Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Epistle Lesson just read, from 2 Tim. 2. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- Paul’s words in our text are directed to Timothy, who at the time was a young pastor and a bishop of sorts – supervising the recruitment and training of future pastors. To a large degree, his instructions pertain to the training of pastors and also in regard to what is of importance for pastors to know and do in order to strengthen the people of God, believers, “by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
- In that your spiritual welfare and well-being relies upon this, as well as that of your fellow believers, fellow members of the church, it is important for you to know and understand these things as well. We all have responsibility in love to insure that the ministry is healthy and hearty and that all are begin strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- So let us hear Paul’s admonishment to Timothy, and learn how we may help in this process of the church being strengthened in faith and love through the ministry of God’s Word. First:
I. The Ministry Must Be Strong
A. It Must Be Centered In The Grace Of God Which Is In Christ Jesus
Eph. 2:8,9 “By grace you are saved through faith, and that is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Rom. 5:15-21 “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
B. So The Message Of The Ministry Must Always Be The Apostolic Word Alone
Text: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
1. All are to have this one doctrine; all are to teach the same things
Text: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men
2. Those who are to be pastors must be faithful to God’s Word, the Scripture, and able to teach
Text: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Statement: This is foundational for the health and strengthening of the church of God! Pastors first of all should know this and be completely committed to such faithfulness – first in learning the apostolic Word of Holy Scripture, and second in teaching it to others. You must also know and understand this, so that you know what to expect from your pastors. And if you are not getting it, then you must confront and correct the pastor.
Application: Your faith and strength depend upon this, as well as that of all our members. We all owe it to each other to insist upon such faithful ministry of God’s Word from our pastors! Hopefully, our pastors are always eager and willing to provide this ministry of God’s Word faithfully! And:
II. Pastors Must Also Be Committed To Christ Alone
A. They Must Be Men Ready To Suffer For Christ And His Kingdom
Text: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
B. They Must Be Unencumbered By The Affairs Of This World
Text: “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits.”
1. Rather, his aims must be God’s aims
Text: “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the One Who enlisted him.”
2. He must “play” by the rules, God’s Word
Text: “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
3. He must be willing to work hard
Text: “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.”
Statement: The pastoral ministry is not for those who are creative, nor for those who are looking for a life of pleasure and ease. The pastoral ministry is not for those who are innovative and who enjoy playing fast and loose when it comes to the rules. None of this will do when it comes to the aims of God – a strong faith in what God has given to us in Holy Scripture!
Application: Now it is true that all pastors will have certain weaknesses, and will from time to time succumb to the temptations of this world. This is especially true when it comes to sins like selfishness, laziness, greed, and even self-indulgence. However, these sins must all be repented, which means the pastor is ever working against them. However, there can be no “compromising” when it comes to the “teaching” of God’s Word. Nothing can remain healthy and hearty where God’s Word is disrespected and violated!
And if we are concerned about keeping track of all of this, Paul assures us that:
III. God Will Give Us Understanding In Everything As We Continue In The Scriptural Word
Text: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
A. He Will Give Us Understanding By The Gospel
Text: “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
B. He Will Give Us Understanding By God’s Word, The Holy Scripture
Text: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. . . . But the Word of God is not bound!”
C. He Will Give Us Understanding As We Remain Bonded To Christ
Text: “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful – for He cannot deny Himself.”
Statement: Again, it is of preeminent importance that all pastors, who are entrusted with this ministry, know and understand all of these things. Our seminaries are bound to ensure this!
Application: It is also important for you to know these things, so that you do all that you can to ensure a healthy and hearty ministry within the church! It will be a great blessing for you and for all of the congregation if this takes place!
Conclusion: Would to God that all ministers clearly understand their role and tasks, and their responsibilities! Then no conflict would arise within congregations, or within the larger church body!
However, there are times when you may have to step in and correct a pastor, or encourage him back to faithfulness to his calling. This is never to get rid of a pastor, but to keep all of our pastors faithful in serving God’s aims. We must do this for the sake of the church, our fellow believers, and for the sake of God – Who has instituted the ministry for His purposes.
It is a beautiful thing that God wills for us – to be strengthened “by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” May He grant it to us all through faithful ministers of His Word. Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.