The Charge of the Pastor

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-12-2023

2 Timothy 4:1-8

 

Introduction:

 

A.  The Book of 2 Timothy is one of the “Pastoral Epistles”: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus teach pastors how to operate the local church.  The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy were written to Timothy and the Book of Titus to Titus.  Both young pastors.

 

1.  Timothy was raised right.  2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

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

 

3.  Timothy was armed right.  2 Timothy 3:15-16  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

4.  Timothy was associated right.  1 Timothy 1:2  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

5.  Timothy was furnished right.  2 Timothy 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

B.  In our text for this morning, we find that Paul “charged” a young pastor.  A commission that still remains in effect in our day as it guides the work of a pastor in these perilous times in which we live.

 

1.  The Charge.  Charge – the order or channel of an action.

 

2.  The Audience.  “Before God” – the presence of God.

 

3.  The Importance. “Who shall judge the quick (saved) and the dead (lost) at his appearing (Rapture – Judgement Seat of Christ) and his kingdom (Great White Throne Judgement).”

 

C.  The Charge:

 

1.  Preach!  Verse 2-4.  Because of his charge.  2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

2.  Watch!  Verse 5.  Because of his adversary.  1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

3.  Endure!  Verse 5.  Because of his enemies.  Ephesians 6:11-13  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

4.  Witness!  Verse 5.  Because of his burden.  Romans 10:14-15  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  (15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

5.  Prove!  Verse 5.  Because of his testimony.  Philippians 1:10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

 

6.  Fight!  Verse 7.  Because of his courage. 1 Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

7.  Finish!  Verse7.  Because of his endurance.  Acts 20:24  But none of these things move me, 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.

 

8.  Keep!  Verse 7.  Because of his reward.  2 John 8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

 

Conclusion:  As an old pastor, I will not be able to preach, watch, endure, witness, prove, fight, or finish for the next pastor.  I will help him all that he wants but he will have to be his own man.  BUT, I can Keep for him and, when I step down and he steps up, I can hand to him that which kept, The Faith!