The Pastoral Challenge

The Pastoral Challenge

(I Timothy 4:6-16)

1. At a recent pastor’s retreat each minister in attendance was asked the following question: “How many people does it take to replace a burnt out light bulb?” The answers were as follows.

2.A Reformed Pastor responded, “None. If God wants the bulb replaced, He is sovereign and will do it Himself without human effort.”

3.Charismatic Pastor: “None. The bulb doesn’t need to be changed. God can heal it.”

4. Pentecostal Pastor: “None. We need to exorcise the bulb and cast out the demon of darkness.”

5. A Baptist Pastor responded, “None. If we allow physical contact between a person and the bulb it might lead to dancing.”

6. The Wesleyan Minister replied, “None. If we just show the bulb its need, it already possesses the power to replace itself.”

7. Seeker-sensitive Pastor: “None. We don’t want to make the bulb feel unwanted or uncomfortable.”

8. This poll provides one clear conclusion: it’s no wonder some pastors are in the dark!

9. There are a lot of pastor jokes out there, because pastors have a lot of influence and most pastors enjoy a good joke.

10. Being a pastor is not a joke. The Bible takes church leadership very seriously. It has much to say.

Main Idea: Timothy was not technically a pastor; he was actually Paul’s “delegate.” Nonetheless, he approximated the pastoral role in that he was a shepherd. Timothy faced a number of challenges, as do modern pastors who are serious about the Word. Let’s look at a few of them.

I. The Challenge to Be in Constant TRAINING in the Word (6)

Good pastors are constantly reading and learning. They don’t just study for next Sunday’s sermon, they study to learn more about Scripture, theology, counseling, or the issues of the day. They build a reservoir of knowledge from which they draw, and they keep the reservoir flowing with fresh water.

A. “These things” refer to ALL Paul said, and being trained is an ongoing process (6).

Ellicott makes this comment: The Greek present participle rendered here “nourished up in,” marks a continuous and permanent process of self-education. It might be translated “ever training thyself”—a wise and never-to-be-forgotten precept...

B. Pastors do not learn all they need in school; education gives them the TOOLS to study and a launch.

John MacAruthur comments, “Much of contemporary preaching is weak and produces weak churches because it reflects a lack of biblical knowledge and a minimal commitment to the study of Scripture. For many pastors, study is an unwelcome intrusion into their schedule It interrupts the routine of administrative tasks and meetings with which they occupy themselves. They study only enough to make a sermon, not to feed their own hearts and think deeply and carefully on divine truth. This has not always been the case...pastors...were [,] above all students of Scripture, not merely communicators, administrators, or counselors. Their understanding and interpretation of Scripture was marked by precision. They labored hard at preaching and teaching.” I Timothy, page 161.

C. Teaching and preaching are so crucial they were the church’s first PAID position.

I Timothy 5:17-18, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 4:2, “...preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

D. Respect the pastor’s right to set his own study AGENDA.

1. Don’t hand him books, videos, or music CDs. Not rude, but could be better.

2. Better to say, “I read this great book. If you would like to borrow it, let me know.”

3. I usually put them away for a couple of months and return them. I have stacks of books to read, videos I could see if I want to, and I may not even like the music that you like.

4. Pastors sometimes read popular authors like Wiersbe or Swindoll, but if they are deep in their studies, they might tackle Justification and Variegated Nomism or read puritan notables.

II. The Challenge of TANGENTS, Fads, and Diversions (7-8)

A. In Paul’s day, it was Jewish MYTHS.

B. In our day, it is often FADS and tangents.

1. At one time, it was setting the date for Christ’s return and End Time Prophecy. What we can know is important, but speculation can be a tangent. Because it is Bible, or sensationalism?

2. Some of the worship wars have been a more contemporary tangent.