Temple Baptist Church - 9-3-2025
1 Corinthians 4:15-21
Introduction:
A. Tonight, I will preach on a topic that I probably dislike preaching about the most. It has been nearly 21 years since I last preached on this subject, so God’s timing is better than mine, and it needs to be reaffirmed.
1. In the preceding verses, we find the suffering of the Apostles. They were certainly not popular with the world and suffered much as they became a “spectacle” or circus to the world.
2. They suffered much for the cause of Christ, which makes this pastor thankful that I have suffered little.
3. I have no horror stories to tell as the Lord has been good to my family and I would do nothing else.
4. Men that I have gone to school with have not been as fortunate, but ALL have been blessed.
5. I want to use these verses to show what a pastor is. The Bible calls it the Office of a Bishop.
B. The office of the Bishop: his work and his humanity. Most church members do not fully understand the ministry or the pastor. It seems that almost everyone has a different view of his work, and when not taught diligently, they can often become disappointed or offended.
1. The Pastor is a “bridge builder.” He is not a priest who represents man to God, nor is he an apostle who represents God to man. The pastor tries to keep the gap between God and man bridged so that his people can have a proper relationship with Him.
2. The Pastor is an Overseer. He watches for your soul and will one day give an account for it.
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.
C. I will try to clarify some aspects of the ministry that are essential for both the welfare of the local church and the spiritual growth of believers.
1. The Office of the Bishop (Pastor) is a gift to the local church. Pastor, a shepherd! “The Lord is my Shepherd” clarifies that only the Lord Jesus Christ is the true and perfect Shepherd, but the Pastor is an “undershepherd,” a steward of the local church family, as he must give an account for each.
Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) 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; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2. The Office of the Bishop is a good work to be desired! “Office of a bishop” in the Greek is one word meaning to “inspect” or “to go see.” “Office of a bishop” does not mean to rule or to dictate, but to love, defend, and guide.
1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
D. Paul highlights the distinction between many "instructors" and a few "fathers." The term "instructor" refers to a tutor or guardian who teaches facts, provides advice, or corrects behavior. However, Paul emphasizes that a pastor's role extends beyond simple teaching; it embodies spiritual fatherhood and shepherding responsibilities that involve care, sacrifice, and leading by example.
E. In today's world, numerous voices offer instruction, criticism, and advice, but the faithful biblical pastor has a higher calling: to love, lead, nurture, and guide God's flock.
1. The Pastor Is A Father – vs. 15
a. Representative Of Respect - 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.
b. Representative Of Authority - 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
2. The Pastor Is A Shepherd – vs. 16
a. As You Follow, He Guides - Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
b. As You Follow, He Guards - 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.
3. The Pastor Is A Teacher – vs. 17
a. He Teaches By Example - 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
b. He Teaches By Explaining - Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Apt – to have the aptitude (skill, ability, gift) to teach.
“pastors and teachers” in Ephesians chapter 4.
4. The Pastor Is a Disciplinarian – vs. 18-21
a. The Power Of Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
b. The Progression Of Discipline - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
5. The Pastor Is A Friend – vs. 21
a. He Is A Friend To The Family - Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
b. He Is A Friend To The Failing - Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.
The pastor is your gift; he belongs to you!
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