|
Divinely Called Preachers Romans 11:13, "... I magnify mine office:"
, "This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." , "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." , "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." , "If any man speak (preach), [let him speak (preach)] as the oracles of God; if any man minister (pastor), [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Webster's --- "Oracles" ... 1. A Divine Announcement --- A Prophecy. 2. Any Person believed to be In Communication With A Deity. , "And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day. For [they are] impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them." Introduction: A. After Extensive Research, one author estimates that: 1. At least 9 out of 10 Bible-believing churches are pastored by men who Have No Right to pastor --- they have Not received a Divine Call. 2. At least 19 out of 20 Bible-believing Churches do Not have the slightest idea of What To Look For In A Pastor. B. Many preachers today, are Mamma Called and Papa Sent. 1. They set out upon Sacred Ground --- without understanding the real Depth and Nature of the ministry. 2. One may Choose to be a lawyer --- farmer --- doctor --- businessman, etc. --- No Man may rightfully Choose to preach! --- Thats Not His Choice! 3. No one is a true preacher --- and ought not to preach --- unless he is Divinely Called of God. C. Many Good, Sincere, Honest men Mistakenly Enter The Ministry. 1. Their Reasons Are Legion, from a misunderstood sign to a tender desire to serve or to teach. 2. Not Understanding the Magnificence or Magnitude of the Divine Call, they set out upon Sacred Ground in much the same manner as one who becomes a Teacher, Truck Driver, Butcher, Lawyer, Doctor, etc. 3. They rarely understand its real Depth and Nature. D. Many do not understand the Difference between Preaching and Teaching. 1. You commonly hear it said --- "Some ministers have a Teaching ministry --- and others an Evangelistic ministry." 2. Not So! --- Preachers are to Preach --- all true preaching Both Evangelizes and Teaches. 3. The two Neither Conflict nor Hinder one another. E. To say, "There Is No Difference Between 'Preaching' And 'Teaching'" is to Fly In The Face of The Word of God. Matthew 11:1, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." Acts 5:42, "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." 1. Teaching Discusses ...
F. Merely a "Teaching Ministry" tends to Deaden Zeal and produce Passive Christian --- usually more Comfortable in their personal Sins ... 1. There is a fundamental difference between sharing personal experience or conveying information, and --- the Authoritative Pronouncement "Thus Saith The Lord." 2. Biblical preaching does More than merely convey Information About The Word. It is itself the Word, the power that is sharper than any two-edged sword --- the Power of The:
(2) History-Making, (3) Truth-Telling, (4) Sin-Annulling, (5) Death-Defeating --- Life-Giving, (6) Grace-Granting, (7) Kingdom-Bringing Word
G. On the other hand, Merely Preaching Without Teaching tends to produce people who are: 1. Fiery --- but uninformed, 2. Zealous --- but unloving, 3. Separated --- but self-righteous, 4. Standing Fast --- but in the wrong place. H. Merely Preaching, overlooks the need to "... declare unto you The Whole Counsel of God." (Acts 20:27) 1. Neither the preacher, he nor his people, are Educated In The Word enough to "... [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you " (1 Peter 3:15) 2. They are Not Prepared to "... earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3) I. Neither --- (merely Preaching nor --- merely Teaching) has taken heed to: II Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
I. The Divine Call of God Is Unmistakable And Unforgettable --- In Every Case It Is An Unusual, Supernatural Experience. A. Notice some Bible Examples: 1. Isaiah --- Isaiah 6:8, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." 2. Moses --- At The Burning Buish --- Exodus 3:5, "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." -- V. 10, "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt." 3. Samuel --- Laying In Bed Asleep --- 1 Samuel 3:10, "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." 4. Jeremiah --- Jeremiah 1:5-7, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." 5. Paul --- On The Damascus Road --- Acts 9:6, "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." --- 13:2-3, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Romans 1:1, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 1 Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;" 6. Matthew --- Sitting Collecting Taxes --- Matthew 9:9, "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him." 7. My Own Call --- Travis Case ... Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." Matthew 9:37-38, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." B. Preachers should Stop Appealing to young men to surrender to the ministry. 1. Never, never appeal to men to go into the ministry. 2. Being Mamma Called is no worse than being Preacher Called. 3. The God-called, and Only The God-Called, should preach --- (Everyone Should Teach - Witness)
