Sermon Nuggets week of Sept 14, 2009
Theme- Advice to Pastors
Verse 1 Peter 5:1-4
Advice to Pastors
According to a poll James Patterson and Peter Kim researched the 10 sleaziest ways to make a living and the 10 most admired occupations. Let me read the worst five.
1. Drug dealer, 2 organized crime boss, 3 TV evangelist, prostitute and street peddler. I found it interesting that A TV evangelist was listed worse than a prostitute. Although a priest is mentioned number 7 in admired occupations. Protestant clergy did not making the ranking. A baby-sitter did, a mail carrier did, and a housekeeper did.
In this day and age clergy do not have a very good image. Almost weekly there is some Christian minister being named in some type of scandal. What does that do for the cause of Christ?
How can you tell if someone is a false teacher or not? I am not speaking about a cult that ignores Jesus Christ like New Age movements, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam. I am talking about people claiming to be Christian leaders and teachers. Within the evangelical circles there are many false teachers. Can you discern which are of God and which are not?
Most people will readily admit that they don't know the Bible like they should. Many are unable to discern heresy that perverts the central Christian truths and minor differences of interpretations of unclear passages of the Bible. To most a disagreement is a disagreement. But it is confusing who you believe as a spiritual leader.
Peter tells us how an elder should act. He was writing to fellow elders. The term "elder" was carried over into the church from the synagogue where they were the rulers of the synagogue, the custodians of the property and of the copies of the books of the Old Testament which were very expensive. They directed the worship and usually designated some visiting rabbi to read and expound the Scriptures.
Although most Jews knew what it meant, the Gentiles did not use that term as much as the term meaning an overseer, or superintendent which was translated bishop. The terms bishop and elder were used interchangeably of the spiritual leaders. We might call them pastors who are the teaching elders.
Incidentally, neither layman nor clergy are Biblical terms. But there is no question some people are called to ministry in special ways regardless how they earn their money.
Peter does not come to these pastors as a Pope. He is not giving orders, but exhorting them as a fellow elder. Peter was writing in times of persecution and need that Christians needed adequate spiritual leadership. In the previous message we talked about judgment beginning in the house of God. God will judge Christians and he will especially judge Christian leaders and pastors. I must ask myself regularly am I sharing to the best of my ability and knowledge from conviction from God's word and application to our day, or popular homilies to make people feel good about themselves? Because many have abused the office of elder it is important to look at Biblical criteria for judging who is of God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Sept 15
Verses 1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
The Hope of One’s Ministry
Peter is writing to fellow pastors. Although he is an apostle he recognizes he is a fellow elder. What is important is that we are all under Jesus. He was with Jesus. He had seen Jesus. He had heard Jesus. He watched Him perform miracles. Jesus was his personal Rabbi while on earth.
There are times when I am envious of those 12 who could sit at Jesus feet and ask him questions and delight in his presence and share in his ministry together. Then I remember that such a call to each of the 12 was a call to death. It was a commitment that was not going to be easy to share the good news to the world in which some are saved and many are violently opposed.
It was a ministry that did not promise financial security, or good home life, or retirement and comfortable houses. It was a call that would demand more of them than fishing and receiving taxes.
When I was going through a career fair as a senior at Michigan State University there was a representative from some company that grabbed my hand and shook it and said I’m looking for someone who is interested in making lots of money. I looked and him and said that is not my interest. He returned the surprise look and said, “Then I’m not interested in talking with you.”
I am sure that he had lots of takers who might have shown interest in his company.
As I continued down the rows of representatives from other potential employers there was a sign that caught my attention. It was hand written. “Lousy pay, hard work, many long hours, but GREAT RETIREMENT.” AS I stopped I saw it was an advertisement for ministry.
The great retirement that worthy of Peter’s commitment was glory. He had seen the suffering of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s suffering came salvation to the world, to all and any who put their faith in his death, burial and resurrection. It was the atonement that captured Peter’s zeal.
But Peter’s faithfulness to the task of reaching a lost world was the sharing in glory with His master and Lord. His work was a work of faith. Glory was to be revealed at time known only to God. But he was as certain of it as he was of anything in the world. Who would have thought God would send His Son to suffer for our sins? The resurrection changed Peter’s life. He had a new purpose. When Jesus promised to come again, that was a promise without question because of all that Peter experienced. He knew God keeps His promises.
