How To Choose A Minister For You And Your Family

Transcription

1 U.S. CAPITOL How To Choose A Minister For You And Your Family MARCH 3, 2014 What are the biblical standards that you should know about in order to evaluate a good minister how any pastor-teacher is doing? How can you tell a good ministry leader, be he someone who serves in an outpost like a Capitol, or a pastor of a local church? What does the Bible say relative to a good Shepherd versus a not-so-good Shepherd? This week let us turn the table a bit. Rather than me attempting to apply the Word to your life, the life of a Public Servant, let us apply the Word to the life of someone like me. This is a good and fair exercise, don t you think? At the same time it creates a wonderful opportunity for me to teach from a profound text of Scripture that is difficult for many to understand. What follows, and I will attempt to develop from Scripture, is one particular God-ordained standard that you should definitely know about and apply to me, and to anyone else in ministry. Weekly Bible Study During Session Wednesday Mornings 8:00 AM Sharp. Capitol Building Family Room H324 Hot Breakfast Served. Robert Aderholt, Alabama Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Spencer Bachus, Alabama Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Jim Bridenstine, Oklahoma Paul Broun, Georgia John Campbell, California Tony Cardenas, California John Carter, Texas Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Howard Coble, North Carolina Michael Conaway, Texas Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Rick Crawford, Arkansas Steven Daines, Montana Jeff Denham, California John Duncan Jr., Tennessee Mary Fallin (Gov.), Oklahoma John Fleming, Louisiana Bill Flores, Texas Randy Forbes, Virginia Trent Franks, Arizona Scott Garrett, New Jersey Louie Gohmert, Texas Tom Graves, Georgia Tim Griffin, Arkansas Ralph Hall, Texas Gregg Harper, Mississippi George Holding, North Carolina Bill Huizenga, Michigan Randy Hultgren, Illinois Bill Johnson, Ohio Jim Jordan, Ohio Steve King, Iowa John Kline, Minnesota Doug LaMalfa, California Doug Lamborn, Colorado James Lankford, Oklahoma Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Mike McIntyre, North Carolina Mark Meadows, North Carolina Gary Miller, California Jeff Miller, Florida Randy Neugebauer, Texas Allen Nunnelee, Mississippi Steve Pearce, New Mexico Mike Pence (Gov.), Indiana Robert Pittenger, North Carolina Mike Pompeo, Kansas Bill Posey, Florida Tom Price, Georgia Reid Ribble, Wisconsin Cathy McMorris Rogers, Washington Austin Scott, Georgia Tim Scott, South Carolina Lamar Smith, Texas Steve Southerland, Florida Steve Stockman, Texas Marlin Stutzman, Indiana Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania Scott Tipton, Colorado Tim Walberg, Michigan Randy Weber, Texas Daniel Webster, Florida Lynn Westmorland, Georgia Roger Williams, Texas Joe Wilson, South Carolina Rob Wittman, Virginia Steve Womack, Arkansas Rob Woodall, Georgia Ted Yoho, Florida

2 I. INTRODUCTION In the New Testament Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul stops by to visit with the leaders of the Church at Ephesus. Before contemplating the passage to follow, note that he had planted this church, having spent more than three years there during one of his missionary journeys. In reminiscing with the leaders of the church, to whom he had ministered for so long, he states, among other things, in chapter 20: But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Much could be said from this warm, reminiscent passage, but pertinent to this week s study is the phrase prior to the last one: Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. What does this mean, and how does it contextually relate to that which follows? This study is all about discovering the profundity of this specific portion of the passage! It is hugely instructive to come to grips with the absolute seriousness the Apostle Paul possessed pertaining to his calling as a minister of the Gospel! TOO MANY MINISTERS TODAY HAVE EITHER FORGOTTEN OR ELSE JETTISONED THE PROFOUND GUIDANCE OF THIS PASSAGE These NT words, in the overall context of the passage are intended to protect the Ephesian elders and congregants from false teachers who could (and would) spiritually speaking lead them astray (cf. vss ). Every good minister has this in mind as he shepherds your soul. II. OLD TESTAMENT CONTEXT Paul was a Pharisee prior to his conversion to Christ; that means he was intimately acquainted with the Old Testament when the Holy Spirit inspired him to speak these words recorded in Acts. The following OT passages help to inform us of the context in which he made these statements. A. JOSHUA 2:17-21 The following narrative from the book of Joshua must have been in the back of Paul s mind when he said for I am innocent of the blood of all men. It speaks to the same idea. You probably remember this story: Joshua s spies were doing their recon of Jericho in preparation for Israel s invasion of that walled, pagan city. In doing so they encountered Rahab, who hid them and protected them. In return for her kindness, the spies swore to protect her family. Note the following passage. The men said to her, "We shall be free from this oath to you which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father's household. It shall come about that anyone who goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be free; but anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be free from the oath 2

