Him. His resurrection as “the firstborn from the dead,” birthed the church in His atoning work through the crucifixion and resurrection. Now, He claims absolute authority, “that in everything he might be preeminent.”

I heard the story of an old African chieftain.  He sat before his hut, bent over, weariness on his face, skin wrinkled from advanced age.  One of the strong young warriors came up to him and challenged him, “It is time for you to step aside. We need a man of strength to lead  this tribe. What gives you the right to rule over us?”  The elderly man answered, “There was a time you do not remember, for your father was a child. A lion came into the village. He would have killed many, including your father. I thrust my arms into the lion’s mouth, broke his jaws, and killed it with my bare hands. Then raising himself up, his voice resounding with authority, he lifted his arms to reveal many scars from battling the beast, and said, “By my wounds I demand the right to rule over you!”

So, Jesus lifts His hands, shows the scars from His battle on Calvary, and says, “By my wounds I demand the right to rule over you!”  Surely as a preacher, and as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will submit to Him who saved us by His sacrifice!

ALL ON THE ALTAR

The Old Testament sacrificial system with its priesthood, altar, and sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, the Great High Priest, who offered Himself as a Lamb on the cross in fulfillment.  Yet, what Christ did absolutely, we are as His followers to do spiritually as  a kingdom of priests, offering spiritual sacrifices on the altar of our commitment.  That is the imagery Paul uses in this text.  Paul so describes the sacrificial gift of money brought by Epaphroditus from the Philippian church. There is a principle that we may apply to any gifts God graces us with—and how we may worship Him through the sacrificial offering of those for God’s glory.  Allow me to specifically speak to the preacher.

THERE IS THE SCENT OF THE SERMON. It is to be “a fragrant offering.”  Now, some sermons just stink! That brings no honor to God or help to the congregation. In contrast to that, If you have smelled a steak cooking on a grill—an aroma that makes you salivate—this should be akin to the scent of our sermon. In our prayerful preparation and passionate presentation, the offering of the message can make each one attending hunger for God and His Word—as Psalm 34:8 says to, “taste and see that the LORD is good!”

THERE IS THE SACRIFICE IN THE SERMON. It is “a sacrifice.”  The Old Testament worshipper was not to bring the worst of the flock, but the best. God was to get the firstfruits and not the leftovers. As David declared, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing,” (2 Sam.24:24). There is a price to pay for preaching that is for the glory of God and good of man. You don’t grab sermon scraps from a book or podcast, stick it in the microwave and go through the motions from the pulpit!

THERE IS THE SATISFACTION FROM THE SERMON. It is “acceptable and pleasing to God.”  If meant to only satisfy yourself in doing your job, or to tickle the ears of the people so they magnify you, then as a preacher your motivation is deadly. We pray that people will be touched by the truth, but it is not that they will always react with acceptance, they may respond with anger. We will find joy if the sermon is acceptable to God. Fundamentally our focus is on God being satisfied. If God is pleased, it ultimately matters not whether anyone else is.

Dear God, may the preacher offer in the sermon his all on the altar—a living sacrifice to You, that is holy in its conception and acceptable in its communication—as his spiritual act of worship!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

As the moon reflects the sun’s light, so we are called to reflect the Son’s glory. Jesus is the Light of the World, and He has said, “You are the light of the world.”  He is the source of the light and we are to shine with His light. As the old hymn puts it, “Let the lower lights be burning.”  John the Baptist illustrates this.  Our Lord said of him, “He was a burning and shining lamp.”  Here, Paul tells us how to let our light shine.

THERE MUST BE A CONNECTION WITH THE WORLD, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians‬ ‭2:14-15).  

We are to be in the world, but not of the world, as a physician must be among the sick, but not sick himself.  He must be clean from infection to treat those who are ill. Thus, we cannot be isolated from the sinful, but are to be immunized from sinfulness. Light is potent because it is distinct from the darkness, yet its very intent is to encounter darkness.

So, stop whining about the conditions of the world and “Do all things without grumbling.”  Yes, it is very dark—and getting darker—but, that is the opportunity for the light to be most valuable.   

Cease warring with the citizens of the world and “Do all things without…disputing.”  Our enemy is the Devil, not those captured by him. Jesus was known as the friend of sinners, and we are to be.  

Yet, be wary of the contamination of the world, “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”   You must be different to make a difference. While Jesus was connected with sinners, He was clean from sin.

THERE MUST BE A COMMUNICATION OF THE WORD,  “holding fast to the word of life,” (v.16a). While an oil lamp requires the wick to be trimmed and the globe to be clean (v.15), there must be fuel and a flame. Paul deals with that next.

We must digest the Word and thus hold fast to it ourselves. This is ingestion of truth, as the word of life. It is our daily bread to fuel our faith. Partake of the Word.  You cannot give out what you do not have.

We must demonstrate the Word. We not only hold it fast, but hold it forth. This is incarnation of truth. Jesus said our light would shine as we do good works before men for the glory of God.  Practice the Word. You cannot speak out about what you do not live.

We must declare the Word. That word is meant to be proclaimed.   This is illumination with truth. Good news is meant to be shared. Preach the Word.  You cannot help out if you do not speak up.

THERE MUST BE A CONSECRATION TO THE WORK, “so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain, (v.16‬b). 

We have a race to run. Paul did not want to run in vain. He was intent on giving his all and not stumbling short of the finish line.  Many a man has dropped out from discouragement or disqualified himself by defilement.  Don’t be that guy!

We have a rigor to show. The Apostle did not want to labor in vain. Gospel ministry is not just about inspiration, but involves perspiration. Labor and do not be lazy!  You can rest when you get to heaven.

We have a reward to gain. Paul points to the day of Christ, and his desire to hear Christ’s, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  He lived with faithfulness on earth that he might attain fruitfulness in eternity—a crown on his head for the race he had run, and a crop from the labor for the souls he had won. There is going to be some surprises on Judgment Day, when a lot of celebrity preachers see their works go up in smoke, while some who have labored in obscurity are summoned to the dais and the Judge crowns them with glory (1 Pet.5:4)!

What a challenge to my heart today and I trust to you as well!  Let your light shine!

GIVE THEM JESUS!

