GOD WORKING IN OUR WORK

There is that street you feel moved to go and work in, — God has been there before you. Do you not remember how, when His children had to go and destroy the Canaanites, the Lord sent the hornet before them? Now, when you have to go and preach to sinners, God sends some preparatory work before you, He is sure to do so.  

In other cases God works afterwards; sometimes, immediately afterwards; at other times, years afterwards.  There are different sorts of seeds in the world. The seeds of some plants and trees, unless they undergo a peculiar process, will not grow for years. There is something about them which preserves them intact for a long time, but in due season the life-germ shoots forth: and there are certain kinds of men who do not catch the truth at the time it is uttered, and it lies hidden away in their souls till, one day, under peculiar circumstances, they recollect what they heard, and it begins to  affect their hearts.  

If we work, and God works with us, what is there that we may not expect? Therefore, the great need of any working church is for God to work with them, and therefore this ought to be our daily confession, that we need God to work with us.  We must always realize that we are nothing apart from His working; we must not pretend to compliment the Holy Ghost by now and then talking about Him, as though it were the  proper thing to say that of course the Holy Spirit must work. It must be a downright matter of fact with us that the Holy Spirit must work, as much as it would be with a miller that his sails could not go round without the wind; and then we must act as  the miller does. He sets his sails and tries to catch the wind from whatever quarter it blows; and we must try to work in such a way that the Holy Ghost is likely to bless us. I do not think the Holy Ghost will bless some service that is done even by well-meaning people, because if He did, it would seem as if He had set His seal to a great deal that was not according to the mind of the Lord. Let us so act in our work, that there is never the smudge of a dirty thumb across the page, and nothing of pride, or self-seeking, or hot-headedness, but that all is done humbly, dependently, hopefully, and always in a holy and gracious spirit, so that we may expect the Holy Spirit to own and bless it. That will, of course, involve that everything must be done prayerfully, for our Heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him; and we must ask for this greatest of blessings, that God the Holy Spirit may work with our work.  

Then we must believe in the Holy Spirit, and believe to the highest degree, so as never to be discouraged or think  anything difficult. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Can  anything be difficult to the Holy Spirit? It is a grand thing often to get into deep water so as to be obliged to swim; but we like to keep our feet touching the sand. What a mercy it is to feel that you cannot do anything, for then you must trust in God and God alone, and feel that He is quite equal to any emergency! Thus trusting, and thus doing His bidding, we shall not fail. Come, Holy Spirit, and work with all Thy people now!  Come and rouse us to work; and when we are bestirred to a holy energy, then work Thou with us!  

(Spurgeon, Service and Honor, pp. 29-31, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, pub. Kindle Edition). 

THE GREATEST GOAL IN MINISTRY

We all have goals in life. Preachers have them too. Sadly, our goals often set the bar much lower than what God would have for us. To be a man of God who fruitfully serves the Lord, we are to pursue love for God and our fellowman. That is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 as the pinnacle of our passion and pursuit in Gospel ministry. 

A preacher is about effective communication—and rightly so. Yet, the Apostle warns that soaring oratory that wows the congregation is ineffective unless motivated by love for the One we speak of and the ones we speak to. Without love, we are just a lot of noise insofar as the Eternal Judge is concerned.  If we are not careful, we may be more obsessed with impressing our hearers instead of leading them to be captivated with Christ.

A preacher should pursue theology—getting deep into his knowledge of the Word. It is commendable to grasp the prophetic Scriptures and be able to share eschatological insights with excellence. Yet, if we want to awe the people with our knowledge instead of leading them to be in awe of the Lord who is returning we have utterly failed. Our goal is to love the Lord who is coming again and to create a longing in the hearts of the hearers to desire Him. When there is love for the Lord and the congregation then that will be our goal. Should people walk away amazed at our knowledge we have failed.  Our objective is for them to leave the message enamored with the hope of seeing the Lover of their souls coming in the clouds.

A preacher ought to engage in service. Sacrifice and Gospel ministry walk hand in hand. Yet, even the giving of our time, talent, and treasure may be motivated for others to brag on us and give us a pat on the back.  

Recall how Jesus spoke of the religious leaders of His day who fasted—not to seek God, but to seek men’s applause. He told of the same ones who gave—not out of concern for the good of others, but for the commendation of others. Then, Jesus warned of how these self-centered men prayed magnificent prayers—all for show, as those prayers rose no higher than the ceiling. Such service is all, “hay, wood, and straw,” burned up at the Judgment Seat of Christ without eternal reward, (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15).

Paul exhorts us to love. He tells us what love does not do and what love will do. We may fail to speak as we would want, to know all we ought, and to attain all we might wish in ministry. Yet, if we relentlessly pursue love, then we are successful as God evaluates it. 

I will reach the end of ministry with still a lot more to learn. But, if I have sought to be a man of faith, hope, and love—and to lead those I have served to be the same, then I have been aiming at the right target. Even of those three great Christian virtues, love is preeminent. It is the greatest goal in ministry. Don’t take my word for it—Paul wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 2–BE STRONG!

The Christian life is not just difficult—it is impossible. There has only been one Person who has perfectly lived the Christian life and that is Christ Himself. The bad news is you can’t do it.  The good news is you don’t have to—for Christ is in you to live His life through you.  

