Sermon #1799                                                                     Miscellaneous Sermons

 

      Title:                                             What should I

do for my pastor?

 

      Text:                     Isaiah 52:7

      Subject:   Serving God with His Servant

      Date:                    Thursday Evening — June 18, 2009

 

An Ordination Message

for

Pastor David Eddmenson

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

New Caney Texas

Addressing the Church Body

 

      Reading: Pastor Darvin Pruitt

      Introduction:

 

What should I do for my pastor? That is the title of my message tonight. I want to talk to you about serving God with His servant. I cannot tell you how happy and honored I am to be with you on this occasion.

á      I love and highly esteem your former pastor, Bro. Jack Shanks, who faithfully preached the Gospel of Christ to you for nearly 30 years.

á      This congregation has been dear to me for nearly that long. I think I first came here to preach the Gospel in the Fall of 1984.

á      And I could not be more delighted in seeing how the Lord has graciously knit you and Bro. David Eddmenson together in the sweet fellowship of Christ.

 

He is a dear friend. IŐve known David and Theresa for a long, long time. I watched them faithfully serve our Savior with our friends in Madisonville for twenty years. In fact I knew them when they were still in Franklin, Tennessee. When you men asked me to recommend a man to consider calling as your pastor, I had no hesitancy in recommending Bro. Eddmenson. I know him to be a man of proven faithfulness. It is my earnest prayer that the Lord our God will give you many fruitful years together in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, preaching the Gospel of the grace of God to this generation. To that end, I want you to turn with me to Isaiah 52. We will read verse seven together; and I will try to give you some very clear answers to this question from the Book of God: — ŇWhat should I do for my pastor?Ó

 

ŇHow beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Ó (Isaiah 52:7).

 

Here the prophet of God describes the attitude which ought to prevail in the hearts of GodŐs saints toward those men who are sent of God to preach the gospel to them.

 

The Picture

 

The picture is of a city in captivity which begins to rejoice as she hears the sound of an army coming across the mountains to deliver her. The church of GodŐs elect is by nature in captivity, taken captive by Satan, held in the bondage of sin and shut up under the curse of GodŐs holy law. GodŐs servants are an army of men, coming over the mountains, proclaiming deliverance by our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are highly valued by those who know their need of deliverance by Christ. Those men and women who have heard and experienced the salvation of God in Christ cherish the men who are sent of God to proclaim deliverance to their hearts.

 

Look again at the prophetŐs words. By divine inspiration Isaiah speaks as the representative of GodŐs church: — ŇHow beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Ó Obviously, these words do not apply to every man who calls himself a preacher and claims to come in the name of the Lord. False prophets, preachers of free-will, works religion, are not beautiful or desirable, for they do not bring the good news of redemption accomplished by Christ. They only bring bad advice, telling sinners what they need to do to get saved. They are not to be treated with respect, but with contempt. They are not to be received, but shunned.

 

Faithful Men Identified

 

Isaiah tells us plainly who those preachers are whose feet are beautiful, whose coming is desirable to the church of God. They are the men who are sent of God to preach the everlasting gospel of his free, sovereign, saving grace in Christ (Romans 10:15).

 

(Romans 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

They bring good tidings! — They bring good tidings from the heart of God to the hearts of needy sinners, declaring that righteousness is established and redemption is accomplished for all who believe by the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:4; Hebrews 9:12).

 

They publish peace! — GodŐs servants never tell helpless sinners to make peace with God. How can a traitor, a rebel, a felon make peace with the sovereign he has offended? If peace is made it must be made by the sovereign. GodŐs servants proclaim that peace has been made for sinners by the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Isaiah 40:1-2).