II. When God Calls A Man --- He Makes Him Distinct --- Sets Him Apart --- Places A Divine Imprint Upon Him. A. Every God-Called Preacher can tell many stories of how Often he has been Identified By Strangers (who do not know him) As A Preacher. --- How Were They Able To Know That! B. Some things that are Not necessarily Divine Characteristics of A Divinely Called Preacher: 1. Numerical Success or the lack of such, is Not A Sign from God. a. Noah --- 120 Years --- No One Saved ... --- but yet, God Said in --- Genesis 6:9, "... Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." b. Ezekiel --- Ezekiel 3:7, "But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted." c. Jesus --- Matthew 13:57-58, "And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." d. Today, if someone is Offended At The Preacher --- we wonder Why --- and usually Takes Sides With The World. e. Success is Not a mark of God's approval on one's life, nor of His Divine Call. 2. What Is True Success? --- For The Preacher? --- Who was the Most Successful? a. Jesus Christ --- was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached the greatest sermon every preached (Sermon on the Mount) --- Nobody Was Saved. b. Peter --- was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached the Word --- 3,000 Souls Were Saved. c. Steven --- was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached the Word --- They Stoned Him To Death. 3. Victory --- Neither is it true: "If God Is In It, It Will Succeed." --- Victory Is Not A Divine Mark From God a. Jeremiah --- was imprisoned ... b. John The Baptist --- was beheaded ... c. Steven --- was stoned to death ... d. Paul --- died in prison ... e. "Foxes Book of Martyrs" --- 50 - 60 Million Martyrs. 4. The More A Pastor Becomes Like Jesus you become --- the More The World will treat him like they Treated Jesus! a. Would You Stand With Your Pastor if the Community treated him like they did Jesus? b. Or, Would You Think that there was Something Wrong with him that caused people to oppose him. c. Again, even though I believe that these Scriptures Apply To All Christians --- they were Written Primary To God-Called Preachers. Matthew 10:1, "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, ..." --- V. 16, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." --- V. 24, "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord." --- V. 27, "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." --- V. 34-36, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household." --- V. 40, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." --- 11:1, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." John 16:1-3, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." John 17:14, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 15:18-21, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me." 5. From this we can be assured that Success Is Not a mark of God's Calling. (( Lets Notice Three TRULY DIVINE Characteristic: )) III. God Gives His Preachers An Intense Desire To Preach. 1 Timothy 3:1, "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." A. Jeremiah --- Jeremiah 20:9, "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." B. Paul --- 1 Corinthians 9:16, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" C. If A Preacher Can Quit Preaching --- He Should Do So! D. Billy Sunday Prayed: "O Lord, give me a back bone as big as a saw log and ribs like the sleepers under the church floor. Put iron shoes on my feet and galvanized breeches on my body. Give me a rhinoceros hide for skin and hang up a wagon-load of determination in the gable-end of my soul. Help me to sign the contract to fight the devil as long as I've got a tooth-and then gum him until I die."
IV. God Qualifies His Preachers --- He Enables them to do what He calls them to do --- Giving them Divine Strength --- Anointed A 1 Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;" B. Ephesians 3:7-8, "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence." C. He is Divinely Anointed. Timothy 4:14, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." II Timothy 1:5-6, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." I Peter 4:11, "If any man speak (preach), [let him speak (preach)] as the oracles of God; if any man minister (pastor), [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." D. If a Pastor teaches this Biblical Truth --- he may be Accused of having a Messianic Complex or a God Syndrome. 1. Just Who does he think He Is --- God? --- No, but he is God's Anointed. 2. However, He Should Not Allow This Attitude To Affect Him or cause him to Back Away from being what God Called Him to be. 3. "Oh, there is Nothing Special about a preacher --- I Can Do His Work --- and probably Better than he can. Maybe so, but you had better read what God's Word has to say about Saul --- who had that same idea. You might also study the revival under Hezekiah (2 Chron. 31) and Nehemiah (Neh. 13) and how the people got into such a wicked state where they needed a revival. 4. He is God's Representative on this earth --- You Should Respect Him As Such. Philippians 2:29, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:" 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves." 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." (Even though I believe that the following Scriptures Apply To All Christians --- they were Written Primary By Paul In Reference To Himself And To Other God-Called Preachers.) II Corinthians 5:18-20, "And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Galatians 4:14, "And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus." Malachi 2:7, "For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts." 1 Thessalonians 2:4, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." Luke 10:16, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."
