Understanding The Pastor/Teacher

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-22-2026

Ephesians 4:9-16

 

Introduction:

A.  Last week, I read these verses to let us all know that God has given to the local church evangelists (missionaries), the pastor/teacher.  I want to go back to these verses one more time before moving on, as many do not understand the person and work of the pastor/teacher.

 

B.  We read the list of reasons for having a pastor/teacher, not just a preacher.  Seven things were mentioned here.  Seven very important things.

 

1.  Perfecting of the saints.

 

2.  The work of the ministry.

 

3.  The edifying of the body of Christ.

 

4.  The unity of the faith.

 

5.  The knowledge of the Son of God.

 

6.  The doctrinal purity of the local church.

 

7.  The spiritual growth of the believers.

 

C.  Verse 16 speaks of the unity of the body, compacted together, effectual working, edifying itself in love.

 

Ephesians 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

D.  A vital part of the ministry is the perfect unity of the local church in love for each other and a sound doctrinal foundation.

 

E.  Division within the local church is the pastor’s nightmare!  As long as the enemy attacks us from the outside, we can band together and win the fight.  When the enemy sits on the pew, the fight becomes, at times, confused and therefore devastating.

 

F.  Paul reminded the Corinthian church to follow him as he followed Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

1.  The pastor/teacher is a permanent gift because he is important to the proper functioning of the local church.

 

PASTOR, n. [L. from pasco, pastum, to feed.] 1.  A shepherd; one that has the care of flocks and herds. 2.  A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the people of his charge, and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the Christian religion.

 

TE'ACHER, n.  One who teaches or instructs. 1.  An instructor; one who instructs others in religion; a preacher; a minister of the gospel.

 

2.  His Position – the Evangelist or missionary church-planter established the local church through preaching the gospel, baptizing the converts, and assembling the saints.  The Pastor-Teacher took charge of the local assembly, overseeing and teaching the flock.

 

3.  His Responsibility.

 

a.  The Pastor-Teacher Is An Overseer -   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;

 

(I believe in pastoral authority but not pastoral dictatorship.  My work is not to rule over your homes, that is your job.)

 

OVERSIGHT - look diligently, to look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for, beware.

 

1)  He Watches For Disunity - 1 Kings 22:17  And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

 

Romans 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

Philippians 4:2  I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

 

2)  He Watches For Wolves - Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

Luke 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 

3)  He Watches For Doctrinal Impurity - 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.  The Pastor-Teacher Is A Teacher.

 

1)  He Feeds His Sheep - 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;

 

Ecclesiastes 12:11  The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

 

Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.

 

Jeremiah 23:4  And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

 

Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

 

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.

 

2)  The Pastor-Teacher Leads The Sheep - Psalms 23:1-3  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 

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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

4.  The Pastor-Teacher Is A Friend.

 

a.  He Will Die For His Sheep - John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 

1 Samuel 17:34-36  And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear,   and took a lamb out of the flock: 35  And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36  Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.  (We get our saying, “I would fight a bear for you!” from this verse.)

 

b.  He Will Live For His Sheep - 1 Peter 5:3  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

 

c.  He Will Restore His Sheep - Luke 15:4-6  What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours,

saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

 

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.

 

d.  He Will Comfort His Sheep - Psalm 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 

e.  He Will Encourage His Sheep - Psalm 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

f.  He Will Love His Sheep - John 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  (He gets to know his people and, at the same time, he allows them to get to know him!)

A Thankful Pastor

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-22-2026

Colossians 1:1-8; 2:5-7

 

Introduction:

A.  39 years ago, this morning, my family stepped through the front doors for the first time. What a beautiful spring morning that was, with the sun shining bright. We entered this sanctuary at 9:00 AM. No one was here, but one of the men from the church arrived early to open the doors. We walked through the church (which did not take long in those days, as there was just the original building with 3 classrooms and 14 pews) and then went out to eat breakfast. When we returned, 7 people were here for SS and Worship.  I came here just help a small church get on its feet and get a new pastor.  Little did I know!  God already had a pastor in mind!  I have never doubted God’s will for both Temple Baptist Church and my family since.

 

B.  I want to look at these few verses this morning on Homecoming

Day.  I have often described the pastorate as a bittersweet experience. Before we go any further, I want to clarify that statement. It is much sweeter than bitter, and I would choose it again without hesitation.

 

1.  Paul is in prison for his faith.

 

2.  Paul is writing to encourage people he has never met.  As far as I can discern, Paul did not plant the church at Colossae. 

 

3.  Paul is concerned about their welfare more than his own.

 

4.  Paul finds great joy in the testimony of the church that has come to him.

 

C.  Their “order” was right.  Order means priority!  Priorities keep our perspectives right.

 

1. Our nation needs to set the right priorities. We hear much about sequestration these days. Yes, our country must make spending cuts, but these cuts must be prioritized. You do not cut national defense; you cut the “fat' from contractors, etc. You do not cut meals for kids at school; you cut waste and non-essential expenses.

