Chapter 1
Public worship
'As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple' (Ps. 5:7).
David, the man after God's own heart, found great pleasure and satisfaction in daily prayer and meditation. Daily, private, personal worship was a characteristic of his life. With the rising of the morning sun his heart was lifted up to God. Every morning he directed his prayer to the throne of grace and looked to his Lord with a heart of faith. Every evening he gave thanks to God and laid his head upon his pillow in the sweet rest of faith. That is the way to begin and end every day! Blessed is the man or woman who worships God in private. Let all who know and trust the living God worship him daily. Let all who follow Christ in the path of faith and obedience follow him also to the solitary place of private prayer. I would do everything within my power to promote and encourage private worship among the saints of God. Let every priest of God offer the daily sacrifices of prayer and praise to the Lord. But them is something even more important than private worship.
Does that last statement surprise you? I know that most people who are genuinely concerned for the glory of God and the worship of God rank personal, private worship above all things in the life of faith. But I am convinced that public worship, if it is true worship, is even more important than private worship.
David, the sweet singer of Israel, gave the highest possible regard to the matter of public worship. Without neglecting private worship, he said, 'As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.' He could not force others to worship God, and would not if he could. 'But,' he says,'as for me, I will come into thy house.' That is to say, 'I will come into the place of public worship in the assembly of God's saints, to worship the Lord my God.' And when he came into the place of worship with the saints of God, David was determined truly to worship the Lord. He says, 'In thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.' David was resolved in his heart, at every appointed time, to come with God's saints into the place of public worship, so that he might worship God in heaven, in the temple of his holiness. Let us look at this text a little more closely, and ask the Spirit of God to apply it to our hearts, so that David's words may become the expression of our own hearts' resolve.
'I will come into thy house.' The house of God is the congregation of the saints, wherever they gather in public assembly to worship God.
'I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy.' It is not enough merely to 'go to church'. We must come into the house of God in faith, trusting the Lord's mercy. And there are a multitude of mercies with God in Christ. Sinners need mercy. We must come to the place of public worship as sinners trusting God's abundant mercy in Christ. If we do not come as sinners seeking mercy, we will not worship. But sinners looking to Christ for mercy always find a multitude of mercy in him (Luke 18:13-14). In him we find:
Truly, 'It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not' (Lam. 3:22), and every worshipper in God's house finds it to be so.
'And in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.' We must come to the house of God with reverence and godly fear to worship him, that is, to see him, to hear him, to adore him, to praise him and to obey him. This was David's resolve. May it ever be yours and mine. May God give us grace to make public worship our delight and truly to worship him in the assembly of his saints.
In this chapter I want us to see five things about public worship, some of which will be dealt with in much more detail in later chapters.
1. Public worship is the single most important aspect of the believer's life.
When David was banished from Jerusalem, the place of public worship, he envied even the sparrows who made their nests in the house of God. His heart longed not for the throne, the riches, or the power that had been taken from him, but for the assembly of God's saints in public worship. When the blessed privilege of public worship was taken from him for a short time, nothing was more important or precious to God's child (Ps. 84:1-4).
The fact is, all who are born of God love the assembly of God's saints in public worship and love the ministry of the gospel. There are no exceptions. God's people will not willingly absent themselves from the worship of God. It is true, there are many who very strictly attend, and even love, the outward service of public worship, who do not know the Lord. Their outward worship is nothing but a show of hypocrisy, for they never worship God in private. But anyone who wilfully neglects and despises the public assembly of the saints for worship, also neglects and despises private worship. And those who do not worship God do not know God.
Many people are very busy with all kinds of things. The cares and pleasures of life in this world consume almost all their time and attention. When it is convenient they attend church, give God a little tip and sing, 'Oh, how I love Jesus!' But any time something more important comes up (a good football match, a special television show, a visiting relative, or a sick dog!), they absent themselves from the house of God with little regret. They say to themselves, 'I can always go to church next week. The Lord knows my heart.' Of that much you can be sure: the Lord does know our hearts, and he will judge us accordingly!
Those who are truly God's people love the house of God and the worship of God. They arrange their lives around the worship of God. Nothing ever comes up, over which they have control, to keep them from the house of God. They see to it that when the saints of God gather for worship, they are among them, unless their absence is genuinely unavoidable. Their faithfulness in the matter of public worship is much more than a matter of duty. It is their delightful choice. Public worship is the single most important aspect of their lives in this world. Nothing is more important to the children of God in this world than the public assembly of the saints for worship; and that public assembly of the saints for worship is the local church, the congregation of the Lord, the house of God.
Why do God's people place such importance upon the public worship of the local church? Here are five reasons.
1. This is the place where God meets sinners in saving mercy. It is true that God uses personal witnessing, tracts, tapes, books and other instruments of gospel instruction to call his elect to life and faith in Christ, but generally God saves his sheep in the congregations of his saints when they are gathered for worship (Acts 2:1,37-41). Sinners in need of mercy should seek mercy where mercy is always found in great, overflowing abundance; and mercy is always found in the house of God.
God's saints know themselves to be sinners in need of mercy; so they come, with all their needs, to the house of mercy, seeking the Lord.
2. This is the place where our family gathers. Every true local church is a family of believers. When the church gathers for worship, it is the gathering of our family for sweet and blessed fellowship in the gospel. Family members need each other, comfort each other and help each other, because they love each other.
3. This is the place where the Lord Jesus Christ meets with his people. Our Saviour promised that, wherever his people gather in his name, he would be with them (Matt. 18:20). To gather in Christ's name is to gather by faith in his name, for the honour of his name and to worship in his name. If only two or three gather to worship the Son of God, he will meet with them. The old man, Simeon, found God's salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the temple, the appointed place of public worship (Luke 2:25-32), and if we would see Christ we must come with his saints when they gather in the place of public worship.
4. This is the place where God deals with men. Each local congregation of believers is the house and temple of the living God (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:15). God reveals his glory, gives out his law, makes known his will, bestows his blessings and instructs his people in his temple, his church. It is in this place that God speaks to men by his Spirit through his Word.
In all ages the people of God have been known and identified by their public gatherings for worship. Wherever God has had a people in this world, he has had a congregation to worship him. Sheep are always found in flocks. The only sheep who are alone are either lost or sick. And God's elect are sheep. No matter how few, they have always gathered together in public worship. In the public assembly they bear public, united testimony to the world of their Saviour's grace and glory. As an assembled body of believers they strengthen, cheer, comfort, encourage, edify and help one another by prayer, praise and the preaching of the gospel.
From the beginning of the Bible to the end there is a clear line of succession in this matter of public worship. Cain and Abel came to worship God in a public assembly. Noah's first act after the flood was an act of public worship to celebrate God's saving grace. Wherever the patriarchs pitched their tents in days of old, they erected an altar for worship. Throughout the Mosaic economy, the Jew who did not worship God in the tabernacle or temple was cut off from the congregation. Throughout the book of Acts, wherever God's children were scattered by persecution, they soon gathered in public assemblies for the worship of God.
Public worship is one identifying mark of true believers. With David, every saved sinner is resolved to worship God, saying, 'As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.' By this let everyone examine himself or herself. Those who willingly and habitually absent themselves from the worship of God do not know God. A person may be outwardly faithful to the church of God who does not know God, but no one is faithful to Christ who is not faithful in the public assembly of his church for worship.
5. The neglect of public worship is the first step towards total apostasy (Heb. 10:23-31). Seldom do men and women turn away from Christ and the gospel of his grace suddenly. Usually the charms of the world take men by degrees, gradually. Apostasy is usually so gradual that those who forsake Christ do not even realize they have forsaken him. How many them are who never attend, or seldom attend, the worship of God, who yet foolishly presume they are children of God! But their continued forsaking of the assembly of God's saints is proof that they never really knew the Lord Jesus Christ in saving faith (1 John 2:19). Those who wilfully neglect the assembly of God's saints for public worship, though they know the truth of God, tread underfoot the Son of God, count the blood of the covenant a useless thing and despise the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:25, 26, 29).
2. If we would truly worship God in our public assemblies, everything must be governed by the Word of God
Sadly, much of that which goes on in the churches today is a mere show of religion, and religious show is an abomination to God. I do not question the sincerity of most religious people, but sincerity in doing evil does not make the evil good. Our Lord says, 'In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men' (Matt. 15:9). Paul tells us that religious ritualism, ceremonialalism, legalism and showmanship are nothing but 'a show of wisdom in will worship', not for the honour of God, but for 'the satisfying of the flesh'.
Many imagine that small details in the worship of God are insignificant; but in the house of God, nothing is insignificant. Surely David's mistake in bringing the ark of God to Jerusalem should teach us the necessity of strict obedience in the worship of our God (1 Chron. 13:1-4; 15:11-15). We cannot worship the Lord God unless we worship him according to the Word of truth (1 Tim. 3:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; John 4:24).
We must worship the one true and living God as he is revealed in the person and work of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The glory of the triune God is seen nowhere but in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Our worship of God must be in the Spirit, that is, by the aid and direction of the Holy Spirit and in our hearts. True worship is purely spiritual. It is inspired by the Spirit of God. It arises from and takes place in the heart. And we must worship God in accordance with the truth, with true, sincere hearts, according to the Word of truth. In a word, our worship of God must be simple, unadorned, unpretentious and spiritual.
Both in doctrine and in activity, every aspect of public worship must be in precise accordance with Holy Scripture. We have no right to omit any aspect of service to God that is plainly laid down as the ordinance of our Lord in the New Testament; and we have no right to bring anything into the house of God that is not plainly set forth in the New Testament.
3. In public worship certain things are essential
The Word of God does not lay down any distinct order of service for public worship that must be rigidly followed, and we must be careful to avoid mere religious ritualism and ceremonialism. Yet all things must be done decently and in order. We must do nothing without thoughtful prayer and preparation, and all that is done must be done for the glory of God. In the New Testament we see five things which am essential to public worship. These five things should be regularly maintained in the services of every local church.
Firstly, when believers come together for worship, they should be led in united, public prayer (1 Tim. 2:1). Secondly, every assembly for public worship should give attention to the public reading of Holy Scripture (1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3; Acts 15:30-31; Luke 4:16). Thirdly, united, public praise, congregational singing, is a blessed part of public worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Fourthly, the most important aspect of public worship is the preaching of the gospel (2 Tim. 4:1-2). Finally, we must regularly observe the ordinances of our Lord in public worship, that is, believers' baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Every service of every local church should be a worship service. Whether the congregation is many or few, whether it is gathered on Sunday morning, or in the middle of the week, when God's people gather in public assembly, they ought to be led in the worship of God by faithful, well-prepared, gospel-preaching pastors. Each service of the church should include prayer, reading of Scripture, praise to God and gospel preaching. And the services should frequently include the observance of our Lord's ordinances.