You are not saved by the work of Christ and sanctified by your work.  It is all of Christ and therefore all of grace. Elsewhere, Paul stated, “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him” (Col. 2:6). He described his own experience this way, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)—all Christ is for all God demands. 

There are three areas Paul describes in 2 Timothy 2 that demand God’s power to be at work in us, so we can be strong.

BE STRONG IN SERVING (v. 1-7). We are saved to serve. See Paul’s stress on our “aim is to please,” the Lord (v.4); as “a worker,” (v.15); that is, we are “a vessels…ready for every good work” (v. 20-21); being “the Lord’s servant,” (v. 24). 

The Apostle shares INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVANTS (v. 1-2). For the demands of Christian service, we can be “strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  Yet, this grace is not given to Lone Rangers who serve in isolation, but God gifts the different members of the Body of Christ to accomplish more together than they could ever by themselves.  

The strength of massive redwood trees that tower into the sky, and have resisted storms for millennia, is found in their extending roots that interlock with other redwoods. They stand and grow together! 

Look at the discipleship chain here. You be faithful to find others who are faithful that can in turn raise up more to be faithful.  Don’t forget that God means for your home to be a discipleship factory as well, (cf.1:5).  

Next, we note ILLUSTRATIONS OF SERVANTS (v. 3-7). 

The first illustration is that of a soldier on the battlefield (v. 3-4). There is a dedication required—a painful price to pay for commitment. We are to be faithful and focused—seeking to please Christ our Commander.  

The second illustration is of a sportsman in the arena (v. 5).There is a discipline demanded—for no athlete excels without intensity and integrity. You can’t take shortcuts or you are disqualified. How many “winners,” become “loser,” disqualified for performance enhancing drugs? The Bible is our rulebook!  

The third illustration is of a sower in the harvest (v. 6). There is a determination required. Hard work and hopeful waiting join hands in the field. For the farmer there is toil and trust, effort and expectation, patience and productivity. 

We must be strong in serving.  Furthermore, BE STRONG IN SUFFERING (v. 8-13). Paul underscores suffering here (v.9)  At the center of Christian faith stands a cross. Jesus summons us to come and die.  Yet, the way we live is to die (v. 11).

Consider, THE STANDARD OF SUFFERING (v. 8-9). “Remember Jesus Christ”—as the supreme standard of suffering. He never asks us to go where He has not been. Paul was following in His Master’s steps up the Calvary Road.  

The writer of Hebrews put it, 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬)

Even as Christ by His death conquered the power of death, Paul’s chains did not bind the Gospel, but liberated it. No grave could confine Christ and no prison can shackle the Gospel!  

So, we are called to THE SHARING OF SUFFERING (v.10-13) “with him” is repeated three times. It is in union with Christ that we have His might to enable us.  Look back at 1:8 where we are bidden to share in suffering for the sake of the Gospel.  

There is a mystery in the sovereign election of God and the responsibility of man to obtain it—along with the agency of witnesses to communicate it (v.10).  

First, the cross and then the crown; first, pain and then the prize!  His faithfulness will keep you faithful—this is the perseverance of the saints (v.11) and note the “if.”  When we see some fall away, it doesn’t mean that the promises of God have failed, but that Christ did not truly indwell them, for those He is in abide in Him! 

Be strong in serving, suffering, and BE STRONG IN STUDYING (v.14-26). Paul emphasizes, “the word of truth,” (v.15); warns of those who have, “swerved from the truth,” (v.18); those “able to teach” (v. 24), and mentioning, “the knowledge of the truth,” (v. 25).  

God’s grace is required to open our reception of the truth, our comprehension of the truth, and in our application of the truth. We do not study the Bible as we would a textbook, written by men, but as a supernatural message inspired by God. It is the sword of the Spirit in the valiant soldier’s hand. It is the standard of the Scripture in the victorious sportsman’s hand. It is the seed of our salvation in the faithful sower’s hand. 

God’s grace in the Word is FOR DISCERNMENT (v.14-21).  We discern what is primary and worth fighting for and what is peripheral and worthless fighting over (v.14). There are hills to die on, but don’t make mountains out of molehills, because such nit-picking over non-essentials only brings ruin to the audience. 

There is diligence required for studying Scripture,(v.15).  I challenge you to be a student of the Word, but sadly many will splash around in the shallow end of the pool rather than plunge into the deep end. 

Why? 

It’s hard. It takes discipline!  Because of Scriptural illiteracy, there is spiritual immaturity and many fall prey to godless babble and gangrenous error (v.16-18). 

Just because an author is a best-seller or a preacher has a big following doesn’t mean you should blindly swallow what they are saying!  You need to see if what I am telling you aligns with God’s Word. 

Look at Paul’s warning in Ephesians 4:13-16, as he urges us onwards:

“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Failure in discernment is why you will have pastors and church folk who will endorse abortion and embrace perversion!  The professed faith of many is futile, but for those whose minds are saturated with Scripture, their foundation is firm (v.19). 

What kind of church member are you—a vessel for honorable use or dishonorable use?  (v. 20-21). A china plate or a chamber pot?  If you cannot discern the difference, don’t invite me over for a meal at your house!  

The kind of member you are will depend on the kind of student you are—particularly, from whom you learn. Paul was an honorable vessel—a special instrument set apart for the Master, and prepared for every good work. 

