I was just thinking on this Tuesday morning, October 4, 2011

MESSAGE I PREACHED SUNDAY MORNING 10/2/2011

1Timothy 5:17-18 KJV,

17 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.

ELDER’S SHOULD BE COUNTED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOR

I am going to preach a message that will be very hard for me to preach, because I am the Pastor, Shepherd, Feeder, Leader of New Chapel NCUPC. But I feel this church deserves to hear this message. I am using notes that I took from a message from my wonderful pastor who is deceased now, but because he preached these kinds of messages to the congregation I was part of in late 1970’s and the 1980’s I became a better saint of God, and I love and respect Pastors, Ministers and Elders especially if they are Leading and Feeding me and my family.

Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and even the local community watching their every move. They are expected to have ideal families, to be perfect people, to always be available, to never be down and to have all the answers that we as the congregation need to keep our own lives stable and moving forward. Church, these are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are disappointed when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems depressed, lets us down or completely burns out.

That's why God has instructed us to recognize His servants.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 NLT

17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." And in another place, "Those who work deserve their pay!"

The careful student of the Bible understands that when “elder” or “elders” is used in the New Testament that it is typically speaking of pastors. The text leaves no doubt that this is the case in the verses above (Let the elders (Let the Pastors, Church Leaders) that rule well (who do their work well) be counted worthy of double honour, (should be respected and paid well,) especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.) Under the inspiration of God, Paul wrote that faithful Elders are “worthy of double honor”.

Many of you that consider New Chapel your home church are supportive of your pastor and those who are in leadership and many of you gladly submit to my God-given leadership role.

However, there are some who are not at all supportive of me as their pastor or of anyone who is in leadership, but when checking your past , the same ones have struggled with being supportive of any pastor you have ever had.

Because of those who are not supportive there are others who are so susceptible to developing a wrong attitude towards their pastor. There are few things more harmful and dangerous to the local church than a wrong heart about the pastor because unless corrected it will eventually bring some degree of discord and division to the whole body of saints, THIS LOCAL CHURCH.

What I am preaching is not an exhaustive coverage of “Why Pastors Deserve Honor From Their Church Members;” however, it should be more than enough to convince any humble saint of God that they need to honor their pastor with double honor.

Pastors deserve honor for their “work’s sake”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV,

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Paul is pleading with the brothers and sisters, to know those who are feeding and teaching them the Word of the Lord. He goes on to say honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work (or because of the office they hold). And live peacefully with each other.

Here we see that honoring your pastor is not so much about “who he is” as an individual, but “what he does” alluding to his God-ordained office.

It is a proven fact that the carnal minded church members, who class themselves as saints of God, most often esteem their pastor for humanistic things such as doing and saying what pleases and gratifies them. But on the other hand the spiritual saints of God esteem their pastors “very highly in love for their work’s sake,” Because of the office he holds among them.

What comprises the works of the pastor? He is the elder (ruler), bishop (overseer) and under-shepherd (leader) the pastor’s many works involve the vision, mission, purpose as well as the welfare of the local church.

The pastor is to lead the church to follow God and His Word in carrying out the most paramount vision and mission with the purpose of propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the area around the local church and for that matter around this World. As part of the pastors calling and works he is to follow the Lord’s leadership in the care of the local church community which includes trying to help all church members to grow in Christ, doing whatever is required to ensure that sound doctrine and sound practices are maintained, leading in bringing forth God-honoring services, overseeing business matters, and a whole myriad of other duties.

Romans 10:13-15 KJV,

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good thing

So, since the works of the pastor involves the mission and welfare of the local church, the church members need to do everything the Bible and Holy Ghost directs them to do in order to fulfill the will of God in their lives. This also includes giving their pastor a high degree of esteem and honor.

Esteeming and honoring the pastor have to do with actively demonstrating great respect to the pastor’s role as the under-shepherd, which inherently includes willingly submitting to his God-given call to leadership in the local church.

The word “rule” seen in our text (I Timothy 5:17) means just what it says, “rule.” It speaks of “presiding over” and “having the care of.” Obviously, it is indicating that the pastor has the undisputed leadership role.

The thing that we must see and understand, is when a person or persons do not highly esteem the pastor — when people do not provide him with the proper respect through attitudes, actions and even words spoken to him and about him — it hinders his work, which “is unprofitable” to the local church and hinders the working of entire cause of Christ.

Let us pay careful attention to,

Hebrews 13:17,

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Remember, the pastor’s work is the mission, purpose and he is looking for the welfare of the church, so when a member does not respect him and his office, but instead resists and rebels against his God-appointed and anointed leadership, the work of that entire local body of Christ is hindered. And guess what can happen when such disrespect of pastors grows within churches? The local church can be stymied and may be completely destroyed, at least as a true Apostolic, New Testament Church, or Bible believing church.

Who was the first in history to refuse to esteem and honor the One in spiritual leadership over him? It was Lucifer, the devil. So who is the church member emulating when he or she has a wrong attitude toward the pastor? They are emulating Lucifer or the devil himself!

Saints of God, what is the devil always trying to do to churches and church members? He and his forces of evil are continually seeking to hinder and destroy.

