DELIVERANCE FOR THE DISHEARTENED

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:1,16)

Church ministry has its burdens. Sometimes a load is thrust upon us that is crushing. Paul certainly felt the weight of the work—such gravity in his accountability to the Lord and immensity of his responsibility to the church. In 2 Corinthians, he once more writes to a congregation that in its infancy showed all the signs of immaturity. 1 Corinthians addresses a plethora of problems that plagued the church, as the Apostle hit these matters head on and forcefully. Now, in 2 Corinthians, the man of God would like to move on to more celebration of what God was doing among them, than confrontation of what they were failing to do. Yet, their ongoing struggles, Paul’s own battles, and the wear and tear of his duties tempted him to be disheartened. He finds the load lifted, however, by God’s provision of mercy and promise of glory in 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:11. This is expressed in two key verses (4:1,16). Here is deliverance for the disheartened. 

There is THE PROVISION OF MERCY, (4:1-15).  Paul had the opportunity to serve the Lord, because of the mercy he had received, (v. 1). The light of Christ had shone into the darkness of his sin as he travelled the road to Damascus. At that time, he hated the name of Jesus and all those who claimed to be his followers. He lived to obliterate that name by oppressing the church. That all changed when he met Jesus. He never got over that experience. When we are tempted to be disheartened by the difficulties we face in ministry—when we are tempted to complain, “God this is not fair. All I am trying to do is serve You, and now the people are biting this hand that feeds them!”—let us remember what we deserve. I should be in hell. All of us sinners should be. When we face problems here, let us know that they are nothing compared to perdition hereafter!  Yet, we have received mercy, so do not lose heart. And it was not just one time, but daily. We rejoice as did another disheartened preacher, Jeremiah:

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I 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 hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him; Let him put his mouth in the dust— There may yet be hope. Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach. For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.” (Lam. 3:21-32). 

Paul renounced his Pharisaical disposition and embraced his Gospel declaration, (v. 2). Outwardly, he was a model of piety, but inwardly a man of depravity. Religion could not change him at the core—he needed regeneration. He knew the Scripture, but did not know the Author. All that would change on the Damascus Road. 

As, we preach to people, it seems at times that there is a veil over them, that keeps them in the dark, (v. 3-4). Indeed, it is a spiritual battle we are in when we preach. Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, and our task is to open their eyes—and that requires a miracle. Yet, Paul knows such miracles can happen, for he was a recipient of such mercy. Let us then devote ourselves to the task, (v. 5-6).

Are we weak?  Of course we are. Paul is not some power of positive thinking preacher wearing rose-colored glasses. He admits to the struggle, but is resigned to the service, as he is reliant on the supernatural, (v. 7-15). As God works despite our frailty, He gets all the glory. The mention of glory takes us to our next truth that brings deliverance to the disheartened. 

There is not only the provision of mercy, there is also THE PROMISE OF GLORY, (4:16-5:11). Paul was pouring himself out day by day. But even though the wear and tear of life was taking a toll on him physically, he was gaining ground spiritually, (4:16-17). In light of the weight of glory he would know in eternity, the burdens of this world are light. They not only do not hinder the faithful preacher, but help him to gain in the reward to come. It reminds me of the old slogan that hung in our football locker room: “No pain; no gain.”

We become disheartened when we focus on the temporal, instead of the eternal, (4:18). Paul would not only be drained in Gospel work, he would die for Gospel witness—and he says, “So what?”  As Hebrews 9:27 declares, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” and Paul expounds that here, (5:1-11). It is the gravity of this that called him to preach with fervency and urgency. We will give account for our stewardship of the Word. Making excuses about how hard it is will not matter if we fail. Jesus told this parable:

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his Lord’s money. After a long time the Lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his Lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matt. 25:14-30).

Judas was such a man. He finally came to the conclusion that following Christ was too great a cost, and decided to cut his losses—selling his soul for 30 pieces of silver. What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? He sold his soul for far less! That man was a preacher—yet, a spiritual casualty. He killed himself rather than shoulder his responsibility. I have known preachers who chose to take their own life. I am not judging their eternal disposition. That is above my pay grade. The truth is that one may become so mentally vexed that their reason leaves them. Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. What I will say is that it is not the way you want to go meet God. 

