A true to definition pastor is a hard working man even though jokes are told which intimate that pastors are lazy and don’t do anything but crave fried chicken. God’s men do, in fact, labor day and night for the cause of Christ. The Apostle Paul lived by this example and we should seek to follow his lead.
(1 Timothy 1:3-4) “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” (KJV)
The Job Of Obedience
The Apostle Paul reminds young Timothy of a prior conversation, via correspondence or in personal dialogue, about where he was to serve the Lord in his absence. Paul was to move on to the region of Macedonia while Timothy was to take care of things in Ephesus. It is clear that Paul felt as though his young preacher boy was able to lead this congregation.
Three distinct issues come to mind as we ponder 1 Timothy 1:3. First, we see the will of God. It was, evidently, God’s perfect will for Paul to go into Macedonia, while Timothy remained or was sent to Ephesus. Timothy was definitely obedient to God’s will for his life! We should also be careful in this matter. Are you in God’s will?
Secondly, we see the issue of following instructions. Timothy followed the instructions that were given to him. Not many people want to be obedient in following instructions anymore. King Saul, if you remember, disregarded specific instructions given to him by Samuel. As a result of Saul intruding into the office of the priest, he crossed a line with God that cost him dearly. Timothy sets an example for us as he obeyed Paul and performed his duty in Ephesus. Do you obey the instructions you are given by your spiritual authorities?
Lastly, we see the issue of delegation of responsibility. Paul, feeling sure it was God’s will and that he was capable of handling the task, asked Timothy to abide still in Ephesus. We shall look at the specifics in a moment, but it suffices to mention now that Paul knew how to delegate. Leaders have to learn how and when to do this. A ministry can be crippled and limited if church leadership does not learn to delegate responsibility. Do you delegate responsibility?
The Job Of Soundness
Steel, when it is produced right, will “ring true” when hammered upon. Likewise, Christians should be devoid of error when they are beat upon with the trials and temptations of life. Timothy was commissioned with the responsibility of insuring that sound doctrine would be taught and propagated. He also was to be sure that unprofitable teachings would be avoided and only edifying doctrine would be majored upon.
It is the job of every pastor to do the same thing Timothy was asked to do. A church is usually as sound as it’s pastor is. If the pastor is not established in the faith and the leadership he develops along the way is not anchored in sound doctrine, then that church will not withstand the tests that come their way. Soundness in preaching, teaching, and even in casual conversation is a must for any man of God. Are you endeavoring to maintain a pathway of sound doctrine in your church?
If you are creating more questions for people than providing answers, according to the Scriptures, then you are likely missing the point of preaching and teaching God’s Word. Our verses (1 Timothy1:3-4) emphasize the importance of sound doctrine, the ignoring of unprofitable teachings and fables, and the godly edifying of believers. Failure in this will be extremely detrimental to the longevity of a local congregation. By some estimates, this letter to Timothy was some ten years after the church of Ephesus was started. Whether ten years or ten months, the job of soundness is vital role as a pastor. Can you fill this job description?
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