V. God Distinguishes His Preachers With A "GAP" --- (Loneliness). A. This is for the Purpose of Drawing The Preacher Closer To God. B. Once a man answers the call to preach --- he will Never Again be looked upon by others in the Same Light As Before. 1.Deny It if you will --- It Is Never-The-Less True! 2 Some will Love and Respect him. 3. Others will Reject him with Scorn, Ridicule, or Hatred. 4. Others will try to Bridge The Gap and claim not to think of him differently from anybody else --- but the Difference --- the Separation --- the Gap is still there. a. It Won’t Go Away --- Everyone senses it in one way or another. b. If a Preacher --- himself --- does Not sense this gap --- he had better check up on his calling. 5. No One who has Not answered the Divine Call can fully understand the preacher’s Needs and Feelings. C. Some church members will Deny this and try to convince you that They are Close to and Understand the Pastor. (Most Pastors would like Nothing Better --- than for this To Be True --- as a matter of fact, He Craves It) 1. But, they have only Deceived Themselves --- and the pastor must remain quite and allow them to think what they will. 2. Remember, the Pastor is God's Anointed. 3. When he Must Disagree with or Cross some Important Member or some Old Friend --- the Gap Widens. 4. "But, Why Can't You just Compromise --- or at least be Diplomatic in dealing with the conflict. 5. Because he is God's Anointed --- his Loyalty Is To God --- which Most church member do Not Understand. 6. Most church member's greatest loyalty is to a Family member or to a Friend --- (Take Up Their Offence) The Preacher Is Then Cut Out of the inner circle. a. Preach against sin --- but Not those of my Family or Friends, b. Teach Other People's Children to respect the church building and other people's property --- but leave my kids alone ... c. Try to Help Other People Grow Spiritually --- but Tip Toe around any growth I may need --- besides, I don't really need to grow, I Have Already Arrived ... 7. As long as the pastor Goes Alone in order to Get Alone --- there is not as great a gap. D. Some church will say, "Well, I Don't Want A Pastor Where There Is A Gap Between Him And Other People." --- Neither Does He! 1. I can assure you that it is Not The Preacher That Put The Gap There --- He Sure Doesn't Want It! 2. But, I want a pastor who is One of Us. 3. This type of person is usually the one who Creates The Largest Gap. 4. Why? - How? - Well, when the Church Begins To Grow: a. Jobs & Responsibilities they once had are Spread Around. b. The church Ceases to be His Church and begin to be God's Church. c. He feels Slighted, Left Out, Not Needed, Un-Important, and may Threaten to go somewhere else where He can be the Center of Church Activities. d. Never realizing that he is Usurping the position that 0nly God Deserves. 5. You have to be Careful Not To Offend this person --- Walk On Glass --- Cause he will Get You ... 6. With Close Friends -- There is No Fear of offending the other. a. "Well, I'm a close friend --- Unless the preacher Slights Me ... b. That's Not friendship At All, much less a close friendship. E. Even If The Pastor Tries To Close This Gap --- it is still there. 1. When Invited To Visit or eat in your home. 2. When in a Conversation With Other Men: 3. When Going Out To Eat --- Socials --- Parties --- Sports Events --- etc. 4. "How Can He Be Human Like That And Still Get Up And Preach To Us?" a. He's Not God's Man --- he's just like one of us. b. This is the Reason Why ..... I know some preachers who will not allow their church members to see them without a long sleeve Dress Shirt & Tie and usually a Coat on. c. Why can't he be Both --- Because of the Gap --- we expect more. F. This "Gap" marks the preacher as being Touched by God's hand As No Other Man --- Called to Stand Where No Other Has A Right To Stand. 1. He is particularly Admired or particularly Despised as no other would be under like circumstances. a. He receives Little Praise for a life that is above reproach --- because that is what is Expected of Him. b. However, If He Falls, this Gap is the reason His Enemies Rejoice out of all proportion --- including church members. c. Some would Like Nothing Better than to Catch The Preacher in a mistake. 