If you want to see heaven move and hell retreat, then give the people Jesus when you preach. It is not current events, but Christ that they need. It is not humorous stories, but heaven’s Savior that they need. Satan is not impressed with our homiletic skill, but he trembles at he sound of the name above all names: “Jesus!”  Give the people Jesus!

WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL

 

Paul challenges us to a manner of life that is worthy of the Gospel. By this, he does not mean that we are deserving of the grace we have received, nor could ever be. Rather, it is about bringing our lives into alignment with the Gospel we proclaim—one with conduct consistent with our claim. How can we do this?

It demands FIRMNESS, “standing firm…striving…for the faith of the gospel.”  The way is steep, the occasion for retreat—under withering fire from the enemy—is ever present, and many a soldier of the cross has slipped and fallen. The way to stand firm is to stand beside other warriors, “in one spirit, with one mind…side by side.”  I want to remind you that you are not in this battle alone. It is not a sign of weakness to call on your fellow soldiers, but an indication of wisdom to do so.

It demands FEARLESSNESS, “not frightened in anything by your opponents.”  Those who stand for truth and speak the Gospel will face opposition. The devil will see to that. They may come in the form of a hostile secular culture, in the guise of a fellow church member, or even one of our own family. Do not be blind-sided. Expect there will be an enemy. Not all will be your friends to help you stand firmly, but there will be the foes intent to make you run fearfully.

It demands FAITHFULNESS, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have,” (.29-30). ‬‬The Apostle had been a faithful example and now challenges us to walk the same pathway—the bloody Calvary Road. He writes as a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel. His sufferings were intense and inescapable. If we should be faithful, then we will find them inevitable.  Be faithful to the end!  

This is a life worthy of the Gospel!

BREAKING DOWN OR BUILDING UP?

Words have tremendous power—power to harm or to heal. We can build bridges to God and man or barriers between us with our speech. It is possible to use our mouths to supply grace or to siphon it.  

This is true for all of us, but is particularly a concern for those who preach and teach God’s people. Hence, the warning of James, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (3:1)‬‬. 

This begins a powerful section in James’ epistle on the potential of our talk for good or evil. One who has authoritative communication and an audience to impact faces a more intense scrutiny of his speech. It is a sobering consideration. As the children’s song warns, “Be careful little lips what you say.”  Paul echoes that here, and we must ask does my talk as a pastor break down or build up?

The speech that breaks down is described as, “corrupting talk.”  Our lips can spread toxic talk that infects others with harm. There are at least three ways this occurs.

We may speak words of discussion that are filthy. Usually, these are private conversations. It is the use of innuendo around the opposite sex, and locker room talk around our fellow man. 

We might speak words of delusion that are false. Doctrinal error in the pew comes from deviants in the pulpit—the malignancy of heresy that threatens the church’s life. 

We can speak words of division that are fractious. Our words, rising from a bitter spirit, infused with anger, turn the preacher into a fire-breathing dragon with potential to burn the church down. 

Instead we must aim for the speech that builds up, “good for building up.”  Our sermons in public and speech in private are to be edifying.  Paul points to three needful qualities. 

Such talk is intentional, “but only such as is good for building up.”  It is a matter of choice. God has given us the power of His Spirit to equip us to excise corrupting speech and extend constructive words.

Such talk is instructional, “as fits the occasion.”  It is a matter of context. There are times when the context of a congregant’s conduct demands confrontation and at other times  consolation. The way we say something, when we say it, and why we say it can be as meaningful as what we say.

Such talk is incarnational, “that it may give grace to those who hear.”  This is a matter of content. Our messages are to be filled with grace. We can impart that from God’s Word because we have ingested it from it. Our lives as well as our lips witness to the incarnation of our communication. Our objective then is to be channels that bring grace to those who hear and heed our message, so it will become incarnate in them.

Will we speak words that break down or build up?  One day we will give answer to Christ, the Living Word, for the life or death from our tongue.

FOLLOWING THE SHEPHERD

“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,”. (Ephesians‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

The pastor has been assigned the duty of leading God’s flock. He can only do so effectively as he follows the Lord our Shepherd. The closer he abides in communion with Jesus, the clearer will be his sense of direction for the people. The nearer he walks in fellowship with the Lord, the more he will reflect Christ to the local congregation and community where he serves.

Paul indicates two gifts needful for us to seek in prayer—the wisdom and revelation given to us by the Holy Spirit. Now, these spiritual insights are available to all believers for each has God’s Spirit indwelling them. Yet, our focus in this devotional is that wisdom and revelation are indispensable for Christ’s appointed  shepherds.

We seek PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF GOD’S WORD. That is the Spirit of wisdom. As shepherds it is vital to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, that we may clearly hear the Shepherd’s voice. We are taught by His Spirit what the inspired text means. But, that is only part of what we must share with the flock. We are not only to show them what the verses mean, but tell them what they are to do about it. There is too much “ought to” preaching and not enough,“how to” preaching. Ponder the Proverbs—see how wisdom is applied in every dimension of life. Let us help the flock to gain such wisdom.  What they are fed on Sunday is so they will be led on Monday!

Further, we seek SCRIPTURAL DIRECTION IN GOD’S WILL. This is the Spirit of revelation. Here we must exercise some caution based on context. At the time Paul wrote this, the canon of Scripture had not been completed. Believers had the Old Testament writing, but the compilation of New Testament texts was in formation. This epistle would be part of that. God spoke directly and authoritatively to the Apostles and also through prophets in local churches. Now, since the final and full revelation of Scripture has been given, the way we hear from God is from the text. When the Scriptures speak, God speaks.  

However, the specific indication for a decision requires Scriptural  illumination. A host of issues are vital to a church moving forward in the will of God. So we pray about the choice of leaders, the building of a structure, the priorities of a budget, the addition of ministries, and a myriad of other matters.  There is no specific text for most of these decisions.  Yet, if our minds are grounded in God’s Word, the Spirit can guide us in God’s will. 

As the visible shepherd of a local flock, let us walk so closely with our Good and Great Shepherd that we will lead His sheep into green pastures to feed in and beside deep waters to drink from—as those who will give account for their care.

TOUGH AND TENDER

Picture in your mind, an NFL linebacker with rippling muscles and hands of viselike grip, who on Sunday afternoon can bring down a quarterback on a blitz—and on Sunday night can rock his newborn to sleep and caress his wife with those same hands. That is illustrative of the balance between tough and tender needed in a pastor leading a church to confront sin among the membership.

