THE WORTHY WATCHMAN

 

God called Ezekiel the prophet to be as a watchman on the wall, (cf. Ezek. 3:16-27 and 33:1-11).  He had the spiritual duty as a sentry to be vigilant for the enemy’s approach and with the trumpet of truth to sound the alarm. Paul seems to draw from that same analogy in 1 Corinthians 16:13 when he writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”  I want to use this word picture to challenge the preacher to be a worthy watchman. Here is the anatomy of a faithful man of God.

We must have DISCERNING EYES—“Watch.”  The keener the vision, the more readily will the approach of an enemy be detected. The sooner the alarm is sounded, the better. False teachers are subtle in their approach, and vigilance is required of the worthy watchman. We dare not sleep at our post. Jesus rebuked the disciples in Gethsemane for their slumber: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation,” (Matt. 26:41). They would be unprepared for the crisis that was approaching. If Satan can bring down the shepherd, he can scatter the flock. As shepherds, we are not only watching for predators that would devour the flock, but are watchful against temptation that would ensnare us.

We must also have STABLE FEET and “stand fast.”  When the enemy is on the march, the worthy watchman does not run and hide in fear, but stands resolute with conviction. His responsibility is to be at his post, not looking for a way out.  It is always too soon to quit. When trouble comes in the front door of the church, it is tempting to run for the back door.  Some churches have established a pattern of attacking the watchman when they weary of him. They brand him an alarmist. Content to be in spiritual slumber, they do not want to be disturbed. If there is any hope for that congregation, some pastor has to take a stand.

Further, we must have BRAVE HEARTS—“be brave,” the Apostle commands. Here is the promise, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him,” (Is. 59:19b). That standard is placed in the hand of the preacher. We are at the front of the fight. I think of the movie, “Braveheart,” as William Wallace rallies the troops to face the foe: 

“Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!”

We want the people of God to be free from the tyranny of sin, and that starts with our example and exhortation.  Now, raise the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and rally the troops!

Finally, Paul calls for SPIRITUAL MUSCLES with “be strong.”  It is time to hit the gym—now, I don’t mean literally, but spiritually. While it might not hurt some of us to get in better physical condition, that is not Paul’s meaning here. He calls for the building of spiritual muscle. Our “gym” is the study where we meet with God and feed on His Word, and then wrestle against the enemy in the time of prayer. Some may think that being a preacher is a life of leisure.  Such do not know the reality of the task and immensity of the responsibility. 

May the Holy Spirit open our eyes, ground our feet, embolden our preaching, and strengthen our leadership!

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!

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!

GOALS IN GODLINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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