The Gift of Called Men

Ephesians 4:11-16

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 4

11 And He agave bsome as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as cevangelists, and some as pastors and dteachers,

12 afor the equipping of the 1saints for the work of service, to the building up of bthe body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to athe unity of the faith, and of the 1bknowledge of the Son of God, to a cmature man, to the measure of the stature 2which belongs to the dfullness of Christ.

14 1As a result, we are ano longer to be children, btossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by ccraftiness 2in ddeceitful scheming;

15 but 1speaking the truth ain love, 2we are to bgrow up in all aspects into Him who is the chead, even Christ,

16 from whom athe whole body, being fitted and held together 1by what every joint supplies, according to the 2proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself bin love.

Understanding the Office of Pastor/Elder

Leadership is crucial in life. Everything demands leadership.

Some examples of where leadership is demanded in our society:

Home

Work

Schools

Peer Groups

Communities

Aptly do we read the words of John Chrysostom:

“I know my own soul, how feeble and puny it is: I know the magnitude of this ministry, and the great difficulty of the work; for more stormy billows vex the soul of the priest than the gales that disturb the sea.”

How should the local church respond to the men entrusted to their care and support as God entrusts them into the hands of faithful Elders/Teachers?

1. Church you are more than an employer; The Pastor more than an employee

The support you give is more than charity it is your expression of gratitude to God, and your provision for the needs of a family surrendered to honoring God and serving you.

A. You will be the source of his greatest trials.

When he prays for you to grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ.

When you and your loved ones are dealing with personal issues, physical, mental, or emotional illness

When you face spiritual attacks and he intercedes for you and your loved ones.

B. You will be the source of his deepest hurts.

i. When you belittle him and speak against his family.

ii. When your preferences are more important than Gospel work.

iii. When you leave the church because personal preference is more important that unity under God’s grace.

C. You will be the source of his glorious joy.

i. When you walk humbly with God.

ii. When a redeemed person goes into the baptismal waters.

iii. When your relationship or marriage is Christ-centered and honoring to God.

iv. When the church grows in breadth because God moves through the depth of his preaching.

v. When you walk beside him and encourage him to press on toward the goal laid before him.

2. The Pastor is a Gift to the Church, The Church is the Pastor’s Charge

A. He was Called to Serve You

He is the mouthpiece and instrument God will use to enrich your Spiritual development in this Church.

He is the faithful leader that follows the Shepherd closely.

His chief aim is to encourage and instruct you toward the fullness of Jesus Christ.

B. He was Called to Protect You

The title Elder, connected to Pastor means that there are elements of protection.

There is a love as from a Father to a family. (Ex. Joseph looking after his people)

There is the public trust as to a leader for an entire community. (Nehemiah Rebuilding the Wall)

There is a force to war on your behalf for your safety, as a warrior. (Ex. David in the OT, Jesus Christ overall).

C. He was Called to Guide You

Elder/Pastors are also a source of guidance and wisdom for the people of God.

Like the tribal leaders in the time of the Kings, Elders/Pastors are to give an outlook for the community’s wellbeing.

Like THE SHEPHERD, Elders/Pastors are to be meek and bold in giving direction to the church to fulfill the call to share the Gospel of Grace.

3. The Church needs faithful Elders/Pastor, and the Elders/Pastors need the Church

A. This is not a needy, mere emotional relationship.

B. The Elder/Pastor is not such a man without a body of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

C. The church is in peril without a man called by God to be the under-shepherd of the Lord Jesus Christ that is fulfilling the ministry of the Word and the Gospel of Grace for those actively called by the Holy Spirit, to the Glory of God the Father, through the Son’s completed work.

CLOSING

I invite brother Jorge and his family to join us up front, and as the Lord leads you, come and surround them as we pray over them:

400 Prayers for Preachers (Guide Our Ministers with Your Holy Spirit)

We ask you, most dear Father and Savior, for all such as you have appointed ministers unto your faithful people, and unto whom you have committed the charge of souls, and the ministry of your holy gospel, that it would please you to so guide them with your Holy Spirit that they may be found faithful and zealous of your glory. May they always direct their whole studies unto this end, that the poor sheep that are gone astray out of the flock may be sought out, and brought again unto the Lord Jesus, who is the chief Shepherd, to the intent they may from day to day grow and increase in him unto all righteousness and holiness. And we ask that it would please you to deliver all the churches from the danger of ravening wolves, and from hirelings, who seek their own ambition and profit, and not the setting forth of your glory only, and the safeguard of your flock. AMEN.

--JOHN KNOX.