4. There are some things we must carefully avoid in our assemblies for public worship
There are many things going on in churches today throughout the world, even in some places where men claim to preach the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ, which have no place at all in the house of God. The house of God is a house of prayer, a house of worship, a centre for preaching. Any other function for the church is out of order. The church of God is not a political arena, an educational centre, or a social club. Any church that functions as such has missed her calling. But in our worship services themselves, there are four evils which we must studiously avoid.
We must avoid showmanship and entertainment. Any person interested in the glory of God knows that the church of God has no business involving itself with sporting events, bingo parties and such like; but there is a tendency, even with the most conscientious people, to use their gifts and talents to entertain people, rather than edify them.
Every form of idolatry must be studiously avoided. Crosses, robes, stained glass windows, religious pictures and symbols are not aids, but hindrances, to spiritual worship. Any use of physical objects in the worship of God is idolatry.
Ritualism must be carefully avoided. Any religious service, rite or ceremony not ordained of God is a meaningless ritual. Any superstitious service performed in the name of God, anything which claims to confer grace or spiritual benefit by means of an outward action, is a mockery of divine worship.
Another thing we must carefully avoid is emotionalism. The waving of hands, shouting, making religious gestures, etc. only calls attention to oneself. There is no place in the house of God for the exaltation of self. I do not mean to imply that worship is without emotion. True worship floods our hearts with many emotions. When Christ is preached, if God is gracious and the Holy Spirit applies the Word to our hearts, joy and sorrow, conviction and consecration, solemnity and gaiety, humility and exultation all, at the same time, may be found in the believer's heart; but deep, heartfelt emotions, if they are sanctified by God, do not show themselves in mere gestures and momentary outbursts of emotionalism. They show themselves in the effect they have upon our lives.
We do not come to the house of God to make a show of religion, to fulfil our religious obligation, or to get a shot of spiritual excitement. We come to the house of God to see, hear and worship God in Christ, for the comfort, strengthening and edification of our souls.
5. There are some tests by which our worship of God may be proved
If we truly worship God when we meet together in the house of God, our worship will be reflected in the effect it has upon us. An hour of religious excitement, no matter how deeply it is felt, is useless if it does not affect our lives. True worship affects a person's life. I offer these six tests by which to examine and prove all exercises in public and private worship.
1. True worship reaches the heart and conscience. False worship-mere ritualism or emotionalism — is like taking drugs. It has a gradually declining effect upon the heart, and people soon become immune to it. This is one reason why churches and religious leaders must always devise newer, bigger, more exciting programmes. But the worship of the living God never has a deadening effect. Men and women who worship in Spirit and truth drink from the same fountain year after year, with ever-increasing delight. The gospel of Christ never becomes mundane to them.
2. True worship draws our hearts closer to Christ in sweet communion,faith, love and obedience. The gospel of Christ shuts us up to Christ, shows us Christ and leaves us looking to Christ. This is always the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-14). True worship is the continual reviving of the believer's heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit's knitting our own hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. True worship causes the believer to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. When the saints of God are fed with knowledge and understanding by the Spirit of God, through the preaching of the gospel, they grow in grace, mature in faith and increase in love. The worship of Christ is edifying.
4. True worship affects the lives of God's people. Those who worship God, walk with God by faith; and walking with God affects the way a person thinks, talks and behaves at home, on the job and in the church. Mean-spirited, dishonest, slanderous men and women do not worship the living God.
5. True worship inspires, increases and enlarges a believer's submission, consecration and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20). The more a believer sees and knows of Christ's glorious person, redemptive work and heavenly exaltation, the more he desires to give himself entirely to his beloved Lord.
6. True worship causes the believer to hope for, and anxiously anticipate, that blessed, endless day of perfect worship which we shall enjoy in heaven's glory. Every time I am enabled, in some measure, to worship God, my heart is moved with excited hope to think of that eternity which awaits the saints of God, in which our lives, our very existence, will be so perfectly conformed to the image of Christ that we shall perfectly worship the Lord God at all times and in all things for ever! Truly, ours is a blessed hope!
May God help each one of us, as long as we live upon the earth, to make David's determination the holy resolve of our own hearts: 'As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.'
Chapter 2.
The church of God
'Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28).
When John the Baptist cried, 'Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world,' and two of his disciples left him to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, something new was begun in the world. An entirely new bond was introduced into the world: a bond of love to Christ and to one another in him. And that bond of love is called 'the church of God'. It is true, the church universal, the mystical body and bride of Christ, includes all the saints of God from the beginning to the end of the world; but in the Old Testament the visible church of God was a national, political body. It was a physical family, comprised of men, women and children with a flesh and blood kinship. The church of the Old Testament was the nation of Israel, the seed of Abraham, a society of Jews. But a spiritual society, in which the only bond holding its members together is their relationship to their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, was a totally new thing in John's day. The bond of the Old Testament church was flesh and blood and law. The bond of the church of the New Testament is faith and love and grace.
This society of believers, united to one another and to Christ by love and faith in him, is the church of the New Testament. Our English word 'church' means 'assembly', or 'congregation'. The Greek word from which it is translated is derived from a word which means 'that which belongs to the Lord'. The church of God in this world is a divine society, a congregation that belongs to God. It is the congregation of God's elect. This New Testament church began with our Lord's earthly ministry. It is built upon the apostolic confession and witness of Christ's life as our representative, death as our substitute, resurrection as our High Priest and ascension and exaltation as our Lord and King. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the church of God at Jerusalem, filling it with power and sanctifying it as the kingdom of God in this world.
It is of the utmost importance that every child of God should know the purpose and value of the church of God in this world, and commit him or herself to it. The text which heads this chapter is taken from the book of Acts, and one great purpose of the book of Acts is to show us how God works in this world through his church. The book of Acts is the inspired record of the progress of the church during its first thirty years of ministry after the death of Christ. The most prominent figure in the church during those first thirty years was the apostle Paul, and it is this man, Paul, who is speaking in Acts 20:28. He is addressing the elders at Ephesus, giving them a solemn charge regarding their responsibilities as the servants of God. He says, 'Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.'
In this chapter I want to raise six very practical questions about the church of God and answer them from the Word of God.
1. What is the church of God?
The word 'church' is used in three ways in the New Testament.
1. It is used to describe all true believers of all ages, from the beginning of the world to its end, all the saints of the Old Testament and New Testament ages, all of God's elect upon the earth and in heaven. This is what we call the universal church. It is the mystical body and spiritual bride of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is that spiritual body of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22; 5:23-27).
2. The word 'church' is used to describe local, visible assemblies of professed believers in a given place. In every local church there are both believers and unbelievers, wheat and tares, sheep and goats, true possessors of faith and false professors of faith. Every local church has in its membership both the true and the false, but still every local assembly of men and women who profess faith in Christ and the gospel of God's free grace in him is set forth as a local church and is called 'the church of God' (Rom. 16:1-5).
3. The word 'church' is used to describe all true churches at any given time in the world. Obviously I do not suggest that the church of God is made up of all churches and denominations, but it does include all New Testament churches at any given time in the world. We are one in Christ, one in purpose, one in heart and one in desire. All true gospel churches in this world in Jesus Christ are one (1 Cor. 10:32; 12:28).
In Acts 20:28 the apostle Paul is addressing the elders of a particular local assembly at Ephesus, or perhaps elders from several local assemblies in the Ephesus area, but the words 'the church of God' in this text have reference to the local church. In this verse Paul tells us three things about the church of God, which are true of every local, gospel church.
1. The church belongs to God. The church which I pastor, Grace Baptist Church, is the 'church of God' at Danville, Kentucky. The building in which we meet is not the church of God, but the men and women who assemble in that building are. The church does not belong to the Baptist denomination, to the pastor, the deacons, or even the people. We belong to God exclusively. We are God's people and God's property. God chose us to be his people in sovereign election before the world began (2 Thess. 2:13-14), God redeemed us to himself by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, his dear Son, at Calvary (Titus 2:14), and God called us to himself by the irresistible power and grace of his Spirit in regeneration, creating spiritual life within us and giving us faith in Christ (Col. 1:12-14).
By our election, our redemption and our calling, we belong to God; and what I have said of the church of God in Danville, Kentucky, is true of all God's churches in this world. Though there are unbelievers among us, all who know God in Christ, assembled together anywhere in the world, are a local church, and that assembly is the church of God. Let all beware: he that harms God's church touches the apple of his eye (1 Cor. 3:17).
2. The church of God is a flock of sheep. It is called 'the flock' because it is made up of Christ's sheep. John Gill says, 'A church of Christ is compared to a flock of sheep, living in gospel order, folded together and feeding in the same pasture, attending the word and ordinances, under the care of shepherds appointed by Christ, the Chief Shepherd.' Before we were converted, we were as lost sheep going astray from God our Saviour (Isa. 53:6). After conversion God's saints are compared to sheep because they are meek, inoffensive, patient and totally dependent upon Christ, who is their Shepherd. Sheep, like us, are far from being perfect creatures. They are silly, ignorant, helpless, defenceless, straying, needy, dumb animals, who cannot even give birth alone. Therefore they need, and must have, shepherds, pastors, to care for them.
3. The church of God was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is God. It is 'the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood'. Here is one of many, almost casual, affirmations of the fact that Jesus Christ is himself God. The writers of the New Testament never attempt to prove the deity of Christ. They simply assume that all believers know that the man who died at Calvary is God. The one who purchased and owns the church is God himself.
So thorough and complete is the union of Christ's two natures in one glorious person that the two can never be separated. That one who died for our sins is God Almighty, our eternal Creator. The price of our ransom from the curse of the law was 'his own blood'. Nothing but the life-blood of one who is both God and man could suffice to redeem us.
Our redemption by Christ was accomplished by a legal purchase. He paid our debt; therefore we have no debt to pay. He satisfied justice for us; therefore justice has no claim against us. He was cursed for us; therefore there is no curse upon us. He was condemned in our place; therefore we cannot be condemned.
The death of Christ as our substitute was a particular purchase. He did not purchase all people. He purchased 'the church' of God, his elect, whom he loved with an everlasting love. Christ's death accomplished a complete purchase. When he cried, 'It is finished,' the work was fully done, the purchase was complete. There is nothing to be added by man to make the transaction complete.
Our Lord's purchase was also an effectual purchase. All whom he purchased with his blood he will call by his Spirit, save by his grace, cleanse with his Word and present in heaven in perfect holiness (Eph. 5:25-27).
2. What is the purpose of the church in this world?
Why did our Lord establish his church in this world? Why did the apostles gather believers into local churches in every city?
In 1 Timothy 3:15-16 the apostle Paul tells us that the church is 'the pillar and ground of the truth'. The church of God is not the source of truth. God alone is the source of truth. The church is not the foundation upon which truth is built. Christ is. We have no right to formulate, devise, or even shape the truth. That is not our prerogative. But the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. It is our responsibility to preserve, promote and proclaim the truth of God in the generation in which we live. Truth is the legacy we have received from the preceding generations of God's saints, and truth is the legacy we must leave to the generations that follow. And that particular body of truth which we are responsible to maintain is the gospel of Christ. Our creed is, and ever must be, 'Jesus Christ and him crucified'. The truth we must preserve and declare is the great 'mystery of godliness', redemption by Jesus Christ, the incarnate God.