2. However, this is, as it Should Be --- It Keeps Him On His Toes. a. Luke 12:48, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:" b. James 3:1, "My brethren, be not many masters, (teachers) knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." G. Many friends & loved ones say: "Lighten Up, don't take your ministry (or Divine Call) so Seriously." 1. This is a statement that the Divinely Called preacher does Not Understand --- try as he may. 2. How can anyone take lightly a Divine Call or Anointing from God. 3. Any Preacher who has Not --- Received such a Divine Call and Anointing --- should be Honest and Get Out of the Ministry. H. There is no way to Explain a preachers Behavior apart from his Divine Call --- it Defies Understanding or Explanation. 1. Everything the world hold Valuable he considers Insignificant, 2. All he Cherishes, the world considers Pointless, 3. What the world thinks is Enduring, he considers as Temporary, 4. What he sees as Eternal, the world brands Illusionary, 5. The world's Reality is, to him, Frivolous, 6. What he considers Reasonable they think Absurd, 7. What the world considers Delicate and Refined, he considers Boring, 8. His Duty is to them a Waste of time, 9. Wisdom to the world, is Folly to him, 10. His Devotion is, to the world, Fanaticism, 11. Their Morality is, to him, Degenerate, 12. His Faith they call Bigotry. I. Even the most spiritually minded layman cannot explain the preacher, except to say: "He Is God's Anointed." 1. All the Goals of His Life, before his call, become Meaningless, and are Discarded as ashes from last winter's fire. 2. Rest only comes in the Abandonment of them, and Complete Surrender to seek God's goals and pathways for his life. 3. The Old Goals and ways may maintain their Pull. 4. The truly called of God May Slip Back into them. 5. But if he does, he will find only Misery and Uneasiness in his heart and soul. J. Even his Own Family, many times, will Not Understand him --- the "Gap" may even develop in his own family. 1. In many Pastor's Homes, there is Animosity and Hostility toward him --- he must live with this. 2. The stories I could tell about Preachers I have known and their Families are almost unlimited ... 3. Understand that, they see his Weaknesses and Failures and still have to Listen To Him Preach To Others --- while thinking of him as a Hypocrite. 4. However, this may be God's Way of Humbling him and Strengthening some of his Weaknesses. K. Other Great Men of God had Weaknesses and Failed in their service to God: 1. David --- Adultery --- Murder --- Killed An Entire Community. 2. Abraham --- Lied --- Adultery ..... 3. Jacob --- Deceiver --- Trickster ... 4. Peter --- Denied The Lord --- Cursed ..... 5. Paul --- Couldn’t Get Alone With His Fellow Missionary. L. Even though we know of their Failures, we still Love and Respect these men --- without referring to them as Hypocrites --- Carnal --- and other Terms I Won’t Mention --- they were Human like us. 1. However, these Men of God lived a Long Time Ago --- you Didn't have to listen to them preach. 2. You can live in a Fantasy world and just Dream about them. 3. You Didn't have to Live With Them and Their Weaknesses every day. 4. Even The Greatest Christians in church history have had rather Ordinary Marriages and have faced the Same Kinds of Problems that each of us face. M. However, Their Own Families gave them hell. 1. Miriam Is Alive And Well, Today!) a. Wait a minute Moses --- Don't you remember:
I hid you in the basket in the river ... I took care of you and helped raise you, Just who do you think you are? b. God can speak through me as well as He can you. c. Besides, (NT) don't you realize that we believe in the Priesthood of Every Believer. d. That is True as far as Prayer is concerned ..... e. It is Not True as far as the Call To Preach is concerned --- check it out ... f. The Is a Distinction between Clergy and Laity. 2. Martin & Katie Luther After Katie had Contradicted Him In Front of Dinner Guests, he sighed and remarked, "If I should ever marry again, I should hew myself an obedient wife out of stone." When Katie, who Didn't Mince Words, would say, "Doctor, Why Don't You Stop Talking And Eat?" he would Respond with something like: "Women should repeat the Lord's Prayer before opening their mouths." There was a saying that Martin loved to quote: "Let the Wife Make Her Husband Glad To Come Home and let Him Make Her Sorry To See Him Leave." But, try as he may, he was never able to accomplish that in his marriage.