There has been a lack of toughness to tackle this issue in many churches. It is in part a reason for the anemic faith and compromised testimony of a significant number of members.  Yet, there are pastors who are leading their church to confront spiritual malignancy in the body of Christ.  Obviously texts such as Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5-6, and 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 are prominent in guiding the church in this matter. But, do not forget Galatians 6:1. It reminds us that we must deal with the erring not only with toughness, but tenderness. 

Think of a doctor setting a broken bone to heal. Someone was running, they stumbled and fell, fracturing their arm. They are in pain. Sin can do that to any of us. That is why Paul warns the church to be gentle in dealing with such brokenness. We all can be tripped up by temptation. Pastors are not immune. The competent doctor does not just grab the arm and roughly yank it here and there, for such would bring further hurt and not healing. Skillfully, he sets the bone. He does not ignore the problem, but he does not exacerbate it either.

Discern the cause and cure for correcting the stumbling soul. Apply the proper measure of church discipline with the right mix of toughness and tenderness. The church elders must teach and model this for the church members to follow. It is part of preaching the whole counsel of God.

HARD HEARTS AND HURTING HEARTS

How many points does your sermon have?  Every sermon should have one—and here I am not speaking of an outline, but an objective. John Newton stated his this way, “My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken one.”  While Newton is best known for penning, “Amazing Grace,” he was not only a writer of hymns, but a preacher of the Gospel. We would do well to adopt his aim—for sitting in our congregation will be those hard hearts needing breaking and hurting hearts needing binding.

THE GRAVITY OF THE GOSPEL

 

Preaching is serious business. There will be a severity in the preacher’s judgment before God for there is a gravity in his assignment to men. Paul’s strong rebuke here is not for a church member who strays into sin, but for the pastor who errs in his sermon.

Improper motivation may be the spark that ignites the hellish fire of Gospel distortion.  The desire to please men may temper our passion for reproof and cause us to tailor our proclamation to suit the congregation’s fancy.   Pride goes before a fall,  and the Apostle does not mince words when he calls upon such ear-tickling, man-pleasing preachers to fall into the abyss!  It is horrible to consider that a pastor might end up in hell—and far worse, be the pied piper who charms others to follow!

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”  (Galatians‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

We can fear God or fear people.  We can seek God’s approval or man’s. We can speak in view of earthly gain or eternal reward. We will choose one to the exclusion of the other.  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:10‬)

If we please God, it is certain that we will displease many people. Our intent is not to be obnoxious preachers whose goal is to offend, but that the approval or censure of man is immaterial—rather we pursue the commendation of God. Just know that there is a price to pay for that. But, the cost of perverting the Gospel is infinitely more. This is the gravity of the Gospel—the difference between heaven and hell. 

THE PLAIN TRUTH

 

Paul states his premise in writing this letter to the Corinthians.  In both the epistles we have to this church, there are issues confronted head on—problems that dared not wait until Paul could be present with them.  What these believers dealt with in trying to serve God in a pagan culture may today be dressed up in modern garb, but is yet the hostile environment to faith we face and calls for the plain truth.

The plain truth is a POINTED truth. Paul describes the “sharpness,” of his message. He used sharpness only as needed, not because he found pleasure in causing pain. The last thing a church needs is a bully in the pulpit that beats the membership with a Bible.  Rather, the sharpness is like that of a surgeon’s scalpel, with the intent to heal though it hurts.  Let none leave after our sermon wondering, “What was the point?”

Plain truth is POWERFUL truth. Paul wielded the Sword of the Spirit with “authority.”  His message was not the best advice of a man, but was the clarion call from the Master. It was not merely a good idea to weigh, but a grave imperative to obey.  Now, we Bible preachers are not Apostles, yet when we correctly interpret the writings of the Apostles and communicate them with the unction of the Spirit, we command authority and can speak confidently.

Plain truth is PRODUCTIVE truth. The result Paul was seeking was “edification.”  His aim was to build up and not beat down—edification rather than “destruction.” The preacher’s motivation and manner is important. Think of it as the difference between a parent who abuses a child and one who disciplines them.  Both are painful, but only one is helpful. Abuse is extreme and is about the parent’s problem while discipline is exact and is about the child’s potential.  

What people need from a preacher in the twenty-first century is no different than the message demanded in the first century. They need the plain truth—pointed, powerful, and productive. Our audience does not need to be told what they want to hear that makes them feel good while they get worse, but what they need to hear that perhaps makes them feel worse, but in order to get them better!

THE PATHWAY TO POWER

            

The Calvary Road is the pathway to power. We have heard the old cliche, “No pain, no gain,” as concerning exercise, but it is true of spiritual advancement, as well. In the flesh, Paul might have boasted of his accomplishments, but he knew that it was the power of Christ working though an earthen vessel that was to be credited.  The Apostle that preached grace for salvation from sin knew grace was just as needful for strength in service.  Humbling owning our weaknesses and dying to our self-sufficiency in brokenness, we can know the power of Christ in ministry. Nothing more is needed and nothing less will enable us to do Gospel work.

BURDEN BEARING

Paul catalogues some of the adversities he has endured in ministry—and it is astonishing in their gravity and severity.  

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Cor.11:23-27 NKJV)

Beyond these crises events—that would have been more than sufficient to cause even the hardiest among us to give up—he describes a relentless pressure, “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor.‭11:28).  He does not seem to list this as an afterthought, but an accentuation.  This is the icing on the cake of trials!

I have not experienced much of what Paul lists as his troubles and trials, but this is one that any Gospel preacher who is faithful to proclaim the message and shepherd God’s people knows very well. You feel it when you wake up. You walk with it through the day. You carry it to bed at night. It can even haunt your dreams.  What the people of God face, we face with them. What hurt they know, we ache for them. When they fall, we feel it. When they grieve, we weep with them. Their need becomes our concern.  

Often we are there for others, and no one is there for us.  I recall sitting in my car in the parking deck of the hospital. One of our faithful members that had been a staunch supporter of mine had just died. I had sought to comfort the weeping family. Then it hit me—how much I would miss him—and I cried profusely. Yet, there was no one to hug me and pray for me. I was alone in my anguish. That is often the preacher’s lot. 

