Embracing God's Men

Introduction

This morning we continue to wrap up our study of the 1 Corinthians. We are in the last chapter and the Holy Spirit is using Paul to give some final instructions to the believers in Corinth. The amazing thing is this. The Holy Spirit identifies individuals within that congregation who were doing a superb job in their faithfulness and service to the Lord. I am awestruck oftentimes about how God takes a personal interest in our lives. We will see this more as we work through the end of this chapter. However, for today, the Holy Spirit draws our attention to two men in particular.

1 Corinthians 16:10–12 KJV 1900

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. 12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

One of these two men is an older man that God used to influence the lives of the Corinthian believers. His name is Apollos. You might know or recall that Apollos is also mentioned at the beginning of this letter. Apollos’ life story is quite interesting.

We first find Apollos in the book of Acts. Specifically, his is first mentioned in Acts 18. Apollos arrived in Ephesus shortly after Paul departed. Now, remember, last week we talked about how Paul came to Ephesus on one of his missionary journeys. Along the way, Paul had met a couple name Aquila and Priscilla. This couple were tentmakers by profession. Paul too was a tentmaker. Thus, they became great friends with Aquila and Priscilla often traveling with Paul. When Paul went over to Ephesus, they went with him. However, when Paul left to go into Galatia, they stayed in Ephesus. It was then that they, Aquila and Priscilla encountered Apollos for the first time. Scripture notes that Apollos was born in Alexandria and was man of eloquent speech. He was also a learned man and, as Acts 18:24 notes, he was “mighty in the scriptures.” Apollos only knew the “baptism of John” and did not know about the Holy Spirit’s baptism. Making a long story short, Apollos was preaching in the synagogue at Ephesus. This great couple, who were believers and learned under Paul, heard Apollos preach. They soon realized that he needed discipling. So, as Acts 18 records

Acts 18:26 (KJV 1900)

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

From there, God used Apollos in a mighty way. He became a great man of God doing much of the same work as Paul. In fact, one of the biggest issues in the Corinth church was division, specifically, they were following individuals instead of God. One of those individuals was, as we know, Apollos. Thus, we understand that Apollos was a man called of God in much the same way as Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and others.

The second man mentioned our text today is a younger man. Again, he also is a man called of God. His name is Timothy. We first find Timothy in the book of Acts as well. He is first mentioned in Acts 16. Timothy’s father was Greek and his mother was Jewish, as noted in Acts 16. The Holy Spirit depicts Timothy as a disciple whose mother was a believer. She was a Jewish woman who fully accepted Christ as the foretold Messiah. Now, as you study the New Testament, you find Timothy’s name all over it. He is mentioned in Acts, Romans, both letters to the Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Additionally, the Holy Spirit used Paul to pen two letters personally to Timothy. You see Timothy was an upcoming man of God that God desired to use greatly. History reveals that God indeed used him in a mighty way. However, what makes Timothy so unique, is the fact that God used Timothy in the New Testament as an example of how a local church should embrace young men called into full time service for the Lord. He also uses Timothy as a means to let men know, who are called of God and desire to be in the ministry, what God expects of them.

So, in this long introduction, it all boils down to this. These final instructions to the Corinthian church concerning these two men of God helps us understand God’s expectation in our relationship to men called of God. So with that in mind and in keeping with our theme the last few weeks, note this.

We must EMBRACE God’s men by....

CREATING an Atmosphere of HOSPITALITY and COMFORT for Them.

1 Corinthians 16:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Note the instructions given by the Holy Spirit here. The first instruction is, “See that he may be with you without fear.” A deep dive into the text reveals that “see” means to be vigilant, be on the lookout, or be careful. In other words, when it comes to the men of God in our midst (whether the men of our staff, a missionary, or a visiting pastor), we must be ready and willing, at a moment’s notice, to help them and encourage them.

Now note the first way we encourage them. We must make sure they dwell with us “without fear.” In simple Southern hospitality terms, we are to make them “feel at home.” Every pastor and missionary (God’s men) should always feel at home in our congregation, whether on staff or just visiting. We are to welcome them with open arms. Thus, we are to create an atmosphere of hospitality and comfort.

