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| The assembly hall viewed from the pulpit. |
Midweek meeting notes
[02/04/2025 18:22]
James
4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you. (2)
1.
Submit yourselves therefore to God
a.
The command presupposes a few things:
-
God has absolute authority over us. Why?
-
God has made known His will to us. How?
-
God's will for us can be known. Deu 29:29; 2Tim 3:16
- A
sound knowledge of His will is a prerequisite to a proper submission to God.
Why?
2.
Submission to God as a minister of the gospel
a.
Scriptures highlight the calling and duties of a pastor, emphasizing shepherding
the flock, teaching God's word, and leading with integrity, as seen in passages
like 1 Pe 5:2-3, 1Tim 3:1-7, and Acts 20:28.
Here's
a more detailed look at biblical passages that speak to the calling and duties
of a pastor.
b.
Shepherding the Flock (1Pe 5:2-3):
-
Pastors are called to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you".
-
This involves caring for the spiritual well-being of the congregation, not
domineering them, but serving as an example. The passage highlights the
importance of willing and eager caring for the flock, not for selfish gain.
c.
Leading and Overseeing (1Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)
-
These passages outline the qualifications of a pastor, emphasizing qualities
like being "above reproach," faithful to their spouse, and able to
teach and lead.
- A
pastor should be a good example, demonstrating self-control, gentleness, and a
good reputation.
-
The importance of a pastor's family life and ability to manage their own
households is also highlighted.
d.
Preaching and Teaching (2Tim4:2, Acts 20:28):
-
Pastors are called to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of
season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful
instruction".
-
Acts 20:28 emphasizes the responsibility to "shepherd the church of
God" and to be on guard for the flock.
-
The pastor's role includes teaching and guarding the flock from false
teachings.
e.
Intercession and Prayer (1Tim 2:1-2):
-
Pastors are encouraged to pray for the people, recognising that it pleases God.
f.
Mentoring and Discipleship (2 Tim 2:2, 1Cor 11:1, Mat 28:19):
-
Pastors are called to train and equip others to follow Christ.
g.
Other Related Passages:
-
Eph 4:11-12: Identifies pastors as one of the gifts given to the church for
equipping the saints.
-
Heb 13:17: Encourages the church to obey their leaders and submit to them,
recognizing that they are watching over their souls.
recognising-
John 21:15-17: Jesus charges Peter to "tend my sheep" and "feed
my sheep," emphasising the importance of shepherding the flock.
-
Acts 20:17-38: Paul's farewell to the elders of Ephesus, where he emphasizes
the importance of guarding the flock and teaching the word.
3.
Resisting the devil as a minister of the gospel
a.
The command presupposes a few things:
-
The devil is actively roaring about in subverting God’s will for a minister of
the gospel. Why?
-
God has warned us against the devices of the devil.
- A
sound knowledge of the devil’s devices is needed the devil if they are to
resist him rightly.
-
“A sound knowledge of the devil’s devices is needed if they are to resist
rightly.” Sun Tzu's quote emphasises the importance of understanding both
oneself and one's opponent in any battle or conflict.
b.
Scriptures warn pastors against various sins/evils. The devil will tempt them
with, “Yea, hath God said?”
-
These include neglecting their flock, pursuing dishonest gain, lording
over/abusing the flock, leading people astray with false teachings, and
engaging in quarrels and dissensions.
-
Neglecting the flock: Jeremiah
23:1-2 warns against shepherds who scatter the sheep, drive them away, and
neglect their care.
-
Pursuing dishonest gain: Titus
1:7 instructs that an overseer must be blameless and not pursue dishonest gain.
-
Leading people astray with false teachings: Acts
20:29-30 warns that "savage wolves" will come in among the flock and
distort the truth to draw away disciples.
-
Engaging in quarrels and dissensions: Titus
3:9 instructs pastors to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions,
and quarrels about the law.
-
Being overbearing, quick-tempered, or given to drunkenness: Titus
1:7 also states that an overseer must not be overbearing, quick-tempered, or
given to drunkenness.
-
Not holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught: Titus
1:9 emphasises the importance of sound doctrine.