This is a terrifying thought. We can know about God, yet we must be known to God. Paul testifies to the reality his experience and is confident others would affirm it, (5:11).

When we preach eternal souls hang in the balance. Our next sermon could be the last one we ever preach or the last one they ever hear. How many will go to hell from a church pew?  There will be some who go from a pulpit. They talked the talk, but did not walk the walk. Have we, as Paul, “renounced the hidden things of shame,” and are we pursuing holiness; “not walking in craftiness,” using ministry for the comforts of earth as pious frauds; “nor handling the word of God deceitfully,” in telling people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear?  

Though it is possible that one who reads these words might be deceived, it is more probable that some are only disheartened. Certainly, we all face that challenge, as did so great a man of God as Paul. Oh, weary brother—are you disheartened?  Let is look to the provision of mercy and the promise of glory, and press on. Here is an old Gospel song to encourage us:

(1) Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

(2) Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

(3) Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Amen? Amen and amen!

ALL OF GRACE

 

From start to finish, the Christian life is all of grace. Before we entered this world, God had set His sight on saving us—and not because we deserved it, but all because of grace. When we exit this world and enter glory, it will be all of grace. In between—every step of the way—it is grace that sustains us. 

We sing of that progression in John Newton’s beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace,” from the first verse stressing grace “that saved a wretch like me,” to then sing of its preciousness even more than “the hour I first believed,” which continues “through many dangers, toils, and snares…and grace will lead us home,” when in heaven we will “sing God’s praise,” for it is all of grace. 

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11, Paul stresses that amazing grace in particular relationship to Gospel ministry. What is true for the man in the pew is especially descriptive of the man in the pulpit. 

There is THE GRACE THAT SAVES, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God,” (v. 9). The Apostle had no room for boasting. He stresses the sinful state from which Christ rescued him. He never got over that transforming experience with the Risen Christ. The preacher must ever be in awe of the grace that saved us, that he may have a sense of wonder at God’s amazing grace toward him and possess a passion for the lost.

Then, there is THE GRACE THAT SELECTS, “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (v. 10a).  The Lord who saves us, selects us for gifts that He might use us in service to Him.  Again, these spiritual gifts are not merited, but are all of grace. Paul was an Apostle not because he chose that as a vocation, but because God chose him by the impartation of grace gifts. All God’s children are called and equipped to serve Him, but in varying ways. Not all are called to preach, but some are selected for that task. That we stand above the congregation and lead them is not because we are better than they, just different by God’s design, directive, and dynamic. A good preacher does not seek his own glory, but the glory of God. Apart from grace, we would not be in such a position.

Further, we find THE GRACE THAT SECURES, “and His grace toward me was not in vain,” (v. 10b). As we do cannot save ourselves, nor do we select ourselves, we can neither secure ourselves apart from the grace of God. How often we hear of preachers who stumble and fall into scandal.  Never think that it cannot happen to you. We must ever say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I!”  Yet, if we will look to God and lean on grace, the Lord’s call to us need not be in vain. Again, I remind you we may testify, 

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
We have already come
‘Twas grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

Also, we have THE GRACE THAT STRENGTHENS, “but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me,” (v. 10c). The labor of Christian ministry is too great for a mere man. It is a supernatural work demanding supernatural resources. Yet, that is what grace is all about. We labor indeed—as Paul and every other man of God who fulfills his calling does—yet, are reminded once more that it is all of grace. God’s grace not only saves, selects, and secures—it strengthens. The Lord comes alongside us and enables us.  One such incident Paul experienced is documented in Acts 27. He was a prisoner on a ship, bound to be tried in Rome, when a terrible storm made the sinking of the ship inevitable. Yet, hear the man of God, 

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts‬ 27‬:‭22‬-‭25‬‬).

Storms will come in Christian ministry.  Perhaps you are in one today. God’s grace is enough to see you through!