 

(2 Corinthians 5:17-21) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) 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. (20) 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. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

(Isaiah 40:1-2) Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. (2) Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

 

They bring good tidings of good! — GodŐs preachers do not offer good advice. They proclaim good news. Justice is satisfied! Atonement is made! Redemption is finished! Sin has been put away! God is reconciled! God forgives sin! God accepts sinners! God is merciful to the guilty! God saves graciously! God freely receives sinners as objects of his everlasting love through faith in the blood and righteousness of his dear Son, the sinnerŐs Substitute, Jesus Christ the Lord! (Romans 3:19-28).

 

They publish salvation! — Gospel preachers do not tell helpless, depraved, dead sinners what they must do to save themselves. They proclaim to the helplessly lost sons of Adam how that God sovereignly saves his elect for the glory of his grace by blood atonement, by the doing and dying of Christ, and by the effectual power and grace of God the Holy Spirit (Psalm 65:4; 110:3; Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:1-10).

 

They say unto Zion, ŇThy God reigneth!Ó — Every man who is sent of God as a messenger of grace to needy sinners proclaims, in clear and unmistakable terms, the glorious, absolute and universal sovereignty of God in creation (Genesis 1:1), providence (Romans 8:28; 11:36) and grace (Romans 9:11-23). — ŇOur God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleasedÓ (Psalms 115:3). — ŇWhatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep placesÓ (Psalms 135:6). Every message from every faithful gospel preacher sets forth the glorious sovereignty of God.

 

Any man who does not preach these things is not sent of God and must not be received, heard, or aided in any way by GodŐs church (2 John 9-11). Any man who does preach these things is to be heard and received by the church of God and treated as the angel of God among them. He is GodŐs messenger.

 

Ten Answers

 

If you know the value of your soul, the preciousness of Christ and His blood and the blessedness of the Gospel, you will cherish that man who is sent of God to preach the Gospel to you. You want to treat him as the messenger of God to your soul and do everything you can for him. I am sure you are very interested in the answer to this question: — ŇWhat should I do for my pastor?Ó I have searched the Scriptures and found ten answers to that question. Here are ten things revealed in the Word of God which every church and every believer within the church should do for the man who preaches the Gospel of Christ to them, laboring for their soulsŐ eternal good.

 

1. Know him (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

 

(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.

 

Obviously, this means more than having a bare acquaintance with him. It is unthinkable that a church might have a pastor with whom it is unacquainted. To know your pastor is to acknowledge him as your pastor, as the messenger of God to your soul. Every believer should get to know, and show his care for, every faithful pastor, preacher, missionary and evangelist that he can. GodŐs people need to build strong relationships with GodŐs servants everywhere. I pastor a local church, and I highly encourage the people of our assembly to write to, visit and get to know every faithful Gospel preacher they can. (GodŐs servants are not jealous or fearful of one another!) But there should be a special relationship between a pastor and the congregation which he serves. Your pastor is to be acknowledged by you, above all others, as GodŐs messenger to you. That makes him special to you.

 

To know your pastor is to love him. The word ŇknowÓ is often used for ŇloveÓ in the Scriptures, and every member of the church should have a distinct love for the man who is the instrument of God to minister to the needs of His people. The man who devotes his life to securing your soulŐs comfort, edification and strength is worthy of your love.

 

To know your pastor is to hold him in respect. Paul admonished the Philippians to hold their pastor in reputation, to honor him (Philippians 2:29). GodŐs people are to give honor to those men who are GodŐs ambassadors. They are to be treated as GodŐs ambassadors (Luke 10:16).

 

(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.

 

To know your pastor is to show concern for his comfort, welfare, safety and protection. David used the word ŇknowÓ in this way (Psalms 142:4).

 

(Psalms 142:4) I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

 

Churches should be greatly concerned for the safety and welfare of their pastors in the discharge of their responsibilities. Pray for your pastorŐs spiritual safety and well being. Protect his name and reputation from the slanderous gossip of evil men, and always endeavor to encourage him in his work.

 

Paul gives three reasons why churches should make it their business to know their pastors.