Yet, there is a special application for those who serve the church in an even broader context. Paul not only felt the weight of a local church, but of churches—plural—all of them. Those are the shoes I stepped into this year as an Associational Mission Strategist for Haywood Baptist Association. There are sixty two churches now that I serve.  ‬‬I walk with those pastors and seek to encourage them and counsel them. I pray for these churches and try to help them accomplish their mission.  Some are healthy and need to be fueled with encouragement to continue their effectiveness. Some are stuck and need counsel as how to get back on track. Others are sick and need guidance in how to end conflict, find a shepherd, refocus, and be revitalized. Then, there are those who are dying, and the praying for a miracle is intense.  Should they die, I will mourn.

Please pray for your pastors. Pray for other Christian ministers. Pray for me. Help us bear our burden and God will bless you for it!

BIBLICAL BOLDNESS

“A minister, without boldness, is like a smooth file, a knife without an edge, a sentinel that is afraid to let off his gun. If men will be bold in sin, ministers must be bold to reprove.” (William Gurnall)

That kind of boldness was manifest in the prophet Nathan. Imagine walking into the throneroom of a powerful monarch, pointing your finger in his face, and declaring David’s guilt before God!  Nathan knew he had a greater King that he served. He had an assignment from heaven and he would discharge that duty with courage and conviction. It took such rebuke to bring David to repentance. 

Will there be some in the congregation today who will need such bold confrontation?  Are they power brokers in the church who might well run you off?

THE GOAL OF GODLY GRIEF

Someone has well said that the object of our preaching is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. It is the second dimension that I want to focus on in this study. There are times when our preaching needs to have as its goal to incite godly grief in the congregation.  

The ultimate aim, of course, is repentance.  Without the conviction of sin—turning to the Lord and from the world—there can be no genuine salvation. For any sinners in the sanctuary seats, we need to use the law of God to bring the full weight of wickedness and impending judgment upon their minds and hearts, so to drive them to the sweet relief of justification. 

But, the saints need to repent also—to a salvation without regret. I think Paul alludes to being saved as by fire as he discussed in a previous letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor.3:11-15).  These will gain heaven, but lose reward. Pastors dare not let the flock settle in for a carnal, compromising, complacent life. Although there is much to say about the need for repentance for salvation in the New Testament, there is also significant content on the matter of repentance for sanctification directed to the churches (see Rev.2-3). 

A lack of godly grief can produce death—the second death for those who have not truly become broken over sin and birthed by the Spirit. It can also lead to death in the church—a spiritual deadness without vitality, “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Tim.3:5a). Jesus said to the church at Sardis, “you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead,” (Rev.3:1b).

What is the evidence of the efficacy of such exposition?=

Vindication, “eagerness to clear yourselves.”  They wanted a clear conscience before God and clean conduct before men. 

Indignation, “what indignation.”  They responded with a righteous rage against evil in their own hearts, first, then in the church, and also the world—a holy hatred of sin.

Trepidation, “what fear.”  This is the fear of a holy God before whom we must all someday give account.

Anticipation, “what longing.”  Looking for the blessed hope when we will be saved to sin no more—not merely being saved from sin’s penalty, nor even just its power, but its very presence!  This has a purifying effect, “And everyone who thus hopes in him [Christ] purifies himself as he is pure,” (1 John 3:3). 

Consecration, “what zeal.”  Godly grief that leads to repentance kindles a fire of consecration on the altar of our hearts. As was said of Jesus, “Zeal for your house will consume me,” (John 2:17; cf. Ps.69:9). 

Mortification, “what punishment.”  Taking sin and self to the cross. Elsewhere he put it, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col.3:5). They had witnessed this in Paul, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified,” (1 Cor.9:27).

“Earnestness,” and “eagerness,” to pursue holiness was the result of Paul’s preaching to them. May we pray the Spirit to so work through our proclamation, as we recall our sacred charge, “reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching,” (2 Tim.4:2).

 Such preaching will not gain the approval of men (2 Tim.4:3-4), but it will gather the applause of heaven (1 Pet.5:4)!  In the end, both preacher and those he has impacted will rejoice together in glory!

SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS

 

“The great truths of revelation are neither able to preach nor defend themselves. They must have soldier preachers who proclaim and defend them. They have never conquered as silent force; they have never won as a reserve corps.”  (E.M. Bounds)

Onward, Christian preacher!  As you march into the pulpit, you go to war. Make sure you have on your armor—each piece put on with prayer. In your hand is a mighty weapon—the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. It is not a clever tongue, or a passionate argument that will prevail, but the unadulterated truth, delivered from earnest lips anointed by the Spirit of the Lord.  Put the enemy to flight!  Angels hover around you, to roll back the dark forces that would hinder you. Spend and be spent for the souls of those in your charge.

Paul tells us to endure. Warfare is wearisome; it will drain your energy. Press on!  You want to be a good soldier, not a poor one.

Paul tells us to engage. The time for strategy is over. It is time to take the field. 

Paul tells us to not be entangled. The things of this world will trip you up and bring you down to defeat. Do not let your concentration be diverted. Focus on the fight!

Paul tells us we are enlisted. You were drafted by your Commander—the Lord Jesus Christ. He has placed you in this position of responsibility. You may not please all the troops in the congregation, but seek to please Him who called you!

PLEASING THE ONE THAT MATTERS

Some preachers are pugilistic by nature—always ready to duke it out over some deviance in a doctrine they detect. They are always right and come hell or high water, they will let you know it!  They automatically look at other ministries with a magnifying glass, persistently scouring for what they perceive is a bit of dirt while seldom examining their own.  

But, most of us are not that way. We enjoy tranquility in the church. It is easier to go along and get along. When someone in the congregation is upset, so are we. It is a short distance to slip into being a man-pleaser, where the opinions of others gradually arise to become preeminent. That is deadly in ministry. It leads to compromise. 

Paul gives us the proper balance between these two errors: strive to please the One that matters. Now, that is not your wife, though we should be concerned about her opinions. In fact, I have found that listening to her at times is the way God directs. Neither is it the deacon chairman or some other prominent member in the congregation that we must heed at all costs. Certainly, there are times we may find such a good sounding board and their backing may be profitable in some significant direction to which we are leading. 