In contrast, Hymanaeus and Philetus were dishonorable vessels.  Timothy needed to purge his mind from such garbage they were spewing (v. 21), so he might follow Paul’s example and be an honorable vessel too. There is a connection between theology and morality, between conviction and conduct, doctrine and devotion. Let a man depart from the truth of the Word and he will soon descend into the trash of the world. 

God’s grace in the Word is for discernment, and also FOR DELIVERANCE (v. 22-26). It is not surprising then that Paul moves from the warning about shunning false teaching to fleeing filthy living.  We must be reminded that knowing the truth is good, but not good enough.  We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, lest we deceive ourselves as James warns, (cf. James 1:22). 

May God deliver us from the sinful passions of our youth (v. 22a)!  By the way, you don’t have to be a youth to succumb to the sins of youth.  You can be a dirty old man!  The grace that comes to us from the Word is to guard us from evil, so we can flee it, but also to guide us into holiness that we may follow it, namely, “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (v. 22b). 

The church is to be a hothouse where members are plants that are rooted and grow into fruitful believers, “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart,” (v. 22c). In tending tender young plants, preachers and teachers cannot be brutal, but must be gentle—not demanding, but patient (v. 23-24).  Jesus’ model was, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench” (Matt.12:20). Sinners aren’t the enemy.  They are brainwashed by Satan. Therefore, we are to love them and lead them to Jesus!

SAYING GOODBYE

Every pastor will come to the end of his tour of duty at the church he serves.  I am currently interim pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, but have already told a them that in four weeks it will be my final Sunday with them in that capacity. Like Paul “we [will] come to the end of those days.”

I recall the first time this happened, on my final night in the first church I pastored—Cane River Baptist Church. I sat in my car—just the Lord and me—and wept my eyes out. It was hard to say goodbye. For three and one half years, I had been with them and come to love them. They were family. These mostly senior saints had taken a young twenty-something and allowed him to “cut his teeth” in ministry. They had been so patient and kind.

Each church brought a similar experience. Saying farewell is tough. Yet, it is a reality. Some men are even forced out. That is a different and and even more difficult departure. But, none of them are easy. 

Yet, sooner or later it will happen. If we are not taken away in a moving van, then we will be removed in a casket—or perhaps the rapture. But the final sermon will be preached by us in that pulpit eventually. 

This precious scene of Paul gathered with these member of his spiritual family, getting ready to board the ship and sail into the unknown, touches us at the deepest level. The Apostle was sailing into a storm of suffering. 

    And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not  knowing the things that will happen to me             there, except that  the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and  tribulations await me.         But none of these things move me; nor  do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race          with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord  Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of         God.” (Acts‬ ‭ 20‬:‭22‬-‭24‬‬)  

May we have the same spirit—coming or going or abiding—pouring out our lives for Christ and His church. Let us run to the finish line and cross with victory. Brush away the tears and rejoice that we have been privileged to be called by God’s grace, sustained by it, and able to testify of it!

A CHOSEN VESSEL

God informed Ananias that Saul of Tarsus—better known as Paul the Apostle—would be “a chosen vessel.”  In His sovereign grace, the Lord Jesus saved him and would set him apart to serve Him. Christ made the choice to reveal Himself and Saul chose to respond to His call. Those who are set apart for God’s use have no reason to boast of their worthiness, but only to glory in the grace of God. We are mere vessels that He pours into that we may pour out His Word.

Paul’s task would be to take the saving name of Jesus to all the world—Gentiles, Jews, even kings. It is such a privilege to represent the King of kings—to be His ambassador, (cf. 2 Cor. 4:20-21). 

While it is a privilege, it comes with a price.  Paul was to be told upfront that he would suffer much for the cause of Christ. As His ambassadors, we travel into hostile territory, and our message while welcomed by some, will bring the wrath of many. The world has a measure of tolerance—at least indifference—to religion. It is the exclusivity of the Gospel—the name of Jesus as the only means where one must be saved—that is the demand that ignites the world’s fury. 

There are several characteristics of a chosen vessel suggested in Acts 9:10-25. 

First, we see PRAYER.  Ananias was told of Saul of Tarsus, “behold, he is praying,” (v. 11). As natural as an infant who is born, crying out at his or her arrival, this is indicative of a spiritual birth into the family of God. Instinctively, we know we must pray. Yet, too often as we get busy in public work, we may neglect private worship. We will never be a choice vessel that God can use apart from a consistent prayer life. Paul was a productive worker, because he was a prayer warrior. 

Then, consider PERCEPTION. Ananias was to lay hands on him and pray, “so that he might receive his sight,” (v. 12). Paul had been blinded by the glorious light radiating from the Risen Christ—a light brighter than the noonday sun. Now, physically the scales would fall from his eyes so he could see, but spiritually his eyes would be opened also to see God’s purpose for his life. God gives vision to those He uses in His service. We can lead others because we have seen the path to travel.

Also, we must have POWER.  Paul would, “be filled with the Holy Spirit,” (v. 17). The assignment God has for us is too great for us. It is spiritual work and demands supernatural power. When we are saved, we have the Spirit residing in us, but when we are serving, we need the Spirit presiding over us. As we die to sin and become empty of self, the risen life of Christ fills us and makes us fruitful.  God fills the chosen vessel with His Spirit and pours out His power through us. 