We are not saved by our works. But there are rewards to be faithful laborers for the master. That is a greater retirement than any plan can offer.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 16
Verses 1 Peter 5:1,2 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;
Focus of One's Ministry.
Listen to what someone is talking about and determine the main focus of ministry. Does he spend lots of time talking about self and what he has done and is doing? If the focus of ministry is on a person or pastor or church leader it is not of God. Does he speak a great deal about the church or ministry and what it is doing? If it is on the church and what great work is being done by that church it is off focus. Is there emphasis on the outward works of what man is doing, or what you can do to better yourself through your own efforts? If the focus of the ministry is on good works being done I hope you will see red flags requiring further examination.
But if the focus of the ministry first and foremost is to point you to God through Jesus Christ and lift up the Son of God for worship salvation and praise then the Spirit of God is working. The focus of one's ministry begins with Jesus Christ and makes Christ the center of attention around which all other things take perspective.
Each leader of God must have a personal, vital experience with Jesus Christ. They must be saved. You will be surprised how many pastors, and church leaders do not know the Lord. Many people sincerely get into the ministry or work in churches because they like to help other people which is noble, but if you do not know Jesus Christ in a personal way all the good works do us no good.
I have heard of others in Christian service hoping by being in ministry they will assure themselves a place in heaven. Christian works of any kind is not how we are saved. We are saved by the works of Jesus Christ on the cross and accepting and committing ourselves to Him. One must begin with a love relationship with Jesus Christ and in knowing him then point others to HIM.
Now lots of people will ministry often speaking of God and Jesus Christ. The Bible says that some will claim to have even cast out demons and healed in the name of Jesus, but God will say, "Depart from me I never knew you." Some will claim some special supernatural revelation that is added information from what the Bible. Beware.
I have a hand written note by someone who wrote to me explaining that God revealed truth to him. What he writes about is a combination of truth with superstition around the mysterious usage of words.
When someone is making the focus of their ministry secret revealed messages that require special spiritual interpretation, be warned it is false teaching and not of God. God's word alone becomes the standard of truth by which everything else is judged.
Peter writes in this book of the death the burial the resurrection and the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the focus of attention for all who are servants of God.
After Jesus receives the focus, ask secondly is the person ministry for his sake or the sake of other's Spiritual good? The Bible speaks of a pastor like a shepherd. But the flock belongs to the Lord, not to the pastor. It is God’s flock under the care for feeding by the pastor. One is called by God and is willing to serve His Lord and His Lord’s people.
If God and His people are not the focus of one’s ministry then one should change churches. It is not to build a bigger kingdom for himself, or for his name’s sake.
I visited one church were the picture of the pastor was literally on the side of the building as a mural to him. When a Sunday School contest was running those who got most to come to Sunday School received a huge picture of the pastor. There are times when one will use Jesus to gain personal pride, power, and possessions. How easily some people are mislead by some spiritual leaders. Many Christian media personalities can gain a following, sell books and merchandise jet plans and condos. Beware.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Sept 17
Verses- 1 Pet 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
The Tasks of One’s Ministry
The tasks of a Shepherd are four fold as explained in Peter’s letter.
1) To feed the sheep. Sheep need feeding. People need to be continually reminded what the Bible says and how to apply it in their lives. That is how people stay spiritually alive and growing. The food for the believer is God's word, not our opinions. There are many churches whose leaders will give you all the latest political information and what you should do for your community. There are others who will take significant philosophical ideas of the day and promote them. Others will emphasis the psychological principles and therapeutic counseling principles to help us adjust to the pressures and stresses of this life. But who will tell people God's truth? If it isn’t in the homes and in the church where will it come from?
I remember asking one of my chaplain supervisors from a more liberal persuasion in a hospital what the difference was between a psychologist and a chaplain. His answer was we can use more God talk. What he meant was we do exactly the same things by listening to their problems and reflecting back to them what we are hearing so they can formulate their own conclusions, but we can say a prayer, or use God's name to help them feel better about it.
Jesus said, "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” He said, "I am the way the truth and the life no man comes unto the father but by me." Certain periodical needs to be followed in a hospital setting with strangers, but we do not need God talk we need God. The only way to God is faith in Jesus Christ and yielding ourselves to Him. By introducing the Word of God I found those whom God is prompting start asking questions and the door is open for more spiritual conversations.