The reality is, though, that if you seek to please God, you will inevitably displease some people, perhaps many people.  The bottom line is this—pleasing the Master and not pleasing man is our goal. We have the ultimate accountability to Him. There is coming that dreadful day that we stand before a Holy God who knows all our thoughts, words, and deeds, even able to discern the very intent of why we did what we have done. 

We do not work for the church, but for Christ who is Lord of the church. If we are obedient to Him, the congregation may follow us or fire us, but that is secondary to the primary duty of pleasing Him!  Men, let us seek to serve each day with eternity in view. 

Blessed Lord, deliver us from being men-pleasers and motivate us to seek to be well pleasing to You!

EFFECTIVE CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Acts 20 presents a case study of effective church leadership in the manner, ministry, and model of the Apostle Paul. 

His manner was one of ENCOURAGING THE SERVANTS (v.1-6). The key words are “encouraging,” and “encouragement.”  This was a vital partnership, as we see the plurality of leadership, “disciples,’ and the list of names in Paul’s entourage that had become quite extensive. When there is effective leadership, others will be mentored and multiplied  in such an atmosphere of spiritual vitality.  God did not mean for us to minister in isolation, but reproduction. 

His ministry was one of EXPOUNDING THE SCRIPTURES (v.7-16). Paul, “talked with them,” “prolonged his speech,” and “he conversed with them a long while.”  This was a verbal proclamation. There are many duties a church leader must attend to, but at the core of all he does is communication. Early on, the church leadership refused to be diverted from this, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word,” (Acts 6:4). God blessed that and the church grew (6:7).

His model was one of EXEMPLIFYING THE STANDARDS (v.17-38). The fundamental phrase is, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time.”  This was a visual pattern. Effective leaders consistently model ministry—practicing what they preach. There were tears, mentioned twice, in displaying a passion for ministry—his weeping. Paul did not just go through the motions, but displayed his emotions—a broken heart for hell-bound sinners.  There were trials, “the plots of the Jews,” “imprisonment and afflictions,” “fierce wolves.”  That is demonstrating  the problems in ministry—his warfare. Ministry launches an invasion of enemy territory and Satan will fight fiercely. There was testimony, referenced three times in these verses. That is declaring the proof of ministry—his witness. A witness has one task in court: to provide evidence in testifying the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth by the help of God, “for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God,” (v.27).

This is effective church leadership! 

DISHEARTENED IN MINISTRY?

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (‭‭2 Cor.‬ ‭4:1‬‬)

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”  (‭‭2 Cor. 4:16‬‬)

Paul warns us of the danger of being disheartened in ministry.  We answer the call with vision and passion for seeing God do a great work—thinking we have a contribution to make in Kingdom advance. 

Then, there is the confrontation from an angry church member that blindsides us. The event we planned falls flat. The sermon was a dud. We gaze upon a congregation week by week that seems asleep. A leader drops out. A solid family moves away. A former strong supporter moves their membership because they “were not being fed.”  There is the daily grind of the minutia of ministry, just like drops of water slowly eroding our zeal. We counsel with a young couple whose marriage is disintegrating. We weep with a family whose son has overdosed or whose teen daughter is pregnant. I hope you are not married to Mrs. Job who suggests, “Why don’t you curse God and die?” Dare I go on?  I think I have said enough. You could add to the list.

Disheartenment is a slow cancer that leads to pastoral death—not necessarily physically, though that can happen with sin, stress or suicide. I am speaking of it ministerially. The pastor walks out of the pulpit for the final time, convinced he has failed—dreams dashed—and on to other things with his life.  If you are struggling, please listen to Paul, “Do not lose heart!”

Our response may be, “Easy for you to say Mr. Super Apostle!  Look at your success!”  Paul did make an immeasurable impact, no doubt. But, he would not have had he lost heart. He struggled with it, but by God’s grace overcame it. The pressure that brought him to his knees drove him to God rather than away.  That is our choice. It is foremost an act of the will that affects the emotions, instead of waiting for the emotions to direct the decision. It is a command, “Do not lose heart.”

Should you protest, “if only Paul knew what I am facing,” … as soon as you speak the words, you know that you and I have never faced what that man did.

“Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.” (2 Cor.11:23-33‬‬)

Paul was a basket case!

He was sustained in seeing his ministry, with all its misery, as a mercy from God (4:1). The sinner that he was merited hell, yet what he received was mercy. That is true of us all. It is tempting to evaluate our difficulties and say, “I don’t deserve this!”  True—what we deserve is hell. Yet, we have been spared. We should, as Christian comedian Mark Lowery points out, look at our circumstances, no matter how painful and say, “That sure beats hell!”

Paul pressed on because he looked beyond the immediate to the finish line (4:16).  Looking in the mirror of the present situation would lead him to conclude, “I am wasting away.”  Looking into the mirror of God’s Word at the future filled his lungs with the oxygen of hope, “renewed day by day.”  That, after all, is how Jesus told us to live—one day at a time.  Today’s load is quite sufficient without borrowing from tomorrow’s troubles, that may or may not materialize.

I think of old Jeremiah—whose ministry resume’ listed decline, opposition, pain—a complete disaster in the denominational records.  He battled disheartenment repeatedly. How did he make it through?  He lifted his eyes above:

“Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”  (Lam.‬ ‭3:19-26‬‬)

If I can serve you, pray with you, support you—be a sounding board—whatever, please do not lose heart!  Contact me and we will cry together, but through glistening tears look up to our faithful God who has called us!  

DO NOT LOSE HEART!

CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION

There is a wondrous work being accomplished when the Word of God is declared and digested. The Spirit of God has brought the one in the pulpit and in the pew into communion with Christ through the inspired Word. This is the glory of preaching—a courageous communication that leading to ingestion and application is of eternal significance. 

We are being changed, bit by bit, into the glorious image of the Lord. Truth unveiled brings us face to face with  Jesus. A sermon is meant to be more than informational, although principles are stated; it is more than inspirational, although passion is generated; it is meant to be transformational, with Christ being encountered.

The faithful preacher who immerses himself in the truth, living and breathing Christ,—Whom he grows to adore—can stand with a Bible in his hand  and confidently, courageously communicate Christ in His glory. This brings the congregation face to face with the One who is our blessed hope!  

Ultimately, the hope will be fulfilled when we see Him—not just spiritually—but literally and this is what John describes, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3:2-3‬‬).