This enables PERSISTENCE. We are told that Paul ate and, “was strengthened,” (v. 19). Just as his physical healing gave him sight, this literal food gave him strength. Metaphorically, this would be true in the spiritual dimension. Feeding upon the Bread of Life, he would be able to persist in service despite the opposition he would face. This might for ministry is mentioned in verse 22, “But Saul increased all the more in strength.”  God supported and sustained him as the Jews sought to kill him, (v. 24). J. Vernon McGee noted, “That all of God’s men are immortal until God is through with them.”

There will also be PROCLAMATION. “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God,” (v. 20). God called this chosen vessel to be a preacher. His proclamation pointed to a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to open the Bible, preach it, and point people to the Savior!  While it is true that every child of God is called to confess Christ—to bear witness to the world—there are those selected to stand in the pulpit and preach. Spurgeon put it, “If God calls you to be a minister, don’t stoop to becoming a king.”

GUARDING AND GUIDING GOD’S PEOPLE

 The thrust of Ezekiel 33-34 is guarding and guiding God’s people. Those who are entrusted with leading and feeding the flock have a solemn duty and sacred accountability. Two primary metaphors are used: the sentinel and the shepherd.

We read about THE FAITHFUL SENTINEL WHO IS CONFIRMED, (33:1-33). This is basically a confirmation of Ezekiel’s previous call given in 3:16-21. The words are essentially the same. 

This is a reminder of the mandate, (v. 1-9). In the wear and tear of ministry, it is easy to be distracted and diverted from the essentials of our work. We are forgetful people, who need to refocus. The first phase of Ezekiel’s labor that focused on condemnation will now turn to the next phase that will concentrate on consolation. It is a good time for a reminder of the man of God’s stewardship. “Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,” (1 Cor. 4:2).

We must be wary of the approach of the enemy. Spiritual perils are ever about. The enemy is looking for opportunity to attack. Thus, our mandate is a call to watchfulness. 

Further, there is a reinforcement of the message, (v. 10-33). Again, these are truths that have previously been shared. God’s messenger is not searching for something novel. He preaches, “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (Jude v. 3b). 

Our mandate is to warn of spiritual perils, but also to proclaim Scriptural principles. Our mandate is a call to watchfulness, and our message is a charge to witness.

We summon the sinner to repent of sin and to receive the Savior. While Ezekiel was faithful to proclaim the truth, the people stubbornly refused to heed the warning. Thus, the horrifying moment—long predicted—was fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem. The prophet was faithful and fearless, but the people were stubbornly sinful. They would hear the preaching and say, “Amen,” then walk away and do as they pleased. 

The blood was off the preacher’s hands and on the people’s heads. The Lord is loving and righteous and holds these attributes in perfect balance. He does not desire to condemn the wicked. But, if they perish, then His justice will be meted out. He shows us the way to life, but if we choose our own path, it will bring our doom, and we cannot say that God is unjust to give us what we want.

From the faithful sentinel who is confirmed, we turn to THE FAITHLESS SHEPHERDS WHO ARE CONFRONTED, (34:1-31). The assignment of the shepherd is to guide the people as he leads them and feeds them. This chapter confronts those failing to fulfill their duty. 

Consider first the shepherds who scatter the sheep, (v. 1-10). Rather than feed the flock, the shepherds stuffed themselves. Instead of giving out the Word to aid the sheep, they twisted the truth so the sheep would benefit them. Their focus was on self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement. 

A good shepherd will support the weak, bring healing to the sick, bind up the broken, reclaim the straying, and seek the lost. These faithless shepherds were utter failures. They used and abused the sheep. They used them for personal gain and abused them for personal glory. Their motive was carnal and their manner was dictatorial. God will judge such faithless shepherds. A day of reckoning is coming!

The Lord will rescue His sheep. So we observe secondly the Savior who seeks His sheep, (v. 11-31). The Good Shepherd will not lose one of His sheep, (cf. John 10:1-5, 27-30). Men often fail, but the Master does not!  He will lead and feed the flock. Oh, may we as shepherds seek to emulate the Good Shepherd, rather than be as these faithless ones!

Ultimately, God will gather His flock. Ezekiel takes us to the last days, where literally Israel will be regathered to their land. Showers of blessing will make the land fruitful. The Lord will reign over them and be their God. David will be their prince. Most commentators see this fulfilled in Jesus, David’s descendant, the Messiah. That is likely. But, it is at least possible that David will be resurrected and reign under the Lord in the earthly Jerusalem, while Christ reigns in the eternal Jerusalem—the city of God come down from heaven to earth. It is an intriguing thought. We do know that as those who are part of the Bride of Christ, we will reign with the Lord. We will be given charge over cities and citizens then based on our faithfulness to God now.  

What we certainly know is that a great day is coming.  This is the prophetic interpretation. But, we also have a practical illustration.  The literal prophecy conveys a spiritual principle. When shepherds faithfully feed and lead the flock, there can be  showers of blessing in revival and the church may manifest the fruit of the Spirit and gather a harvest of souls!  It is a foretaste of glory divine!  May it be so in our day!  Recall the old hymn:

 1. There shall be showers of blessing:
  This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  Sent from the Savior above.
  
Chorus: Showers of blessing,
  Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
    But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing—
  Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
  Sound of abundance of rain.

3. There shall be showers of blessing;
  Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
  Come, and now honor Thy Word.

 4. There shall be showers of blessing;
  O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
  Now as on Jesus we call!

5. There shall be showers of blessing,
  If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  If we let God have His way.