Let me illustrate this using a Biblical example.

In the Old Testament, God raised a great prophet named Elisha. If you know Elisha’s life story, Elisha was a protege of Elijah, another great prophet of God. Elijah performed many great miracles. His crowning moment was when God answered with fire from Heaven, completely obliterating Elijah’s offering in front of all of Israel. God, however, used Elisha in a more significant way simply because Elisha asked that God give him a double portion of what God gave Elijah. God answered that prayer.

However, my point is this. Later in Elisha’s ministry, there was a woman in Shunem who recognized the fact that Elisha was God’s man. As Elisha passed through her village, she would beg him to stop and rest, and she would serve him a meal. This story, by the way, is recorded in 2 Kings 4. Each time Elisha passed through Shunem, this lady would feed him. Eventually, she says to her husband...

2 Kings 4:9–10 KJV 1900

9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Not only did she feed him, but now she wanted to make a place for him to sleep and rest on his journeys. She had a heart for God’s man, and she cultivated an atmosphere in her home and village where each time God’s man passed by, she made him comfortable showing him great hospitality. Now, the rest of the story goes like this. Elisha and his servant, Gehazi, began enjoying this woman’s gracious hospitality. Elisha wanted to do something for her in return. He found out that she was childless. Elisha promised that God would reward her with a child for her willingness to extend such excellent hospitality to him as God’s man. A year later, behold, she gives birth to a handsome son.

Here is the point!

Creating an atmosphere of hospitality and comfort for God’s men pleases God.

I truly believe that God blesses us whenever we are obedient to His Word. If we take the entire body of Scripture, it seems God blesses those who take a particular interest in God’s men by making them feel at home without fear or anxiety.

Right here on our staff each week, we have two men serving the Lord. They are men called by Him to do a special mission for Him. And thus, God has given this church an opportunity each week to make these men feel at home and comfortable. There should never be a time when they should feel uncomfortable, fearful, or anxious about members of this church. It is the responsibility of this church to take care of them. Take them and their families out for meals. Treat them to a night with their wives. Do whatever it takes to make them feel comfortable here serving the Lord. It is the same for our missionaries and any visiting pastors. One of the great things about our church is we already have a guest apartment for missionaries and pastors. Praise the Lord for this beautiful apartment. However, I believe the apartment needs to be expanded so a whole family can stay there. It would be great if some of the men of this church got together and remodeled that apartment without me, as your pastor, prompting you to do it. Taking the initiative in such projects demonstrates your willingness to obey the Lord by treating His men with great respect. Anytime you know that a missionary or pastors is staying in that apartment, meet them, introduce yourself, and invite them out for a meal. As a church, we must constantly seek opportunities to minister to men of God.

Here is the next thing in our text.

We must EMBRACE God’s men by...

CHERISHING THE MISSION or ASSIGNMENT Given to Them.

Look again at our text.

1 Corinthians 16:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

The Holy Spirit makes a point to note that these men, men of God, are doing work for the Lord. The word “work” is a duty or assignment they are obliged to perform. Also, note that their work is the Lord’s work. In other words, they have a special mission or assignment given to them by the Lord. The word “worketh” indicates they are to complete or perform this assignment. Timothy had an assignment from the Lord. Apollos also had an assignment from the Lord. The fact is that God places a special call on each man who surrenders to full-time ministry. They cannot do anything other than heed that call. Such was the call that God placed on Paul.

Acts 9:3–6 KJV 1900

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Later, the Holy Spirit uses Paul to pen the following about each pastor’s call to ministry.

2 Corinthians 4:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Paul also related the particular assignment God gave to him.

Ephesians 3:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

I could spend an enormous amount of time on this subject. Unfortunately, we do not have that much time this morning. However, let me say that each pastor and missionary is a man called by God. Serving God full time as a pastor or missionary is not the job of which you wake up one day and say, “You know, that looks like a good profession. I think I will pursue it.” No, the ministry is a special call from God. There is a time when a man who is faithful and meets the qualifications of a pastor, God’s Spirit moves within His heart, creating a yearning and passion to serve Him fully. For most men, there is a time and place when that burden is felt. Many have answered such a call; however, some reject it. For those who respond, there is joy, peace, and excitement about serving the Lord. However, as I have witnessed and experienced, those who reject God’s call upon their lives are men most miserable. Why is that? They are not living the life that God called them to live.

