pastor

Preacher's Pulpit Dr. Joe Tims

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 4:14-16

SUBJ: How To Help Your Pastor Be Successful

Introduction:

I am sure that everyone, or at least almost everyone is aware of the duties and responsibilities of the Pastor.

Almost everyone who has been to church anytime at all can tell you what the Bible has to say about the Pastor.

Most of the time they will go to 1 Timothy Chapter 3.

But on the other hand, very few know what the Bible says about Church Member's duties toward their Pastor.

Most members do not know that from a human standpoint they play an important part in making a Pastor successful for the cause of Christ.

Like Paul . . . "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." (1 Cor 4:14).

In verse 15 . . . "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."

In other words Paul says, "While you might have many speakers to bless you, you will never have anyone love you like the Pastor."

Therefore, in verse 16 . . ."Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." Paul pleads for their cooperation in order that he might be successful in his calling from God.

You say, "How can I make my pastor successful for the cause of Christ?

HELP HIM PREACH THE WORD OF GOD

Notice I said HELP NOT TELL HIM WHAT to PREACH.

You say, "Preacher how can I help him preach the Word of God?

(1 Th 5:17-22) "Pray without ceasing. {18}In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. {19}Quench not the Spirit. {20}Despise not prophesyings. {21}Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. {22}Abstain from all appearance of evil."

V-17 - Pray For Pastor
V-18 - Be Thankful for Pastor
V-19 - Quench not - Don't put the fire out of his preaching
V-20 - Despise not - Don't get mad, get right
V-21- Prove - Look around at blessings, see what God is doing at church
V-22 - Abstain from evil - separation, follow standards of your church

Be that complete Christian Paul speaks about in verse 23:

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"

HELP YOUR PASTOR DO RIGHT

(Mat 18:15-16) "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. {16}But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."

What do you mean, "Help Him Do Right?"

I mean a lot of the problems in the church could and should be solved by the people involved, not the pastor.

Examples:

Misbehaving young people - Parents, not Pastor corrects.

Activities, music, dress, etc.

Gossip, stop listening to or say, "let's go together to the Pastor."

When you will not obey or make the Pastor always be the heavy, it hinders his effectiveness in his ministry.

He has enough to make most mad in the message God has called him to preach.

(2 Tim 4:2-4) "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. {3}For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4}And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Remember, you are to:

(1 Th 5:13) "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."

HELP YOUR PASTOR TO PROSPER

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

Lord we will keep him poor, if you will keep him humble.

Notice where Paul says the true assets of a Church really are.

Bible Preacher! - not a building, property or bank account.

Never be afraid of overpaying a Bible Preacher.

Don't short change the man of God - it will anger God and withhold His blessings.

Men ought to check finances at least once a year at the very most.

CONCLUSION: (1 Cor 4:14) "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." Love your preacher and his family. The godly preacher is becoming more unique everyday. Don't take your preacher for granted if he is a Bible preaching and Bible believing Pastor. God could give you one that isn't either. Pray for him and support him financially. God will bless in a most unusually way, trust me.

Note: This is one of mine, but you can preach it as your own if God so leads. Give Him the glory and honor and that will be reward enough.

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