We must never lose sight of our purpose. The church of God is not a social welfare agency, though we gladly help the poor and needy. The church is not a counselling centre, though we proclaim to all men all the counsel of God. The church is not an educational centre, though we make known to men the manifold wisdom of God. The church is not a political arena, or even a rallying place for morality, patriotism and the home. It is true, the church of God does influence the political world, the moral, ethical and educational values of society and the stability of the home and family, but our goal, our object, our purpose is the glory of God. Our work is the preaching of the gospel. Our mission is the salvation of God's elect. Our reason for gathering as the house of God is to worship the Lord our God.
The church of God is a preaching centre, a mission station, a sounding board for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our single purpose is to proclaim to all men and women the glorious gospel of Christ, the incarnate God, who came into this world to save sinners and has effectually done so for the glory of God. Preaching is our mandate, our strength and our only business in this world. By the support of pastors, missionaries and evangelists who faithfully preach the gospel of Christ, the church of God fulfils her divine commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This is the purpose for our existence in this world.
3. How is the church to be governed?
There is much controversy here. Some say the church must be governed by an ecclesiastical hierarchy, others by a board of elders, others by a board of deacons and others by the democratic vote of the people. Some say that the matter of church government is not plainly revealed in the Word of God. The fact is, none of these forms of church government has any biblical foundation, but the Word of God does tell us plainly how the church is to be governed.
At first the church was under the direct government of Christ himself. Then it was governed by the apostles of our Lord. These apostles appointed deacons to relieve them of the mundane duties of watching over matters of money, property and the care of widows. As the apostles died out the pastors they had appointed in different places had the responsibility of being overseers of the churches. In the New Testament the pastor is sometimes called an 'elder' or a 'bishop'. But wherever you read the words 'elder', 'bishop' or 'pastor' in the New Testament, the men mentioned are men called and gifted of God as the undershepherds of Christ to be the spiritual overseers and rulers of his church.
The church of God is not an organization to be ruled by the democratic vote of the people, or the whims of men. The commonly accepted practice of congregational rule is without foundation, either by precept or precedent, in the Word of God. The church of God is a kingdom under the rule of Christ. It is to be governed by Christ's appointed pastors through the Word of God, as they are led and taught by the Spirit of God (Heb. 13:7, 17).
It is every faithful pastor' s responsibility to rule in the house of God (1 Tim. 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3). He must take the oversight of the church he serves. He does not rule by brute force, intimidation or legislative power, but by the Word of God. His authority is the gospel he preaches. He rules by example, leading the people of God in the way of faith and faithfulness. As God's overseer he rules the church in love, in love for Christ, the truth of God and the people of God. The church of God is not to be ruled by the voice of the people, but by the voice of God through his messenger.
I am aware of the fact that giving one man so much power over so many can be a very dangerous thing, if that man is not himself ruled by the Spirit of Christ. Many have suffered greatly by the abuse of pastoral authority. However, the way to avoid the problem of abuse is not to restrict the pastoral office, but rather to exercise great care in choosing and calling a pastor.
If a congregation really seeks the will of God in calling a pastor rather than their own pleasure, following the leadership of the Holy Spirit rather than their own impressions, and judging a man's gifts, qualifications and abilities by the Word of God rather than by their own standards, they will not need to worry about getting an unfit pastor.
When seeking a pastor the church should get to know everything they possibly can about the man they might want to call, earnestly seek the direction of God the Holy Spirit and carefully follow the guidelines laid down in Holy Scriptures. Once God has given them a faithful pastor, they should earnestly pray for him, seeking God's mercy and grace to abide upon him, preserve him and keep him in the way of truth, faith and righteousness.
When a local church is ruled by the voice of the people, the potential for evil is almost limitless. The Word of God gives four examples of what happens when men and women govern themselves, when the course of action for God's church is determined by the vote of the congregation. The results are a commentary on the subject of congregational rule.
1. In Exodus 32:1-6 the children of Israel are seen dancing naked around the golden calf.
2. In Numbers 16:1-4 the congregation got together, took a vote and decided to kill God's prophet.
3. In 1 Chronicles 13:1-14 David consulted the will of the people and God made a breach upon them, because they defiled the ark of the Lord.
4. In Acts 1:15-26 the church chose an apostle to take Judas' place whom God had not ordained.
The axiom of democracy is 'The people are always right.' But in spiritual matters the people are nearly always wrong. The majority hardly ever rules according to the mind and will of God. Rolfe Barnard used to say, 'If you pray, you don't have to vote. And if you vote, you won't pray.' He was a wise man.
As it is the pastor's responsibility to rule, it is the responsibility of God's church to follow and obey the man who rules over it as pastor by the will of God. Again, I emphasize the importance of exercising great care in calling a pastor. Make certain that the man who is called measures up to the requirements that are laid down in Holy Scripture.
The apostle Paul tells us that there are certain things that must be required in the moral and spiritual character of those men who are given the responsibilities of the pastoral office. 'A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil' (1 Tim. 3:2-6). 'A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers' (Titus 1:7-9).
If a man does not measure up to these qualifications, no matter how well he seems to preach, no matter how likeable he appears to be, no matter how charming he is, do not call him as pastor. Once a man has been called as pastor, the church has placed herself under his rule. If he is God's man, it will be a blessed relationship. If he is not, it will be a disaster.
It is every believer's responsibility to yield a voluntary subjection and obedience to his pastor, as God's messenger to his soul. 'Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation... Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you' (Heb. 13:7, 17). This is an obedience based upon love and trust; and it is an obedience which God requires.
If you are not happy with your pastor, if you have reason to question his ability to watch faithfully over your soul, you can do one of two things: either you can ask God to remove him, and quietly wait for him to do so; or you can quietly remove yourself from his rule. In either case you had better be very sure of what you are doing. But do not ever dare to assume that it is your responsibility to remove your pastor! It is God's work alone to unseat pastors in his house. A congregation will be very wise to leave it in God's hands. He says, 'Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm' (1 Chron. 16:22), and he means it! I have seen many churches remove their pastors from their office. Some appeared to have very justifiable grievances. But I have never seen even one recover from the scars of their action. It is usually devastating. David's noble example should be carefully studied and followed (1 Sam. 26:9-11).
4. How do men and women unite with and join the church of God?
A person is united with the church universal when he is united with Christ by faith. He is born into the church and kingdom of God when he is born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 5). But a local church must be joined by some public act. I know that some people think that church membership is insignificant; and there are some who place too much importance upon it, making church membership a basis of hope before God. But in the New Testament believers did publicly unite with one another in local churches (Acts 9:26-27; Rom. 16:1-2).
A local church is an assembly, or congregation, of believing men and women united to Christ and one another in love. A local church is a society of saved sinners, knit together by the Spirit of God.
According to the pattern laid down in Acts 2, three things are necessary for membership in the church of God.
1. The person must hear Christ preached (Acts 2:14-40);
2. He or she must believe the gospel and trust the Lord Jesus Christ as he is revealed in the gospel (Acts 2:41);
3. He or she must confess Christ in believer's baptism (Acts 2:41).
Believer's baptism is the door of entrance into the church of God. Baptism does not save anyone. Baptism has no effect upon a man's standing before God; but baptism is the answer of a good conscience towards God (1 Peter 3:21), an act of obedience to Christ (Matt. 28:19) and the believer's public confession of faith in Christ (Rom. 6:4-6). By baptism the believer makes a public identification with and a publicly avowed commitment to Christ, his church and the gospel of his grace.
Every local church, if it is what it should be, if it is truly the church of God, is a habitation of God through the Spirit, the temple of the living God (Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Cor. 3:16). The church is more than a mere unit of men and women. It is a union of hearts. It is more than a bare uniformity of doctrine, though that is essential. It is a union of spiritual life (Eph. 4:1-7). The church is 'one body', united to Christ the Head. All the true members of the church of God live in and by 'one Spirit', the Spirit of Christ. Every member has 'one hope'. Our one hope is Jesus Christ our substitute. We hope for eternal life and acceptance with God only by the righteousness of his life, the atonement of his blood and the power of his intercession. Every member of the church of God owns and submits to' one Lord', our crucified, risen and exalted Redeemer, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. All God's saints live by 'one faith', the faith of Christ who loved us and gave himself for us. The object of our faith is one — Jesus Christ. The source of our faith is one — the grace of God. The doctrine of our faith is one — the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ, the sinner's substitute. The goal of our faith is one — the glory of God. Every member of the church has been buried with Christ by 'one baptism' into his death. And all the members worship 'one God', who is the Father of us all. We worship the great, glorious, eternal, sovereign triune Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as he is revealed in the man Christ Jesus.
These are the things which characterize the church of God. If they characterize the church of which you are a part, you have the blessed privilege of being in the church of God. If they do not, your church is nothing but a religious club, which has a name that it lives, but is dead!
5. What does church membership involve?
It is one thing to have your name on a church roll, but something else altogether to be a member of the church of God. Church membership is an alliance of hearts to one another in Christ. It is a voluntary commitment of love, a loving commitment to Christ and to one another for Christ's sake. To unite with the church of God is to make a public commitment to the worship of Christ, the gospel of Christ and the church of Christ.
1. We are committed to the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. We come together to read his Word, sing his praises, observe his ordinances, seek his grace, call upon his name and be instructed in the doctrine of his gospel (Acts 2:42).
2. We are committed to the gospel of Christ. God's church is united in the defence of the gospel and committed to the furtherance of the gospel. For this reason the saints meet together as often as they can to hear the Word, give as much as they can to publish the Word and go forth to proclaim the Word. Together God's people give of their means to support one man and his family, so that he can give himself to the ministry of the Word, in prayer and study, so that when he stands to preach, he will be able to feed them with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15). Together the local assembly of God's saints give of their means to support faithful missionaries, evangelists and pastors of smaller, poorer churches around the world, so that they may publish the gospel around the world without the distraction of earthly cares. And, together, local congregations give of their means to pay for and distribute gospel tracts, tapes and books around the world, to purchase airtime on radio and television, so that men and women everywhere may hear the gospel and live. Why? Because the church of God is committed to the gospel of Christ!
3. We are committed to the church of Christ. God's saints are committed to one another for Christ's sake. Find an assembly of men and women, anywhere in the world, which is the church of God, and you will find an assembly of people whose hearts are devoted to one another in love (Phil. 2:1-4). God's people love each other! They pray for one another. They help one another. They encourage one another. They comfort one another. They forgive one another.
6. Why should you unite with the church of God?
Perhaps some of my readers are at this very time debating the matter of church membership in their own hearts. They may be looking for biblical reasons to unite publicly with the church of God. I could give such a person numerous reasons from the Scriptures why he or she should unite with a local New Testament church. But I will give you just one: if you are a believer, if you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, if you are born again by the grace and power of God's Holy Spirit, you should unite with the church of God because you need them. You need the regular ministry of the gospel, that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. You need the fellowship of God's family, and you need the comfort, help, strength and encouragement of God's children (Heb. 10:24-25).