Here is my point! Each man on our pastoral staff is a man who has answered God’s call to ministry. They are men who have dedicated themselves to serving Him. With each of them comes a specific assignment from God. For example, Daniel is called by God to minister to teens. That is his assignment for now. God may, at some point, change his assignment. Will desires to preach and, as the Lord opens the door, become a Senior Pastor. My journey began with the call to the mission field, and over time, God has led me around the world and back. Currently, my assignment is to be your pastor.

If then you, as a church, will be obedient to God’s Word, you must embrace these men called by God.

You welcome them by CHERISHING their mission or assignment God has given to them.

You must demonstrate to Daniel how much you support him as he ministers to our teens and children. It would be best if you showed Will how much you support him as he ministers to us through music and as he assists me with ministering to adults, specifically to our college and career adults. Be sure to pray for them and periodically tell them that you are doing so. Let them know that you are available to help them in their ministries.

There is another way you show how much you cherish their mission. That is my next point.

We must EMBRACE God’s men by...

CONTRIBUTING the Needed RESOURCES so They Can Accomplish God’s Mission.

1 Corinthians 16:11 KJV 1900

11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

Studying for this message, I found the words “conduct him forth” to be interesting. The word “conduct” literally means to send off prepared for a journey by providing the necessary provisions and supplies. The Holy Spirit fully expected the Corinthian church provide everything that Timothy needed for his journey to Paul. They were not to “despise” him. “Despise” means to treat him with contempt as if he was worthless of despicable. No, instead, they were to make him feel at home, embrace his calling from the Lord, and contribute everything he needed for his journey to Ephesus.

Not also they were “conduct him forth in PEACE.” There were to be no contentions, no arguments, and no dissension. The time for disunity was past. The Holy Spirit penned a complete letter to them warning them to get over themselves and stop quarreling among themselves. Now, upon Timothy’s arrival, the Holy Spirit further instructs them to rally around him, his work for the Lord, supply him for his journey, and do it peacefully.

Throughout Scripture God used His people to take care of His men. We see this repeatedly in the Old Testament. Here are few quick examples.

Under the Law, it was Israel’s duty to take care of the Levites who were the priests ministering before the Lord. Note God’s instructions in Numbers 18:8-12

Numbers 18:8–12 KJV 1900

8 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever. 9 This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons. 10 In the most holy place shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee. 11 And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it. 12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have I given thee.

Later, we see God using a widow lady to take care of the prophet Elijah.

1 Kings 17:8–9 KJV 1900

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

As we move into the New Testament, we see this happening with Christ and certain believers.

Luke 10:38 KJV 1900

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Even those are only a few examples, the principle of contributing and helping men of God is woven throughout Scripture.

Thus, the command to the local church is the same. Take care of God’s men.

Contribute whatever they need to accomplish the task for which God called them. When we do, we refresh them. Let me show what I am talking about from our text. I am going to get a little ahead of myself here, but note Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:17-18

1 Corinthians 16:17–18 KJV 1900

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

Paul was on the receiving end of believer’s supplying him and it “refreshed” his spirit as well as theirs. The funny thing is that when you help God’s men, you feel refreshed. They feel rejuvenated and you as well.

One of the greatest examples of a local church contributing and helping God’s man is the Philippian church. Yes, this is the same church started by a jailbreak. In fact, God was the One Who initiated the jailbreak. This humble group of believers understood the joy of supplying God’s man. You will see what I mean when we read this passage.

Philippians 4:15–18 KJV 1900

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Note that they were only ones, in the beginning of Paul’s ministry, that contributed to his efforts. They sent a gift to him on more than one occasion. How did God see their willingness to contribute to Paul’s mission? Note that their gift was “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” By the way, need I remind you that the author of this letter to the Philippian believes was God himself? God was extremely pleased with their gifts to His man, Paul. In fact, so pleased was God that it was like a beautiful, sweet aroma until Him. Now note the very next verse, verse 19.