ENVY OF MEGA-MINISTRY

 

As I read a devotional from Stephen Olford, these thoughts came to mind. 

Who among us has not listened to a preacher on a podcast or listened to one in a pastors’ conference who leads a megachurch and not wondered, “Why not me?”  There may be several responses to that—none of them good. 

The first is to belittle ourselves. “Well, I just don’t have such gifts.  I wouldn’t be capable of leading a church like that.”  Yet none of us know what will unfold in the providence of God—if we will be faithful in that little place. But, if we become discouraged, it can hinder our growth. We should have a passion to be all we can be for God, but leave the results to Him. 

The second is to belittle others. “I am sure he compromises doctrine and that is why people flock to hear him. I will not do that!”  Or we may accuse him of rustling sheep from smaller flocks.  “They offer all this stuff to entertain the people and we are not going to do that!”  The reality is that sometimes that is true. But, not always. Some megachurches are solid as a rock doctrinally and grow evangelistically. They want to help smaller churches be healthy. Some have a kingdom mindset—and it is about God’s kingdom and not their own. Charles Spurgeon pastored a megachurch and who can question his fidelity to Scripture and faithfulness in soul-winning?

The third is to boost ourselves. We seek status. We become a ladder climber and a name-dropper. Then, we pad our resume’ and that never ends well. We plagiarize the sermons of prominent preachers to impress others. Eventually, we will be exposed. Just be who God made you to be and serve where His providence has placed you.

Be faithful and let God sort all that out. I have wrestled with these same temptations. I would like to say that I have never succumbed to envy of mega-ministries, but that would be another sin—lying!  So, when that temptation arises, let us resist and if we give in, immediately repent!

LOVING THE UNLOVING

 

No one ever said that pastoring a church would be easy. One of the most severe tests is to love those who are unloving. The reality is that there will be members of the congregation that are exceedingly challenging. Some of them will be hateful.  They will not be our friends, but act as fiends!  We pray they are sheep, but suspect they may be goats.

Our natural tendency when facing a threat is flight or fight. We want to run from the problem, cave to the pressure—get away as fast as we can. Or, we may desire to roll up our sleeves, ball up our fists, and fight fire with fire. We are tempted to either compromise our convictions or combat with contentions. 

But, what does the Bible say?  

Jesus commands us to love even our enemies. A lost world is capable of loving those who love them. But, we are not of the world. As children of God, we are to manifest the love of our Father. His patience, mercy, and goodwill toward those who despise Him is evident.  He would have long ago destroyed all the wicked, were it not that He loves sinners.  Jesus came to earth to save the very ones who nailed Him to the cross. In, this the love of God is manifested in fullness. As followers of Jesus, we are to yield to His Spirit indwelling us, and respond the same way—to love the unloving.

Hear Jesus on the cross pleading, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do,” (Lk. 23:34). Now, we may say, “But that was Jesus. I cannot do that!”  That is true in your natural strength, but we have supernatural power in the Holy Spirit. Stephen was a mortal who was full of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 6:3-8).  As he was being killed, he prayed, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin,” (Acts 7:60a). 

One of the toughest, if not most difficult things to do in ministry is to love the unloving. Yet, that we must do. For this, we have Jesus’ model to follow, and His might for accomplishing that!

THE SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP

David, in Psalm 23, reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd.  Jesus self-identified Himself that way in John 10.  Peter portrays Him as the “the Shepherd and Overseer,” (1 Pet. 2:25) and “the Chief Shepherd,” (5:4).   As such, our Lord employees “under-shepherds,” to guide the smaller flocks of local congregations.

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Peter’s charge is to the pastors/elders/overseers of a local church.  Let us consider the shepherd and his sheep.

Consider first OUR MODEL, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed,” (v.1). Our Master is our model. He was the only Perfect Pastor. We will never attain that status, yet we should—by the grace of God—seek to imitate Him.  Recall what Peter previously said to all believers, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” (‭2‬:‭21‬).  Now, he pointedly stresses the Savior as the standard for shepherds in this final chapter of his first letter.  Peter sought to exemplify what it means to be an under-shepherd.  He calls himself “a fellow elder and a witness.”  He exhorts those in Gospel ministry to do likewise.

Next observe OUR MANDATE, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers,” (v. 2a). Three different terms are used to describe the same office. 

There is the term, “elder,” (v.1), which in the Greek is presbuteros, from which we get the word, “Presbyterian.”  It referred to a leader of maturity.  The Jews had such officers in the synagogue.  It was a term that carried respect—a respect earned by proven service and consistent character.  Whatever your chronological age, spiritual maturity is a must.  As beneficial as seminary may be, the school of life-experience—“on the job training,”—is indispensable.

Then, our mandate involves being a shepherd.  The word is poimainō—a verb for shepherding, or pastoring.  Its noun form is poimēn—a pastor as rendered in Eph.4:11.  There are three responsibilities the shepherd must fulfill. Like a three-legged stool, all of these functions must be implemented by the spiritual leaders of the church.

The pastor is to feed the flock.  Paul has connected this with teaching in the Eph. 4:11.  Pastors feed the flock by proclamation of the Word.  The faithful exposition of Scripture is essential for the nourishment of God’s flock.

The pastor is to lead the flock.  This is related to the word, “overseer,” that we will discuss in a moment.  As I have heard John Maxwell recount numerous times, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  Pastors lead the flock by demonstration of the way. Sheep have the nature to wander and pastors must guide them in the right path.

