I do not intend this paper to be directed at any one pastor and honestly not even at a number of pastors specifically. I write this to the Reformed pastorate in general based on experience and what I have witnessed on a macro level throughout my life; and especially since I became saved.
The passage that I intend to dive into is found in 1 Tim. 4:12-16. We start here because the qualifications for this office have been, though woefully ignored in far too many churches, well covered. This paper assumes that you are qualified to be a pastor based on the qualifications presented to us in the Pastoral Epistles; if you are not, as only God, you, and your local body can attest to, then this paper is not intended for you since, quite frankly, you should resign your post. But for those that are rightfully called to be pastors in our churches I pray that this paper will be edifying to you and informative to the laity in order to encourage all of us to be seeking what best glorifies God and edifies His people as laid out in His Word.
“[…] be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
¨ [Paul] informs [Timothy] what are the true ornaments; not external marks… but soundness of doctrine and holiness of life. When he says, by speech and conversation, the meaning is the same as if he had said, “by words and actions,” and therefore by the whole life… The only way of procuring reverence is, by excellent virtues, to guard ourselves against contempt. John Calvin
¨ [You will be an example] if thou so livest as to be a just pattern unto Christians, imitable by them in word, in thy common and ordinary discourse, (for he speaks not of his being a pattern only to other ministers, but to believers in the generality,) not talking frothily or profanely, or idly or impertinently, but seriously and gravely, but things that are good, to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace to the hearers. In conversation; and in all thy converse with men behaving thyself justly, and [comely], and gravely. Matthew Poole
¨ Observe, those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their [life], else they pull down with the one hand what they build up with the other: they must be examples both in word and conversation. Their discourse must be edifying, and this will be a good example: their conversation must be strict, and this will be a good example. Matthew Henry
Take heed to yourselves, lest your example contradict your doctrine, and lest you lay such stumbling-blocks before the blind, as may be the occasion of their ruin; lest you unsay with your lives, what you say with your tongues; and be the greatest hinderers of the success of your own labors. It much hindereth our work, when other men are all the week long are contradicting to poor people in private, that which we have been speaking to them from the Word of God in public… but it will much more hinder your work, if you contradict yourselves, and if your actions give your tongue the lie, and if you build up an hour or two with your mouths, and all the week after pull down with your hands! This is the way to make men think that the Word of God is but an idle tale, and to make preaching seem no better than prating. He that means as he speaks will surely do as he speaks. One proud, surly, lordly word, one needless contention, one covetous action, may cut the throat of many a sermon, and blast the fruit of all that you have been doing. Richard BaxterI have noticed an increasing trend for pastors to think their personal life is somehow separate from their ministry. While it is true that every nosy person in every church shouldn’t be obliged it doesn’t mean that your life is not to be examined in general both at the pulpit and away from it. I mentioned the qualifications earlier for being a pastor and have heard people say that it would be almost impossible for a man to fulfill those qualifications, which is true… and that is the point. In fact, that point is being carried on here. Not just your eloquence on Sunday is up for examination as a pastor, your general character is always under scrutiny whether you like it or not. A normal man would not be able to handle such microscopic examination but you men have passed an extremely difficult test of character and with all of your might you must maintain and improve upon the character you had when you began. You are a practical model for pious living to every single one of your congregants. But it doesn’t stop there; you are the face of Christianity to the lost world. They judge us quite often by your actions and your way of living. Think otherwise? Ask the average lost man to name two righteous pastors and he will more than likely fail to produce those names. But ask that same man for two examples of pastoral frauds and Jim Baker and Ted Haggard will be mentioned with little or no difficulty.
Some may be reading this and saying to themselves, “I know this, what’s the point?” The point is that far too often you indeed know this but ignore it. The point is that when it is brought to your attention that you are having trouble in this area or that, too many of you don’t respond like David did to Nathan saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam. 12:13) No, it is far more likely in this day and age that the charge is denied, dismissed, and then the person that brought it up is attacked in order to silence their voice from your conscience! I have seen this far too often. Gentlemen, you are not above reproof, you are not above admonition and exhortation. Even if you think they are wrong perhaps there is something in your character that is being shown you by the Lord and you must pay heed just the same. We do not place you into these positions to be trampled on and dominated by you; we put you there to edify, instruct, and lead us by your teaching and example as we strive to lead more pious lives ourselves! You should not be a stumbling block to your people! I heard a pastor say one time that he watches movies and reads books that he knows most of the church wouldn’t approve of. Then why are you reading them? Is it a legalistic objection you expect which is worthy only to be ignored? Or is there something you have obstinately engaged in knowing it is wrong and an offense to the people you serve? Either way why would you do such a thing and then boast of it knowing that it causes others offense? Is this living by example in word and deed? I think it is more likely the opposite and it is something that has become too familiar in our churches today; arrogance in the clergy is an especially despicable trait since it almost always will lead to indifference for their own behavior and faults.
