What Can I Do For My Pastor?

Romans 16:3

If you know the value of your soul, the precious- ness of Christ and his blood, and the blessedness of the gospel, you want to treat that man who preaches the gospel to you as he ought to be treated and do every- thing you can for him. He is the messenger of God to your soul. You may often ask yourself, "What can I do for my pastor?" Here are ten things every church and every believer can and should do for that man who preaches the gospel of Christ to them: (1.) KNOW HIM (I Thess.5:12): Acknowledge your own pastor as God's messenger to you. Love him as such. And show an interest in his welfare, comfort, and happiness. (2.) ESTEEM HIM VERY HIGHLY (I Thess.5:13): The word is "super abundantly". Entertain the highest possible opinion of your pastor. Always speak honorably of him and respectfully to him.That man deserves your highest, loving esteem who labors for your soul, has been the instrument of your conversion, ministers to your soul's comfort, and instructs you in the gospel. (3.) REMEMBER HIM (Heb.13:7): Remember him at the throne of grace. And remember the mesages he delivers to you. (4.) FOLLOW HIM (Heb.13:7): Follow his doctrine, devotion, and dependability as he shows you the way of faith by word and example. (5.) OBEY HIM (Heb.13:17): In all things spiritual, obey the man by whom God speaks to your heart in the gospel. (6.) SUBMIT TO HIM (Heb. 13:17): Submit to his rule, direction, and instruction. If he is God's servant, he will not knowingly mislead you. (7.) PRAY FOR HIM (II Thess.3:1:): Seek the grace and leadership of God's Spirit for your pastor as he studies and seeks a message for your soul, preaches to you, and lives in this world. Like you, your pastor is a sinner in need of grace. Pray for his continual and ever increasing usefulness in the cause of Christ. (8.) PROVIDE FOR HIM (I Cor.9:7-14): See to it that his every need is met, so that he may not be distracted from his work. (9.) ADHERE TO HIM (II Tim.1:15-18): In every state and condition, stand by that man who labors for your soul. Your pastor needs you! (10.) TREAT HIM AS THE MINISTER OF CHRIST (I Cor.4:1-2): He is your minister by the will of God, a steward over the house of God, and God's faithful messenger to your soul. God regards all that is done for his servants, or against them,as being done directly to him(Luke 10:16).

Don Fortner