 

2. Our people need to keep their priorities straight. When we maintain proper perspective, life becomes simpler and rightly ordered. The Lord first, then our families, then our church, then our jobs and education, etc.

 

3. Our churches need to recognize their priorities. The Lord first, and then everything else should be spiritually ordered according to importance.

 

D. Their “steadfastness of faith” was right. I thank the Lord for the growth and steadfastness of our people. We must be cautious in these areas, though. Many of God’s people are losing their steadfastness, which shows in their attendance and service. Our spiritual steadfastness keeps everything else in the proper perspective. If we are spiritually right, then we will be right in other important areas.

 

E. When things go well, it brings joy to a pastor's heart. Here are a few things that need to be right in the church.

 

1.  The Saints Need To Stand Right – Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

2.  The Saints Need To Fellowship Right – 1 John 3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

 

3.  The Saints Need To Labor Right – Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

4.  The Saints Need To Rejoice Right – Psalms 34:1  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

5.  The Saints Need To Act Right – 1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

6.  The Saints Need To Trust Right – Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

7.  The Saints Need To Pray Right – James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

8.  The Saints Need To Think Right – 2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

9.  The Saints Need To Follow Right – 1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

10.  When The Saints Mature Right – vs. 11-13 - 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 

Conclusion:  As Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Treading Out the Corn

Temple Baptist Church - 11-19-2025

1 Corinthians 9:7-18

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Last week, I preached on the subject:  Doeth God Take Care For Oxen?  This Old Testament principle is given in verse nine to establish the obligation of the church to take care of the Pastor who is doing the work of the ministry!

 

B.  In Bible times, an ox “treading out the corn” refers to the way grain was separated from its husk—what we would call threshing.

 

1.  The “corn,” also called the “corn of wheat,” was usually wheat or barley. It was cut and placed on the threshing floor—a hard surface—where an ox walked in a circular path. As the ox trampled the harvested stalks, the husks broke loose and separated from the grain kernels. Some farmers used the ox to pull a threshing sledge to help with separation. Afterward, the threshing floor was winnowed by tossing the grain into the air so that the chaff could blow away, while the grain fell back to the floor to be gathered.

 

2.  It was natural for the ox to lower its head and eat some of the grain.  Some cruel men would put a muzzle on the ox to keep it from eating the grain.  God commanded kindness to working animals.

 

3.  Paul used it to teach that ministers deserve support for their labor in the Word.  This is the background behind Deuteronomy 25:4: “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.”

 

4.  According to the law in Deuteronomy 25:4, the ox could freely eat some of the grain as it worked.  This illustrated humane treatment of the ox and the fairness in labor, and a principle Paul applied to gospel ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:9-14.

 

5.  In the believer, the “husk” is the old nature, and the grain is the new nature.  To remove the “husk” of the old nature, it takes a lot of threshing!  The threshing of the pastor and the “winnowing” or the breath of the Holy Ghost.

 

6.  This threshing is the work of the pastor using the Word of God which allows the Holy Ghost to separate the “husk” from the grain.

 

C.  “Who is feeding your ox?” was a message I preached many years ago.  In the ministry, you have good pastors and bad ones.  Many pastors are lazy, unloving, unequipped for the ministry, and many not called of God!  I do not want to dwell on these, but if they are not “treading out the corn,” they do not need to be fed.

 

1.  Some Shepherds Are Brutish - Jeremiah 10:21  For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.  (Insensible; stupid; as brutish men.  Unfeeling; savage; ferocious; brutal.)

 

2.  Some Shepherds Are Divisive - Jeremiah 23:1  Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

 

3.  Some Shepherds Are Lazy -  Jeremiah 23:2  Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

 

4.  Some Shepherds Are Greedy - Isaiah 56:11  Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

 

D.  God called men, though still faulty men at best, who will get the work of the ministry done.  The real pastor is God called according to Ephesians 4:11, which says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”   

 

E.  The pastorate involves both obligations and responsibilities. It is not just an easy way to earn a living. It is a bittersweet experience and is reserved for the man called by God. Here are some of the pastor's obligations.

 

1.  He Is To Feed The Flock - Jeremiah 23:4  And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

 

Ezekiel 34:23  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

 

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

2.  He Is To Protect The Flock - Ezekiel 34:5  And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

 

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.

 

John 10:11-12  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

 

Luke 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 

3.  He Is To Gather The Flock  - Jeremiah 31:10  Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock

 

2 Timothy 2:24-26  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

 

4.  He Is To Guide The Flock - Psalms 23:1-2  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.

 

          1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

5.  He Is To Correct The Flock - 2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

Titus 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

1 Timothy 5:20  Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

 

6.  He Is To Love The Flock - Matthew 9:36  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.

 

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.  (In spite of what people do to him.)