Finally, there is THE GRACE THAT SPEAKS,  “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed,” (v. 11).  I look back over nearly a half-century of ministry, read sermons that I have written, consider how time and again I have stood behind the sacred desk and preached, and my heart is overflowing with wonder. God has never failed to speak through this old clay pot!  It is not because of my talent, but because of the treasure God has placed in me. The Apostle said it, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us,” (2 Cor.‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬‬). Out of our mouths, God pours His message, and it powerfully changes lives, by His grace!

Let us give thanks to God for His amazing grace!

THE DANGER OF DISQUALIFICATION

 

God’s preachers are ever but one stumble from falling. There is the danger of disqualification. Paul feared it—and if such a champion was “running scared,” how much more should I be alarmed at the possibility!

Disqualification begins with IGNORANCE. The Apostle asks the question, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (v. 24). We may be ignorant of the peril, sprinting along without an awareness that Satan has set his snares to snag us. The Devil is intent on bringing the man of God down and if you think you cannot fall, then you are headed for one!

Disqualification becomes more likely through INTEMPERANCE. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.” (v. 25-26). Temperance—self-control—does not come naturally, but is the fruit of the Spirit. To the contrary, the works of the flesh mark the intemperate man. When we focus on the pleasures of this world rather than the prize of the world to come, little by little we weaken by intemperance. Paul says you have to fight to stay fit!

Disqualification becomes inevitable through INDIFFERENCE. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (v. 27‬‬). Ignore the warnings of the Holy Spirit, become indifferent to the proper nutrition from the Word of God, and the prayerful direction in seeking the face of God—and this spiritual atrophy of the faith muscles turns a potential champion into a pastoral casualty. We are often shocked when we hear of someone who has stumbled—someone once held in high regard and now a stain on the church’s testimony.  It did not happen all at once. The practice of spiritual disciplines is not optional!

I think of King Saul. He was a man of such potential. God might have used him, but in his arrogance, he did not draw close to the Lord, and in the end he lost his crown!  It can happen to any of us. It can happen to me. As I am headed down the homestretch toward the finish line, I must be ever conscious of the danger of disqualification, “lest having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”  If I do not deny self, die to sin, and direct my heart to the Savior, then I am headed for a fall. 

When you hear of a preacher in shameful scandal, never say, “I would never!”  Instead cast yourself on the grace and mercy of God, and plead, “Jesus hold me up, or I will fall!”

I am praying for my brother preachers today and ask you to pray for me.

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.

A MINISTRY PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

 

Doing what is good is pleasing to God. All we are and all we do is ever in His sight and our passion should be to gain His approval. Oh to hear our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master,” (Matt. 25:21)!  Yet, many will not hear those words. What they will hear is, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,’” (Matt. 25:42). But, it need not have been. Hell was prepared for Satan, not for men and women. Indeed, God’s heart is expressed here, that He, “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  The church has one mission—the Great Commission—to share the Gospel.

The early church got it. They went in obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit and souls were saved and baptized and discipled.  There were several factors in this. We will not examine all of them, but look at what Paul emphasized to the young pastor Timothy. This shows how to have a ministry pleasing in the sight of God. You don’t have to please me. You don’t have to please your members. But, you must seek to please your Master!  How?

A ministry pleasing in the sight of God is one WHERE THE PREACHERS FOCUS ON PRIORITIES, (v. 1-7). “First of all…” focuses on priorities.  They are—in order—prayer and preaching—intercession and then comes instruction. You recall that in the early days of the church, conflict arose. The Greek speaking widows felt they were being neglected in the distribution of food in comparison to what was given to the Hebrew speaking widows. What did they do?  What churches always do—dumped it in the laps of the preachers. Fix it, they cried. Here was the response, 

“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’” (Acts 6:2-4). Prayer and preaching, prayer and preaching, prayer and preaching—and this was the result of those focused priorities: “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

Weigh then, the priority of prayer, (v. 1-3). Jesus did not tell His church to begin with preaching, but with prayer. They were to tarry in Jerusalem until the Day of Pentecost had come. They prayed for 10 days, preached for 10 minutes, and 3000 souls were saved!  We pray for 10 minutes, preach for 10 days, and if 3 people get saved we declare revival has come!  

