The Pulpit and the Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-2-2026

Nehemiah 8:1-10

 

Introduction:

A.  In Nehemiah 8:4, we have not only the first mention principle of the word pulpit; we also have a full mention principle along with an only mention.  God said all that needs to be said on the subject in one short context.  I would behoove us to look at this important piece of furniture that is found in a prominent place in the local church and see its purpose. 

 

B.  In most churches, the pulpit is the central piece of furniture in the most conspicuous place. 

 

1.  The new and more modern (liberal) churches are built around the Family Life Center.  The pulpits have been removed and little stands replaced them made of glass.

 

2.  This may not mean much to the casual believer, but the preachers and pastors have also become causal, therefore, the congregations have become more casual!

 

C.  The pulpit was once a place of reverence by both the pew and the man of God.  It was called the “sacred desk.”  Today, men climb into pulpits that have no love for the Word of God or the people of God.  They are hireling prophets who are more interested in their own personal agendas than they are standing true to the Bible.  These are men with no call of God on their lives and money on their minds.

 

D.  The pulpit was once held in respect by the people of God, but times have changed that also.  Now they come and hear with a “take it or leave it” attitude.

 

1.  God’s Man – vs. 2 “Ezra the priest”

 

2.  God’s Method – vs. 2  “brought”

 

3.  God’s Message – vs. 2  “the law”

 

a)  The Value of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:

 

b)  The Sweetness of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

 

c)  The Importance of God’s Word - Job 23:12  I have esteemed the  words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 

 

LET US TAKE A LOOK AT THAT PULPIT AND GIVE SOME APPLICATIONS TO THE PULPIT AND THE CHURCH OF OUR DAY

 

1.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Desire – 1  The people initiated the Service – (“gathered themselves”)  Nehemiah 8:1  And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

 

a.  A desire for the Word of God!  I have never had a call telling me that the entire church had gathered together and said, “Pastor, we are all here.  Bring the Bible!”  1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

b.  A magnification of the Word of God!  God has magnified His Word above His name!  Psalms 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.  (And liberals tell us that we worship paper and ink!  WE MAGNIFY THE WORD OF GOD!)

 

c.  Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in your Bible, and its 176 verses are all about your Bible!  You want to know what God thinks about His Word, read that chapter.

 

Psalms 119:97  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.  (Three Results of Loving God’s Word.)

 

Psalms 119:113  I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

 

Psalms 119:163  I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

 

Psalms 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 

 

a.  Hate vain thoughts (wicked thinking)

 

b.  Hate lying

 

c.  Not easily offended

 

2.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place that brings Unity – 1.  The people were in One Accord – (“all...as one man”)  Nehemiah 8:1  And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

 

Ephesians 4:11-15  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

Acts:, 41-42  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

  3.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Divine Purpose - 1-2  The people wanted to hear God’s Word – (“bring the book”)  Nehemiah 8:1-2  And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.  (2)  And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

 

2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

a.  Purpose of Preaching - 2 Timothy 4:1-2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

b.  Purpose of Salvation - Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

 

c.  Purpose of Edification - 1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

 

d.  Purpose of Exhortation - Hebrews 13:22  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. 

 

4.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attentiveness – 3  (When God’s man speaks, God’s people should heed.)  Nehemiah 8:3  And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday (6 hours they stood as the Word of God was READ, not preached), before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

 

a.  Heeding God’s Word Brings Salvation Others - 1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

b.  Heeding God’s Word Brings Cleansing - Psalms 119:9  Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  

 

5.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Elevation – 4-5  (The people elevated it, not the preacher.  Place of Authority.)  Nehemiah 8:4  And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. (5)  And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

 

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

 

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

 

6.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Reverence – 5  (The people reverenced God’s Word.)  Nehemiah 8:5  And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

 

Psalms 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 

 

Psalms 119:117  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 

 

7.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Blessing and Praise – 6  (Place of Elevation of Christ.)  Nehemiah 8:6  And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 

Philippians 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 

 

John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

 

8.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Agreement – 6  (“Amen, Amen”)  Nehemiah 8:6  And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 

Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

Amos 3:3  Can two walk together, except they be agreed?    

