"The Pastor's Calling"

Paul left Timothy in charge at Ephesus to oversee the strengthening of that church and its ministry. If you were put in charge of a congregation what would you say your most important

duty would be? There are many tasks placed on Christian leaders, and it’s easy to get caught up in the most immediate or pressing demands. In today’s reading Paul indicates what is the central responsibility:

1 Timothy 4:13–16 NIV84

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Even though these words are addressed to Timothy in his leadership role in the church, they are applicable to all believers. Every Christian is a minister in one way or another.

Devote yourself

Give oneself entirely, requires time in personal preparation.

Public reading of Scripture

This was not new to the church but was a central part of Jewish worship. Scripture is at the heart of the Christian faith and worship.

Nehemiah 8:8 NIV84

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

In the early Christian congregations the Scripture would be the Hebrew Bible, teaching about Jesus, and Paul’s letters. This was important because it reminded the community of its identity in Christ and its covenant relation with God. It also allowed a large number of people to hear the text, whereas only a few would have had personal access to the text, or have been able to read it.

Acts 6:2 NIV84

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

We are so fortunate today for having the Scripture so readily available, even on our phones. The danger is that we take it for granted. We can read the Bible whenever and wherever we want, but do we? This is why the public reading of Scripture is still an important part of a worship service.

While not everyone is involved in the actual reading of Scripture publicly, we all want to

Pay attention to hear it read so that God will speak to us through it.

Preaching

“exhortation” This term includes explaining and applying the passages read - as the people of God, how should we live, what should we do?

Teaching

Instruction in the authoritative doctrine, which stands over and against the competing views of the opponents. It is necessary to know what we believe and why we believe it so we can always be ready to give an answer to those who ask us questions and to be able to identify and refute false teachings. This requires a good knowledge of what the Scripture says and a solid understanding of the doctrines which are taught in Scripture.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV84

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Don’t neglect your gift

First of all, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Preaching and teaching are gifts of the Spirit and are often mentioned together.

All believers have been given the gift of the Spirit, along with gifts for ministry. Paul would encourage us also not to neglect those gifts. God gave them to us but it is our responsibility to use them for His glory.

Be diligent

Give yourself wholly

Being a disciple is not just a one day a week commitment. To be a follower of Jesus Christ requires a whole-hearted devotion to growing in our faith.

Watch life and doctrine

One’s doctrine and one’s lifestyle are very closely connected. The foundation of our lives is the doctrine we believe, and the way we live we demonstrate to others what we believe.

God has given us all that we need to be faithful servants, His Son to be our Savior, His grace and mercy which calls us to be His people, His word to teach us His will, the Holy Spirit to empower us in doing His will, and the gifts of the Spirit to enable us with the abilities we need to serve Him. In the light of all this, the only question is what will we do with it.