3 which you have made us swear. She said, "According to your words, so be it." So she sent them away, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Herein is the same descriptor as Paul uses in Acts, of someone s blood being on his own head versus my head if you don t follow my warning. This expression then, is an OT portrayal paralleling our modern understanding of taking personal responsibility for an action. B. EZEKIEL 33:7-9 In this Ezekiel passage this same Hebrew imagery connoting personal responsibility is taken a step further; the same linguistic imagery is used directly in relationship to the faithfulness of one of God s messengers. Take note of such as God addresses His spokesperson in this passage: Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life. Both Joshua and Ezekiel provide background as to the meaning that Paul, no doubt an expert in the Old Testament, intended as he carries forward this linguistic imagery into his New Testament writing: God s spokesman must not shrink from declaring the whole purpose of God lest he become personally responsible for the sin of those to whom he has failed to deliver God s truth: God will place the blood of the wicked on the head of the failed watchman! That is the main point of this study, and a ministry leader s worst nightmare! Understanding this principle should prove to be quite motivational to say the least! God s spokesmen must deliver God s message, lest he become responsible for the spiritual plight of those to whom he has failed to proclaim God s message! This is profoundly insightful and sobering indeed. C. PROVERBS Although similar word imagery does not appear in the book of Proverbs, the idea is doubly underscored throughout. The specific context of the book relates to the training of a future political leader (King Solomon preparing his son to take his throne). The recurring cadence of the book reveals God s intended stepping-stones toward wise leadership. And it is this: INSTRUCTION LEADS TO KNOWLEDGE, WHICH LEADS TO UNDERSTANDING, WHICH LEADS TO WISDOM This four-step path as to how a leader gains God s wisdom redounds throughout the book. As a matter of fact the word instruction appears 16 times. Accordingly, it follows that if the instructor fails to instruct in God s truth, the lack of biblical knowledge in the heart of the up-and-coming political leader will result in a lack of understanding and therefore a respective lack of wisdom in leadership. Oh! How often do we see the ramifications of this breakdown today, across and throughout America s political landscape! The stark absence of biblical instruction among a vast majority of political leaders portends a shortage of wise leadership in the land. The lack of instruction in biblical knowledge and the inculcation of its understanding are a root cause! The failure of spiritual leaders to instruct political leaders are synonymous to what Paul said he did not do: I did not shrink from declaring the purpose of God. It follows that the downward direction of America can be laid at the feet of its ministers; political leaders are in large a reflection of spiritual 3

4 leaders (cf. 1Peter 4:17). Notice what the Prophet Hosea records from God as he amplifies this. D. HOSEA 4:6 In this Minor Prophet book of the OT, God places the blame for a country s downfall squarely on the shoulders of its failed spiritual leaders. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. God s intended instructors were failing to instruct from God s Book! The inevitable result of such failure is a lack of knowledge, leading to a lack of understanding and wisdom, which eventually leads to destruction. Given this unavoidable sequence, is it any wonder that God s response would be so harsh rejecting His messengers for failing in their catalytic calling? No building lasts long without a strong foundation. The continual instruction of a minister is foundational both to your life and the nation. Make sure you avail yourself to a good minister my friend. With a clear understanding of Joshua, Ezekiel, Proverbs and Hosea, is it any wonder why Paul was so intensely serious about his calling to be a faithful messenger of God? Paul carried in his soul this OT perspective, a compelling inner unction to not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God lest he fail in his calling! The righteousness of a nation largely depends on its religious leaders not shrinking from declaring the whole counsel of God (cf. Prov. 14:34). HOW CAN WE EXPECT POLITICAL LEADERS TO FAITHFULLY AND WISELY DISPATCH THEIR DUTIES WITHOUT THE COUNSEL OF MANY A FAITHFUL AND COURAGEOUS BIBLE TEACHER? The answer is you cannot My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge says God and therein is an explanation why America is in such decline. Unfortunately, many Evangelicals have focused on trying to change laws, at the total expense of evangelizing and discipling the hearts of Public Servants. There s a big difference in investment, strategy and results you know; almost 40 years of this wrong emphasis by the Religious Right has little to show for its efforts. What our nation needs most are evangelists and Bible teachers in city and county government buildings, in the state and federal capitols of our nation! That is the Scriptural formula for effecting change. To be sure, God has chosen His Bible teachers/shepherds before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to be His ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20). Being a minister of the Gospel is not to be exchanged for some other lessor purpose. Understood through the lens of Scripture, ministry leaders faithfulness and focus (or lack thereof) as to what God has called him to focus on has huge eternal repercussions! J think what would happen if 100 s of 1000 s of Shepherds disciple our nation s political leaders! Ephesians 4:11-12 underscores this God-ordained priority. And He gave some as. evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; A Pastor Teacher is the NT equivalent to an OT watchman or instructor. The opposite of the ministers (or chaplains) who are faithful to their calling are those who take the name of Christ and teach the Bible only partially, or incorrectly, be it a social gospel, a prosperity message, or a self-help truncation. Even worse are the idolatrous ministers who teach the Bible as merely one of many supposedly equally valid approaches to salvation. Like the moral relativists who see all ideas as equally valid, these supposed ministers, accept false 4