3. John & Molly Wesley John Wesley's Home Was A Shambles. Four years after his marriage, He wrote to his brother Charles, "Love Is Rot." John said, "... to have persons (his wife, Molly) at my ear, Fretting And Murmuring At Everything Is Like Tearing The Flesh Off My Bones." Molly doctored some of John's letters to cast them in the Worst Possible Light and then Gave Them To The London Newspapers To Publish. In one letter to Molly, John listed Seven Major Complaints, including: 1. Molly's Stealing from his bureau, 2. His Inability To Invite Friends to his house for tea, 3. Her making him feel like a prisoner in his own house, 4. His having to give an Account To Molly of Everywhere He Went, 5. Molly showing his Private Papers And Letters without his permission, 6. Her use of Fishwife's Language against the servants, 7. And her Continual Malicious Slander. John had a problem appearing in public with Molly because he was Never Quite Sure What She Would Say. He writes that she "could not refrain from Throwing "Barbs" at him and would Speak To Him As "No Wife Ought To Speak To A Husband." She knew she had an Acid Tongue. However, not all the blame for their unhappy marriage was hers --- and She Wanted The World To Know It. John would write her: "How do you look back on your past sins?" And "If you were buried just now, or if you had never lived, What Loss Would It Be To The Cause of God?" She Didn't Like To Be Preached At By Her Husband. Separation Was Frequent for the Wesleys. Just before their Twentieth anniversary, Molly walked out again; Wesley's journal records it: "January 23. For what cause I know not, my wife set out for Newcastle, purposing never to return. I Have Not Left Her; I Have Not Sent Her Away; I Shall Not Ask Her To Come Back." John's Bitterness Against Molly passed away in his final years, and he Viewed those stormy years of marriage with the idea that if "Mrs. Wesley Had Been A Better Wife," He Might Have Been Unfaithful To The Great Work To Which God Had Called Him. ( Now, Look At A Blessed Family )
4. Jonathan & Sarah Edwards George Whitfield of England wrote regarding Johathan and Sarah Edwards, "A sweeter couple I have not yet seen." In fact, after visiting their Massachusetts home for a few days, Whitfield was So Impressed with the Edwards' household that He Resolved To Get Married when he returned home to England. Writer Samuel Hopkins visited the Edwards home and had to admire "the Perfect Harmony And Mutual Love And Esteem that subsisted between them." The home of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards not only produced harmony, love, and esteem, but a study of 1,400 descendants of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards indicated that it also produced 13 college presidents, 65 professors, 100 lawyers, 30 judges, 66 physicians, and 80 holders of public office including 3 senators, 3 governors, and a Vice-President of The United States. Much, but by no means all, of the Credit For The Happy Union Goes To Sarah Edwards. Jonathan was a Difficult man and must have been a Challenge to live with. He was Lost In His Own World, Impractical, And Moody. It Takes Two to make a good marriage, and both Jonathan and Sarah spent time making it work. Both of them were fascinating individuals. Although Jonathan enjoyed chopping wood and did some physical work around the house, he Spent Most of His Time In Prayer And Reading The Bible. Sarah Was The Manager not only of the Household but also of the Garden and the Fields. Edwards once asked, "Isn't it about time for the hay to be cut?" Sarah responded, "It's been in the barn for two weeks." Sarah had an excellent way of Governing Her Children. She knew how to make them Regard And Obey Her Cheerfully, without Loud, Angry Words, much less Heavy Blows ..... Her system of discipline was Begun At A Very Early Age ..... wisely reflecting that Until A Child Will Obey His Parents, He Can Never Be Brought To Obey God. N. So, even though there may be a "Gap" in many homes --- there Doesn’t Have To Be. VI. The Divinely Called Preacher Is Divinely Protected! A. God's Anointed are Untouchable. Psalms 105:15, "[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 1. You may Laugh at the idea of any man being Untouchable --- If so, be assured that you will Not Be The First. 2. This is Not to say that if a Pastor goes off into Heresy or Immorality; that the church should Not Take Action --- It Definitely Should! B. What we Are Talking About is those church members who go home after services and have a meal of: Roast Preacher --- Stewed Deacon --- Boiled Sunday School Teacher --- Fried Song Director, etc. C. Let's notice some Biblical Examples: 1. Elijah --- was sent for by King Ahaziah --- he sent a captain with 50 soldiers. 2 Kings 1:9-15, "Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. 14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. 15 And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king." The Problem with the first two was a Lack of Respect For God's Man. 2. Elisha --- 2 Kings 2:23-24, "And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them." a. The Problem again, was a Lack of Respect For God's Man. b. These Children probably Reflected The Attitudes of Their Parents --- probably expressed around the Sunday Dinner Table. 3. King Saul --- Even After God Had Taken His Hand off Him. 2 Samuel 1:1-16, "Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; 2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. 4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. 5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. 9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. 10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. 11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: 12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. 13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. 14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed? 15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. 16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’S anointed. " a. But, David, you don't understand --- Saul was a very Wicked Man who sought to Kill You. b. Some people seem to believe that if God's anointed is Not Perfect --- it is Open Season on him ... c. God's Protection of His Anointed is: (1) Not determined by the preachers faithfulness. (2) It Is determined by God's faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT), "If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself." 4. Korah --- Numbers 16:1-50, "Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: 5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. --- 8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: 9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? 