 

1. They labor among you. God has given you a faithful pastor, a man who labors for your soul. Your pastor fills his hours with diligent work, studying hard, praying earnestly, preaching fervently. He corresponds with needy people. He visits the sick. He writes articles, tracts, books, etc. The vast majority of his work is unseen by those for whom it is done, and too often unappreciated. But faithful pastors are laboring pastors.

 

2. They are over you by divine appointment. God has placed your pastor over you as your spiritual guide and ruler in His kingdom. If you would follow his faith, you need to know him.

 

3. They admonish you. Your pastor continually reminds you, in public and in private, of things which you need to know. He reminds you of your past experiences of grace (Isaiah 50:1-2). He faithfully preaches and instructs you in the doctrine of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 8:28-39). He reminds you of your privileges and responsibilities in this world (Ephesians 4:17-5:2). He points out the dangers you must face (Matthew 13:18-23). Finally, he ever reminds you of the blessed, soul-cheering promises of God in Christ (Isaiah 43:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:20).

 

2. Esteem him very highly (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 

Every believer should esteem his pastor very highly. The word is Ňsuperabundantly,Ó over and above the esteem given to other brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not because he possesses any personal superiority; he does not. He, like you, is Ňonly a sinner saved by grace.Ó But he is to be esteemed superabundantly for his workŐs sake. What does this mean?

 

You are to entertain the highest possible opinions of your pastor at all times. Hold him up in your own mind. Highly esteem his gifts and abilities as a preacher, and his grace and faithfulness as a believer. If you have a low opinion of a man, it is not likely that he will be of much use to your soul. His words will carry no weight with you.

 

Always speak honorably of your pastor. Believers should always speak well of one another, but this is especially true regarding their pastors. If you do not speak well of your pastor, it is not likely that anyone who knows you will have any respect for him. At home, among the members of your family, at work, in the midst of your co-workers and in the community, always give GodŐs servant the highest possible esteem in your speech.

 

Speak respectfully to your pastor as GodŐs messenger to you. The use of titles and names of distinction to separate and elevate GodŐs servants above his people is to be deplored. Our Lord plainly forbids it (Matthew 23:7-9). We should address no man in the house of God as ŇReverend,Ó ŇFatherÓ or ŇDoctor!Ó But GodŐs servants should be spoken to in respectful terms. Neither the pastorŐs office nor his work should be made the object of a joke or of ridicule. Like a father in his household, the pastor is to be treated and spoken to with the respect that becomes his high and holy office in the church.

 

This superabundant esteem must be the esteem of sincere love for the pastorŐs workŐs sake. It is not a forced reverence for an office. It is to be a heartfelt esteem flowing from your realization of the burden, labor and value of the work of the Gospel, to which GodŐs servant faithfully gives himself. That man deserves your highest, most loving esteem who spends his life in ardent labor for the Gospel, who has been the instrument used of God for your salvation, who ministers to the comfort of your soul and is used of God for your spiritual growth and edification in the knowledge of Christ.

 

3. Remember him (Hebrews 13:7)

 

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

 

Ever keep your pastor close to your heart in fond remembrance. Remember him at the throne of grace when you pray; but particularly, the admonition here is to remember his messages and the doctrine he preaches. Listen carefully to what he preaches. Take notes to aid your memory. Discuss his sermons at home, among your brethren, and store up his doctrine in your mind, so that you may apply it to yourself as you seek to live in this world for the glory of God. As you read the Word of God in your private worship, if you remember what has been preached to you the Word will open before you and be blessed of God to your heart.

 

Here are two reasons for remembering your pastor, particularly, for remembering his messages. — First, he has the rule of the church. His word is to be remembered, because God has made him Ňto have the rule over you,Ó as your spiritual guide in this world. — Second, he speaks to you the Word of God. He does not come in his own name, teaching his own opinions, or the philosophies of men. As GodŐs messenger, your pastor comes to you with GodŐs message, armed with GodŐs authority; and what he says you are responsible to hear, remember and obey. He preaches to you the Word of God.