 

9.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Worship and Humility – 6  “Bowed…worshiped”  Nehemiah 8:6  “and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”

 

Psalms 150:1  Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 

 

10.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Faithful Attendance - 7 (“their place”)  Nehemiah 8:7  “and the people stood in their place.”

 

a.  The Importance of the People.

 

b.  The Implication of their Place (cannot be filled by another)

 

Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

 

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

 

11.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Teaching and Understanding – 8  Nehemiah 8:8  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.                                                       

 

Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

 

Hebrews 5:12, 14  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat...But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

 

12.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Joy and Gladness – 10  Nehemiah 8:10  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

 

1 John 1:4  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 

 

3 John 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 

Be Ye Steadfast

Temple Baptist Church - 7-29-2026

1 Corinthians 15:58

Introduction:

A.  We have spent quite a bit of time in chapter 15, dealing with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our “gathering together unto him.” 

 

1. The Corinthian Church was a carnal (fleshly) church and spent both their time and resources on their natural, temporal desires. 

 

Revelation 3:15-17  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  (16)  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  (17)  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 

Sounds like the local churches of these last days!  People are more excited about carnal things than spiritual ones.

 

2.  So, here we are today!  There is a general forsaking of the church (fewer people and fewer services), sound doctrine (lack of biblical knowledge which brings confusion), and separation (more love for the world than love for the things of God).

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

 

B.  The Holy Ghost admonishes the church to be heavenly minded in verse 58 because the real treasures are those things that are eternal, not temporal.  The “therefore” ties this verse to the preceding verses and is a summation or conclusion.  His plea is based upon our blessed position in the body of Christ and hope of His soon return in the rapture. 

 

2 Timothy 3:12-14  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  (13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

C.  “My” denotes ownership.  “Beloved” denotes our dearness to both the Apostle and our Saviour.  “Brethren” denotes a family   other!

 

1.  Steadfastness – deals with the possibility of quitting - Galatians 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (People are quitting on every hand.  Pastors, missionaries, evangelists, SS teachers, soul winners, church workers, etc.  What will it take to make you quit?)

 

 

 

2.  Immovability – deals with the possibility of being swayed - 2 Thessalonians 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.  (We are in the midst of the “falling away.”  What will it take to move you?)

 

Acts 20:23-24  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  (24)  But none of these things move me (to deter), neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

 

Ephesians 4:13-14  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

3.  Abounding – deals with possibility of sitting down instead of serving - 2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.  (The closer to the end of the church age, the more we should labor.  Unfortunately, it is just the exact opposite is true.  What will cause you to quit working and start pew sitting?)

 

4.  Knowledge – deals with the understanding that our labor is not in vain - Matthew 10:40-42  He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Though we are in the gleanings stage or the Days of Noe, God is still in control of the harvest)

 

5.  Reward – God will certainly reward us with fullness - 2 John 1:8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (full reward) for our labors (Parable of those who labored through the heat of the day for a penny while others entered the fields much later and received the same.)

 

ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO TAKE TWO THINGS:

 

1.  It Takes Biblical Conversion – 1 John 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

 

2.  It Takes Biblical Conviction – Jesus is coming again just like He said!

 

SOME THINGS WE NEED TO CONTINUE IN:

 

1.  We Need To continue In One Accord.

 

Acts 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

 

2. We Need To Continue In Prayer.

 

Acts 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

 

Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

 

3. We Need To Continue In Doctrine.

 

Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast earned them.