The pastor is to bleed for the flock.  Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). We may not literally shed our blood, but Gospel ministry is about pouring yourself out in sacrificial service.  There are wolves eager to devour the sheep, and it can be at a great personal cost to fight against them. Pastors bleed for the flock in provision for their welfare.

[I want to give credit to Paul Powell.  Years ago, I heard him in a Fruitland Baptist Bible College chapel service use these three phrases, “feed, lead, and bleed,” and have never forgotten them.] 

I return now to our mandate to be “overseers.”  In the original language it is episkopos, from which we get Episcopalian.  It means to oversee—to supervise and watch over.  Sometimes it is translated, “bishop.”  Yet, even though there is a functional responsibility of the pastor in direction of the church, it is not to be a hierarchal role as a dictator of the church.

Furthermore, we note OUR MANNER, “not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock,” (v.2b-3).

Our manner is not to be grudging, “not by compulsion, but willingly.”  It is rather to be a glad response to God’s gracious call.  This labor is not to be viewed as a drudgery we’ve got to do, but as a delight we get to do!

Our manner is not to be greedy, “not for dishonest gain but eagerly.”  It is not about earthly riches, but eternal reward.

Our manner is not about our glory, “nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”  They are not cattle to be driven by domineering, but sheep to be led by demonstration. While we will certainly exhort them, we must be an example to them. You better practice what you preach!  There is no place for egotism. It is a grace that we are called to serve and it is grace that enables us to serve. Let us clothe ourselves—not with robes of royalty, but dress ourselves in humility.

Finally, remember OUR MOTIVATION, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away,” (v.4)‭. ‭The gravity of our responsibility as pastors rests in the reality that the church is not ours, but belongs to Christ.  Jesus loves every lamb and we had better. There will be an accountability faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we have been faithful to care for the flock, a special crown awaits the shepherd. All the trials, all the tears, all the toil will be forgotten in that indescribable moment when we hear the Chief Shepherd say, “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,” (Matt.25:21)!  We will, like Peter, be “a partaker of the glory that will be revealed,” (v.1b). O glorious day!

SHEEP NEED SHEPHERDS

God’s flock needs a shepherd. The lost sheep need someone to seek them. The weak sheep need someone to feed them. All sheep need someone to lead them. So, we see COMPASSION FOR THE SHEEP in this text. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matt.9:36). The compassionate Shepherd, Jesus Christ is concerned for His flock.  May God give is the eyes of Jesus to see the need and the heart of Jesus to seek their care!

Yet, notice what He does not do. He focuses first on the need for more shepherds instead of the immediate needs of more sheep. In His humanity, He had accepted the limitations of a body. His Divine omnipresence had been set aside to embrace the restrictions of a physical presence.  While Jesus never ceased to be God, He became man—perfect man.

Now, we are not perfect.  If the flesh confined Jesus to one location at a time, then we certainly have those some limits. What is required is not one shepherd running around in a frenzy, collapsing totally exhausted, depressed with the realization that few needs have been met in comparison to the many who had no ministry.

What Jesus said to do was to take the compassion for the sheep and turn it to INTERCESSION FOR MORE SHEPHERDS. “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” (Matt.9:37-38). 

God’s sheep are everywhere. It is a global field of labor. What we cannot do, God can do, and it is prayer that brings the power of God into human experience. God will use those who shepherd a local congregation to raise up and call to response those He is convicting by His Spirit to answer this call.  We need more preachers, more missionaries, more evangelists, more teachers—spiritual leaders of every kind. Doubtless, many shepherds need to do more and can, but they can never do enough alone.

Those shepherds who excel are not merely concerned about adding more sheep to their flock, but multiplying their ministry by raising up many shepherds. It begins with the burden—compassion to see like Jesus—and brings down the blessing—through intercession as Jesus demanded.

Thank God for every baptism a pastor has performed. Rejoice in it. Yet, how many would have been reached, if you had spent more time praying to the Lord of the Harvest and seeing more respond to the call to Gospel ministry?

May God give us compassion that leads to intercession which ends in multiplication!

PERSECUTION AND PERSEVERANCE

 

Mystery Babylon has been with us since the flood and will be until the final days. Out of the polluted fountain of her false religion, every abominable belief system has flowed.  It will consummate in a global religion in the last days.

Although its form has manifested itself in varying ways, it is ultimately about deception versus truth, and thus, an assault on Him was is the True and Living God. The war is waged against Truth Incarnate—the Lamb of God.  Yet, we are confident that He will prevail and so we, as His followers, must persevere.

Not only must His preachers hold the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—with firm grip, standing on the solid Rock of truth, but wield it against error. It is the theme of Spurgeon’s great call to arms in, “The Greatest Fight in the World.”  If you have not read it, you should get that book and immerse yourself in it today. It was the final manifesto from the “prince of preachers.”

Do you not know that men of God still suffer and are martyred for their faith?  In America, we may not have faced such, but the ominous storm clouds are gathering—a storm is at hand. 

Will we stand, if it breaks in our generation?  How often have we stood before our congregations and sung the invitation chorus, “The cross before me, the world behind me…no turning back.”  Are those empty platitudes, or do they express the conviction we hold? 

May the Lord give us grace to stand!  Victory is assured!

SHEPHERD THE FLOCK

Being an elder is a high privilege and a heavy responsibility. 