“[…] give attention to reading...”
¨ He knew Timothy’s diligence, and yet he recommends to him diligent reading of the Scriptures. How shall pastors teach others if they be not eager to learn? And if so great a man is advised to study to make progress from day to day, how much more do we need such an advice? Woe to the slothfulness of those who do not peruse the oracles of the Holy Spirit by day and by night, in order to learn from them how to discharge their office! John Calvin
¨ Be diligent in reading the Holy Scriptures, both for thine own instruction and for the edification of others. Matthew Poole
¨ Those ministers that are the best accomplished for their work must yet mind their studies, that they are improving their knowledge. Matthew Henry
It is a palpable error of some ministers, who make such a disproportion between their preaching and their living; who study hard to preach exactly, and study little or not at all to live exactly. All the week long is little enough, to study how to speak two hours; and yet one hour seems too much to study how to live all the week. Richard BaxterIt is evident when we hear a sermon that is being regurgitated from the past with no actual preparation for the Lord’s Day it is being used on. It is evident when we hear the same quotes over and over again that there isn’t a great deal of study being accomplished. It is evident when we hear lackluster sermons that are a painful waste of our time. It is evident when this becomes habitual that the pastor who is guilty in this does not care about his flock or his charge before the Lord to shepherd that flock. But more than all of that it is evident when there is no time in study for yourselves and that is reflected in your daily living. Many, many men can put together an academic presentation based on study, to whatever degree, and pass off a decent result; but, I have yet to meet a man that can for any length of time pass off a righteous life without personal study and a striving to grow in grace and piety. That is true of all men, pastors included.
I have always wondered what was the great hindrance to a pastor’s time that prevents solid study week in and week out. Is it just poor time management or an utter disregard of responsibility? I am not even talking about the week you are just off your game and didn’t deliver the best sermon of your life. But the pastor, and you men know who you are, that continuously delivers unprepared sermon after unprepared sermon should, in my estimation, have to explain to his congregation why that is. It is a great disservice to them that they come to be nourished and instructed and instead they hear drivel that hurts their ears. More than that though, it is an affront to God that He has clearly told you in His word to study diligently in order to feed His children and yet you do not. Please don’t take lightly the Biblical commands of how you are to function as a pastor or the harm you may do in neglecting to be prepared. And please don’t think that anyone is fooled when you fail here, they may not always say something but make no mistake about it, they recognize it. Perhaps in a church such as Joel Osteen’s you could get away with this as long as every so often you told the people that God wants them to be rich; but not in a church that truly desires to grow in the Lord.
“[…] to exhortation, to doctrine…”
¨ Lest it should be thought that careless reading was enough, he, at the same time, shows that it must be explained with a view to usefulness, when he enjoins them to give earnest attention “to doctrine and exhortation;” as if he enjoined him to learn in order to communicate to others. It is proper, also, to attend to this order, that he places reading before doctrine and exhortation; for, undoubtedly, the Scripture is the fountain of all wisdom, from which pastors must draw all that they place before their flock. John Calvin
¨ […] to exhort others to their duty there described, or to comfort others from arguments fetched thence… to instruct others in the principles of religion. Matthew Poole
This now explains why there must be a diligent study of the Scriptures and why it is so offensive when it is obvious there has not been such. It is not only for your personal growth, as important and necessary as that is; it is to bolster your ability to skillfully present the word of God to the people of God and the world. If you do not spend time in diligent study then you should have no expectation that you are actually preaching the word of God. If that be the case then it is as William Hendriksen says, “[…] if there be no pulpit reading, exhorting, and teaching, divine worship is a misnomer… Timothy, then, must continue to devote his attention to these important matters.” If true for Timothy then it is certainly true for all pastors. If you are not studying and preparing then you are also not exhorting and teaching, and if all of that be true then you are not leading your people in the worship of God, whatever else it may be it has strayed from that.
