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INTRODUCTION

1 Timothy 3:1

This is a true saying, If a man desire [aspires/reaches for] the office of a bishop [overseer/elder/pastor], he desireth [longs for] a good work.

THREE TITLES FOR THE SAME WORK

FALSE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH

WHAT PASTORS SHOULD DO

• As elders, they live as examples and serve as counselors for all the church in our discipleship.

• As bishops, they prayerfully oversee and guard the doctrine, membership, mission, and stewardship of the church.

• As pastors, they strengthen, lead, and feed the church with prayer and God's word.

PASTORING IS A TEAM WORK

ASPIRE TO BE QUALIFIED

NOT ALL SHOULD BE PASTORS

The church—not individuals or other organizations— proves and recognizes pastors by the leadership of Christ’s Spirit.

Galatians 1:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake…

Serving as a pastor has greater accountability with great reward.

James 3:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17-20; Matthew 23:1-15, 23-36; Ezekiel 34:1-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Peter 5:4

James 3:1

My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we [who teach] shall receive the greater condemnation [judgment].

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you [leaders in the church], and submit yourselves: for they watch for [over] your souls, as they that must give account [to God], that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Timothy 5:17–20

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour [financial support], especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Pastors serve on the front lines of attack .

Acts 20:28–32

28 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. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

DESIRE AND PRAY FOR PASTORS

• It is part of our commission.

• It is for our good.

• It is for God's glory.

SERMON IN A SENTENCE: We should pray and work with expectation that God will continually produce pastor-qualified men and pastors from within our church for the advance of the gospel, our good, and His glory.

Q: Men, are you aspiring to pastor or at least to be qualified? Should you?

Q: Church, will you pray, disciple, and partner together in this work of producing pastors as a part of the commission Jesus gave us?