WE NEED TO HAVE A PROPER MODEL.  We learn from others who have gone before us. There are many who have set a high standard. Peter would be included as “a fellow elder.”  Of course, the perfect model is “the Chief Shepherd.”  We will not attain perfection, but there ought to be progression, as we move in the direction Christ has set for us. 

WE NEED TO HAVE A PROPER MOTIVE.  It is not to be as a mere duty or for monetary reward. This is not a job that we choose as we would select a vocation among an array of possibilities. Rather, God chooses us. Our will is to be surrendered gladly and our work is to be performed joyfully. We will be rewarded in eternity!  There is the anticipation of the Chief Shepherd placing an unfading crown of glory on the head of the faithful pastor!

WE NEED TO HAVE A PROPER MANNER.  We do not act as bosses telling people what to do, but as examples showing people what to do. Our manner is to be one of loving service that causes the flock to trust us and follow us. They are then motivated to serve others also.

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

 

Preachers should make much of Christ and be cautious not to make much of themselves. Some pastors have the capacity to strut while they sit and swagger as they sleep. They appear to read their press clippings as often as they read their Bible. Success to them is the number of “likes,” and “shares,” on social media and in the frequency of invitations to appear on a stage in some denominational event.

We are servants of the Lord. Some want to climb the ladder. Others want to ascend a pedestal. God’s expectation for us is in the opposite direction. We are here to take the basin and towel, stooping to serve, as did our blessed Lord!  There are some dirty feet in need of washing.  This is being like Jesus. 

BE PEACEABLE, and not pugilistic. “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel.”  There is much evil to fight against—inside us, in the hearts of the church members, and especially in our fallen world. Yet, do not be famous for your feuds. Have an open hand to lift others instead of a clenched fist to slug them. Don’t go looking for trouble. It will find you often enough without your aid.

BE GENTLE, and not harsh.  Paul says, “be gentle to all.”  Some may be characterized as “a bull in a china shop.”  They may not build a church up, but have a proven track record of knowing how to blow it up!  Picture a physician who treats a child with a broken bone. He does not grab their shattered limb and jerk them around—only increasing the pain and compounding the damage. Rather, he gently sets the bone in place, stabilizes it, and facilitates healing. We have many broken people in our pews who need such gentle care.

BE CAPABLE, especially in teaching. The Apostle says God’s servant is “able to teach.”  If a pastor cannot feed the flock, then he cannot shepherd them. We may lack competency in many areas, but we cannot be ineffective communicators. Our position calls for teaching the truth. God has spoken through His Word and uses his men to proclaim it with authority, clarity, urgency, and to do so capably.  You may not be the best, but you cannot afford to be bad. Teaching is a gift, but also a skill that can be improved if we labor at it.

BE DURABLE, and not given to quitting. We are to be “patient.”  The farmer in the field knows he cannot sow seed and reap a crop the next day. There is a season of dealing with drought, facing a deluge, winds that blow, weeds to pull, bugs to kill, varmints to stop, disease to fight, and then the work of gathering the harvest. Our church field will be like that. Do not give up or give out. Claim this promise, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” (Gal.6:9).

Dear God, 

Will you strengthen your servants today who shepherd your flock. May your peace abide in them and cause them to be peacemakers and not troublemakers. As you have been gentle to us, remind us to be tender with the broken. When we stand to speak, enable us to be effective.  To the disheartened man out there who is contemplating quitting, renew his patience.

In the Name of the Model Servant, Jesus Christ,

Amen!

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!

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #38

“Walk slowly through the crowd.”  

I’ve always done that. When I heard John Maxwell first say that, my heart declared, “Amen!”  There is a tendency among some pastors to isolate themselves on Sunday morning from the people.  They want to shut themselves up to meditate on their message and that sounds so spiritual. But, people are our business. Sheep need to be fed, but they receive it best from the shepherd who walks among them, caring for them, listening to their concerns.  They seem more open to hearing the message from the pulpit after they hear the man as he engages them personally in the pew. Brothers, if you are not ready to preach your sermon by the time you arrive at the church building on Sunday morning, the extra hour will not likely help!  But, it can make a world of difference if spent with people—celebrating victories, offering encouragement, laughing with them and crying with them. 

I will confess that it can be easy to forget specific matters—someone who needs prayer, the time and date of an upcoming surgery, and so forth. That is particularly true as the church grows and so I found it helpful for my Administrative Assistant to walk with me, and make such notations as needed.

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #37

Know when to refer to a professional counselor. A broken world is filled with broken people. They are in our churches as well. Some who are very troubled will come to you and in compassion, and in your role as a pastor, you need to seek to help them. It is really part of the disciple-making process—to produce healthy saints requires facing what is making them sick and assisting them in getting well. Counseling is part of our task, and we need to work to enhance our knowledge and skill in this. Yet, we will at times encounter deep-seated and enduring issues with some that may be crippling and even life-threatening.  They may be at their wit’s end in dealing with this, and you find yourself in that state as well! It is a humbling thing to know that someone may be contemplating suicide and they have turned to you as the last resort.

Think of it this way. There is a doctor who is a general practitioner. He can handle many cases. He can help with overall health. But, there will be sicknesses that arise for which he needs to refer to a specialist for treatment. He has not failed, but is doing what is best for the patient. That is what a pastor is called to do.  You will counsel and you will help people become spiritually healthy.  Yet, there will be times to refer to a “specialist,”—someone who has the time and training to treat the debilitating emotional, relational, mental sickness. 

