The Shepard and the Flock
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
Scripture Reading:
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Proposition:
Transition:
The Pastor’s Calling Vs 4
Called by God
Tested by God
Trusted by God
Illustration and transition- Young pastor preached on the evils of drinking, the evils of gambling, the evils of smoking.
The Pastor’s Character
Bold in the gospel by the power of God- Vs 2c
Truthful to the people and to the word- Vs 3
Flattering words- empty promises
Not greedy- vs 5b (cloak of covetousness)
Not Glory Hogs
Not burdensome, demanding, authoritative, dictator
Gentle, caring, nurturing- Motherly
Encouraging, comforting, setting the example as a father
The Church’s Response
To walk worthy of God
How?
by trusting the pastor, engaging in discipleship
by studying the word,
by serving God
Conclusion- In verse 1 Paul writes that they know that their coming to them was not in vain. In other words it wasn’t without results. People came to know the Lord through the work of Paul and lives were changed forever. The Holy Spirit was at work then, and the Holy Spirit is at work now. What you need to do is to trust Him today.