This is our hope and the glory of preaching! 

GOALS IN GODLINESS

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. The Lord has set before us his standard—goals written in His Word by the pen of His apostle,.  As Paul concludes 1 Corinthians, these are significant among his final words to that church immersed in a culture of corruption. As such, they speak to us today—particularly to God’s men, seeking to lead the church as holy men of God in an unholy age.

1) BE VIGILANT, “Be watchful.”  Keep your eyes open, lest the enemy sneaks in unawares. Sometimes, he is a roaring lion, but at other times, a subtle snake. Every quarterback knows how devastating a blind-side hit can be. When a pastor is blind-sided, it can crush his spirit and break his resolve. 

2) BE CONSISTENT,  “stand firm in the faith.”  Know what you believe. Know why you believe it. Be able to defend it.  Jude wrote, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (v.3). Do not have the backbone of a jellyfish, but that of an elephant that will not bend under pressure nor bow to compromise, but stands firm on sound doctrine.

3) BE MASCULINE, “act like men.”  The culture has become increasingly feminized and sadly this has infected the church, as we see effeminate leaders who prance around the pulpit. Thank God for women that He has designed to support and nurture the ministry. They can only do what women can and should do. But, where are the men?  God has designed them to be strong and lead. Pastors are to be manly, not sissies!

4) BE STRONG, “be strong.”  This flows out of the first three traits. When a church leader is vigilant, consistent, and masculine, then he will be a strong servant of the Lord. There will be a spiritual vitality and tenacity about him. This is strength from the Lord.  He does not rest in his own power, but is braced by grace. There is courage and conviction in battle, as he leads God’s army dressed in the whole armor of God.

5) BE LOVING, “Let all that you do be done in love.”  The pastor can be vigilant without being vicious. He can be consistent without being contentious. He can be masculine without being mean. He can be strong without being stubborn. Love should permeate all our ways. Love of the flock will help us watch over them. Love for truth will help us use Scripture for a rod against the foe, but a staff for the flock. Love for God’s design will enable us to be the men God created us to be. Love for our calling will equip us to exert strength when tempted to quit.

Man of God, arise, set your eyes and heart on these goals! 

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION: ITS MANNER AND METHOD

Church administration is not exciting to talk about, but it is essential to the task of ministry. Here is a word about the manner and method of organizing for effective service from Stephen Olford:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”– 1 Corinthians 14:40 

The literal translation of this verse is “Let all things be done becomingly and according to arrangement.” What an exhortation to all who seek to run or organize the concerns of God!

 First, all things must be done as “becoming” the Lord, worthy of the Lord, and His glory. How careful one ought to be then to see that nothing in any way casts dishonor on what is done for Him.

 Second, “according to arrangement” does away with all the well-worn ideas about no pre-arranged plans necessary. The teaching here is clear that order and arrangement must characterize all that is done for God.

 In my life and ministry, Lord, let all things be done “decently and in order.”

Olford, Stephen F.. According to Your Word (p. 147). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

THE LORD’S SUPPER: PAST, PRESENT, PROMISED

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Last Lord’s Day, I led the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church in Canton to partake of the Lord’s Supper. It had been many months since this shepherd-less flock had communion and it seemed a special time for them.

The command has been given by Christ, “do this in remembrance of Me,” (v.24). Our Lord added, “This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me,” (v.25). He said,”as often,” but not how often. Some churches will observe the Lord’s Supper weekly, others monthly, some quarterly, but I cannot imagine doing it less than quarterly, or how could it be thought of as, “often.”  It is important, and I trust that you will stress this in your ministry. Here is a digest of what I shared with the people last week, in hope that you will weigh afresh the seriousness, significance, and scope of the Lord’s Supper.  It is the scope of the Lord’s Supper in reference to time that is especially what I want to share: the Lord’s Supper, past, present, promised.

1.  THE PAST GROUND OF FAITH.  There is the command to do this “in remembrance of Me.”  The bread and the cup direct us to look back at the ground of our faith—that Jesus died to save us from our sins. This is justification. 

Jesus speaks of MY BODY WHICH IS GIVEN. As we hold that piece of unleavened bread in our hands, we are reminded of the body of Jesus—beaten, bruised, burdened—and not for crimes He committed, but for the sins we have done. On that precious brow a crown of thorns was thrust, and hammered in with the vicious blows of rods that came down on His head. His beard was pulled and His face was pummeled. His back was ripped open—torn to bloody ribbons by the scourging. Spikes were hammered into His hands and feet and a spear was thrust into His side.  Never forget what Jesus did for you!

He points us to look back at MY BLOOD WHICH IS SHED. Looking into that cup, we see the crimson color that reminds us of blood—the blood of the Lamb. Throughout Scripture we are reminded that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. All those sacrifices of animals in the Old Covenant were repeated over and over for their blood had no power to save, but testified to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world—Jesus Christ. “What can wash away my sins? Nothing, but the blood of Jesus.”

2.  THE PRESENT GATHERING OF LOVE. Read 1 Cor.11:17-22 for the context. The church was currently in a relational mess—full of discord and division. Paul rebukes them for their selfishness and strife. The Lord’s Supper was meant to bring the people together in the bond of love. This is the present aspect.  It is about sanctification.

 There is A COMMUNION WE HOLD.  This is a family meal for those born into the forever family where God is Father.  We are all served the same thing. It matters not whether you are rich or poor, young or old, male or female.  One doesn’t get more and another less. One doesn’t get served a steak while another has to eat Spam.  The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Furthermore, we see A COMMISSION WE HAVE. Paul says in v.26 that as we have the Lord’s Supper we “proclaim the Lord’s death.”  We preach the Gospel, and are reminded of our present duty to proclaim the cross to those who are lost. Jesus died for you, but also for those outside the church building walls who are on their way to hell. If we would focus more on our task to make disciples, we would have less time to cause division.

3. THE PROMISED GLORY OF HOPE “till He comes,” is the phrase that focuses our eyes on the promised joy to come. This is glorification. 

This is a call to LOOK UP. This same Jesus who left this world is coming again. Today we experience Him symbolically and spiritually, but there is coming a day when we will be with Him literally. How thrilling!  My prayer is, “Come, Lord Jesus!”  I believe we are getting close!