The church of God is neither more nor less than an assembly of men and women whose hearts are united together in the faith of the gospel, the fellowship of the Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ. Against this church the gates of hell can never prevail (Matt. 16:18). To this church the Lord Jesus Christ has promised perfect, complete, everlasting glory (Eph. 5:25-27).
Chapter 3.
The necessity for faithful pastors
'Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified' (Acts 20:28-32).
In Jeremiah 3:15 God promised his church, 'I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.' In that promise, three things are clearly stated.
1. True pastors are the gifts of God's own heart to his church. Indeed, the greatest blessing God can ever bestow upon any local church in this world is to give that church a faithful pastor, a man who preaches the gospel of his free and sovereign grace in Christ (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15).
2. Faithful, God-given pastors, pastors according to God's own heart, are men who feed the flock of God. They do not fleece the sheep, beat the sheep, use the sheep, or abuse the sheep. They feed the sheep! Their life work is the business of feeding the people of God, and they give themselves to their work ardently.
3. Those men whom God gives to his church as pastors feed the church of God with knowledge and understanding. Those who are called of God to feed his people have a God-given knowledge of divine truth and a God-given understanding of the needs of his people in this world, and they feed them accordingly.
In these dark days the church of God has suffered much abuse at the hands of unfaithful, self-seeking, self-serving pastors, who make merchandise of men's souls and handle the Word of God deceitfully. But God promised to give his church pastors who would be faithful to their souls, and he does what he promised. When our Lord Jesus Christ ascended up into heaven as the Head of his church, one of his ascension gifts to the church was 'pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ' (Eph. 4:11-12). These men are the angels of God to his churches (Rev. 1:16-20). They are heaven-sent messengers of grace and truth.
The one thing the church must have in this world is faithful pastors. She cannot get along without faithful men, called, gifted and ordained of God for the work of the ministry. We do not have to have fine buildings in which to meet. We can meet in barns, or in the woods, if we must, but the church of God cannot survive in this world without faithful pastors, men committed to the gospel and gifted of God to preach it.
In the course of a year, I preach to a good number of congregations in the United States and in other countries. Some are just getting started; some have been around for a long time. But, for some reason, many of these churches have no pastor. God has not yet given them a man to speak to their hearts in his name. I am always anxious to do what I can to help these churches, and there is one thing I always try to impress upon them: the first priority of every local church must be to get a pastor, get him well established and make whatever sacrifices are required to do so. That is the first order of business for a local church. And to all who may read these pages, I say, without qualification, if God is not pleased to send a faithful pastor to you, you will be wise to sell out and move to a place where there is a man faithfully preaching the gospel of his free grace in Christ.
A church without a pastor is like a body without a head: dead, useless and decaying! Sheep must have a shepherd. They cannot survive long without one. It is not possible to over-emphasize the necessity for faithful pastors to the church of God.
The apostle Paul knew the dangers he faced as a gospel preacher, and he knew the dangers God's church would have to face in this world for the gospel's sake. Therefore, when he called the elders of the church at Ephesus together for his last meeting with them, he gave them a most solemn charge. Luke records the event and Paul's message to those Ephesian elders in Acts 20. In the first part of his message (vv. 17-27), Paul told them how he had behaved as God's servant among them, 'serving the Lord with all humility of mind', and preaching the gospel of Christ. In public and in private, for three years, Paul had preached the gospel to the Ephesians. He had declared to them 'all the counsel of God'. So plainly and faithfully had he preached the gospel to them that he called his hearers to be his witnesses and declared, 'I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.' Then, in verses 28-32, Paul addressed himself to the elders who would be left behind to carry on the work of the gospel after him. In these verses he shows us both the responsibility of, and the necessity for, faithful pastors. Using Paul's message to the Ephesian elders, I want to raise and answer three basic questions about the work of the gospel ministry.
1. What is the pastor's responsibility?
Most people think that a pastor's work is mostly that of a social worker, promoter and psychoanalyst. They see the work of a pastor in terms of hospital visiting, taking tea with old ladies, playing with children, involvement in community affairs, getting people to join the church, conducting weddings and funerals and counselling those with problems. But the Word of God never mentions any of these things in describing pastoral work.
It is every pastor' s responsibility to do the work of an evangelist, seeking the salvation of God's elect and helping to establish local churches (2 Tim. 4:5). The sphere of a pastor's ministry is limited only by the providence of God. Every man who is gifted for the work of the ministry has a responsibility to preach the gospel to all men in his generation, in so far as God permits him to do so, exercising his gifts in the widest range possible for the glory of Christ. Every open door must be entered and every opportunity must be seized for the furtherance of the gospel. The local church has no right to place any restrictions upon the pastor's ministry, and a faithful man will not allow himself to be hindered in the preaching of the gospel.
Yet the principal sphere of a pastor's ministry is the local church over which the Lord has placed him. He must not allow his responsibilities to minister to his own assembly to be neglected. We must not neglect the lost, or the needs of God's church at large, but the primary concern of every faithful pastor is the congregation of believers which God has entrusted to his care. In Acts 20:28 the apostle Paul shows us five things about the pastor's responsibility.
1. The pastor must take heed unto himself. Paul's words to every pastor of every age are, 'Take heed unto yourselves.' That simply means, 'Pastor, be sure you do not neglect your own soul. Ever be mindful of your relationship with God and of your responsibilities as the servant of God (1 Tim. 4:16). Let nothing sidetrack you, interfere with your studies, your preaching of the gospel and prayer, and let nothing turn your heart away from Christ.'
The most constant danger God's servant faces in this world is the neglect of his own soul, while endeavouring to minister to the souls of others. Therefore Paul says, 'Take heed unto yourselves.' Let every pastor take heed to the gifts God has given him, to use them and improve them, and be careful not to neglect them. The pastor must take heed to his time, spending it wisely in prayer, in study, in preaching, not squandering it away. He must take heed to his own heart, his own spirit and his own life. He must ever be watchful over the motives of his heart, make certain that his spirit is not ruled by passion and see to it that his life exemplifies the gospel he preaches. He must also constantly take heed to his doctrine, making certain that his doctrine is the pure doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the gospel, the doctrine of pure, free, sovereign, eternal, effectual grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinner's substitute. To these things every pastor must constantly and carefully give his undivided attention (1 Tim. 4:12-16). The man who neglects these things is not fit for the pastoral office.
2. The pastor is a shepherd who must take care of and tend to all the flock of God. He must take heed to himself 'and unto all the flock'. The church of God is compared to a flock of sheep which is tended and watched overby faithful shepherds, gospel preachers. The word 'pastor' simply means 'shepherd'. Christ Jesus is the Chief Shepherd to whom the flock belongs. Pastors are his appointed undershepherds, whose responsibility it is to take care of the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4).
Remember the Lord's people in this world, are, like their pastors (cf. John 21:15-17), fickle, sinful, helpless, defenceless, stumbling, falling sheep. Because they are sheep they need shepherds, pastors, to care lovingly for them.
It is the pastor's responsibility to watch over the flock which the Chief Shepherd has committed to his care. He must watch over and care for' all the flock', the weak and the strong, the immature and the mature, the foolish and the wise, the old and the young, the fallen and the stable. He must watch over all the flock at all times and in all circumstances. It is the pastor's responsibility to feed the sheep with knowledge and understanding, protect the sheep with his very life, lead the sheep by going before them, encourage and comfort the sheep with the gospel, help the sheep in trouble and sometimes gently carry the sheep in loving arms; but it is never his responsibility to chasten the sheep. The Chief Shepherd alone has the wisdom and ability to do that!
3. It is every pastor's responsibility to be an overseer over the church of God. Let us notice carefully the language Paul uses: 'Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.' It is true, the pastor is himself one of the sheep, and he must not be a dictator, lording it over God's heritage, imposing his will upon the church. The church belongs to Christ, not to the pastor. But every man who is called of God to the work of the gospel ministry is responsible under God to take the oversight of the church of God which he serves (1 Peter 5:13). The care of the church is his responsibility. The pastor is responsible to rule the church of God in exactly the same way as a husband is responsible to rule over his own house (1 Tim. 3:4-5).
The pastor must rule by example, not by intimidation; by love, not by legislation; by the Word of God, not his own word; according to the will of God, not according to his own will. He must win the respect of men and women, so that they are willing to be ruled by him, but rule he must! His faith and faithfulness are to be followed, and his rule is to be obeyed (Heb. 13:7,17). Someone has to be in charge, and the person ordained of God to take charge of his church is the man he places as pastor over his church. God does not trifle with those who refuse to submit to and obey his messengers (Num. 16:1-35).
4. It is the pastor' s primary responsibility to feed the church of God. Everything else in this verse of Scripture might almost be read as a parenthesis. This was Paul's message to the Ephesian elders and to every pastor today: 'Take heed unto yourselves... to feed the church of God.' It is the pastor's responsibility to feed the church with knowledge and understanding, with knowledge of pure gospel doctrine and understanding of the peculiar needs of his hearers. Such knowledge and understanding can be obtained only by diligent study and prayer. It is the responsibility of the church to see to it that its pastor's needs are fully met, so that he may give himself to study and prayer, not having to worry about the earthly, material needs of his family. And it is the pastor's responsibility to spend his life in study, prayer and preaching. If he does, he will have that God-given knowledge and understanding required to minister to the hearts of God's elect. If he does not give himself relentlessly to the study of Holy Scripture and prayer, he is not fit to be a pastor, for he has no food for the sheep. The sooner he stops pretending to be a pastor the better.
Fancy oratory may tickle the brain and tear-jerking stories may stir the emotions; but only plain gospel doctrine will inform the mind, convict the conscience, subdue the will and win the heart. The church of God can never be strong if it is ignorant. It can never accomplish anything of value if it is uninformed. All preachers called of God are doctrinal preachers, men who instruct God's saints in divine truth. The preacher without doctrine is like a shotgun without a load: empty, full of air and useless!
Gospel preachers are preachers of doctrine, and the doctrine we must preach is Jesus Christ and him crucified. The doctrine of the Bible is the doctrine of the cross. The doctrine of the cross is the revelation of God's glory in redemption, the hope of helpless sinners, the motive for all obedience, the strength against all temptation, the comfort in every trial, the rule by which we live and the gate through which we enter into the kingdom of God. Christ crucified is milk for babies, meat for men, ointment for the aged, fire for the cold, balm for the wounded, armour for the warrior, strength for the weak, help for the tempted, hope for the fallen and joy for all the redeemed.
5. The work of the gospel ministry is an awesome burden of responsibility, because the church which the pastor serves is 'the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood'. The price of our purchase was the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:1819). The church, the multitude of God's elect, like all other men, by nature were born under the sentence of death, fallen, depraved and guilty (Eph. 2:4), deserving of eternal ruin. Only the blood of Christ could remove the curse from us and deliver us from the hands of divine justice. And Christ, by his own life-blood, has effectually accomplished the redemption of his people (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12).