 The serpent will be very happy to use you to try to run off God’s man and tear apart the Lord’s church. Only a lost person, a person who is not full of the Holy Ghost could enjoy being used in such a way. Saints of God, I beg all of you, please do not ever allow yourself to become a pawn of the devil against, your pastor or against the local church that God has placed you in!

A church cannot possibly be in harmony, in one accord, of one heart, and of one soul for the Lord unless every member has the proper attitudes and actions of respect for the pastor.

Acts 2:42-47 KJV,

The Saints Form a Community

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

As individuals we can become so consumed with self that we refuse to see the biggest and most important picture. The mission and purpose of the church even forgetting about the welfare of God’s people are much more vital than anyone of any of our personal whims, fancies and feelings! Every saint of God must fight self or their carnal flesh. We must always love the Lord and His church enough to get “me” and “I” out of the way so that we can see and focus on the biggest and most important picture – the mission, purpose along with the vision and the welfare of this our local Church!

Pastors deserve honor for the Lord’s sake. You know, when one gets right down to it, to refuse the proper respect to a God-called pastor is to disrespect the Lord God Almighty Himself.

First, it disrespects God’s working plan which involves his local organized church. The Lord’s plan has always involved using under-shepherds in the position of spiritual leadership of His church.

Our wonderful God is no respecter of persons that means that every saint of God, all of us are equal in person, but we are ordained to different roles. As much as some church members might desire the leadership role in the local church, it is clearly and undeniable bestowed upon the pastor by the Lord Himself.

So often saints of God are filled with pride and so many believe that they can improve on God’s plan which gives rise to board-run churches, committee for everything churches, domineering man or woman trying to run churches, family-run churches…all of that equals to devil-run churches.

1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV,

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints

In verse 40 we read, 1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV,

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

When there is rebellion against a faithful pastor’s leadership, when there is slander being brought forth about him within the local church, when there is whispering going on about the pastor, when a certain member or members are dedicated to getting their way, it certainly does not bring forth harmony or peace. Rather, it brings chaos. We know that God is not the author of chaos, so who is?

Secondly, refusing proper respect to a God-called pastor disrespects the Lord Himself, by disregarding His Word. How can anyone who truly fears God read Proverbs 6:16-19 and still possess a wrong attitude towards his or her pastor?

Proverbs 6:16-19 KJV,

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Not honoring pastors brings discord to churches; and God hates sowers of discord. It is an abomination to God.

Pastors deserve honor for the sake of the local church. If a church member believes that the pastor has offended him or her in some way, or done some grievous wrong, the Bible explains what to do.

Matthew 18:15-17 KJV,

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Jesus taught that we are to “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” Why is it then that church member usually go to everyone except the pastor to tell about his alleged fault(s)?

Do not misunderstand me today, as a human being I know it is not an easy task to go talk to anyone about things that bother us, especially the pastor…but if we have ought against our pastor we best talk it over with him and the Lord and leave everyone else out of it so these others can be saved.

But we should all strive to be 100 percent behind our pastor. If someone comes with complaints about our pastor, we should immediately tell them that we do not want to hear it, and they should take the matter to the pastor alone, not to anyone else.

In fact, for the welfare of the local church, those who even smell the slightest stink of discord from anyone should be quick to turn from such reports and begin to pray for those who are sowing such discord. Certainly the welfare of the church should be of much higher priority than any of our so called human relationships.

The Scriptures describe the devil as one that walks around as a “roaring lion.” Have you ever seen how elephants protect the herd from lions? The most mature males and females will band together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder to form a near half-circle wall. Inside the wall will be their immature elephants and the babies. Guess what happens? The lions back away!

Church members need to take a lesson from the elephants and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the pastor against those whom the “roaring lion” would use to attack. Have you noticed that it is almost always the immature and baby Christians who are the first to be devoured? How utterly heart-breaking and angering! How dare any church allow such destruction to happen!

Honoring or not honoring a pastor really comes down to our individual heart. Those who are humble and seek to be servants will have little to no trouble submitting to a Godly pastor’s leadership. Those who are prideful and seek to have their own ways will not properly submit to a pastor’s leadership until they get their hearts right with God.

Indeed, we should love the Lord and our pastor so much that we love him as Jonathan loved David. You need to understand what this means? By the way things operated, Jonathan was supposed to be the next king of Israel after his father Saul would die. However, even knowing that David would still get that honor instead of himself, Jonathan stood behind the one who God had called to that position.

1 Samuel 23:16-18 KJV,

16 And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

18 And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

The church member who truly loves God will love his/her pastor as they love their own soul. Rather than tearing their pastor down to people, we should stand up for him. If anyone ever dares to disparage or ridicule our pastor we must raise-up or standup with a righteous indignation against such enemies of the church, all the while keeping ourselves spiritual and right.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT,

Paul’s Prayer request

1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.

2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.

3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you.

5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Let us hold up our pastor and pastor’s wife in fervent prayer every day. Let us seek to be encouraging often. And, let us have the courage to stand up for them whenever anyone would seek to tear them down verbally or in any other fashion.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NLT,

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

Romans 10:13-15 KJV,

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!