I have been exercised recently by reports of messages of little substance. I've heard of three in the last week. Who am I to be a critic? I’ve had my opportunities and made my share of blunders, so why be concerned about the next guy? ‘He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” Now that I have relieved some of my guilt feelings, may I continue?
There are good reasons for concern. One is an honest desire to help a fellow pastor in his ministry for the Lord. There is much to learn. “Iron sharpens iron….”
Another is denominational. I have concern for our Fellowship. Many changes have taken place over the years, some good and some otherwise. I see little I can do to affect any change. The culture is slowly invading our fellowship and our Christian soldiers seem to be in retreat. “How so?” you ask. I’m not going there. I don’t fish so I don’t need to open any worms.
It is true the Gospel never changes and methods do and should. But that does not give us license to become more like the world. We are not to be conformed to the world, but transformed. It should be obvious that we become like our associates. That alone should make us pause. But I digress.
The most important concern is Scriptural. Don’t be enamored by your illustrations, cultural relevance and sermon delivery! Only the Word of God can bring about change. That is what we are called to proclaim.
Some relevant verses include I Tim. 4:13; II Tim 2:15; I Pet 5:1-3, and many others. Paul is a good example for the ministers of God and pastors of the flock. Acts 20:18-29 is a good checklist for every pastor.
Paul, An Example for the Minister of God
Acts 20:18-29
1. His Humility was obvious.
vs 18-19
Lack of humility will show up in your sermons.
18And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;
2. His Proclamation of repentance and faith was both public and private. vs.20-21
The message includes repentance and faith in God.
20how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. His Dependence was upon the Spirit.
vs. 22-23
A Spirit led life will not fear the consequences.
22And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
4. His Ministry was to testify of the gospel of the grace of God.
vs.24
The Gospel is what it’s all about.
24But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
5. His Innocence before God.
vs. 25-26
Here is a hard one indeed! We are responsible.
25And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
6. His Declaration of the whole counsel of the God.
vs. 27.
Preaching should include every area of life. It’s in the Book.
27For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
7. His Admonition to the Shepherd/pastor of God’s church.
vs. 28-29
We are responsible for our flock. Heb. 13:17.
28Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
No comments:
Post a Comment