Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28; Micah 3:11Problem #5 ~ The shepherds had no concern for the people, only for themselves
While these pulpit pimps are progressing up the ecclesiastical ladder by being promoted to bishop, archbishop and grand poobah; their congregations are left wondering where their pastor is!
These pimps:
o Butcher the Scriptures.
o Appeal to the flesh.
o Present flash and dash in place of solid meat (The Word of God)
o Promote themselves shamelessly.
These are not qualities you want in a under-shepherd. While these guys grapple for attention, who can have the biggest, who can have the most, who can be more popular, the sheep are being scattered.
Nowhere in the Bible does a “bishop” have higher ranking than an elder, In the Bible bishop and elder are synonymous terms. Scripture shows a plurality of elders in the local church. These elders are of equal footing and are to keep watch over each other, but not some “bishop” over “elders” or some “bishop of bishops” a pastor with more than one church.
Problem #6 ~ these shepherd were harsh and brutal in their rule.
Harsh and brutal ruling does not work well with sheep. Sheep are not driven like cattle, or horses. It takes a different tactic to move sheep. The Bible says a driven type mentality is not what God is looking for from his under shepherds.
There are three things God wants his under shepherds to be aware of:
1. Laziness:
o 1 Corinthians 9:16 ~ the urgency of the call should ward off laziness.
o Romans 1:15 ~ the urgency of the task called to should ward off laziness.
2. Dishonest finances:
o 2 Peter 2:1-3 ~ do not use the position of Pastor for dishonest gain!
o 1 Timothy 3:3, 6:9-11 ~ money should not be the pastor’s motivation!
o Titus 1:7 ~ again if money is the motivation, something is wrong!
o Micah 3:11 ~ this was a problem even in the Old Testament!
2a. Before I leave the subject of finances I must show the Scriptures teaching on the Pastor being compensated for his services:
o 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 ~ yes, the man of God should be paid!
o 1 Timothy 5:17-18 ~ yes, the man of God should be paid and paid well!
So what are we saying with point 2 and 2a. It seems like a contradiction. One thing sums it all up that will determine if he is truly an under shepherd or a hireling: What’s his motivation for the pastorate? If it is the paycheck he will move on soon as someone offers him a bigger check!
3. Demagoguery(lording over the people)
o Matthew 20:25-28 ~ Servant hood in the church is not the same as in the world.
o 1 Timothy 4:12 ~ be an example before the flock.
o 1 Corinthians 11:1 ~ being followers as the leaders follow Christ means if they are not doing what Christ would do DON’T FOLLOW THEM!
Conclusion: Know what God is looking for from his leaders:
o Acts 20:28 ~ feed the flock
o Matthew 20:25-28 ~ serve the flock
o James 1:27 ~ show some care and concern for the flock
o Psalm 23 ~ foster a loving, caring, and providing relationship with the flock
o 1 Corinthians 9:16 ~ develop a “woe” when it comes to not doing the task called to
o Micah 3:11 ~ have the right motivation for ministry
Look for no less than what God is looking for in your leader!
Prayer: Father we give you praise, glory, and honor; you alone are worthy to be praised! Help us in our Christian walk to set our sights in line with yours when it comes to the Christian life. Lead us, as our great shepherd, to the under shepherds you have appointed. Men and women who, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, can help us to be all you would have us to be to the praise and glory of your name! In Christ’s magnificent name we pray, Amen!
4 comments:
Amen brother
Great post! This is not going to go over to well with "weekend warriors" and the dumb dumbs that sit under such "pastor pimps" that wont leave the setting that they are in because " I have been going to this church for years...." Saints, if your pastor falls under the category that this brother has clearly laid out , spirit lead, THEN LEAVE THAT "EMPTY BUILDING", you are spiritually starved and now because it has been presented to you, you are now accountable!!!!!!
IS THERE ANY POWER IN THE MEXICAN NAME "JESUS"?
What does the word say about divorce?
Post a Comment