 

4. We Need To Continue In Fellowship.

 

Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

5. We Need To Continue In The Grace of God.  (Salvation’s Message)

 

Acts 13:43  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

 

6. We Need To Continue In Encouragement.

 

Acts 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

 

7. We Need To Continue In Soul Winning. (Both at home and abroad)

 

Acts 26:22  Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great

 

8. We Need To Continue To Live Godly Lives.

 

Romans 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

 

9. We Need To Continue Contending For The Faith Once Delivered.

 

Jude 3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

Galatians 2:5  To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

 

10. We Need To Continue In Service.

 

James 1:25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Sing A New Song

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-26-2026

Psalm 98

 

Introduction:

A.  This Psalm begins with the phrase “a new song.”  This phrase is found 9 times in the Bible: 6 times in the Psalms, 1 time in Isaiah, and 2 times in Revelation.

 

1.  The word “new” means fresh.  It doesn’t mean that we have to write a new song each time that we praise Him.  We are to praise all day every day!  Good times, hard times, and bad times.  

 

2. The promise of a new day! Yesterday is gone and we are given another 24 golden hours. Carolina Sandle, in 1865, wrote the song “Day By Day:”

 

Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure gives unto each day what he deems best, lovingly its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.

 

3. The promise of new mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

 

4. The promise of a new grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

5. The promise of a new direction. Job 23:10-11  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  (11)  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

 

6. The promise of a new decision. Paul wrote the Philippian Epistle from jail.  This epistle is also called by some “Jailhouse Joy!”  A directed joy that goes back to Paul’s statement: “I think myself happy!”  “Always” is moment by moment and “again” is self-explanatory!  It is a “rolling” word which gives and indication to again and again and again.

 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 

 

7.  The word “song” comes from a root word meaning “to stroll” or “to travel.”  Example:

 

 

B.  This singing a new song that speaks of praise or activity, not entertainment.  It is both public and personal.  

 

C.  This type of singing and praise is based upon several things found in Psalm 98:

 

1.  Verses 1-3.  This New Song is based upon Remembrance.  “For He hath done marvelous things!”  The right hand of power, His right arm of strength; His eternal victory.

 

a.  His great salvation. “The LORD hath made known his salvation”  If we thank God for nothing else tonight, we should thank Him for His great salvation, so full, so rich, so underserving, and free. If God does nothing else for us (but He does), salvation makes it worth it all.

 

b.  His great victory.  “his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.”  Victory in the lives of His people; victory over the enemies of God; victory over Satan; victory over death and hell: victory in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour! 

 

c.  His great grace.  Undeserved!  Grace to be saved; grace to survive; grace to grow; grace for every trial, and grace for every mile.  Grace all-sufficient and always available.  The manifold grace of God.

 

d.  His wonderful mercy and compassion.  I am thankful every day that God does not and has not given me what I deserve!  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” was a promise made in Psalm 23:6 and a promise kept in our lives. 

 

e.  His faithfulness is found in His truth.  We have the Word of God in our hands tonight!  Not a manmade book that contains the Word of God or portions of the Word of God nor merely the thoughts of God, but the promise of “every word which proceeded out of the mouth of God!  “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

 

f. Our singing a new song is a response to our remembrance of all that God has done to us, with us, and through us!  O, the faithfulness of God!

 

2.  Verses 4-8.  This New Song is based upon Resolve.  

 

a.  It is a command, not an invitation that is to everyone.  “all the earth”  

 

b.  My heart is thrilled, when er I think of Jesus!  “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh!”  

 

c.  Not sing with a beautiful voice.  “Make a joyful noise”  “Make a loud noise!”  Make a “rejoicing” noise.  A noise of Praise to our God!

 

d.  God’s creation praises Him.  The seas, the earth, the floods, the hills and hollows.  Notice “and they that dwell therein!” 

 

e.  The whole world is invited to celebrate with them!  In all around God I see!  The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament His handiwork!

 

3.  Verse 9.  This New Song is based upon Revelation.  

 

a.  The Lord has already judged the believer’s sin on Calvary and is coming to take us home!  We will eternally be with Him.  What a day that will be!

 

b.  The Lord will judge the world and the curse removed.  He will set the elements on fire and present to us a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21.

 

c.  The Lord will judge the people on earth with equity.  The Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15.