5 religions, giving them prominence as they in essence reject the singular saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are guilty of denying what Jesus specifically says of Himself in John 3:16. I am the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father, but through me. How can a ministry leader be syncretistic? He will pay a huge cost when he stands before the One who called him into ministry. He will not be innocent of the blood of those whom he misled concerning the singularity of salvation. To make sure, in Matthew 7:13 Jesus specifically contradicts the all paths lead to heaven message so prevalently proclaimed today. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. Biblically, one cannot be an all religions are of equal value ministry leader in a capitol or a local church! Such idolatry led to God cursing Israel they were not to chase after other gods. Will not God judge America if her spiritual leaders do the same thing? This is why I believe the National Prayer Breakfast, with its year in and year out syncretistic message, does far more damage than good. What does God think when His servants plug in the microphone for false religions? That is why I have boycotted it for years. Be sure in your heart on this: God s judgment is harsh on spiritual leaders and on nations whose spiritual leaders compromise His singular message! Make no mistake here: All of God s shepherds must be very precise in the heralding of their salvation proclamation! In addition, they must be committed to declaring the whole counsel of God. Beloved friends, don t follow those who are not singular about the message of saving faith in Christ, and/or who fail to instruct you in the whole of Scripture. III. NEW TESTAMENT AMPLIFICATIONS Lest you think I am finished with this sermon, I have only just begun! THE SOLEMN DUTIES AND SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SHEPHERD S FAITHFULNESS AND THE CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES OF HIS FAILURE ARE CONVEYED IN NUMEROUS OTHER NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGES Note the following selections that elaborate on this important principle of Scripture: A. ROMANS 10:14 Paul speaks to this same idea in Romans when he states to the church. How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? This passage parallels the OT idea that we observed in the Book of Proverbs, wherein God calls forth instructors (Hebr., lamad), meaning trainers (cf. Prov. 5:13), or, as stated in this NT passage, to be His preachers (Gr. Kerusso) meanings heralders of truth. How will they hear without a preacher again serves to evidence the catalytic position God intends for His ministers to occupy. B. 1CORINTHIANS 4:1-2 In this passage, Paul is informing the Church at Corinth how to regard us, referring to church leaders. Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 5