There is much to do after we pray, but nothing until we pray. Every occasion offers opportunity for prayer. 

We are to offer, “supplications.”  We pray when a need arises in our lives and in the lives of others. Jesus told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” (Matt. 6:11). 

We are to offer, “prayers.”  In this case, it is referring to communion with God specifically. Prayer is worship. It is coming into the presence of God by saying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matt. 6:9). 

We are to offer “intercessions.”  This is where we plead on behalf of others, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” (Matt. 6:10). This is intercession for the Kingdom of God to be manifest on earth. 

We intercede for leaders—“for kings, and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way,” (v. 2). If we were as committed to prayer as we are consumed with politics, we might see God work in the government!  Leonard Ravenhill put it this way, “The answer to the national dilemma is not the Oval Room of the White House, but the upper room in God’s house.”

Further, we intercede for the lost. Jesus said that prayer is about forgiveness and deliverance from evil. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:12-13). We intercede and join the Great Intercessor—(v. 5-6), since the Savior “desires all people to be saved,” or as Peter put it, God is, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” (2 Peter. 3:9b). Such praying honors God in the salvation of souls. 

We are to offer, “thanksgivings,” “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:13). We give thanks to God that His kingdom will triumph, His power will  prevail, and His glory will be manifested in all things for all time.

Those in Gospel ministry cannot fulfill their calling apart from calling on the Lord. We also need the support of godly men and women serving as our prayer partners, (v. 8-9a). 

After prayer, comes the priority of preaching, (v. 4-7). Sinners will not be saved apart from the preaching of the Word. The saved will not be sanctified apart from the preaching of the Word. 

Paul was, “appointed a preacher”. It is a calling from God. God only had one Son and He made Him a preacher. Do not stoop to be a President, if God has called you to be a preacher. 

He was an “apostle.”  While it is true that none share that office today, we can fulfill the function of being, “a sent one,” as the name means. It is a commission from God to evangelize. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

He was “a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”  We are to make disciples—“teaching them all things,” Jesus said in the Great Commission.  

If the preaching of the Word of God does not do it, it won’t get done!  I think of John Bunyan’s description of Interpreter in Pilgrim’s Progress.  It symbolizes the preacher.

Christian saw the picture of a very grave Person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it, It had eyes lifted up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, the Law of Truth was written upon his lips, the World was behind his back; it stood as if pleading with men, and a Crown of gold did hang over its head.

A ministry pleasing to God is one where the preachers focus their priorities and WHERE THE GENDERS FULFILL THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, (v. 8-15).  The genders are described as, “men,” and “women.”  Only two. From the dawn of creation until the end of time—there are only male and female. The insanity of sexual perversity and gender fluidity is the last stage of a culture before its demise. Sadly, the church is being shaped by the culture instead of the church shaping the culture. The supplanting of men as spiritual leaders in the home and church begins that decline. Often, it is not just women who seek to be dominant that is the cause, but men who are effeminate and abdicate their God-assigned roles.  

This is not a matter of equality in personhood. There is an equal dignity in creation. God made both male and female. He created us different, but not one superior and the other inferior. I love how Matthew Henry stated it:

Yet man being made last of the creatures, as the best and most excellent of all, Eve’s  being made after Adam, and out of him, puts an honour upon that sex, as the glory of the man, 1 Co. 11:7. If man is the head, she is the crown, a crown to her husband, the crown of the visible creation. The man was dust refined, but the woman was dust double-refined, one remove further from the earth. …

That the woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.

Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 10). Hendrickson.

There is an equal dignity in the new creation. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28). The ground is level at the foot of the cross. 

