Standards for the Pastor (Part 3) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

1 Timothy 3:1-7... This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. As we look at Part 3 in this message, we will look at more standards that should characterize the pastor. He should be given to hospitality. We explain the meaning of this trait. He is also to be able to teach which is a very important part of the ministry. Teaching is an important aspect of the ministry of the pastor. He should be ready as well as willing to teach the Scriptures. The pastor should be a student of God’s Word. Study time is essential and crucial if the pastor is going to be effective. Thomas Watson said, “David valued the Word more than gold. What would the martyrs have given for a leaf of the Bible? The Word is the field where Christ, the pearl of great price is hidden. In this sacred mine, we dig, not for a wedge of gold, but for a weight of glory. The Scriptures are the chart and compass by which we sail into the new Jerusalem.” God help us all to love and study His Word. The pastor is not to be a striker or brawler. The pastor is not to always be on the verge of settling his problems with his fists. He is not to be a troublemaker and explode into a temper tantrum. If he disagrees with someone about a matter, he is to do it without being disagreeable or without compromising biblical convictions. Tantrums or tussles should not characterize him. Better yet, it should not characterize the behavior of any Christian. As God's people, we are not to be looking for fights or arguments. Unfortunately, some believers behave this way because their hearts are filled with pride, bitterness, and hate. * Proverbs 10:12- Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. The pastor is not to be greedy of filthy lucre. What does that mean? We explain it. The grasp of greed and covetousness should not only be shunned by the pastor, it should be shunned by all Christians. Love and passion for money will distract you from focusing your eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. It will change your priorities, removing the Lord from being first in your heart. We are warned repeatedly about the damage of covetousness. * 1 Timothy 6:10- For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. * Proverbs 15:27a—He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house... The pastor is to be patient. He will need to be this way if he is to survive and thrive in the ministry because he will face taxing situations as well as taxing people. We spends some time stressing the importance of patience. The pastor is also to rule well his own family. This does not mean his family will be perfect. No family is perfect. This word rule is from the word proistemi {pro-is'-tay-mee} which means "to preside over, to govern, to protect, to guard, to give attention." He is to rule his family well. This word "well" is from the word kalos {kal-oce'} which means "beautifully, excellently, commendably, honorably." This word "rule" does not mean he is a tyrant or an oppressive father that causes his family to tremble in terror. He is to govern his family with love, honor, and in a commendable manner. This 32-minute message was preached on Wednesday night, February 15, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Leadership