The transaction which took place at Calvary between God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit was a legal purchase. Jesus Christ paid the price of our ransom to the offended justice of God (1 Peter 3:18). Justice, being satisfied, has no claim upon those for whom Christ died, his elect bride, the church (Rom. 8:1). Having paid the price of our redemption, the Son of God obtained his purchased possession.
Notice the distinguishing character of God's sovereign grace. The Lord Jesus Christ has done for his church what he does for no one else (Eph. 5:25-27). Christ loved his church with an everlasting love, as it was chosen for and given to him by God the Father before the world began. Christ purchased his church with a particular and effectual blood redemption. The Lord Jesus cleanses his church by the grace and power of his Holy Spirit in regeneration. He nourishes his church and cherishes it, ever preserving it by his grace, and he will present his church in the perfection of beauty and holiness in ultimate glorification.
The church of God, so precious to the triune God, is committed to the care of faithful pastors. Let none abuse it, but serve it with ardent love and diligent faithfulness.
2. Why are pastors necessary?
All of God's saints am kings and priests unto God through Christ Jesus. We need no earthly priests, mediators, or intercessors. God the Holy Spirit teaches all his elect. Every believer has an unction from God and knows the truth. Why, then, is it necessary for the church to have pastors? Here are three answers to that question given in the Word of God.
1. Pastors are necessary because this is the purpose of God for his church (Jer. 3:15). God has ordained the salvation of his elect by the means of gospel preaching (1 Cor. 1:21-23; Rom. 10:9-17; James 1:18). The only way God speaks to men is through men, in the faithful exposition of Holy Scripture (Acts 8:31). God does speak directly to the hearts of his people by his Spirit through the Word, but that personal understanding, given in private study and worship, comes as the result of and in conjunction with the public ministry of the Word, never apart from it. Sheep must be guided and fed by a shepherd. The Lord would not have given pastors to be teachers in his kingdom if they were not needed. God never gives what his people do not need.
Beware of any doctrine you learn on your own. It is a common saying among men, 'The man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a lawyer.' And I assure you that the person who is his own prophet has a fool for a prophet. God teaches men and women his Word, his will and his truth by faithful gospel preachers.
2. God has given pastors to his church for the edification of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12-16). The word 'edify' simply means 'to build up'. Once God's elect are converted by the preaching of the gospel, they are built up in the faith by that same gospel preaching. It is by the preaching of the gospel that men and women learn the truth, and it is by the preaching of the gospel that they learn to apply the truth of God to their lives and walk in it.
3. The Lord has given his church pastors according to his own heart for the protection of his people from the influence of error and heresy (Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 3:1-4:5; Acts 20:29-31). Pastors must ever keep watch over the flock, like diligent shepherds, lest grievous wolves enter in with their pernicious doctrines and by their cunning subtlety destroy it. The pastor must expose the wolves, sometimes calling them by name, as Paul did in 2 Timothy. If he would be faithful to the souls of men, the gospel of Christ and the glory of God, the pastor must expose every doctrine that is contrary to the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ. He must nip it in the bud as soon as it appears. He must constantly, fervently and compassionately warn the people of God, expose every error of free will, legalism, liberalism and works religion. He must labour to build up the house of God upon the sure foundation of the gospel, the substitutionary atonement of Christ and the free grace of God in him.
3. What is the security of the church against every onslaught of heresy?
The only sure protection that God's church has from the heresies that abound in this world is the Word of God. This was Paul's final word to his brethren at Ephesus: 'And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified' (Acts 20:32).
The pastor must faithfully feed the church of God with sound gospel doctrine, endeavour to expose every grievous wolf who would turn them away from simple faith in Christ and expound the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ to all who hear him. Let every pastor constantly hold before his hearers the wonders of redemption and the glory of grace. But the security of the church is God himself (Matt. 16:18). Child of God, ever trust Christ and adhere tenaciously to the word of his grace (2 Tim. 1:13). The gospel of Christ will make you strong, and the gospel of Christ will bring you to glory.
If you have read this far, I can reasonably assume that it is your genuine interest in the cause of Christ that has led you to do so. Therefore I conclude this chapter with the hope that it has helped you to see more clearly the necessity for faithful pastors. I commend to you two quotations from the apostle Paul, without comment, for your personal meditation.
'We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves' (1 Thess. 5:12-13).
'Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you' (2 Thess. 3:1).
Chapter 4.
The character and conduct of faithful pastors
'This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil' (1 Tim. 3:1-7).
'For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers' (Titus 1:7-9).
In these two portions of Holy Scripture the apostle Paul tells us precisely what kind of man a pastor must be. By the infallible inspiration of God the Holy Spirit the church of God is given a list of plain, unmistakable gifts and qualities it must require of any man who is called and ordained to preach the gospel. Sooner or later, every local church will be faced with the responsibility of calling a man to fill its pulpit and role over it as the messenger of God.
Whether the church's pulpit committee is a board of elders, a board of deacons, or a group of men specifically appointed to find a man to fill the pulpit, the first, most important responsibility of that pulpit committee is to make certain that the man they recommend to the church meets every criterion required in these two 'passages of Scripture.
The importance of this responsibility cannot be over-emphasized. The church must get to know everything it can about a man before he is called as pastor. It must determine whether the man to be called meets the qualifications of character and conduct given by the Holy Spirit. If the church does not find out what kind of man a preacher is until after he has been called as pastor, it will be too late to do much about it then. Much of the trouble churches have is the result of carelessness in calling a pastor, or of downright disregard for the instructions given in the Word of God. It does not matter how well a man can preach, how orthodox he is, how warm, friendly and channing he is, or how handsome he is, if a man does not meet the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9, he must not be given the honour and responsibility of ruling the house of God as pastor.
The pastor must be a man of exemplary character and conduct, whose faithfulness sets the pattern by which others are to live for the glory of Christ and the furtherance of the gospel (1 Tim. 4:12). Any man whose personal character and conduct does not exemplify the gospel of Christ has no business preaching the gospel in any pulpit. The preacher whose life is contrary to the gospel of the grace of God mocks his hearers, brings reproach upon the gospel and dishonours the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who do not, by their lives, exemplify gospel principles have no business instructing others in the gospel, or leading others in the worship of God.
I have said that a church should find out everything it can about a man before calling him as pastor. Let me re-emphasize that point and offer some advice. When a church is seeking a pastor it would be very wise to solicit the recommendations of credible, experienced, faithful men. Try to find out what reputation a man has, what his employment record is, what his credit record is, what kind of family he has, how his children behave, whether he is dependable, faithful and respected in the church of which he is a member, and what kind of relationship he has with those who know him best. These things will tell much about a man's spiritual character, and these things must be considered before a man is called as pastor of a congregation. Once he is seated and established as pastor, it is too late. A church which tries to get rid of a pastor who is less than desirable is much like a woman divorcing a man who turns out not to be what she expected — it is a painful mess, hurting many people, and leaves scars from which recovery is very unlikely.
I highly recommend any church to go to the trouble and expense of having a prospective preacher bring his entire family to stay in the area for a week or two, before he is called, just to get acquainted. It would be money well spent.
To be God's messenger to, and pastor of, a congregation of God's saints in this world, however small, is the highest, most noble, most honourable, most responsible, most demanding office, position and work in the world. That church is an assembly of men and women who are loved of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ and called by the Holy Spirit. Such a remarkable office demands men of remarkable character. This remarkable character is in no way a matter of natural excellence, ability, or superiority. It is altogether the work of God's grace. You can be sure of this: if God calls a man to the work of the gospel ministry, God will see to it that that man possesses the qualifications required in his Word for the pastoral office. Basically, the qualifications required of any man who is given the privilege and responsibility of the pastoral office are fourfold.
1. The pastor must be a man who has experienced, who believes and who preaches the gospel of the grace of God (Titus 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:9-13; Eph. 3:7-12)
A man cannot tell what he does not know any more than he can come back from where he has not been. And no man can preach the gospel with the power of God, to the good of men's hearts and souls, until he has experienced the gospel. No greater curse could ever fall upon a congregation of men and women in this world than for them to have a graceless, spiritually dead man in the pulpit.
The pastor must be a man who is born again by the almighty grace of God. I am often asked, 'Why would any man want to be a preacher if he is not born again?' There are many answers to that question, but it is enough simply to recognize that there always have been, and are today, many preachers who are yet dead in trespasses and sins. Judas, Simon Magus, Demas, Diotrephes, Hymenaeus and Philetus all had three things in common: all were preachers; all were lost, and all lost their own souls in hell! Without question, those preachers who do not know and preach the gospel of God's free grace in Christ are lost, but it is also possible for a man to be precisely accurate in doctrine and yet not to know Christ. The first matter of importance is that the man called to be pastor of the church of God must be born again.
The pastor must be a man. The ordination of women is clearly contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. Women are to be silent in the church (1 Cor. 14:34). If they are silent, they cannot very well preach. Women are to be in subjection, never usurping authority over men (1 Tim. 2:11-12). If they are not to be in authority over men, women cannot be allowed to rule the house of God. Only those who reject the authority of God's Word and set aside his clear commands would consider the ordination of women to office in the church.
No man should be called and ordained as the pastor of any church who does not firmly believe and consistently preach the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ. Let me be perfectly plain and clear. No man has any business preaching who is not committed to the preaching of the gospel. His preaching must be thoroughly and unmistakably Calvinistic. There is no room for an Arminian, or a teacher of free will, in the pulpit of God's church. It is not enough that the preacher simply gives lip-service to the doctrines of grace. Divine sovereignty, total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and the sure perseverance of God's elect must be the steady, uncompromising message of every man who is allowed to speak in God's name to men and women who are facing the prospect of eternity. We cannot, and would not if we could, control the speech of godless men, but in the church of God the errors of free-will, works, man-centred religion cannot be tolerated. The church must demand of her pastors total commitment to the preaching of the gospel of grace alone, Christ alone, faith alone. There is no middle ground.
The man given the honour of the pastoral office must be a man whose preaching is Christ-centred. That is to say, he must preach Christ crucified as the essence, foundation and fulness of all truth, the motive for all obedience, the inspiration for all worship, the pattern for all godliness and the theme of all Scripture. Christ is all in the book of God (Luke 24:27, 44-47). Christ is all in the work of salvation (1 Cor. 1:30). Christ is all in the church of God (Col. 3:11). Christ is all in the purpose of God (Rom. 8:29). And Christ is all in the preaching of all preachers called by God (1 Cor. 2:2).
In a word, the man who serves as pastor over God's church is to be a man whose preaching is spiritual. His doctrine must be accurate, precisely orthodox, but that alone is not enough. His preaching must be spiritual. He must, if he would be useful, come directly to the pulpit from the throne of God with a fresh message from God's heart burning in his own heart to deliver to the hearts of God' s elect. Only by the Spirit of God is it possible for a man to do so.
