Preach "the Word" II Tim 4:1-4..

As the apostle Paul penned his last epistle to the younger Pastor Timothy, I am sure that there was much on his mind.  Writing from a prison cell and facing imminent death he had much to say to Timothy concerning the household of God.  One of the last admonitions from the condemned apostle was that Timothy preach the word of God and to do it consistently, rigorously, and regularly.  Of all the task that Timothy would have as a preacher/pastor, Paul reminded and commanded him to be active and aggressive in preaching the word.  The last message from Paul to Timothy may have been the most "lasting" message of them all.  Oh that men of God would just Preach the Word.
If we are to evaluate our local assemblies as pastors or parishoners may the standard be placed upon the Preaching of the Word of God. 
The standard, the significance of the sanctifying word of God proclaimed in such a way as to glorify God.
Pastors remember in the early church (Acts 6:1-7) the choosing of deacons was to facilitate the menial task of the congregation and liberate the Preachers to give themselves to prayer and ministry of the word.  This ought to be a constant reference for all preachers to see to it that the priority of their ministry is not of a humanitarian nature but rather that of an eternal or spiritual nature. 
May the God of grace grant unto us the desire to hear and proclaim the exposition of His truth.  The greatest mark of the spiritual status of any church is the prevelance and prominece of the exposition of His word.  Expository preaching has never killed anyone but it certainly has brought life to many.
Expositional preaching is described as that preaching which takes for the point of a sermon the point of a particular passge of Scripture.  It is preaching that is in service to the Word.  It presumes a belief in the authority of the Scripture.
It is not a running commentary of a series of verses.
Expostional preaching the truth of God's word feeds the souls of God's people, it sanctifies the believer, it exposes God to the child of God...bottom line, it is the form of preaching that Glorifies God.

The Pillar and the Ground of "Truth"

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (I Tim 3:15). 

 

The metaphorical use of "house" (oikos) by the apostle Paul is used in reference to a family rather than a building.  The members of the "house" have the responsibility to conduct themselves accordingly.  The apostle carries the idea further by giving the obvious theological definition of the same as "the church of the living God".  And conclusively, by it's very nature, the church belongs to God (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:14; Titus 2:14; I Pet.2:9; Rev.5:9).

 

Here the "church" that belongs to God through the purchase of redemption is declared to be the "Pillar" and the "Ground" of truth.  The "Pillars" were significant in that they were used to support the roof of the structure and then the "Ground" would be the reference to the foundation on which the structure rests.  

From these two metaphores we may conclude that God has ordained that His church is a testimony to God's truth.  We do not create nor invent truth. We have no liberty to alter the truth but rather we support the truth and safeguard truth.  To the church, both local and universal, the stewardship of Scripture was given.  Each individual member of the church is to be committed to that duty.

I find it a strange event when a church declines or negates it's responsibility of truth and the stewardship thereof.  No longer needing the Bible or Scriptures, let us all turn to some humanitarian deeds or social effort and show everyone how we love.  Now dont misunderstand, we are involved in humanitarian efforts as well as social efforts but not at the price of forsaking the Word of God.  Paul did not command Timothy to proclaim social reformations but he did command the Pastor Timothy to "Preach the Word", to be instant in season and out...to study to show himself approved rightly dividing the word of truth.   

Now, we will never win the Nobel Peace Prize for preaching and after a life time of preaching and death comes we probably wont be remembered in this world by many but when the righteous judge rewards us with the crown of righteousness there will be glory to God and that's what it is all about. My dear friend, what place does the Word of God hold with you?  What is its value to you and your life, your ministry, or your congregation?  Lives are sanctified by the truth of God's word thereby sanctification is taking place and preparing the child of God for the time of glorification.  Preach the Word.

Epistemology?

As Pastors we are compelled to preach the "truth", God's holy Word. The scriptures, the whole counsel of God must be our epistemology. The message that we deliver is a message from heaven and as declared is forever settled. Our source of truth should be obvious and it must be presented without the necessity of any extra curricular materials that would imply inadequacies or insufficiencies as the God given resource for life and godliness. It is in His Word that there is revelation of God and His will for His dear children. I am saying the obvious that seems to be without observation by the messengers of God.

Today, there is a dearth in the land. A spiritual dearth! The marquis on the average church should read, "Come, visit with us, No Bible Needed." At a time that is set aside for preaching the Word, the time has been exchanged for story time. The mentality of many is to be entertained or feeling better about self.

So, having capitulated, Preachers now want to be less archaic and more relative. More contemporary, to fit with culture. No my friend, it is the Word that is all truth that is relative to God and eternity. II Tim 3:16 ...scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. Source of Truth? Look no further my friend, Look to no other source...Look to the Word of God.

Does your epistemology effect your ministry? Yes, a thousand times yes! What do you give the couple that is struggling with their marriage? or parenting? What is your theology when it comes to the issues of life? The answer flows from epistemology doesn't it. May God give you a burning desire for truth for life and godliness. Enough of the philosophies of the world that are doomed to failure. Take God's people to the Word for answers in the quests of life.

Pastoring, Pastoral Theology, Pastorology

One of the first questions that any search committee should ask of any potential pastoral candidate should be in regard to the candidates theological perspective of Pastoring. After all the Bible has much to say about the local church as well as how it is to function.

There are three specific epistles that address the subject of Pastoring sufficiently and effectively. While men are trying to develop their techniques and programs God's Word stands fast and sure. Try and keep before you the thought that the church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and that we, by His grace, are simply under shepherds that simply care for His sheep til He comes. And mark it the chief shepherd will return for that which is His.

I am thankful to be a Pastor in His Kingdom but I am also thankful that He did not leave me to my own cleverness nor my own devices to Pastor His people. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Ah yes, the all sufficient Word of God is the manual to follow.

Please allow me to share the following definition of what I mean by the term "Pastoral Theology": "It is that branch of Christian Theology that deals with the office, the gifts, and the functions of the Pastor. Pastoral Theology seeks to reflect upon that self-disclosure of God witnessed to by Scripture, mediated through tradition, reflected upon by critical reasoning and embodied in personal and social experiences". (Thomas Oden)

From the definition alone you may realize the absolute necessity and significance of following the Word of God and implementing truths into practice in order to lead or Pastor His sheep in a way that is honoring and glorifying to the Lord Jesus Christ.

My challenge at this time is that we read and reread the book, particularly the epistles that deal directly with Pastoring. Paul did not leave Timothy and Titus to themselves to create a ministry that would be "user" friendly or a ministry that would attempt to Pastor the unchurched. God help our discernment in Pastoring.

What is your Pastoral Theology? Is it found to be in accordance to and in compliance with the instructions left for the good of the church and the glory of Christ Jesus?

Next blog I will be commenting on our Epistemology