Yet, there are obvious differences in how God has designed men and women in function. There is equality in dignity, but not in duty. Women can do things men cannot. The most obvious is having babies. Men can do things women cannot—that is to supply the seed to generate those babies. Biology and theology are wed together in God’s creation order. Truth is truth in whatever realm it is found whether the Scriptures or in science. God is the source of all truth. The dignity of our gender is not restricted by God’s design, but liberated to be all He has made us to be as male and female.

The man’s responsibility is to lovingly lead in the home and the church. They can only lead as they are led—and seeking God in prayer is a vital part of that, (v. 8). We are told where men are to pray—“in every place.”  We are told about how they should pray, “lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”  Men who take their wife by the hand and gather their children around for prayer are far less likely to see their spouse and kids in rebellion.  When the altar in the home is established, the altar in the church will be exalted.

The woman’s responsibility is to loyally submit to her husband in the home and to the elders in the house of God, (v. 9-15). 

They demonstrate submission in their dress, (v. 9). Respectability and restraint are called for. Modesty is a forgotten quality in society and this Jezebel spirit has infiltrated the church.  Some church women’s attire is scandalous. Thank God for women of modesty!

They demonstrate submission in their deeds, (v. 10). Women work for God when they labor in the home, the church, and the community. Every member of the church is to be a minister. There is ministry for women as well as men. If the women in our churches stopped serving, the doors would have to be shut. Thank God for women of industry!

They demonstrate submission in their disposition, (v. 11-14). This is not a prohibition from women teaching or testifying. They can and should pray to God and present the Gospel. This is about church leadership—specifically the pastor/teacher. Women are not to be elders in the church. They are not to exercise the authority of a shepherd over other men. Again, Paul takes us back to Genesis. God made Adam first, so man is intended to be the initiator. Adam sinned through the influence of his wife, while Eve sinned from the deception of the serpent. This gets at the heart of how God has wired us up. Not one superior to the other, just different from the other. Maintaining doctrinal integrity is of fundamental importance. Women are more inclined to soften the edge of difficult texts. When a church places women in the pulpit, doctrinal drift is inevitable. They are not meant to pilot the Gospel ship. Thank God for women of humility!

They demonstrate submission in their devotion, (v. 15). Her devotion to her children brings the greatest fulfillment she may know. That is the meaning of “saved through childbearing.”  She is saved from insignificance by this great privilege. As the poet said, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”  Her devotion to her family is bound with her devotion to the Father. She is said to abide “in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”  Thank God for women of fertility!

The hatred of Satan has always been directed toward children. God’s pronouncement of judgment upon the devil was this, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15). Thus, Satan began his effort to destroy the woman’s seed that would crush his head. He inspired Cain to kill his brother Abel. Pharaoh commanded the male Hebrew children to be slain. Herod commands the children of Bethlehem slaughtered. But, he could not prevent Jesus—the seed of woman—from being born. Satan’s doom is sure. Yet, this does not stop Satan’s rage against children. They are brutally butchered by abortion and it is celebrated in our demonic age. Professing Christian men and women are delaying marriage and deferring childbearing with the result that fewer and fewer godly offspring are produced—and the churches age and weaken and die—while Satan laughs. 

This is the design—that men and women would marry and produce godly offspring. Yet, there are some selected saints who will not marry and some who marry that do not have children. Being single does not make one of less value.  You can live without a spouse if that is the will of God and devote yourself to the Kingdom of God, and be like Jesus who never married. Likewise, a married couple may not be physically capable of having children. Yet, they too are not less than others as Jesus never had biological children. So, we do not minimize the worth of these exceptional men and women, but recognize that these are the exceptions.  Again, we have Scriptural guidance in these matters, also, (Matt. 19:10-12; 1 Cor. 7). Fostering and adoption ought to be prayerfully considered by childless couples, as adoption is a Biblical concept and act of love as well. 

These are uncomfortable truths, but must be preached, nonetheless. We will answer to God. I want to be faithful so He will judge me “good and pleasing,” in that Great Day I stand before Him!