2. The pastor must be a man of mature spiritual character
He must be a man whose life exemplifies the gospel of Christ. No man can be given the charge of the church who is not of mature spiritual character.
He must not be a novice (1 Tim. 3:6). The word 'novice' does not mean 'one who is young'. Timothy was a young man (1 Tim. 4:12), but he was not a novice. A novice is 'one newly come into the faith', or 'one newly planted'. A novice is a young, inexperienced convert, one who is untried and unproven. Such a man must never be given the responsibility of pastoring a church, 'lest being lifted up with pride he fall into condemnation of the devil'.
The gospel preacher must also be a man of competent knowledge and understanding in the Scriptures. It is the responsibility of a pastor to feed the church of God with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15; Acts 20:28). Without question, that includes many things beyond doctrinal instruction, but it certainly includes doctrinal instruction. No man can feed others with knowledge of the things of God if he lacks that knowledge himself.
The pastor must have a God-given ability to comprehend and teach the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:1-2). This competent, spiritual understanding of the Word of God is not the result of good training, or even diligent study, though that is necessary. It is the gift of Christ himself (Eph. 4:7-8, 11-16; Gal. 1:11-12). It is a heart-knowledge of the gospel. But knowledge alone is not enough.
The pastor must be apt to teach (1 Tim. 3:2). He must be well-versed in Holy Scripture, so that he tightly discerns the truth of God (2 Tim. 2:15), but he must also possess the God-given ability to preach the gospel to others. He must be able to proclaim the most sublime, glorious mysteries of the gospel with childlike simplicity. Is it any wonder that Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him, that utterance might be given to him? (Eph. 6:19).
The gospel preacher is not called to explain meticulous points of theology, or debate meaningless questions. He is called of God to proclaim divine truth in unmistakable terms, to set forth Jesus Christ crucified before perishing sinners, to call upon those same perishing sinners to look to the Lamb of God and be saved and to persuade them to do so immediately.
The man into whose hands such a mighty weight of responsibility is given must be a man of proven faithfulness, dependability, commitment and service to the church of Christ. The best training ground for a gospel preacher is not a Bible college, or seminary, but a local church. I recommend to any man who 'desires the office of a pastor' that he find his place in a gospel church, under the ministry of a proven, faithful pastor, and commit himself to the service of Christ in that church in any capacity, submitting to and learning everything he can from that pastor. Any man who is not a dependable, faithful, committed church member, of proven value and service to the church of Christ, would be a worthless minister. Such a man ought never to be placed in a pulpit. The language of the Bible is unmistakable — 'not a novice'!
3. The pastor must be a man of manly, responsible domestic character (1 Tim. 3:4-5)
As we have seen, it is a pastor's responsibility to rule the church of God, as God's representative and spokesman. He does not rule by intimidation and brute force, but by a loving example of commitment, faithfulness and unbending dedication to the glory of God. But he does rule. He cannot be a timid, cowardly weakling, who can be intimidated, overrun and forced into compromise. A man's domestic life will reveal whether he is manly or weak, responsible or irresponsible.
He must be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2). This does not mean that a pastor must be a married man. (All that I have seen and learned in my experience as a pastor tells me that it is unwise for a man to pastor a church who is not married. I do not recommend it. But the Word of God does not require that a man be married.) Nor does Paul mean that a man who has been married more than once cannot be a pastor. This is simply an injunction against allowing a polygamist to be pastor of a church. In the early Gentile churches, and in some societies today, this was a very needful injunction. If a polygamist was converted, he was not required to abandon his wives and children, but he was not allowed to pastor a church, lest it appear that the gospel of Christ condones such wickedness. Literally, the words, 'the husband of one wife', mean 'a man who has but one wife' or, as John Gill says, 'that he should have but one wife at a time'.
The pastor must be a man who exercises headship, authority and rule over his household. This requirement is unpopular today, but it is still God's order of things. Every man is responsible under God to rule his own house for the glory of God, and any man who does not do so is not fit for the gospel ministry. Joshua did not say, 'I want to serve the Lord, but my wife and children have decided not to do so.' He said, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord' (Josh. 14:15). And they did!
There is no room in the ministry for weak, hen-pecked men with domineering wives, or for men who have no control of their children, men who neglect and despise their God-given responsibilities. If a man does not have the respect of his wife and children, if they do not give him the respect required to rule his house, he is not man enough to gain the respect and reverence required to rule a congregation.
4. The pastor must be a man of exemplary personal character (1 Tim. 3:2-3, 7; Titus 1:7-8)
Above all other things the matter of personal character and conduct is neglected by churches when they consider calling a pastor. Yet it is the preacher's weaknesses of character and unbecoming conduct which are most quickly spotted by the world and the church. Surely, it would be wise for a congregation to find out all it can about a man's personal character before calling him to be its pastor. This is a matter of great importance, not to be taken lightly. It matters not how sound a man is in doctrine, or how gifted he is in preaching, or how submissive his wife and children are; if his personal life is contrary to the gospel of Christ, he must not be given the responsibility of pastoring a church.
The pastor must be a man of blameless behaviour. I do not mean that he is to be blameless in the eyes of God, or that he is to live in sinless perfection. No man is blameless before God, or without sin, except by the substitutionary work of Christ. By his blood atonement and imputed righteousness all believers are 'holy and without blame before him' (Eph. 1:4), but no man lives without sin. Paul's meaning is that the pastor must be a man who lives above the reproach of the world, so that none can justly charge him with indecency, dishonesty, or lack of principle and integrity.
Two things will ruin a man's ministry and destroy the church he pastors quicker and more surely than anything else. These two things are sexual immorality and bad debts. Seldom, if ever, does the man or the church recover from those two things. The church should be willing to forgive any failure, but the tenor of a man's life, his character, tells what he is. If the characteristics of his life are evil, it is likely that the man is evil.
The pastor must be a man of good report. That simply means that he is to be a man whose reputation is consistent with the gospel of the grace of God. To those within the church he must be an example in word, in faith, in charity, in spirit, in faithfulness and in purity (1 Tim. 4:12). In all things the pastor must lead the way, not in word only, but in practice, by personal example. In his epistles the apostle Paul spoke to men and women four times saying, 'Be ye followers of me' (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6). It is customary for men to say to their children, 'Do as I say, not as I do.' But a pastor must so live before men that he can say to the people of God, 'Do as I do.'
Before the world without the pastor must so live that he has a good report, even among those who have no interest in the gospel. No one can stop wicked men from slanderous gossip and scandalous accusations. Our Lord Jesus was accused of being a glutton, a winebibber and a devilish man, and every faithful preacher since Christ Jesus has had to endure having his name and reputation dragged through the mud of scandalous rumour and gossip. But those who preach the gospel must so live that no man can justly charge them of being men of questionable character and conduct. God's servants must live blamelessly, so that even their enemies know they are men of principle and integrity. The ministry must not be blamed. The way of righteousness must not be mocked. The gospel of the grace of God must not be held in contempt because those who preach it live contemptibly. The name of Christ must not be dishonoured.
The pastor must not be a man given to any vice. He must not be given to wine, that is, to excessive drinking. It is not drinking a glass of wine that is forbidden. That is no more evil than drinking a glass of water. Our Lord turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). It is drunkenness that is forbidden.
He must not be a quarrelsome, contentious, hot-tempered man, but patient and longsuffering.
He must not be a greedy, covetous man. He must not be desirous of, or seek after, wealth, luxury and extravagance. The pastor must be a man of modesty. His life, his family, his style of dress, his car, his home, everything about him must reflect modesty, never luxury and extravagance. How can a man ask others to make sacrifices for the cause of Christ, while he lives in luxury? How can he point men to heaven, while he keeps his hands full of the world?
The pastor must also be given to hospitality, open-hearted, open-handed, generous. Everything he has must evidently belong to Christ and evidently be used for the church of God and the cause of Christ — his home, his table, his car, his money, everything!
To sum it all up, Paul tells us that a pastor must be a man of vigilance and sobriety (1 Tim. 3:2). The preacher of the gospel must be a sober-minded, thoughtful man, a man of seriousness and diligence, constantly taking heed to matters of importance. He must seriously keep watch over his own soul. He must diligently give himself to the study of the Word and the labour of the gospel. He must give himself wholly to the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the gospel, and he must constantly maintain a shepherd's careful watch over the church of God.
It is the responsibility of every pastor to give himself faithfully and entirely to the work of the ministry for the glory of Christ, the good of God's church and the salvation of God's elect (2 Tim. 4:15; 1 Tim. 4:12-16). Every local church may reasonably expect these things from its pastor.
In return for his labour, and for the success of the gospel, every pastor who faithfully preaches the gospel may reasonably expect the church he serves to meet his and his family's needs, relieving him of every material concern in this world (Gal. 6:6). He deserves the full support and co-operation of those for whom he labours, and he should have both their highest esteem and an interest in their prayers (1 Thess. 5:12-13; 2 Thess. 3:1). God will bless the labours of such a man and such a church for the glory of Christ.
Chapter 5.
The test of a watchman
'So thou, 0 son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, 0 wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul' (Ezek. 33:7-9).
The old prophets used to speak of 'the burden of the word of the Lord' (Mal. 1:1). They spoke to men and women in deadly earnestness, with fear and trembling. There was no frivolity about them. They were not showmen, but spokesmen. They were not promoters, but prophets. They were sent of God with a message that must be delivered, and they knew the weight of their responsibility.
Preachers today could use some of that prophetic burden. Every preacher, as he enters the pulpit to preach the gospel for the glory of God and the good of men's souls, should have four awesome facts upon his heart.
1. He is a watchman over the souls of those who hear him. By divine providence he has been placed upon the walls of Zion, in the particular place of God's appointment, to keep watch over the souls of men. By profession, he claims to be a watchman, one whom God has set to watch over people in danger, to warn them and show them the way of safety and life.
2. As a watchman, it is the pastor's responsibility to preach in God's stead to men and women facing eternity (2 Cor. 5:20). God's servants are God's ambassadors to fallen, depraved, lost men and women. They must hear the word at God's mouth and deliver it, exactly as God gives it, to men and women with undying, immortal souls! It is the responsibility of every preacher, every time he preaches, to make certain that the message he delivers is God's message.
3. If the pastor is God's messenger, if he delivers God's message, then what he preaches is of eternal consequence (2 Cor. 2:15-17). If a pastor faithfully delivers God's message in the power of God's Spirit, his message will either save or damn. It will either be a message of life or a message of death to those who hear him. God's servants do not labour in vain. God's Word will never return to him void (Isa. 55:11).
4. There is a day coming when every watchman will meet every person to whom he has preached, face to face, before the judgement bar of Almighty God to give account of his work (Heb. 13:17). In that great and terrible day of the Lord, if the man who professes to be God's messenger has failed to declare to his hearers the truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus, those who have heard him will perish under the wrath of God, and he will perish with them! (1 Cor. 9:16; cf. Ezek: 33:8). In that awesome hour the unsaved church member will look into the face of his unsaved pastor, and with the smoke of hell in his lungs and the hatred of hell in his heart, he will cry, 'Why, why didn't you tell me the truth? My blood is upon your head!' And both of them will be cast together into hell.