Then we should LOOK AHEAD. There will come a final Lord’s Supper. It might be this one. It will be superseded by another Supper that we look forward to—the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. It is described in Rev.19:6-9. “Christ will gird Himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.”

Only those who are saved are invited to this family meal. If you do not know Christ, then that is the first thing you must do. The invitation is to salvation before we are invited to supper. 

For the redeemed, the verses that follow (27-34) are important. An invitation to the Supper is a call to examination of our soul. Are we repentant? Are we right with others? Are we approaching Christ in a worthy way?

Brothers, as you lead the church in the Lord’s Supper make sure you have not only prepared your sermon, but your soul, also!

DISCIPLINED OR DISQUALIFIED?

The spiritual disciplines of the intake of God’s Word, the output of fervent prayer, and the self-denial of fasting are a trio of practices that will train you to run the course without stumbling and finish the race without faltering.  The man of God is to do holy work and that requires a consecrated character. 

It seems a regular matter to hear of a preacher caught up in scandal. Temptation came and found him unprepared to face it.  They become disqualified from ministry. It brings reproach upon God,  scorn from  the world, devastation to their family, and hurt to the body of Christ.

If so great a champion as Paul was concerned about being disqualified, then who do we think we are to ignore the real possibility?  The moment you say, “I would never,” is the time you set an appointment with failure. 

Be faithful in your preaching, but do not neglect to preach to yourself first!  That is what I am doing today, and I hope that as I speak to myself, that others will eavesdrop and be helped.

Dear God, help us not to be disqualified, but to be disciplined instead!  Take us to the cross and by the Holy Spirit put to death carnal desires, raising us to walk as Spirit-empowered men!  For the sake of and in the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

FULL HEADS BUT EMPTY HEARTS

You may have a head full of theological knowledge, but a heart empty of practical compassion. While we do not deprecate knowledge, it must be accompanied by love or it turns to promoting self rather than building saints. John Maxwell put it like this: "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

I recall participating in a funeral service when I pastored a small church in Charlotte . Some family had asked me to officiate, along with a well-known pastor of a large church in that city--a man whose face was featured on TV and whose voice was heard on radio. As I tried to engage him in conversation before the service, he treated me like a nobody. He barely spoke, and what he said was curt and condescending. My impression was that he was there to do a job and really had better things to do--especially sharing the pulpit with an unknown like me. Perhaps I misjudged him, but you only get one chance to make a first impression and this is what stuck with me.

I have purposed in my ministry to try to show care for the widow, the needy, the uneducated, the struggling--to make time for those who can do nothing in return for me. I don't always accomplish my purpose of edifying others and have fallen prey to exalting self, but then I repent and once more take up the basin and towel. I had rather build up the bruised, broken, and burdened than to use them as rungs to climb on the ladder of ministry success. If I know so much and sound so smart, while making others feel stupid, then what would that peasant Preacher from Nazareth think about me?

Weigh these words from the late Stephen Olford, who was not only powerful in the pulpit, but personable with people.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”– 1 Corinthians 8:1

The power of this spiritual truth is evidenced by its practical outworking. The apostle tells us that their “love suffers long and is kind; … is not puffed up; … thinks no evil” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). O, then to excel in this essential. Its secret lies in the work of the Holy Spirit, for He sheds abroad the love of God in the heart of the believer. Moreover, the fruit of the Spirit is love. O, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, moment by moment, day by day.

Then, and only then, shall my ministry be edifying, building up believers in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The love of Christ compels us to live, teach, and preach Christ in love. Holy Spirit, fill me with the love of Jesus Christ.

Olford, Stephen F.. According to Your Word (p. 141). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

CONTENTMENT IN YOUR CALLING

 

There is a godly ambition. I doubt much is done for the kingdom advancement apart from a drive inside to reach out, a passion to excel, and a zeal for God’s glory.  

Yet, even so, how easy it is for that to be tainted by our own sinful hearts and it becomes about our name and fame—even the perks and privileges that attach to growing opportunity and celebrity. Scripture warns us that is how a beautiful archangel became the devil of hell. He was not content with the position where he was placed, but wanted to be as God. Satan then proceeded to warp Adam and Eve with the same ambition—and all the race has the same proclivity.

Preacher, do not seek to be a ladder climber!  Die to the drive to have the biggest church, the widest renown, and the highest status.  Learn to be content with your calling. Ask God to help you excel where you are as you are.

One of the first pieces of counsel I received 45 years ago was given by one of my most significant mentors, Dale Fisher, who now serves as the Associational Mission Strategist of Caldwell Baptists in NC. He said, ”God knows where you are, and can get you where He wants you to be.”  That wisdom is rooted in the Biblical admonition given here by the Apostle, and has served me well. If heeded, it can keep you from falling into the the destructive pit of pride—and as a Christian leader you will not only jeopardize future ministry, but will drag down others with you.

Be content in your calling!

THE PRIORITY IN OUR PREACHING

There are vast areas we can and should address in sermons. In a congregation, there is an array of concerns into which the preacher should bring to bear Biblical truth. But, let us never forget that the priority of our preaching is to be the cross of Christ.  It will not be popular with everyone. Those who reject it will count it as utter foolishness, but for those who receive it the power of that cross of Christ will be transformational.  There is no other way of salvation and the message of reconciliation that is proclaimed in the cross must have primacy.  

Spurgeon is often quoted as saying, “Wherever I take a text, I make a beeline to the cross!”  Those who have researched have not found that exact quote. Be that as it may, it certainly was characteristic of his preaching, and ought to be true for us.  On the day I stand before the Lord, I doubt He will say, “You preached about the cross too often!”  May He not say, “You preached about the cross too little!”  Let others judge as they will and say, “I need to hear more than the Gospel. There are practical things in my daily life I need to hear about.”  That is what I have had said to me. But, ultimately, it is the judgment of God that matters and to the priority I have given in preaching the cross, I plead, “Guilty as charged.”

