Sermon Tone Analysis

Pastors Provide an Example

We have already seen that modeling the way of the cross is a crucial component of discipling generally.

Remember that Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” ().

The elders are men given by the Spirit and recognized by the congregation as exemplary models.

They are not perfect, but they are above reproach.

This is why Paul emphasizes the importance of character when describing their qualities to Timothy and Titus (; ).

The author of Hebrews also counsels, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.

Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (13:7).

Notice he doesn’t exhort his readers to follow the example of just any leaders; he tells them to follow “your” leaders.

a crucial component of discipling generally.

Remember that

Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” ().

the congregation as exemplary models.

They are not perfect,

but they are above reproach.

This is why Paul emphasizes the

importance of character when describing their qualities to

Timothy and Titus (; ).

The author of

Hebrews also counsels, “Remember your leaders, those who

spoke to you the word of God.

Consider the outcome of their

way of life, and imitate their faith” (13:7).

Notice he doesn’t

exhort his readers to follow the example of just any leaders; he

tells them to follow “your” leaders.

It’s all well and good for you to learn through the books of pastors who are dead and gone.

It’s fine for you to enjoy the sermons of other preachers on the Internet.

But Scripture calls you to imitate the faith of the pastors who spoke to you the Word of God.

These are the men who will give an account for you ().

The stakes are higher for them.

So watch their lives as part of your discipleship, and from them learn how to disciple others.

The local church is the natural arena for discipling relationships, because that’s where the pastors are!

of pastors who are dead and gone.

It’s fine for you to enjoy

the sermons of other preachers on the Internet.

But Scripture

calls you to imitate the faith of the pastors who spoke to you

the Word of God.

These are the men who will give an account

for you ().

The stakes are higher for them.

So watch

their lives as part of your discipleship, and from them learn

how to disciple others.

The local church is the natural arena for discipling relationships,

because that’s where the pastors are!

Th e Congregation Receives and Supports the Pastors’ Ministry

Supports the Pastors’ Ministry

But now let’s consider how the congregation helps to make the local church a natural arena for discipling relationships, starting with how they receive and support the elders’ ministry.

You realize, don’t you, that the congregation’s reception and support of the elders as gifts from Christ makes their ministry possible?

They need the congregation’s love and prayers as well as their cheerful support.

A church “works” when the members honor and submit to their pastors.

Too easily do Christians overlook this dynamic.

honor and submit to their pastors.

Too easily do Christians

local church a natural arena for discipling relationships, starting

overlook this dynamic.

with how they receive and support the elders’ ministry.

You realize, don’t you, that the congregation’s reception and

Consider how Paul exhorts the Thessalonians: “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” ().

Those who rule well and teach, he says, are worthy of “double honor” (), which is a financial term.

To the Galatians he says, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (6:6).

If a brother is gifted by God and called to teach his Word, a church will benefit by helping him to arrange his life so that he can concentrate on teaching.

His ability to equip them depends upon their receiving him.

you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are

support of the elders as gifts from Christ makes their ministry

possible?

They need the congregation’s love and prayers as well

over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them

very highly in love because of their work” ().

Those who rule well and teach, he says, are worthy of “double

honor” (), which is a financial term.

To the Galatians

he says, “Let the one who is taught the word share all

good things with the one who teaches” (6:6).

If a brother is

gifted by God and called to teach his Word, a church will benefit

by helping him to arrange his life so that he can concentrate

on teaching.

His ability to equip them depends upon their

receiving him.

Th e Congregation Must Sometimes Reject the Pastors’ Ministry

Reject the Pastors’ Ministry

At the same time, a congregation also helps to foster a culture of discipling by being ready to reject the elders whenever the elders reject God’s Word.

If discipling means helping others follow Jesus, congregations that tolerate bad teachers are not helping others follow Jesus.

Sadly, too many pastors have rejected God’s Word, and too many churches have not recognized their responsibility in this matter.

The New Testament teaches that a congregation will share responsibility for the serious false teaching that it endures.

Paul blames not just false teachers, but the members who have itching ears and accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions ().

The Bible recognizes the responsibility of the congregation to reject false teachers.

Paul even tells the churches in Galatia they can pull rank on him if he departs from the gospel: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” ().

of discipling by being ready to reject the elders whenever the

to reject false teachers.

Paul even tells the churches in

elders reject God’s Word.

If discipling means helping others

follow Jesus, congregations that tolerate bad teachers are not

Galatia they can pull rank on him if he departs from the gospel:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you

helping others follow Jesus.