Let no man dare stand in the pulpit to speak to men and women in God's name who is not prepared to stand before the judgement bar of God to give an account for having done so.
The apostle Paul was fully aware of these awesome realities when he stood before the Ephesian elders. Knowing that he would never see their faces again until they met before the judgement seat, Paul called for those who had heard him preach to bear witness of his faithfulness as a watchman. He said, 'I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God' (Acts 20:26-27). This was not an arrogant boast, but a statement of truth. Without courting the approval or fearing the disapproval of any, Paul had plainly declared to all who heard him the truth of God; and, having preached the truth of God to all who heard him, Paul was free from the blood of all. In the Day of Judgement no one will be able to look at Paul and say, 'I am damned because of you. You did not show me the way of life. You valued my approval, my friendship and my favour more than you valued my soul. My blood is upon your hands! Why didn't you tell me the truth?'
Using Paul as an example and the words of God to Ezekiel as our standard, I want us to see from the Word of God three tests of a true watchman. If we care for our own souls, we will test and prove every preacher we hear (1 John 4:1-3). The way to prove a preacher's faithfulness to our souls is by the Word of God, by the message he preaches, not by our own feelings and opinions. The test of a watchman is his faithfulness in keeping watch over the souls of his hearers, warning them of danger and showing them the way of life, by preaching the gospel of Christ to them.
The watchman's work
The work of a watchman is not complicated, mysterious, or hard to discern. He has only one thing to do: he must keep watch over the camp. God says, 'Thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.' That is simple enough. When Paul gave account of his ministry, he simply declared, 'I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.' In other words, he said, 'The word which I received from God I preached to you. I kept back nothing.' This is the whole work of the ministry. A faithful pastor is a man who diligently seeks a word from God for his people and faithfully delivers that word.
It is a watchman' s responsibility to keep his post. His commander may move him from one place to another at his discretion, but the watchman's duty is always the same. God may move his servants from one place to another, but their work never varies. The pastor is a watchman. He must not be moved from his post by any fear, intimidation, allurement, or personal desire. He must give himself entirely to the work of the ministry (1 Tim. 4:12-16). He must separate himself from all other things and give himself wholly to the work of the gospel ministry.
Faithful pastors are men who labour in the gospel. As John Gill says, 'They are not loiterers, slothful servants, who hide their talents in a napkin and may be called idle shepherds, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber, who serve not the Lord Jesus, nor the souls of men. But faithful ministers are labourers, [they] labour in the word and doctrine, and so are worthy of double honour.'
Every pastor must give himself relentlessly to the work of the ministry. Satan will use every means imaginable to distract him from it, if he can. But the pastor must not be distracted from the work he is called to do. Day by day, he must resolutely give himself to the work of the gospel. Though he is a citizen, he cannot be given to politics. Though he is a husband, he cannot give himself to his wife. Though he is a father, he cannot give himself to his family. He must give himself only to Christ and the gospel of his grace. The souls of men, the glory of Christ and the truth of God are at stake!
The pastor must relentlessly give himself to the study of Holy Scripture, ever seeking to know and understand the Word of God. He must be a man of earnest prayer, depending upon the Lord, interceding for God's elect, seeking a message from God, and praying for grace and power from God to deliver his message to the hearts of those who hear him. He must preach the gospel of Christ with untiring zeal. First and foremost, the pastor must be a preacher, a man separated to the gospel, using every gift and opportunity and means God gives him to preach the gospel. His time, his pen and his voice must be used for the furtherance of the gospel. Pastor, 'Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.'
It is the responsibility of every pastor, as a watchman, to proclaim to all men the Word of God, to preach to all 'all the counsel of God' (2 Tim. 4:1-5). What did Paul mean when he said, 'I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God'? He did not mean, 'I have declared to you all the secret decrees of God.' No man knows God's secret decrees. Nor did he mean, 'I have expounded to you every text of the Bible.' That could hardly have been done in three years ! When Paul said,'I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God,' his meaning was, 'I have faithfully preached in your hearing the whole body of divine truth. I have preached to you the whole gospel of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:25). Paul told the Corinthians the very same thing, when he said, 'I determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified' (1 Cot. 2:2). Christ crucified, the gospel of God's free grace to sinners upon the merits of Christ's obedience, is the whole counsel of God.
To preach all the counsel of God is to declare to all men, at all times, the vital truths of the gospel, to keep back nothing that is profitable to the souls of men. Sitting around a table one evening with a group of preachers, I was asked, 'How often do you preach "the five points"?' I think the man was insinuating that, perhaps, I preach the doctrines of grace too much. Without a second's hesitation, I responded, 'Every time I preach.' And I was not exaggerating! It is my full conviction that every time a man stands to preach in God's name it is his responsibility to preach all the counsel of God, to tell perishing sinners everything they must know to exercise saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Men must be told of God's glorious majesty as God, if they are to worship him as God. They must be told of his total sovereignty, his absolute holiness, his inflexible justice and his infinite goodness. Sinners must be informed of their desperate need as helpless, totally depraved, guilty and condemned felons before this holy Lord God, for no one will come to Christ until he knows his need of Christ. Men and women must have the wondrous mystery of redemption preached to them if they are to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No one can trust an unknown Saviour, and Christ cannot be known apart from the preaching of the gospel (Rom. 10:14-17). His representative obedience, substitutionary atonement and effectual grace must be fully preached. No one can be saved until he or she understands that 'Salvation is of the Lord!' I fully agree with Rowland Hill, who said, 'Any sermon that does not contain the three 'R' s of the gospel (Ruin by the Fall, Redemption by the blood and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit) ought never to have been preached.'
To preach all the counsel of God is to preach Christ, only Christ, all of Christ and nothing but Christ all the time! Doctrine divorced from Christ is nothing but dead, religious philosophy. Duty divorced from Christ is nothing but self-righteous legalism. Devotion divorced from Christ is nothing but superstition. Christ is the subject of all biblical truth. Christ is the fulfilment of all biblical prophecy. Christ is the end of all biblical law. Christ is the motive of all biblical precepts. Christ is the example of all biblical standards. Christ is the foundation of all biblical hope. And Christ is the reward of all biblical faith. In a word, in all true gospel preaching, 'Christ is all.'
It is the responsibility of the watchman to press upon all who hear him the claims of Christ in the gospel (2 Cor. 5:10-21). God's servants know and preach all the glorious gospel truths of divine sovereignty, absolute predestination, eternal election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and immutable preservation. If any sinner is saved, it will be God's doing, only God's doing. With equal emphasis they declare the responsibility of all to trust Christ. God commands all to believe the gospel and promises salvation and eternal life to all who trust his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If anyone goes to hell, it will be his own fault, only his own fault (Prov. 1:2333; Matt. 11:25-30; 23:37-38).
The watchman must declare the truth of God in plain, clear, unmistakable terms. Not only must the preacher preach the truth; he must preach it with such simplicity and clarity that no one can mistake his meaning. Paul said, 'I take you to record,' that is to say, 'You who have heard me know and bear witness of what I have preached to you.' Someone said, 'The gospel must be declared plainly, without disguise; fully, without concealment; firmly, without doubt; authoritatively, without fear.'
This is the watchman's work. He must not sleep at his post. He must not be enticed to leave his work or neglect it by any means. He must not be driven from his post by any trouble or fear. God holds him accountable.
The watchman's worth
Would to God that every believer knew the worth of that man who is God's faithful watchman over his soul! In and of himself the watchman is worthless, and he knows it (Rom. 7:18; Eph. 3:8). Like those to whom he preaches, he is but a fallen, depraved son of Adam, a sinful wretch, but if he is a faithful watchman his value cannot be calculated. His work is the most important work in the world. By faithful obedience to the work God has committed to his hands, the watchman shall both save himself and those who hear him (1 Tim. 4:16). That man who faithfully preaches the gospel of Christ to you is the instrument of God by which you have eternal life. He has no power or ability to save, but without the message he preaches you could not be saved. Such a man is to be highly honoured and esteemed for his work's sake (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Such a man is to be highly valued (Isa. 52:7). You cannot honour him too highly, or value him too greatly.
The watchman's witness
As we have already seen, every faithful pastor will have to give account before God and bear witness at the bar of God's judgement, regarding those for whom he is a watchman (Heb. 13:17). With joy, he will confess that those who believed his message obeyed the gospel. But, with grief, he will bear witness against all who heard the message of God's free grace in Christ and refused to believe. Let every watchman be faithful to his work, and let all who hear the Word of God from the mouth of his watchman obey the gospel.
Several years ago a man slipped into the auditorium as I began to preach one Tuesday evening. I had never seen him before. One of our men worked with him, and had invited him to come and hear the preaching of the gospel. That night, I preached the message God had given me. The man made little comment as he left the building. On Wednesday morning he went out for his usual walk, and suddenly, unexpectedly, he fell over dead by the roadside. His time was up, and God took him. I do not know whether the man was convened by the message he heard, but I do know this: I am free of his blood. I preached to him all the counsel of God that Tuesday night. And at the last day, I will give witness before God, either of his faith or his unbelief; and he will testify that he heard God's gospel from the voice of a watchman. Had I failed to be a watchman to his soul, had I failed to warn him of his way and show him Christ the Way, I could not sleep at night for fear of seeing his face again at the judgement.
Chapter 6.
What should I do for my pastor?
I have described, as plainly and fully as I can, the responsibilities of gospel preachers to the church of God. In this chapter I want to show the reader the responsibilities of God's people to their pastors. We shall begin our study in Isaiah 52:7. Here the prophet of God describes the attitude which ought to prevail in the hearts of God's saints towards those men who are sent of God to preach the gospel to them.
The picture is of a city in captivity which begins to rejoice as she hears the sound of an army coming across the mountains to deliver her. The church of God's elect is by nature in captivity, taken captive by Satan, held in the bondage of sin and shut up under the curse of God's holy law. God's servants are an army of men, coming over the mountains, proclaiming deliverance by our great God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are highly valued by those who know their need of deliverance by Christ. Those men and women who have heard and experienced the salvation of God in Christ cherish the men who are sent of God to proclaim deliverance to their hearts.
Look again at the prophet's words. By divine inspiration Isaiah speaks as the representative of God's church: 'How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!' Obviously, these words do not apply to every man who calls himself a preacher and claims to come in the name of the Lord. False prophets, preachers of free-will, works religion, are not beautiful or desirable, for they do not bring good news. They are not to be treated with respect, but with contempt. They are not to be received, but shunned. Isaiah tells us plainly who those preachers are whose feet are beautiful, whose coming is desirable to the church of God. They are the men who are sent of God to preach the everlasting gospel of his free, sovereign, saving grace in Christ (Rom. 10:15).