A SACRED STEWARDSHIP

Pastors have a sacred stewardship. Paul underscores this by his personal example and pointed exhortation in 1 Timothy 1. He speaks of “the stewardship from God that is by faith,” (v. 4). A steward was one who was “entrusted,” (v. 11) with his master’s riches as a household manager. This was his “charge,” (v. 5, 18)—the “appointing…to his service,” (v. 12). In this case, Paul was entrusted with the glorious Gospel. Paul testifies that His Master, “Christ Jesus our Lord…judged me faithful,” (v. 12). Now, he will say to his young protege, “This charge I entrust to you Timothy,” (v. 18). This is the sacred stewardship of every God-called preacher.

The Apostle begins with THE GREETING, (v. 1-2). This is more than a formality, but sets the context for this pastoral letter. Paul immediately identifies himself as the author, speaking with authority as “an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope,” (v. 1). He is fulfilling his calling by enlisting and equipping “Timothy, my true child in the faith,” (v. 2). It is vital to the church’s continued witness to raise up future leaders. As an apostle, Paul is not offering good suggestions about what might work in a local church, but demanding God’s essentials as imperatives. 

God is our Savior—the Father who has ordained salvation’s plan, and Christ Jesus is our hope—the One who is the object of faith who has brought redemption. Our only hope is in a relationship with Him by faith in Him. Now, we have the responsibility to carry that message to the ends of the earth. Through the preaching of the Gospel, we are regenerated as Timothy, “a true child in the faith,” (v. 2a). 

The Gospel is one of “grace.”  We receive what we could never deserve—heaven. It is one of “mercy.”  We do not receive what we do deserve—hell. The Gospel is one of “peace.”  God is no longer at war with us, as we have surrendered to Him. Peace with God flows from the grace and mercy we have experienced. This is the Gospel we are to faithfully proclaim.

Next, Paul warns of THE GODLESS, (v. 3-10). Timothy is warned of those who would dilute the truth with liberalism or distort the truth with legalism—but, either way, godless messengers preach a perverse message and promote godlessness in their hearers.  False teachers will either subtract from the Gospel or add to the Gospel—and, thus, subvert the Gospel.

Satan does not always undermine the church by direct confrontation, but often through subtle infiltration. They “teach…different doctrine,” of “myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations,” (v. 3-4). The faithful preacher must found his message and fortify the members on the pure Gospel of Christ. This means he will not only speak the truth, but confront its twisting by false teachers. 

Older pastors have the duty to the church to raise up younger men who are throughly vetted, solidly instructed, and consistently monitored as to their faithfulness to the Gospel. The results will be “love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,” (v. 5). 

“Swerving,” from the truth, (v. 6) is to wind up in a wreck.  Satan does not care which ditch he diverts the pastor into—liberalism or legalism—the church is off the straight and narrow road of truth.  The opposite effect of the Gospel is experienced: schism instead of “love,” a perverse heart instead of “a pure heart,” a guilty conscience instead of “a good conscience,” and fraudulent faith instead of “a sincere faith.”  False teachers may speak eloquently and carry an air of authority, but they have “wandered away into vain discussion…without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions,” (v. 6-7). 

Paul hits the matter of legalism head on in verses 8-10. The law of God is good for it is of God who is only good. It is an expression of His holiness. The problem is not in the law, but in us. We cannot keep it. An external code can condemn us, but cannot change us. That can only be accomplished by the Gospel which internally transforms us. The proper preaching of the law is meant to convict us of sin and call us to salvation in Christ alone. It is meant to drive us in despair to Him.

This brings us to THE GOSPEL, (v. 11-20). Our preaching is to be “in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which [we] have been entrusted,” (v. 11). This is the sacred stewardship of the preacher. The law is only bad news as it condemns us, but this message is good news—the literal meaning of “gospel,” in that is converts us. It is glorious for it is all of God’s grace and thus for His glory. We are accountable to Him for faithfulness in preaching it, (v. 12).