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Perhaps God’s promise of to supply “all your need” is tied directly to how much you contribute to the needs of God’s men!

We must EMBRACE God’s men by...

CONFIRMING Their DECISIONS Even When It Differs with Our Personal Preferences.

1 Corinthians 16:12 (KJV 1900)

12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

Here is our last point and it can be a little touchy. In fact, it would seem, by the tone of this letter, a little touchy with Paul even. Apparently, as we read this verse, Paul spoke with Apollos about going over and visiting the Corinthian believers. Note that Paul “greatly desired him to come unto you.” In other words, Paul pleaded almost to the point of begging that Apollos go to Corinth. In the end, Apollos said no. It was not his will to go at that time, but he would go when it was “convenient” for him to go. The word “convenient” meant when it was suitable or advantageous for him. Now, whether or not this irritated Paul we surely can say for certain. However, what we do know is that Paul and Apollos were both men of God doing God’s work and were limited by God’s will for their life. Just as it was not God’s will for Paul to go right then to Corinth, so it seemed that Apollos felt it wasn’t God’s will for him to go either. In the end, Paul settled on the idea that it was not time for Apollos to go and assured the Corinthian believer’s that he would come a some point.

Here is my point! There are times when we might have differing opinions with God’s men. I am not talking about differences concerning doctrine. I am talking about different opinions about when to do something, where to go do it, and how it must be done. There are many decision’s within the life of a local church that do not have answers in the the Word of God. For example, there is no verse that say who decides the color of the carpet. However, God has ordained that God’s man, the pastor, be the bishop of each local church. A bishop is an administrator. Thus, it is my job to administrate the affairs involving this church. Just so you know I am not pulling that out of thin air, let me give you some verses.

1 Timothy 3:1–2 KJV 1900

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

2 Timothy 4:22 KJV 1900

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Titus 1:7 KJV 1900

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;

The word “bishop” literally means overseer. My job is to watch over, direct, care for, and be accountable to God for this local assembly of believers. However, it does not mean that I am to LORD over you as a dictator always demanding that things be done my way. That is an abuse of the position. Instead, when it comes to certain decisions (i.e. wall color, carpet vs tile, or even when I wear a tie or when I don’t), you may or may not agree with me. I do know that I try my best, as your pastor, to make decisions after receiving as much input as possible from you as the congregation. However, sometimes I just make a decision.

It is important for the unity of the church and our testimony before others that we agree to disagree and not let it affect our relationship. In the end, it is good when we confirm the decision of God’s men even though it differs from personal opinion.

Now, let me share this with you real quick and we will be done. Within the local church, all things must be done in decency and order. We learned this a couple of chapters ago. When it comes to leadership, God is very clear how a church’s leadership is organized. On the screen, you will see an organizational chart depicting our leadership here at Calvary Baptist Church.

You will note that there is a line coming down from the symbol representing the Trinity. It leads to my position as Senior Pastor. That is my role. I am your pastor called by God and accepted by this church. Thus, in my role, I am to be an under-shepherd, bishop, and elder to you. On both sides of me are lines in either direction. One line leads to the deacons. They are those men ordained and chosen by our church to serve alongside of me especially in taking care of our widows. The other line leads to our Pastoral Staff. These men are men called by God to do a special task for Him. You will note that there are three positions. Two of them are assistant pastor positions - Assistant Pastor of Student Ministries and Assistant Pastor of Music and Worship. The third is a director position. It is the Director of Visitation and Outreach. This is a new position that I have asked Stan Cordell to serve. All three of these positions are simply there to “assist” me in my duty of watching over, directing, and caring for you as believers in this congregation. Ultimately, I am the one who will answer to God for all that is done both good and bad in our congregation. However, these men who serve alongside of me are men called of God as well to help me fulfill my duty. As such, it is important that you see and treat them as the men of God that they are. In fact, in my mind and, I believe, in the mind of God, you are to see them in the same way that you see me. They represent me.

Conclusion