 

Conclusion:  Sing a New Song unto the Lord, not based upon circumstances but upon His Person.

Keeping Your Pastor in a Right Perspective

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-26-2026

Ephesians 4:1-16

 

Introduction: 

A.  Barbara and I had to miss the last night of Revival this past Wednesday.  We were about to get ready to dress for church, but I knew that I could not go because I had been sick since the Tuesday night service.  I waited until almost the last minute before calling Clint to take over.  I called Brother Holbrooks to let him know.  Then I was sick both physically and spiritually because I felt that I was letting our church down! 

B.  We were watching the service online (at least Barbara was and I was listening because the world was going round and round for me) and wanted so badly to be there.

C.  The next day, I was flooded with calls and texts asking how we were doing, and I expected it!  I greatly appreciated that, but a couple of our members said that nothing is the same when you are not there.  The whole service was not right without the pastor and his wife being there with the people.

D.  I hope that never changes!  Not that I want a service to be less than it needs to be, but because I believe that it emphasizes the importance of the pastor being there.  This should be the response of all the people.  Why, because God made it to be that way.

 

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 

E.  You pastor is a very important part of your church!  He is God’s gift to you!  Heavenly gifts are given based upon two things:

 

1.  God’s love for His church!  Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  

 

2.  God knowledge of your need!  Ephesians 5:26-27  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

F.  You need your pastor!  God made it that way!  Sheep without a shepherd will soon lose their direction, divide and scatter, and fall prey to their enemies.  God’s people are like sheep. 

 

Matthew 9:36 says, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” 

 

G.  I want to look at the person and position of the pastor tonight in order to help you better understand what God is doing in your life through the pastor that God gave to you.  Not just any man because there are many good men of God out there.  God chose and sent me to you!

 

1.  The Pastor Is God’s Man – Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

a.  Be careful how you treat him because he is God’s man!

 

b.  Be careful how you talk about him because he is God’s man!

 

2.  The Pastor Is Just A Man – vs. 6 - 1 Corinthians 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

 

a.  He has feelings.  I do not let you know what I think or feel for the most part because I am never here to discourage you.  I am here to encourage you!

 

b.  He has faults.  I am not a perfect man!

 

c.  He has failures.  I have and will make mistakes.

 

d.  Learn to pray for me!

 

3.  The Pastor Is Your Man – vs. 8 - Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

 

a.  He is your gift.  I belong to you!  Use me well and use me right.  I cannot do everything nor be everywhere.  I am getting older and wear out quicker.  I need my rest.

 

b.  He is your friend.  In your darkest hour, I will be there for you.

 

4.  The Pastor Is Often A Hated Man – vs. 9-13 - 2 Timothy 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

 

a.  He is hated because of the stand that he takes.  I preach and teach a perfect Word to an imperfect person through imperfect lips. 

 

b.  He is hated because of the Word he preaches.  Many will not like be because I will not compromise the Bible, doctrines, or my preaching.  If your spiritual phone rings, pick it up and say “Hello.”  I just dialed a number without knowing who was on the other end.  I just put God’s letter into your mailbox.

 

c.  He is hated because of the Lord he represents.   The world has a wrong perspective of who the Lord is.  He is a thrice holy God in whom is no darkness at all.  Never bring Him down to your level, you live godly and strive to reach His!

 

5.  The Pastor Is A Loving Man – vs. 14-15 - 2 Corinthians 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

 

a.  He loves the Lord.

 

b.  He loves the Word.

 

c.  He loves the saints.

 

d.  He loves sinners.

 

e.  He loved you!

 

6.  The Pastor Is Beseeching Man – vs. 16-17 - Hebrews 13:22  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.  (Paul used the word beseech 24 times in the Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles.)

 

a.  He desires only the best for you.

 

b.  He desires only the best for your family.

 

c.  He desires only the best for the church.

 

7.  The Pastor Is A Concerned Man – vs. 18-21 - 2 Corinthians 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

 

a.  He watches over you.

 

b.  He worries over you.