“[…] meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
¨ The greater the difficulty in faithfully discharging the ministry of the Church, so much the more ought a pastor to apply himself earnestly, and with his whole might; and that not only for a short time, but with unfailing perseverance. Paul therefore reminds Timothy that this work leaves no room for indolence, or for slackening his labors, but demands the utmost industry and constant application… [Timothy] ought to labor to this purpose, that by his agency the edification of the Church may be more and more advanced, and that corresponding results may be visible; for it is not the work of a single day, and therefore he should strive to make daily progress. John Calvin
¨ Let these things be the business of thy thoughts… be in them, let them be thy whole work, not thy work by and by, but they chief and principal business. Matthew Poole
¨ […] Timothy must be nourished on the words of the faith, and must train himself for godly living; that he must so conduct himself that no one will despise [him]; that he must not neglect but must exercise and cultivate his special gift… “Be in them with your whole heart, with all your soul; be completely wrapped up in them.” […] if Timothy… devote[s] himself completely to his task, as indicated, all… will take note of his spiritual and professional advancement, to the glory of God. William Hendriksen
¨ Ministers are to be much in meditation. They are to consider beforehand how and what they must speak. They are to meditate on the great trust committed to them, on the worth and value of immortal souls, and on the account they must give on the last. Ministers must be wholly in these things, they must mind these things as their principal work and business… By this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; this is the way for them to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others. Matthew Henry
As our people must be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only;’ so we must be doers and not speakers only, lest we ‘deceive our own selves.’ A practical doctrine must be practically preached. We must study as hard how to live well, as how to preach well. We must think and think again, how to compose our lives, as may most tend to men’s salvation, as well as our sermons. When you are studying what to say to your people, if you have any concern for their souls, you will oft be thinking with yourself, ‘How shall I get within them? And what shall I say, that is most likely to convince them, and convert them, and promote their salvation?’ And should you not as diligently think within yourself, ‘How shall I live, and what shall I do, and how shall I dispose of all that I have, as may most tend to the saving of men’s souls?’ Richard BaxterIt is not enough that you do the bare minimum expected of you as a pastor. This is a special job that requires men of exceptional character to perform the duties required therein. In order to accomplish that you must be wholly invested into your ministry. 100 percent of your effort is required at all times, on all days, in all surroundings. You cannot ever let your guard down for even a moment. You are a prime target for the devil and he is constantly in the business of leading you astray. Your character must shine forth in reliance on God to sustain you in spite of impossible odds. It is not easy, we know that, it is not intended to be. But you are not working for a reward that can be measured in bank statements and applause, your reward is from God Himself and will last an eternity. Be busy with the things of God and the work He has given you the privilege of performing; and make no mistake about it, it is a privilege indeed. Let this work consume you for your profit and for the profit and edification of the Church.
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
¨ It is no ordinary spur to excite the thoughtfulness of pastors, when they learn that their own salvation, as well as that of the people, depends on the industry and perseverance with which they devote themselves to their office… Our salvation is… the gift of God alone, because from Him it proceeds, and by His power alone it is performed; and therefore, to Him alone, as the author, it must be ascribed. But the ministry of men is not on that account excluded, nor does all this interfere with the salutary tendency of that government on which, as Paul shows, the prosperity of the Church depends… If thus a good pastor is the salvation of his hearers, let bad and careless men know that their destruction must be ascribed to those who have the charge of them; for, as the salvation of the flock is the crown of the pastor, so from careless pastors all that perishes will be required. John Calvin
¨ […] thus thou shalt do what in thee lieth to save thine own soul, and also to save the souls of others to whom thou preachest, or among whom thou conversest. Matthew Poole
¨ God promises a special reward to His faithful ministers, yes, to all His faithful witnesses; and threatens with severe punishment the unfaithful ones. William Hendriksen
Take heed to yourselves, lest you live in those sins which you preach against in others, and lest you be guilty of that which daily you condemn. Will you make it your work to magnify God, and, when you have done, dishonor Him as much as others…? O brethren! It is easier to chide at sin, than to overcome it… As Peter saith to every Christian in consideration of our great approaching change, ‘What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness!’ so may I say to every minister, ‘Seeing all these things lie upon our hands, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy endeavors and resolutions for our work!’ This is not a burden for the shoulders of a child. What skill doth every part of our work require! – and of how much moment is every part! To preach a sermon, I think, is not the hardest part; and yet what skill is necessary to make the truth plain; to convince the hearers, to let irresistible light in to their consciences…, to drive sinners to a stand, and make them see that there is no hope, but that they must unavoidably either be converted or condemned – and to do all this, as regards language and manner, as beseems our work, and yet as is most suitable to the capacities of our hearers… It is a lamentable case, that in a message from the God of heaven, of everlasting moment to the souls of men, we should behave ourselves so weakly… [that] sinners [are] rather hardened than converted; and all this through our weakness and neglect! How often have carnal hearers gone home jeering at the palpable and dishonorable failings of the preacher! How many sleep under us, because our hearts and tongues are sleepy, and we bring not with us so much skill and zeal as to awake them. Richard BaxterThis is the culmination of these verses; this is the fruit that will be evident for those that are obedient to its commands. There are very real ramifications to what you do as a pastor that far outweigh what the normal man has to deal with. Some have entered the ministry with no apparent understanding of what the gravity of their calling is. Perhaps still others lost it along the way. But pastors, for your sake and the sake of the church we need you to regain it. You are going to have to give an answer for blessing or harming the people of God and I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of that answer. The souls of men have been entrusted to you and that is a magnificently honorable and frightening gift. If we look down our noses and condemn men like Bernie Madoff for ripping people off with money they entrusted to him, how much more so will God frown upon you when you have been found to be ripping Him off of souls he has entrusted to you? A pastor who diligently gives himself to his duties has a pious congregation as his crown; for a pastor who flippantly goes through the motions it would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Summary:
Pastors, the people of God need you badly. We need the instruction and exhortation that should come from you. We need to see that what you preach you live and that the picture of Christian living is exemplified in your life. I am not saying you are expected to be perfect, but an utter disregard for how you affect others is not advisable for your sake or the sake of those that interact with you. Your behavior is expected to be exemplary just as your character has the same expectation in coming to your office in the first place. Your language should not be vile in any way, you should not be engaged in things that carry with them even a possibility of staining the office you hold, your reputation is necessarily one of the most important tools you are given by the Lord. When you so carelessly disregard how men view you it shows how little you value the office you hold.