2) A Pastor is also to protect the flock. The shepherd had to protect the sheep from thieves and robbers. Likewise a pastor must protect God's people from those who want to spoil the flock. We have seen evidences of that with a number of T.V. ministers. You see on the news horrible reports of ministers that misuse their office by abusing parishioners and children. Sometimes the media has a way of centering in on the unethical and immoral ministers and for every one who is exposed, I can show you a 1,000 who devote their service whole hardily to the Lord and their people.
3) A Pastor is to love his people. The faithful shepherd not only feeds and protects his flock but loves them. He wants what is best for them because he cares for them. He makes sure they would be healthy he would check for snakes, pits, poisonous plants. Some pastors today are interested only in crowds for what the crowds can do for him. They have no time for individuals. Jesus took time for those who had needs. It is a godly pastor that cares.
4) A pastor is to lead them. That is what an overseer is. One is called and responsible for helping them find pasture, health, and strength by leading them to maturity in Christ. “Teaching them to obey all things whatsoever I have command you.” That is part of the great commission. Helping them use their gifts together for the strengthening of the body of Christ for the glory of God.
Even though these qualities are directed toward pastors, how would life be different if this is how parents and employees fulfilled their tasks?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Sept 18
Verse- 1 Pet 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
The Motive of One’s Ministry
As we have been reminded this week of the job of the pastor called of God we looked at Peter’s advice as to his calling, his hope, his focus and his tasks. Peter shares the motive of serving- the reward of a life that has been faithful in serving his Lord and Master.
Watch out for leaders who demand authority, seek greater possessions, violate Biblical principles, or build themselves up. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease?" John knew his job was to prepare the way for people to follow Jesus, not himself.
Peter also knew that in spite of his gifts of preaching, evangelism and teaching as the chef spokesman for the disciples he was to point people to the Chief Shepherd. The point Peter makes is that the sheep do not belong to the pastor, they belong to Jesus Christ. We are under His authority and care.
Be as pastors we are sheep as well to follow our Chief Shepherd. The motive for ministry is not higher wages and better salary, if needs are being met and his family is cared for. One man asked a very pointed question, “Why is it whenever pastors seek the leading of God to move to another church it is always to a place of greater salary and benefits, never to places of less material benefits?”
The minister must be careful of covetousness, not to work for money. It is perfectly proper for the church to pay their pastors and to be as generous as possible. I do not believe it is right for a church to try to get by on how cheap they can if they are not letting their ministers have a decent wage.
When Apple Computer fell on difficult days, the young chairman, Steven Jobs, traveled to NYC to convince Pepsi CEO John Scully to move west and run the company. He told Jobs, "Financially you'd have to give me a million salary, a million bonus, and million severance. "
Flabbergasted, the chairman agreed but only if he would move to Calif. But Sculley would commit only to being a consultant from New York. Steve Jobs issued a challenge, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want to change the world?"
Sculley admitted that knocked the wind out of him. He had been so caught up with his pension, salary and personal benefits that the purpose of changing the world put his life in perspective.
Jesus called us not only to change the world, but have effect on people's lives that affect their eternal destination. In whatever you enjoy doing, let God move within you that you can affect others in their relationship with God.
The Biblical motive for serving is God's call on his life.
Warren Wiersbe was asked when he pastored the Moody Church in Chicago "It must be hard to keep all these people happy. He responded, "I don't even try to keep them happy I try to please the Lord and I let Him take care of the rest".
When Jesus said, "come and follow me" whether it was to Peter, James and John, or to Paul or Barnabus, or Titus, or Timothy, or to you and me, we willingly say, “I will follow Lord, what would you have me do?”
Let’s face it. There are times when attendance is up and down, times when people seem responsive to the gospel and times when they are not. There are times when people are excited about programs and times when there is nothing but complaints and problems. There is something more than professionalism or faithfulness there are seasons of the Spirit. It is appropriate to do self evaluation and listen to others to confirm one's spiritual gift, but the call to ministry is something far deeper than popularity. It is the urgency of God that we must be about his work, and are willing to do it or your are unfulfilled.
When I am discouraged and feel like quitting, I ask myself what else would I rather do than serving Jesus in ministry? There is nothing else. There are many reasons to quit. But the motive is to trust and obey ones call and that call is from the Chief Shepherd.
Part of that motive is the desire to serve Him for the glory to be revealed and the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He was the one who died for your sins, not any pastor or Sunday School superintendent or church chairman. It is the Great Shepherd who saves and empowers who gives you peace it is not found in any human being.
Let these principles guide you not only as parishioners, but as Christian laymen as you let God minister through you.
Pastor Dale