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #33

Play to your strengths and staff for your weaknesses. 

What kind of football team do you think you would have where your quarterback was shifted to the offensive line, your lineman was placed at quarterback, and your punter at running back?  A losing team!  Yet, we often try to line up as pastors at positions for which we are not suited. Now, we can try to learn and grow in those skills where we are maybe a 2 on a 10 point competency scale. We might after time and much effort get to a 4 or even a 5. If your goal is mediocrity, go for it!  But, would it not be better to focus on areas where we are in the 7-8 range and seek to move those to 9 or 10?

Yet, those areas of weakness may well be essential areas of ministry.  Do not neglect them. Recruit some players for your team who have those strengths. It may be vocational staff or it could be lay persons capable of doing those tasks. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. A winning team plays to their strengths and is constantly searching for new players who can be added in other areas. 

Pastor, you are the quarterback, make sure the whole team knows the play, follows your direction, and advances the ball down the field together!

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #30

Look for staff members that meet these four qualifications:

1) CHARACTER—This is foundational. No matter how good they are at their job, if they are not good in their soul—then, they are not qualified to serve the Lord and share the ministry. You can stop immediately, if you cannot check this box.

2) CONVICTIONS—This is akin to the first. There are to be a set of doctrines they believe and a lifestyle integrated with those.  There may be some minor disagreement out on a few peripheral matters, but not much.  The congregation must hear a consistent message from the staff. You can disagree on the millennium and both still go to heaven, but I wouldn’t want someone on the staff who is not eschatologically equivalent, for instance.  Do you perform marriages for those who have been married before? If one pastor does and another will not, this is potential conflict.  Does one have a conviction that total abstinence from alcohol is wise and the other does not have that belief—well, you see how this can be trouble.

3) COMPETENCE—Someone may be a good person and still not have the capacity to do what is required. They are being hired for a task. Can they grow into it?  Well, they should always be growing.  But, the question is: do they have the capability for such growth, how much growth is required, and do I have time to develop them. Maybe they are a diamond in the rough. Or perhaps they are a lump of coal that would take too long to become a diamond—if ever.

4) CHEMISTRY—Too often overlooked. You can check the first three boxes and if the chemistry is poor then they are a poor fit. This doesn’t mean you want a clone of yourself. Differences can be “iron sharpening iron.”  But, if you have trouble with their basic personality, remember that is not likely to change. Will this person be a joy to work with or a burden to avoid. They may be a round peg fitting into a square hole!

If you can check off these four boxes, then you have found a recruit for building a championship team!

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #25

 How many years have you done Gospel ministry?  Think before you answer. Do not assume that if you have been preaching and serving churches for 25 years, that you have 25 years of ministry. You may have done 1 year 25 times or 3 years, 8 times!  

What do I mean by that?  We may be tempted to do everything the same way we always have done it. The sermons are recycled from church to church, the ways we express ourselves, the daily routine, and the traditional methods may become like ruts in our lives, dug ever deeper through repetition. You know what they say about a rut—it is a grave with both ends kicked out!

What do I not mean?  I am not saying it is never appropriate to adapt a former sermon to a new audience. Just don’t make it a habit. Nor am I saying that certain disciplines do not cry out for constancy. 

Just don’t go through the motions!  Don’t be a pastoral zombie, just doing the job as a job—a hollow man who outwardly does the task like being on an assembly line, while mind and heart are miles away. 

Sharpen the edge. Seek the Lord for a fresh touch and rekindled passion. Recall the words of John Piper’s book, “Brothers,  We Are Not Professionals!”

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #18

People will leave your congregation. They will die.  They will move.  They will get mad.  They will have personal problems they do not want to confront. They will find a shinier new toy down the road—better preacher, bigger ministries, etc. Ours is a consumer culture and that has infected the church. Get over it. You can’t lead people if you need people. Everybody ain’t gonna like you. Suck it up, buttercup! 

Now, if you have abused them, neglected them, or in some other sinful way failed them, repent and seek reconciliation!  Since pastors are not perfect, and people we pastor are not perfect, then the formula for interpersonal issues is ever present. Yet, many are unwilling to admit there are issues and try to resolve them. Pastor, lead the way, but recognize that some will not want to deal with this messy business. They will move on.  Bless them, and you move ahead without them!

Certainly we grieve for every sheep that strays from the flock and must do what we can to seek them. But, after repeated efforts, understand that some are not sheep—they are goats.  Jesus was the only perfect leader, and He even had to let one of his twelve disciples walk away.  For, the rest of us, it will happen with more frequency. You will grieve, but the mission is greater than a particular member—so, take up the cross and follow Jesus.

At the end of the Apostle Paul’s ministry, most seemed to have abandoned him. It hurt—and it will hurt you. Do you think he was a failure?  It is a ludicrous suggestion. It is life in a fallen world—and that is the spot where we serve. Paradise is coming, but we are not there yet.  So, don’t sit in a corner, and sulk. Stop your whining and get busy doing what you can!

The great Jonathan Edwards was used of God to bring spiritual awakening and thereby contributed in a significant way to the birth of America. His sermon, “Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God,” is renowned, centuries later. His congregation fired him!  Ultimately, we serve the Lord Christ, and we can leave the rewards and recognition to Him.