Paul bears testimony to the power of the Gospel that transformed him. He had been “a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent,” of Christ, (v. 13a). But the Lord had extended “mercy,” in his ignorance and unbelief, (v. 13b). Overflowing grace washed him as he came to faith in Christ and love for Christ, (v. 14). It was a radical change from a man who saw himself as the foremost of sinners, (v. 15). He is an example of the difference the Gospel makes, (v. 16). How grateful we should be for God’s “patience,” in bringing us to Himself and exclaim with the Apostle, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (v.17). 

Paul concludes by driving home the seriousness of our stewardship, (v. 18-20). We are on a battleground not a playground, (v. 18). We must be tenacious in holding onto faith and a good conscience. The church is a Gospel battleship, and to fail to chart a straight course is to make “shipwreck of…faith.” Paul pointedly presents Hymenaeus and Alexander as false teachers. They had been excommunicated from the church—where Satan would hurt them, in hopes that the discipline would bring them to repentance and restoration, (cf. 1 Cor. 5).  We had best take the stewardship of the Gospel seriously, for it is evident that God does!

GET UP AND GET GOING

 

Doubtless, there have been times that your “get up and go” got up and went!  Maybe today you feel that way. As a pastor, I recall weeks where I had hospital visits, multiple funerals, perhaps counseling a couple in marital crisis, a committee meeting, Bible lessons to prepare, phone calls to field, and besides all this, children to take to school, ballgames to attend, grass to mow, and you come to Saturday. You know what follows—Sunday!  For the preacher, it is the biggest day of the week, and you have given until you are “give out.”  Catch your breath, grab a cup of coffee—and prepare your heart to preach. Here are some thoughts to strengthen you. 

THE LORD IS OUR MAKER, “For of Him…”.  He knew us and knit us together in our mother’s womb. God, in His sovereign work, formed a unique creation in you and me. The circumstances that we find ourselves in are because He has placed us there. Our potential and limitations are according to His formation of us. Surrender yourself as human clay in the Potter’s hands. Paul put it this way, “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor.‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬‬). 

THE LORD IS OUR MEDIATOR, “and through Him…”. The Father so loved you that He sent His Son to suffer as no other to redeem you. It is through this atoning work that we are fit for heaven. Because Christ is our Mediator, we are not only fit for heaven, but to do heaven’s work here below. Others need to know of the grace that can save a wretch like them. We attest to it, for He saved such wretches as we are. Truly, it is the business of every believer to bear witness to the saving work of Christ, but God has called His preachers to set the standard.  Paul exhorted a young (perhaps tired) Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” (2 Tim.‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬‬). 

THE LORD IS OUR MOTIVATOR, “and to Him are all things…”.  When tempted to throw up our hands in frustration or throw in the towel in defeat, remember this—it is not about us, but the Lord. The rationalizations we can make for giving up will be amply supplied by Satan. Indeed, we can probably come up with a few on our own!  Job’s wife offered this discouraging word, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). The bottom line is this: it is not the expectation of others, the commendation of colleagues, the recognition by church members, the remuneration that pays the bills—it is the passion to honor Christ that is our motivation, “to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

NECESSITY OF MINISTERIAL PROGRESS, Part 2

In a previous study, we considered Spurgeon’s words about making progress in the ministry in terms of mental requirements. This lesson is about moral responsibilities. 

Brethren, we must be even more earnest to go forward in moral qualities. Let the points I shall mention here come home to those who shall require them, but I assure you I have no special persons among you in my mind's eye. We desire to rise to the highest style of ministry, and if so, even if we obtain the mental and oratorical qualifications, we shall fail, unless we also possess high moral qualities.  

There are evils which we must shake off, as Paul shook the viper from his hand, and there are virtues which we must gain at any cost.  

Self-indulgence has slain its thousands; let us tremble lest we perish by the hands of that Delilah. Let us have every passion and habit under due restraint: if we are not masters of ourselves we are not fit to be leaders in the church.   

We must put away all notion of self importance. God will not bless the man who thinks himself great. To glory even in the work of God the Holy Spirit in yourself is to tread dangerously near to self-adulation. "Let another praise thee, and not thine own lips," and be very glad when that other has sense enough to hold his tongue.   