 

7.  He Is To Be An Example To The Flock - 2 Corinthians 6:3-10  Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

 

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.

 

8.  He Is To Fellowship With The Flock - John 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Doth God Take Care for Oxen?

Temple Baptist Church - 11-5-2025

1 Corinthians 9:1-15

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Tonight, I get to preach to the “choir!” What a joy! Years ago, I preached a message entitled “Who Is Feeding Your Ox?” and nearly got “run out of town” in eastern Kentucky. The people there believed that God’s man should work a full-time job and pastor the church at the same time.  Therefore, this should be a lot better for me!

 

B. In the past couple of chapters, we find Paul’s answers to some questions that the Corinthian believers had.  These were legitimate questions that needed biblical answers in both Paul’s day and ours.  Paul explains the local church’s responsibility to support the man of God. The issue in Corinth was not about ability, as they had the ability, but about attitude—whether they valued the laborer God had sent among them.

 

C.  Verse 3 is the key to this message, as some of the Corinthians had “examined” the Apostle Paul.  Examined means to scrutinize or to inspect carefully.    The question that was evidently asked was whether God’s man should work to support himself and his family, or if the church was obligated to do so.

 

D.  One of the best ways to interpret Scripture is to outline it.  This does no harm to the context but helps us with the flow of it.

 

1. Paul’s Apostolic Defense (Verses 1–3)

 

a. In verse 3, we find the crux of the matter as Paul addresses those who had “examined” him. The word means to scrutinize or carefully inspect. They were questioning whether God’s servant should receive material support from them or from working a job. 

 

b.  The Apostle Paul never burdened the new church plant with having to support him.  He was a “Church Planter,” not a permanent pastor there.  He discusses this issue later in 2 Corinthians chapter 11 and again in both Thessalonian Epistles.

 

2 Corinthians 11:8-9  I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.  (9)  And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:9  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:8  Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

 

c. In verses 1–2, Paul reminds them of his calling and work. He had been called by God on the Damascus Road and had founded the church in Corinth. The very existence of their assembly was the fruit of his labor. God used Paul to both win them to Christ and to establish the local church.

 

2. Paul’s Rights as a Minister (Verses 4–7)  Paul declares that he had the right:

 

a.  Verse 4.  To have his physical needs met – “to eat and to drink”

 

b.  Verse 5.  To have a family – “to lead about a sister, a wife”

 

c.  Verse 6.  To refrain from secular labor if supported by the churches.  “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?”

 

He worked with his hands as a tentmaker, but that did not negate the church’s obligation toward God’s servants.

 

d.  Verse 7.  To share in the fruit of his labor.  “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”

 

3.  Paul appeals to Scripture with an Old Testament principle. (Verses 8–10)

 

a.  A principle established.  “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (Verses 8-9)

 

b.  A principle is a basis or foundation for a belief established.  Though we are not under the Old Testament Law, we are obligated to live by a principle established there.

 

c.  Paul’s question is rhetorical. Of course, God cares for oxen—but the principle was written for our sake (Verse 10). If God commands kindness to beasts of labor, how much more should His people show care for His ministers! 

 

(Deuteronomy 25:4; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:17–18)

 

4. Why Some Ministers Work Secular Jobs

 

a.  Because the church is too small to support them fully.  Many faithful men are bi-vocational until their church is able.  When I came to Temple, I worked full-time. As the church grew, I transitioned from part-time to full-time ministry.

 

b.  Because they will not live within the church’s means of support.  I know of some pastors who refuse to sacrifice a high-paying job for the sake of the ministry.

 

c.  Because the church will not care for them.  This seems to have been the problem at Corinth.

 

5. The Church’s Obligation (Verses 9–11)

 

a.  The Pastor Has A Right To Live A Normal Life With Its Benefits – vs. 4-5

 

b.  To Have His Physical Needs Met – “power to eat and to drink”

 

c.  To Have His Family Needs Met – “lead about a sister, a wife”

 

1 Timothy 5:17-18  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

 

6.  How To Care For Your Pastor.  (Verses 12-15)    

 

a.  By Caring.  Most of you work for uncaring companies, as they give only what they are forced to provide!  Unfortunately, many churches starve God’s men.  There is an old saying, “Lord, you keep him humble and we will keep him broke!”

 

b.  By Being Consistent.  Many Churches do not have a systematic method for raising the salaries of God’s men.  They will give a good raise, and then it may be several years before they consider it again.  Pastors need to have consistent, periodic raises in pay.

 

c.  By Being Observant.  Most people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they fail to realize that the pastor’s salary depends upon them.

 

1)  Watching for changes in their personal needs.  Pastors get no overtime.

 

2)  Watching for drastic economic changes.  Sudden changes in the economy can quickly limit buying power.

 

Conclusion:  Temple Baptist Church, you have done well.  Above and beyond!  Good pastors will never hurt the church by “taking all they can get!”

The Pastor and His Ministry

 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!