 

4. Follow him (Hebrews 13:7)

 

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

 

Believers and churches are to follow their pastors. Your pastor is your leader and guide in the kingdom of God. You are to follow his example of faith and faithfulness. Follow the pure Gospel doctrine that he preaches to you. It leads to life everlasting. Follow his example of devotion to Christ. Your pastor is a man of resolute, heart devotion to Christ, His church, His gospel and His glory. He guides you by his own example of consecration to Christ. Follow his example of faithfulness. The one thing God requires of His servants is faithfulness; and if you would be serviceable to the cause of Christ in your own sphere of responsibility, you will learn how by following your pastorŐs example.

 

This is not blind allegiance to a man. This is obedience to Christ. If you would follow Christ, you must follow the man He has made your guide, considering the end of his conversation, — ŇJesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for everÓ (Hebrews 13:8). Christ is the object of our faith, the pattern of our faith and the end of our faith. Follow your pastor in the life of faith, as he presses towards the mark, Christ Jesus.

 

5. Obey him (Hebrews 13:17)

 

(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.

 

Obedience is not servitude, but it does involve service. GodŐs people are expected and required to obey their pastors. In spiritual, doctrinal matters, in all things regarding the affairs and work of the church, the pastor is to be obeyed. If he is not worthy of obedience, he should not be the pastor.

á      Elders are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor.

á      Deacons are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor.

á      Teachers are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor.

á      Every member of the congregation is to serve the church in obedience to the pastor.

The pastor is the captain of the ship. All the crew must serve in obedience to him.

 

Obey his message, the gospel of the grace of God. Hear it. Receive it. Love it, and order your life by it.

 

Obey his direction in the worship of Christ. Every aspect of the worship and work of the church should be carried out in accordance with the pastorŐs instruction. The order of the services, the selection of music, the administration of the ordinances and the activities of the church are to be performed in the way required by the pastor, as he is guided by the Word of God. There is no need for committees and societies within the church body. The pastorŐs voice, as he seeks the will and glory of God, is to be obeyed in all things.

 

Obey his admonitions and reproofs. No pastor is infallible. He will often err. But if he is a faithful man, his errors will be errors of judgment, not errors of principle. You can safely follow such a man and obey him. His admonitions and reproofs, if he is GodŐs servant, are not personal attacks, or fits of passion. They are thoughtful, needful, God-given warnings and directions for your soulŐs eternal good.

 

6. Submit to him (Hebrews 13:17)

 

(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.

 

The admonition here is to submit yourself to the Spirit led, faithful care of your pastor. Do what he tells you to do, even if you do not really understand why. That may seem a little too much to expect, but a little consideration will show that it is not.

 

Several years ago, I was dying with cancer. The doctors wanted to treat my disease by injecting me with a series of drugs and cobalt treatments. The drugs and the treatments could prove deadly themselves, if they were not properly administered. I do not understand how they work, but, being confident of my physiciansŐ abilities, I submitted myself to them and did what they told me to do, because I knew that they knew better than I did what was needed.

 

You are to submit to your pastor in just that way. Being a faithful man, called of God to be your pastor, he probably knows better than you what is best for your soul, the cause of Christ, the welfare of the church and the furtherance of the Gospel. He will not wilfully mislead you, and he will not abuse you, or take advantage of you.

 

Your pastorŐs concern is for the welfare of your soul. He watches for your soul as one who must give account, both to his own conscience and at the judgment bar of God. Every faithful pastor exercises great care and diligence as he watches over GodŐs people, for he desires to give account of his hearers with joy and not with grief. If on the Day of Judgment GodŐs servant gives account of you with grief, as one who has heard but refused to obey the gospel, you will suffer the wrath of God for it (Deuteronomy 17:11-12).