We must also have our tempers well under restraint. A vigorous temper is not altogether an evil. Men who are as easy as an old shoe are generally of as little worth. I would not say to you, "Dear brethren, have a temper," but I do say, If you have it, control it carefully." I thank God when I see a minister have temper enough to be indignant at wrong, and to be firm for the right; still, temper is an edged tool, and often cuts the man who handles it. "Gentle, easy to be entreated," preferring to bear evil rather than inflict it, this is to be our spirit. If any brother here naturally boils over too soon, let him mind that when he does do so he scalds nobody but the devil, and then let him boil away.   

We must conquer–some of us especially–our tendency to levity. A great distinction exists between holy cheerfulness, which is a virtue, and that general levity, which is a vice. There is a levity which has not enough heart to laugh, but trifles with everything; it is flippant, hollow, unreal. A hearty laugh is no more levity than a hearty cry. I speak of that religious veneering which is pretentious, but thin, superficial, and insincere about the weightiest matters. Godliness is no jest; nor is it a mere form. Beware of being actors. Never give earnest men the impression that you do not mean what you say, and are mere professionals. To be burning at the lip and freezing at the soul is a mark of reprobation. God deliver us from being superfine and superficial; may we never be the butterflies of the garden of God.   

At the same time, we should avoid everything like the ferocity of bigotry.   

I know a class of religious people who, I have no doubt, were born of a woman, but they appear to have been suckled by a wolf. I have done them no dishonor; were not Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, so reared? Some warlike men of this order have had sufficient mental power to found dynasties of thought; but human kindness and brotherly love consort better with the kingdom of Christ. We are not to go about the world searching out heresies, like terrier dogs sniffing for rats; nor are we to be so confident of our own infallibility as to erect ecclesiastical stakes at which to roast all who differ from us, not, tis true, with fagots of wood, but with those coals of juniper, which consist of strong prejudice and cruel suspicion.  In addition to all this, there are mannerisms, and moods, and ways which I cannot now describe, against which we must struggle, for little faults may often be the source of failure, and to get rid of them may be the secret of success. Count nothing little which even in a small degree hinders your usefulness; cast out from the temple of your soul the seats of them that sell doves as well as the traffickers in sheep and oxen.   

And, dear brethren, we must acquire certain moral faculties and habits, as well as put aside their opposites. He will never do much for God who has not integrity of spirit. If we be guided by policy, if there be any mode of action for us but that which is straightforward, we shall make shipwreck before long. Resolve, dear brethren, that you can be poor, that you can be despised. that you can lose life itself, but that you cannot do a crooked thing. For you, let the only policy be honesty.   

May you also possess the grand moral characteristic of courage. By this we do not mean impertinence, impudence, or self-conceit; but real courage to do and say calmly the right thing, and to go straight on at all hazards, though there should be none to give you a good word. I am astonished at the number of Christians who are afraid to speak the truth to their brethren. 

 I thank God I can say this, there is no member of my church, no officer of the church, and no man in the world to whom I am afraid to say before his face what I would say behind his back. Under God I owe my position in my own church to the absence of all policy, and the habit of saying what I mean. The plan of making things pleasant all round is a perilous as well as a wicked one. If you say one thing to one man, and another to another, they will one day compare notes and find you out, and then you will be despised. The man of two faces will sooner or later be the object of contempt, and justly so. Above all things avoid cowardice, for it makes men liars. If you have anything that you feel you ought to say about a man, let the measure of what you say be this–-" How much dare I say to his face?" You must not allow yourselves a word more in censure of any man living. If that be your rule, your courage will save you from a thousand difficulties, and win you lasting respect.   

Having the integrity and the courage, dear brethren, may you be gifted with an indomitable zeal. Zeal–what is it? How shall I describe it? Possess it, and you will know what it is. Be consumed with love for Christ, and let the flame burn continuously, not flaming up at public meetings and dying out in the routine work of every day. We need indomitable perseverance, dogged resolution, and a combination of sacred obstinacy, self-denial, holy gentleness, and invincible courage.

God, grant it to be so in my life and all those who read these words!