I have spoken to a number of people who perceive that the elders (teaching and ruling) are tending towards a Catholic attitude when it comes to how they view themselves in relation to their people. In many cases, though thankfully not in all, a charge can longer be made against either class of elder because the initial reaction is that they rally the troops and attack with a vitriol you would expect only from a lost person. Church discipline is given to silence and intimidate, people are kicked out of churches without warning or due process, people are blackballed to the point that they leave altogether of their own accord hoping that something better will appear at the next church. This arrogance and lack of regard for the saints committed to your charge overflows beyond the interaction during church service. Social media for all of its advantages is a remarkable magnifier of a man’s true heart. When face to face almost all of us will put on a show of amiability, but put a cloak of anonymity in front of us and such pretense falls away. Some of the most vicious attacks I have seen and some of the most consistently disagreeable men I have had the misfortune of encountering on the internet have been pastors. They rule with a sense of unapproachable superiority in their own churches and when questioned by men that are not intimidated by them or in fear of being outcasts, their impatience and distemper becomes readily evident. I recently saw a man announce with joy that he had received a call to a new church and based on my interactions with him in the past felt genuine sorrow for the people that were getting ready to sit under his care. That shouldn’t be the case! Pastors should inspire confidence and we should want them to be near us, but increasingly this is not the case.
Shepherd your flock with the heart of Christ as your model. Christ was willing to give all to recover one lost sheep (Matt.
Time is only a marginal excuse to justify the lack of time many pastors spend with their people, in visiting them, in instructing them, and in growing them in the faith; yet time is so often used as the excuse that supposedly none can dare question. Nowhere in the word of God can I see where it says to be on twenty committees at Presbytery, to take four weeks of vacation a year, to be a guest speaker at every conference on earth, or to publish a relentless amount of articles. There is nothing wrong with those things ultimately if they can be done while you are actually spending an appropriate amount of time shepherding your flock. If they interfere with that then you must abandon some or all of these things to focus on what really matters. Sure you will not be a well known pastor from coast to coast and the accolades will dim in comparison, but thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. John Calvin refused to rest for fear that the Lord would come back and find him idle; John Owen likewise worked himself to death; Matthew Henry preached six days a week traveling from church to church under extreme pain due to his long battle with gout. Are you willing to do the same? Or is a 40 hour work week the criteria whereby you will judge that you have done enough?
Please consider the deplorable state of the modern Church. Please consider yourself and what you can do to effect godly change and reform for you are such a vital cog to Christianity. We need godly men to rise up and lead with character. We need men who with unwavering certainty will insist that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are essential to the health of the Church and will settle for nothing less. We need qualified men to exhibit the character necessary to care for and grow the Church. I implore you to consider what I have presented here and, if you are wanting, to cast yourself before the Lord and correct these things for in so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Amen.
Sources Cited:
¨ John Calvin, Commentary on Timothy, vol. 21, pp 113-118, Baker Books
¨ Matthew Poole Commentary, vol. 3, pp 783-784, Hendrickson Publishers
¨ William Hendriksen Commentary, vol. 10, pp 158-160, Baker Academic
¨ Matthew Henry Commentary, pp 1888, Hendrickson Publishers
¨ Richard Baxter, “The Reformed Pastor,” pp. 63-70, Banner of Truth
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