A Labor Of Love And Glory

Introduction: Let us keep in mind the thesis of this book: “God’s grace is sufficient to help us through our trials and troubles”

There has never been a day that has gone by that God’s people individually and the church corporately have not seen difficult and trying days.

Remember, Peter is addressing a group of believers who were (in the most server ways) facing hardship and uncertainty. We come to a place where Peter sees fit to address the elders and those whom they pastor in efforts to remind them of what they are to continue doing in spite of the difficulties they are facing.

We will spend our time understanding the calling and qualities a pastor must continue in no matter the season on ministry they are facing.

The purpose of any sermon is to expose the text as well as make application for the listener to apply to their life. This one may seem difficult to achieve that. However, I believe the question to be answered tonight is this, “How can I care for and pray for my pastor?” that is not a request for popularity, but rather a request of humility. No pastor can do the work of God without His power and the people’s prayers.

1) The Shepherd’s Spiritual Ministry

You and I were once “straying” sheep until the Good shepherd found us and restored us to the fold!

Sheep may not be very smart, but they are very clean and useful (wool, milk, and lambs).

Parallel: God’s people should be useful to Him and reproduce themselves by bringing others to Christ.

As sheep were used for sacrifices, so should God’s people be living sacrifices.

God’s people are not related to sheep in the “absolute sense” but because of the similarities, require a spiritual shepherd to lead them.

Peter begins by bringing our minds back to the shepherd’s (pastor) responsibilities.

A. Protecting the flock

He begins by affirming that pastors must “feed the flock of God.”

“feed” means “shepherd, care for.”

Shepherds had to protect the sheep from thieves and other dangers.

Pastors must protect God people from those who want to bring danger to the flock.

The sheep don’t like this, but there are times when the Pastor rebukes or warns them.

Did you ever tell your child, “I don’t want to do this but it’s for your “own good?”

B. Progressing the flock

He must help safe guard their journey in spiritual growth from God’s Word.

The shepherd would lead them to different pastures, but first search out the land for snakes, pits, poisonous plants and dangerous animals.

Some sheep would go astray. The shepherd would have to spend special time with that sheep.

A pastor must be willing to give personal attention to “individuals.” (not just crowds)

Jesus is our best example: Nicodemus, woman at the well.

Some sheep become rebellious.

It would require the shepherd to administer some kind of discipline.

Even carry it in his arms close to his heart.

A good shepherd takes time to know the sheep by name and special traits.

This is a task that never ends and demands the supernatural power of God if to be done correctly.

What makes the task most challenging is that the flock belongs to God.

Not only do the shepherds give an account of how well they followed God, but the sheep will give an account of how well they followed their shepherd.

2) The Shepherd’s Spiritual Motivation

A. Being “among” and “over”

“overseer” = one who looks over for the purpose of leading.

The shepherd is to be both “among” and “over.” (cause problems if not properly understood)

Whiles the pastor is “among” the members, he is called to be their leader (over the flock.”

While some choose to over emphasis “among” and refuse to follow authority, others over emphasis “over” and put their pastor on a pedestal.

They must be “among” in order to know them and “over” in order to lead them.

Quote: There must be no conflict between pastoring and preaching, because they are both ministries of a faithful Shepherd. The preacher needs to be a pastor so he can apply the Word to the needs of the people. The pastor needs to be a preacher so that he can have authority when he shares in their daily needs and problems.” (Warren Wiersbe)

He is not a weekend lecturer, but someone who knows his people and seeks to help them through the Word.

The pastor must be aware of some common “dangers”:

First, “laziness”

He should never consider it a job!

His calling must about doing God’s will from “the heart”

Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

A man who truly has a pastor’s heart, serves from a “want to” not a “have to” attitude.

If a man has no conscience, ministry is a good place to be “lazy.”

Church members never ask their pastor how he spends his time.

Illustration: golfing / listening to recordings and preaching them.

Second, “covetousness”

Now, it is very proper for a church to financially support their pastor

1Tim. 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, 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.

Should be as fair and generous as possible.

However, money should NEVER be the main motive for his ministry.

1Tim. 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Never love or pursue money

There are times when a pastor must seek outside employment (Paul)

However, when possible a church should seek to relieve a pastor from outside employment in order that he can devote himself fully to the ministry of the Word.

“but of a ready mind”

In other words, “an eager mind.”

That is the difference between a shepherd and a hireling.

A hireling works because he gets paid too, but a shepherd works because he loves the sheep and has a heart devoted to them.

It has been well said that, “the church needs leaders who serve and servants who lead.”

3) The Shepherd’s Spiritual Manner

A. It is motivated by God’s authority

God’s heritage

Not “lords” your reign, but “leaders” who lead.

This church has had many examples over the years.

Your pastor who stand before you is called to leave an example that can take you onward when my ministry is over.

B. it is motivated by God’s appearing

His appearing is not given to us as a probability, but a certainty.

He we brings with him a suitable reward.

Rewards are made to fit those who spent their life fitting themselves for them.

A pastor of “well doing” will receive such a reward.

The pastor will do well to acknowledge that without God’s power and the people’s prayers, this crown will never be obtained.

You might ask, “Are you just being greedy for a reward?” NO!

The rewards given to the well suited saint will be returned to a more worthy Savior.

Heaven is all about worshiping Jesus.

You can’t genuinely worship the king without paying homage to Him; presenting your gifts to Him.

Conclusion: Whether shepherd or sheep, there must be a spirit to help one another fit ourselves for the rewards that king Jesus desires to give his servants.