6 He states that all stewards of the mysteries of God, aka ministers, are not to posture themselves as powerful, prideful individuals, but rather just the opposite: as ones steeped in humility concerning their high calling and privilege. They are to be regarded in this manner, as servants huperetas meaning an under rower of Christ. Paul pictures himself and other true ministers of the Gospel by choosing an ancient Greek word that describes a menial galley slave, one who rows on the bottom tier of a ship. Secondly, he refers to himself as a steward oikonomous meaning one who is entrusted with the responsibilities for his master s entire household. Both are beautifully descriptive words of the kind of minister you should associate with, versus false spiritual leaders who are arrogant and prideful. Humility is a litmus test of ministerial legitimacy. Lastly mysteries of God is a reference commonly used throughout the New Testament to connote the divine revelation of the New Testament, which was not discernable from the viewpoint of the OT. What is perhaps most important in this passage as it relates to this study is what follows: Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. The word trustworthy pistos can also be translated as reliable or faithful, i.e. the chaplain or minister s utmost faithfulness pertaining to his calling as God s watchman, or messenger of God s truth all in stark contrast to those who tickle the ears of their followers. I need digress here for a moment, note 2Timothy 4:3 as it pertains to this. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. There is increasingly enormous pressure on God s faithful messengers today in a post-christian American society because. MANY CONGREGANTS TODAY ARE IN SEARCH OF, IF ANYTHING, SOFT SERVE FAST FOOD RELIGION The ministry leader must not succumb to such pressures. Paul reasoned this dilemma and how he viewed it in the following way when he addressed the Church of Galatia (1:10). For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond- servant of Christ. Paul was clear in his thinking on this point (and many others!) He knew who his ultimate audience was; I visualize him as wearing those blinkers that racehorses wear in order to remain so focused! Paul uses yet another Greek word in this above passage, bondservants doulos, to describe how he saw himself in ministry. Doulos is a common ancient word for a slave. Again, he depicts himself and all ministers as God s slaves; this passage reiterates the genuine humility that will characterize God s legitimate spokespeople. They have no choice but to serve the One who called them, to whom they are beholden for their calling! They are totally owned by Him! They can do nothing else! Not only do they stay on message, they will persevere in their calling because of this inner resolve. The application point is this: Don t choose a church, Bible study or minister at home or in the Capitol that is striving to please men rather than God! If God requires of His stewards that they be found trustworthy, then you should listen to and study with those who are being faithful to their calling! Such a decision will accrue blessings. C. 1CORINTHIANS 9:16 Underline this passage please. Notice again the humility incumbent of true men of God. Theirs should be a holy fear and trepidation for perhaps failing in their high calling. 6

7 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. Woe is an expression of grief and denunciation in Greek. As already seen from the Old Testament, God s most severe chastening is reserved for ministers who fail to be faithful to their calling: altering the cross of Christ and the centrality of Scripture. One cannot, out of fear for his own hide, succumb to the pressure of making people feel comfortable in their sin. Every man, woman and child needs Christ in order to be saved from an eternity in hell that awaits them. Apart from Christ s imputed righteousness, no one can stand before the Holy Creator God of the universe. Such truths should compel the minister to faithfulness. D. JAMES 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. The Greek word for teachers didaskalos is the frequent New Testament reference for someone who functions in an official capacity as a Bible teacher or preacher. The word for judgment refers to a future judgment when he is rewarded (or not rewarded) before Christ (cf. 1Corinthians 4:3-5; contr. Revelation 20:12) for either faithful or unfaithful service unto Him. Such Jamesian words above are in keeping with the subject of this study. Those who name the name of Christ as Bible teachers, only to allow others to feel good in their false beliefs, will incur no future reward from Christ at the believers judgment. My friend, these are heavy-duty passages for anyone in my profession! Many of you have remarked how much time I take in preparing a weekly Bible study 52 times a year. This is the reason why I will incur a stricter judgment. E. 1PETER 5:1-4 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. In the last sentence of this passage, Peter s epistle helps to inform the insights commented on previously in the Jamesian passage pertaining to a stricter judgment for teachers. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd who will determine the rewards of His under-shepherds. Those rewards are here described as receiving the unfading crown of glory. 1Corinthians 3:15 further builds this theological thought (of points C and D): If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Again, these passages are insightful relative to the worst nightmare of someone who is called into teaching the Bible and shepherding people. F. HEBREWS 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Again, notice the repetition of Scripture. Spiritual leaders are those who will give an account to the Chief Shepherd. My point again: the kind of Shepherd you want to choose to follow isn t so concerned about his acceptance by the Sheep as he is his acceptance by God; his ultimate accountability is not horizontal, but vertical. 7

8 IV. SUMMARY Spiritual discernment says one should avoid ministers who play all sides. In love, cut to the chase with ministers in your midst: What does he say about the exclusivity of salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone? Does he vacillate in order to please people? DO THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS YOU FOLLOW SANCTION ALL RELIGIONS OR DO THEY TAKE THE HEAT FOR THE EXCLUSIVITY OF THE GOSPEL? For sure, those who do not compromise their calling will be criticized, even persecuted, for their narrow-mindedness. But remember, persecution and suffering in this world are expected for the spiritual leader and the believer alike. As a matter of fact, if the spiritual leader or the layman who names the name of Christ is not suffering for his faith, perhaps he is failing to proclaim it loud enough and with the exclusivity it requires (cf. Romans 8:17; Philemon 1:9; 1Thessalonians 3:4; 2Timothy 1:12; 2Timothy 2:3; 2Timothy 2:9; 1Peter 2:20; 1Peter 3:14)? Make sure you remember what Paul said to the Elders at the Church of Ephesus in Acts 20:26-27, and seek pastors and Bible teachers who do not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. May God richly bless your learning and your doing of His will! 8