 

7. Pray for him

(Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1)

 

(Ephesians 6:19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

 

(Colossians 4:3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:1) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

 

Let every child of God pray continually for all who faithfully preach the Gospel of Christ, but every believer should especially pray for his own pastor. C. H. Spurgeon was once asked, ŇTo what do you attribute the phenomenal success of your ministry?Ó Without a momentŐs hesitation, he replied, ŇMy people pray for me.Ó Let all who believe follow their example. Pray for your pastor.

á      As he seeks a message for your soul in his private study and preparation for the pulpit, pray for him.

á      As he preaches the Gospel to you, pray for him.

á      Pray, too, for your pastor with regard to his life and conduct in this world.

He is a man, like yourself, weak, frail, sinful and tempted of the devil. Pray for his preservation from the evil one. Pray that God will ever give him grace to seek neither to avoid the disfavor of men, nor to crave the favor of men. Call upon God to preserve him in grace, in usefulness and in health and strength, and pray for your pastorŐs constant and increasing usefulness in the cause of Christ.

 

8. Provide for him

(1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14)

 

Carefully read these texts of Scripture. Then read them again and ask the Spirit of God to apply them to your own heart.

 

(1 Timothy 5:17-18) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

 

(Galatians 6:6) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

 

(1 Corinthians 9:7-14) Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (10) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (13) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? (14) Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

 

It is a shame and reproach upon any congregation that is able to care for its pastor, if the pastor has to provide for any of his own, or his familyŐs earthly, material needs. And it is the congregation itself that suffers when the pastor has to support himself.

 

Every local church should generously supply every need of the pastor and his family, so that he may be able to give himself wholly to prayer, study and preaching. A faithful man will make whatever sacrifices and adjustments are necessary to live within his means, and he will not take advantage of the generosity of GodŐs people. But every church, and every member of the church, should do everything within its ability to see to it that GodŐs servant lacks nothing.

 

9. Adhere to him (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

 

(2 Timothy 1:15-18) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (16) The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: (17) But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. (18) The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

 

In every state, condition and circumstance, adhere to your pastor. He needs you. In difficulty, support him. When he is discouraged, encourage him. When he is engaged in trials, sympathize with him. When he is opposed, stand by him. When men speak evil of him, defend him. In all his labor for Christ, your soul and the Gospel of the grace of God, do whatever you can to assist him, for the glory of God.

 

10. Treat him as the minister of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

 

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2) 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.

 

He has been made your minister for ChristŐs sake by the will of God. He is the steward of the mysteries of God. God has made him the servant in his house who is entrusted with the treasury of the house, the Gospel of the grace of God. And, if he is GodŐs servant, he is faithful to your soul in all things.

 

We have seen, from the Word of God, ten things every believer should be doing for his pastor. Many will say, ŇNo man deserves to be treated so royally,Ó and, of course, they are right. No man deserves to have such treatment from his peers. But if GodŐs servants are to be effective in, and give themselves to, the work of the Gospel, they must have the unwavering help, support and faithfulness of GodŐs people behind them. Remember also that your pastor, as GodŐs faithful servant, is GodŐs ambassador to your soul; and the Lord regards that which is done to His ambassadors, be it good or bad, as having been done to him (Luke 10:16).

 

(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.

 

Churches sometimes wonder why they cannot keep a pastor more than a few years. There may be many reasons. But this one thing I have observed, after almost 40 years of pastoral experience: very few pastors would even consider the possibility of leaving any church which did for them the things which we have seen in the Word of God tonight. Personally, I have never known a pastor to leave such a congregation. If you would do what is right, and if you would keep your pastor, these are the things you should be doing for him.

 

1.    Know Him

2.    Esteem Him Very Highly

3.    Remember Him

4.    Follow Him

5.    Obey Him

6.    Submit to Him

7.    Pray for Him

8.    Provide for Him

9.    Adhere to Him

10. Treat Him as the Minister of Christ

 

(Numbers 6:24-26) The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: (25) The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: (26) The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

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