10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? 11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? --- 23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, --- 26 ... Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. --- 28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. 30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. 31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. 34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. 35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. --- 41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. 42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. 44 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. --- 49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah." a. They Accused Moses of being a Dictator. V. 3, "... Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?" V. 13, "... thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?" b. No Preacher was going to tell them What To Do or How To Live. V. 10, "And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?" c. Moses was Deeply Hurt, but he Refused To Back Down --- His loyalty was to God who called him. (1) He Warned The People to not join the rebellion. V. 35, "And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense." (2) Some people Just Will Not Learn --- they Accused him to being Too Hard on Sin. V. 49, "Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah." 5. Abraham --- Genesis 20:7, "Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine." Even Though Abraham had strayed from God's will and was wrong in lying to the Abimelech the King --- God Was Still Protecting Him. 2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT), "If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself." 6. Miriam --- Numbers 12:1-16, "And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. --- 8 ... wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. --- 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, ...." a. I can hear Miriam saying, "Moses, listen, I used to change your diapers, I put you in the basket in the river and watched over you. Just who do you think you are anyway. b. Well, she found out. 7. Paul --- Today ... 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;"
VII. The Divinely Called Pastor Is A Shepherd --- Not A Sheep Dog! A. A Sheep Dog stays busy Herding the sheep and Keeping Them In Line --- a Shepherd Leads --- Nourishes --- Loves --- Feeds. Jesus said --- John 21:15-17, "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas ,lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 10:11-13, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 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. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep." B. You can Buy or Rent a Sheep Dog --- to keep the sheep in line --- Shepherds Are Not For Sale or Hire. (( A Shepherd that you can Hire --- becomes a Hireling! )) 1. I Have Never Asked Nor Have I Known what any church would pay me Before I had already decided to accepted the position of Pastor. 2. Paul learned that the More He Did and the More He Gave of himself to the people --- the Less They Loved Him and the More They Expected. 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." 3. These People wanted a Sheep Dog --- Not A Pastor! 4. Every Church Need To Decide whether they Want: a. A Sheep Dog that Belong To Them, or b. A Shepherd that Belongs To God. 5. Is the Pastor --- Your Man, or --- God's Man ...? C. Now, with that being said, The Pastor Is A Servant. 2 Corinthians 4:5, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake." D. 1 Corinthians 4:1-4, "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord." 1. "Minister" --- (Gk. ) --- means an Under-Rower --- referring to the slaves who sat in the belly of a large ship and pulled at the oars. 2. The minister is only One of Many slaves of Christ. 3. The slaves in the belly of the ship were Bound By Chains. 4. They could do Nothing But Serve the Master of the ship. 5. The minister is a Bound Slave of Christ. a. He Exist Only To row for the Master. b. He Cannot Serve Anyone Else. E. "Steward" --- (Gk. oikonomos) --- means the Overseer of an estate. 1 Chronicles 28:1, "...the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons," Matthew 20:8, "So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. Luke 16:1, "And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods." 1. The Steward was always a Slave, Subject To His Master, however: a. He was Placed In Charge of the other slaves, b. He Oversaw the operation for his master. c. His work was Not Closely Supervised, therefore, he had to be Trustworthy and Responsible. 1 Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;" 2. Likewise the Pastor, is Not Only A Servant of God --- but he is the Servant That God Has Made Steward of His Household. a. The Pastor does Not deal with perishable things such as Money, Possessions and Property --- but with the Eternal Things of God. b. 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." 2 Corinthians 2:3, "And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all." c. 1 Corinthians 16:16, "That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth." d. 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;" e. 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." f. Luke 10:16, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." F. The Pastor Is A Servant Under The Direction of God! 1. The pastor is Not the servant of the Church but rather of God. True, we all are to Serve One Another --- but always Under The Direction of God. 2. Galatians 1:10, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." 3. 1 Thessalonians 2:4, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." G. The Pastor is a Shepherd --- Not a Cowboy: The shepherd loves his sheep. It's not that the cowboy doesn't appreciate the cattle; it's just that he doesn't know the animal. He doesn't even want to. Have you ever seen a picture of a cowboy caressing a cow? Have you ever see a shepherd caring for his sheep? What is the difference? The Cowboy drives the cattle. The Shepherd leads the sheep. The Cowboy wants the meat of the cattle. The Shepherd only wants the wool of the sheep. The Cowboy wrestles, bands, herds, and ropes the cattle. The Shepherd leads, guides, feeds, and anoints the sheep. The Cowboy knows the trail hands by name. The Shepherd knows the sheep by name.
Top of Page Home Page Sermon Outlines |