DON’T BE THAT GUY

There will always be “that guy.”  He may excel in ministry—well-known and well-dressed.  The auditorium may be full, as is his bank account.  Now, that does not mean that if you are unknown and poor  that you are more godly, nor ought we judge a mega-church pastor as being ungodly.  The former may be an incompetent boob who covets what others have with no capacity to seize it. The latter may be a faithful servant whom God has chosen to give a wider influence, but is uncorrupted by it. What I am saying is that we need to sift our own motives and message by this warning from the Apostle Paul:

“For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Romans‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

First, there is a warning concerning our motive. Avoid being self serving. What is your motive for ministry?  Are you there to serve the Lord or to serve yourself?  If your motive is wrong, it will taint everything you do.  No man can seek to promote his own name and promote the Lord’s name simultaneously.  We can take the basin and towel and honor Jesus by washing feet, or we can expect others to kiss our feet because I am “that guy,”—the Lord’s anointed, don’t you know?

Second, there is a warning concerning our message. Avoid using smooth speech. Is your message one of Scriptural fidelity or sermonic flattery?  The flatterer is one who tells people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear. There is no edge to this kind of preaching. The spiritual surgeon’s sharp Scriptural scalpel that is used to help and heal, though it hurts for a time, is discarded for a tranquilizing talk that makes the listener feel good, but ultimately is of no help. The naive never question it. They leave the church or the TV set soothed by the smooth speech, and that is what they want.

I assure you, God knows the heart and weighs our motive. He is not fooled by a golden tongue. In the Judgment, it will be exposed. The smile will be wiped off the face. In that Day, you will not want to be “that guy!”

DRESSED FOR BATTLE

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom.13:14 ESV)

I heard the late Warren Wiersbe say, “This world is not a playground, but a battleground.”  Every moment of every day, Satan is out to destroy the credibility of the preacher’s message by undermining the purity of the preacher’s morals.  Since the Devil has no power to assault our King, he attacks his soldiers. Those who command the army in the field are particularly targeted. The Dragon knows that if he can bring down the preacher, then he will have great success in routing the other troops under his leadership. 

There are two things Paul tells us we must do in order to begin the day, in order to end the day unscathed. We must put on Christ as our armor and put away access points for the enemy’s entry.

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” is the positive command. Where Paul details the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, it must be noted that this is nothing other than the fullness of Christ Himself. He is our salvation, our righteousness, the truth, our peace, our shield in whom we trust and the living Word. We are no match for the Devil. He is a supernatural foe. But, he is no match for Jesus!  As the song says, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus!”  In your daily quiet time with God in His Word and in your prayers, consciously “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”He is all we need.  He is Sovereign—“Lord,” and we must bow to Him.  He is Savior—“Jesus,” and we must trust in Him. He is Sufficient—“Christ” and we must lean on Him. 

Further, “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  We are in a hostile world, with a spiritual foe, and living in sinful flesh. Now, it is not that the body itself is necessarily evil. We can employ our body for great good. When we receive Christ, we are given a new nature. Yet, the old way of living, sinful experiences woven into the fabric of our flesh, tendencies toward particular temptations passed down from generation to generation and thereby reinforced, patterns of thinking that have programmed our minds—all that—is an enemy who is ever present. While you cannot get away from this until the resurrection and in glorified humanity we will be made perfect like unto the Son of God, now you have these fallen impulses, salivating in hunger to be gratified. Even though these temptations will find you, you are foolish to place yourself in situations where you know you are weak.  There are places we must not go, things we must not watch, people we must not company with, and so forth. To pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” and then to run into its presence is to deliver yourself to evil!

Man of God, stand your ground!  If you fall today, the enemy will use it to give occasion for others to blaspheme God and destroy the morale of those you lead.  Be dressed for battle!

PREACH LIKE JESUS

People gathered—not in an air conditioned auditorium in comfortable seats, but on a hillside in open air to sit on the grass—all to hear Jesus. They were captivated by His words and “astonished at his teaching.”  It was the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Man who ever lived. 

We will not preach a sermon to compare to that one, but there are some things we can learn that will help us be more like Jesus in our preaching.  Let me begin with the foundational principle mentioned in these verses.  It is stated positively and negatively.

The negative aspect stated was, “not as their scribes.”  The manner of the scribes was to do meticulous research and ground their authority in what other scholars had said—to quote from this rabbi or that rabbi as they droned on. While there is nothing wrong with quoting commentators and doing research as to what others have said about the text, when we get up to preach it is likely no one will be impressed by the underpinnings of the sermonic house you have constructed. If you moved into a new home, would you expect to take people into the crawl space, shine a spotlight, and say to your friends, “Would you look at those floor joists! Man, they nailed them! Have you ever seen any like them?”  Rather, I would expect you to show them the rooms and furnishings where you will live.

That brings me to the positive dimension of this—that the people were impressed “for he was teaching them as one who had authority.”  Our Lord’s authority did not rest in human opinion about God, but in heavenly revelation of God. Now, before you protest that Jesus had the advantage of being God—I know.  He spoke directly from the Father for whatever the Father said to Him, He spoke. This we cannot claim and we cannot do.

Yet, we do have His Gospel. We have the Word of God. Our authority rests in God, if we begin with study of the text for God’s Spirit to teach us and guide us into all truth. Then as we preach, we expound the text—with illustration and application that connects eternal truth with the daily life of the audience. Jesus certainly did that—using salt and light to explain influence and fowl and flower to discuss faith, for instance.  People will respond to such clarity and authority.

Let us preach with the confidence that Christ indwells us to speak through us and that we have an authoritative Word that when proclaimed in the unction of the Spirit will make an impact.

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #41

Lead the church to learn from the past, but refuse to let them live in the past. Honor tradition where it connects with Biblical principles, but reject traditionalism where it relies on personal preferences. Someone has said that tradition is the living faith of the dead, and traditionalism is the dead faith of the living!  When the fog of nostalgia for “the good old days” rolls in, this is a sure indicator that the church is in decline and needs to be reinvigorated with fresh vision. The more you hear about “how it used to be” the unhealthier the church has become and the more urgent the need for revitalization. 

Yet, there is much good we can learn from those who have gone before us. I have often said that if the church is blessed today, we enjoy the fruit of a tree someone else has planted, nurtured with their effort, and watered with their tears.  Never fail to respect that legacy, but those days are gone—never to return. The church will move on or slip back. 

The next step down from nostalgia is polarization, as people begin to argue for the heritage behind us versus those who look for the hope before us. Both groups may lose sight of the value of one another—the stability of an older generation combined with the vitality of a younger one. If they do not see that worth, then they will devour one another. Usually this ends with the younger departing and the church ages and dies.