They bring good tidings!They bring good tidings from the heart of God to the hearts of needy sinners, declaring that righteousness is established and redemption is accomplished for all who believe by the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:4; Heb. 9:12).
They publish peace! God's servants never tell helpless sinners to make peace with God. How can a traitor, a rebel, a felon make peace with the sovereign he has offended? If peace is made it must be made by the sovereign. God's servants proclaim that peace has been made for sinners by the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Isa. 40:1-2).
They bring good tidings of good! God's preachers do not offer good advice. They proclaim good news. Justice is satisfied! Atonement is made! Redemption is finished! Sin has been put away! God is reconciled! God forgives sin! God accepts sinners! God is merciful to the guilty! God saves graciously! God freely receives sinners as objects of his everlasting love through faith in the blood and righteousness of his dear Son, the sinner's substitute, Jesus Christ! (Rom. 3:19-28).
They publish salvation! Gospel preachers do not tell helpless, depraved, dead sinners what they must do to save themselves. They proclaim to the helplessly lost sons of Adam how that God sovereignly saves his elect for the glory of his grace by blood atonement, imputed righteousness and effectual power (Ps. 65:4; 110:3; Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 1:3-14; 2:1-10).
They say unto Zion, 'Thy God reigneth,!' Every man who is sent of God as a messenger of grace to needy sinners proclaims, in clear and unmistakable terms, the glorious, absolute and universal sovereignty of God in creation (Gen. 1:1), providence (Rom. 8:28; 11:36) and grace (Rom. 9:11-23). 'Our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased' (Ps. 115:3). 'Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places' (Ps. 135:6). Every message from every faithful gospel preacher sets forth the glorious sovereignty of God.
Any man who does not preach these things is not sent of God and must not be received, heard, or aided in any way by God's church (2 John 9-11). Any man who does preach these things is to be heard and received by the church of God and treated as the angel of God among them. He is God's messenger.
If you know the value of your soul, the preciousness of Christ and his blood and the blessedness of the gospel, you will cherish that man who is sent of God to preach the gospel to you. You want to treat him as the messenger of God to your soul and do everything you can for him. If you are reading these pages, I am sure you are very interested in the answer to this question: 'What should I do for my pastor?' I have searched the Scriptures and found ten answers to that question. Here are ten things revealed in the Word of God which every church and every believer within the church should do for the man who preaches the gospel of Christ to them, labouring for their souls' eternal good.
1. Know him (1 Thess. 5:12)
Obviously, this means more than having a bare acquaintance with him. It is unthinkable that a church might have a pastor with whom it is unacquainted. To know your pastor is to acknowledge him as your pastor, as the messenger of God to your soul. Every believer should get to know, and show his care for, every faithful pastor, preacher, missionary and evangelist that he can. God's people need to build strong relationships with God's servants everywhere. I pastor a local church, and I highly encourage the people of our assembly to write to, visit and get to know every faithful gospel preacher they can. (God's servants are not jealous or fearful of one another!) But there should be a special relationship between a pastor and the congregation which he serves. Your pastor is to be acknowledged by you, above all others, as God's messenger to you. That makes him special to you.
To know your pastor is to love him. The word 'know' is often used for 'love' in the Scriptures, and every member of the church should have a distinct love for the man who is the instrument of God to minister to the needs of his people. The man who devotes his life to securing your soul's comfort, edification and strength is worthy of your love.
To know your pastor is to hold him in respect. Paul admonished the Philippians to hold their pastor in reputation, to honour him (Phil. 2:29). God's people are to give honour to those men who are God's ambassadors. They are to be treated as God's ambassadors (Luke 10:16).
To know your pastor is to show concern for his comfort, welfare, safety and protection. David used the word 'know' in this way (Ps. 142:4). Churches should be greatly concerned for the safety and welfare of their pastors in the discharge of their responsibilities. Pray for your pastor's spiritual safety and well-being. Protect his name and reputation from the slanderous gossip of evil men, and always endeavour to encourage him in his work.
Paul gives three reasons why churches should make it their business to know their pastors.
1. They labour among you. If God has given you a faithful pastor, he has given you a man who labours for your soul. He fills his hours with diligent work, studying hard, praying earnestly, preaching fervently. He corresponds with needy people. He visits the sick. He writes articles, tracts, books, etc. The vast majority of his work is unseen by those for whom it is done, and too often unappreciated. But faithful pastors are labouring pastors.
2. They are over you by divine appointment. God has placed your pastor over you as your spiritual guide and ruler in his kingdom. If you would follow his faith, you need to know him.
3. They admonish you. Your pastor continually reminds you, in public and in private, of things which you need to know. He reminds you of your past experiences of grace (Isa. 50:1-2). He faithfully preaches and instructs you in the doctrines of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:26-31; Rom. 8:28-39). He reminds you of your privileges and responsibilities in this world (Eph. 4:17-5:2). He points out the dangers you must face (Matt. 13:18-23). Finally, he ever reminds you of the blessed, soul-cheering promises of God in Christ (Isa. 43:1-5; 2 Cor. 1:20).
2. Esteem him very highly (1 Thess. 5:13)
Every believer should esteem his pastor very highly. The word is 'superabundantly', over and above the esteem given to other brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not because he possesses any personal superiority; he does not. He, like you, is 'only a sinner saved by grace'. But he is to be esteemed superabundantly for his work's sake. What does this mean?
You are to entertain the highest possible opinions of your pastor at all times. Hold him up in your own mind. Highly esteem his gifts and abilities as a preacher, and his grace and faithfulness as a believer. If you have a low opinion of a man, it is not likely that he will be of much use to your soul. His words will carry no weight with you.
Always speak honourably of your pastor. Believers should always speak well of one another, but this is especially true regarding their pastors. If you do not speak well of your pastor, it is not likely that anyone who knows you will have any respect for him. At home, among the members of your family, at work, in the midst of your co-workers and in the community, always give God's servant the highest possible esteem in your speech.
Speak respectfully to your pastor as God's messenger to you. The use of titles and names of distinction to separate and elevate God's servants above his people is to be deplored. Our Lord plainly forbids it (Matt. 23:7-9). We should address no man as 'Reverend', 'Father', or 'Doctor'! But God's servants should be spoken to in respectful terms. Neither the pastor's office nor his work should be made the object of a joke or of ridicule. Like a father in his household, the pastor is to be treated and spoken to with the respect that becomes his high and holy office in the church.
This superabundant esteem must be the esteem of sincere love for the pastor's work's sake. It is not a forced reverence for an office. It is to be a heartfelt esteem flowing from your realization of the burden, labour and value of the work of the gospel, to which God's servant faithfully gives himself. That man deserves your highest, most loving esteem who spends his life in ardent labour for the gospel, who has been the instrument used of God for your salvation, who ministers to the comfort of your soul and is used of God for your spiritual growth and edification in the knowledge of Christ.
3. Remember him (Heb. 13:7)
Ever keep your pastor close to your heart in fond remembrance. Remember him at the throne of grace when you pray, but particularly, the admonition here is to remember his messages and the doctrine he preaches. Listen carefully to what he preaches. Take notes to aid your memory. Discuss his sermons at home, among your brethren, and store up his doctrine in your mind, so that you may apply it to yourself as you seek to live in this world for the glory of God. As you read the Word of God in your private worship, if you remember what has been preached to you the Word will open before you and be blessed of God to your heart.
Here are two reasons for remembering your pastor, particularly, for remembering his messages. Firstly, he has the rule of the church. His word is to be remembered, because God has made him your spiritual guide in this world, and, secondly, he speaks to you the Word of God. He does not come in his own name, teaching his own opinions, or the philosophies of men. If he is God's man, your pastor comes to you with God's message, armed with God's authority, and what he says you are responsible to hear, remember and obey. He preaches to you the Word of God.
4. Follow him (Heb. 13:7)
Believers and churches are to follow their pastors. Your pastor is your leader and guide in the kingdom of God. You are to follow his example of faith and faithfulness. Follow the pure gospel doctrine that he preaches to you. It leads to life everlasting. Follow his example of devotion to Christ. Your pastor, if he is truly the servant of God, is a man of resolute, heart devotion to Christ, his church, his gospel and his glory. He guides God's people by his own example of consecration to Christ. Follow his example of faithfulness. The one thing God requires of his servants is faithfulness, and if you would be serviceable to the cause of Christ in your own sphere of responsibility, you will learn how by following your pastor's example.
This is not blind allegiance to a man. This is obedience to Christ. If you would follow Christ, you must follow the man he has made your guide, considering the end of his conversation, 'Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever' (Heb. 13:8). Christ is the object of our faith, the pattern of our faith and the end of our faith. Follow your pastor in the life of faith, as he presses towards the mark, Christ Jesus.
5. Obey him (Heb. 13:17)
Obedience is not servitude, but it does mean submission. God's people are expected and required to obey their pastors. In spiritual, doctrinal matters, in all things regarding the affairs and work of the church, the pastor is to be obeyed. If he is not worthy of obedience, he should not be the pastor. Elders are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor. Deacons are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor. Teachers are to serve the church in obedience to the pastor. Every member of the congregation is to serve the church in obedience to the pastor. The pastor is the captain of the ship. All the crew must serve in obedience to him.
Obey his message, the gospel of the grace of God. Hear it. Receive it. Love it, and order your life by it.
Obey his direction in the worship of Christ. Every aspect of the worship and work of the church should be carried out in accordance with the pastor's instruction. The order of the services, the selection of music, the administration of the ordinances and the activities of the church are to be performed in the way required by the pastor, as he is guided by the Word of God. There is no need for committees and societies within the church body. The pastor's voice, as he seeks the will and glory of God, is to be obeyed in all things.
Obey his admonitions and reproofs. No pastor is infallible. He will often err. But if he is a faithful man, his errors will be errors of judgement, not errors of principle. You can safely follow such a man and obey him. His admonitions and reproofs, if he is God s servant, are not personal attacks, or fits of passion. They are thoughtful, needful, God-given warnings and directions for your soul's eternal good.
6. Submit to him (Heb. 13:17)
The admonition here is to submit yourself to the Spirit-led, faithful care of your pastor. Do what he tells you to do, even if you do not really understand why. That may seem a little too much to expect, but a little consideration will show that it is not.
A few years ago, I was dying with cancer. The doctors wanted to treat my disease by injecting me with a series of drugs and cobalt treatments. The drugs and the treatments could prove deadly themselves, if they were not properly administered. I do not understand how they work, but, being confident of my physicians' abilities, I submitted myself to them and did what they told me to do, because I knew that they knew better than I did what was needed.
You are to submit to your pastor in just that way. If he is a faithful man, he probably knows better than you what is best for your soul, the cause of Christ, the welfare of the church and the furtherance of the gospel. He will not wilfully mislead you, and he will not abuse you, or take advantage of you.
Your pastor's concern is for the welfare of your soul. He watches for your soul as one who must give account, both to his own conscience and at the judgement bar of God. Every faithful pastor exercises great care and diligence as he watches over God's people, for he desir