Introduction

Good morning, church family. Isn't it a joy to gather together, bound by our shared love for Christ and for one another? We are not merely a congregation; we are a family, a community, and a body. Each of us plays a unique and vital role in this body, but today, we turn our focus to one role in particular: the role of our pastor.

The pastor’s position is not just a job. It is a calling, a vocation, a responsibility bestowed by God Himself. It is a role that demands much and gives much in return. But do we fully understand what it means to honor our pastor’s position? Do we truly heed their preaching? And are we committed to helping their provision?

Charles Spurgeon, a man of great faith and wisdom, once said, "A good character when established is not easily overthrown and is a kind of heavenly estate in the general goodwill and respect of men." Our pastors, dear friends, are the bearers of such characters, and it is our responsibility to uphold and respect them.

Let us turn to the Scripture to gain a deeper understanding of this. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy:

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'"

Let's pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we delve into the depths of Your Word today, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding. Open our hearts and minds, Lord, to receive Your truth. Help us to honor our pastors as we ought, to heed their preaching with attentive hearts, and to support them in their provision. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Honoring the Pastor's Position

When we think about the role of a pastor, we often think about the preaching, the teaching, and the leading. But there is so much more to it than that. The pastor is not just a leader; they are a shepherd, guiding us, protecting us, and nurturing us in our spiritual growth. They are the ones who stand in the gap, interceding for us in prayer, counseling us in times of need, and guiding us in our walk with Christ.

But what does it mean to honor this position? It means to respect it, to value it, and to hold it in high regard. It means to acknowledge the weight of the responsibility that comes with it and to appreciate the sacrifices that are made in fulfilling it. It means to recognize the authority that has been given to them by God and to submit to it, not out of obligation, but out of love and reverence for God.

The first aspect of this is understanding the biblical basis for honoring the pastor's position. In the book of Hebrews, we are told to obey our leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over our souls (Hebrews 13:17). This is not a suggestion; it is a command. And it is not just about obedience; it is about submission. It is about yielding to their authority, not because we have to, but because we choose to. This is a reflection of our love for God and our desire to please Him.

The second aspect is recognizing the importance of the pastor's role in the church. The pastor is not just a figurehead; they are the spiritual leader of the congregation. They are the ones who are charged with the responsibility of feeding the flock, of teaching the Word of God, and of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). They are the ones who are called to shepherd the flock of God, not out of compulsion, but willingly, not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering over those in their charge, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3).

The third aspect is appreciating the sacrifices that come with the pastor's position. The pastor's role is not an easy one. It is a role that requires a great deal of time, energy, and emotional investment. It is a role that often involves long hours, late nights, and little recognition. It is a role that requires them to bear the burdens of others, to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). It is a role that requires them to be vulnerable, to open up their lives and their hearts to the congregation, and to share in their joys and their sorrows.

The fourth aspect is supporting the pastor in their role. This is not just about financial support, although that is certainly part of it. It is about emotional support, about encouraging them, praying for them, and standing with them. It is about being there for them, not just in the good times, but in the difficult times as well. It is about showing them love and appreciation, not just with words, but with actions. It is about being a source of strength and encouragement for them, just as they are for us.

Heeding the Pastor's Preaching

As we continue to reflect on Paul's words to Timothy, we find ourselves drawn to the second part of his instruction ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO