Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Burden of Pride, Pretense and Artificiality
Reading some AW Tozer...great stuff in "The Pursuit of God"
The Burden of Pride
Tozer highlights three kinds of interior burdens, each one capable of attacking the heart
and mind, and eventually the body. The first is the burden of pride. The burden of pride
chains you to the labor of self-love, which is hard labor on behalf of the little god named
self. This god requires your unconditional loyalty and devotion. He forces you to remain
vigilant at all times, forever sensitive to someone speaking slightingly about you, always
scanning the room for someone who doesn’t consider you “our kind of people.” This god
has a very touchy honor that must be shielded from the opinions of others at all times. But, as Christians, were never meant to bear this burden. Jesus calls us into his rest, and meekness and humility is his method. The humble person doesn’t really care who is greater. They long ago decided that to be esteemed by the world is not worth the effort. They now define themselves as children of God, members of the body of Christ, and living stones in the Temple of God. In referring to such a person, Tozer says,
“He develops toward himself a kindly sense of humor and learns to say, ‘Oh, so you have been overlooked? They have placed someone else before you? They have whispered that you are pretty small stuff after all? And now you feel hurt because the world is saying about you the very same things you have been saying about yourself? Only yesterday you were telling God that you were nothing, a mere worm of the dust. Where is your consistency? Come on, humble yourself and cease to care what men think.’”
He reminds us to stop taking ourselves so seriously because there is One who has already taken us seriously. How seriously? The doctrine of grace humbles us without degrading us and elevates us without inflating us: in ourselves – nothing; in God – everything. God gives us an accurate audit of our spiritual poverty and then imputes to us his spiritual wealth. Our new standing is immune from the machinations and falsehoods of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We know who we are and we know whose we are.
The Burden of Pretense
The second burden is the burden of pretense. The burden of pretense superglues our face to the mask of self-importance and hides the inner ugliness of the self. At the core it is the fear of having people find out just how impoverished we really are. It “gnaws like rodents within [the] heart.” That image accurately depicts the ceaseless fear of someday coming across a person more cultured, educated, or wealthy and being unmasked as a pretender. Tozer warns, “Let no one smile this off. These burdens are real, and little by little they kill the victims of this evil and unnatural way of life.” And so, to all the victims of this heavy burden Jesus says, “Ye . . . [must] become as little children” (Matthew 18:13). The image of the child is most apropos. Tozer explains,
“For little children do not compare; they receive direct enjoyment from what they have without relating it to something else or someone else. Only as they get older and sin begins to stir within their hearts do jealousy and envy appear. Then they are unable to enjoy what they have if someone else has something larger and
better. At that early age does the galling burden come down upon their tender souls, and it never leaves them till Jesus sets them free.”
The simple way a child welcomes whatever gift is given soon gives way to the childish schemes by which we comparison-shop for what we want. But in our frenzy we forget that all the price tags are wrong. In fact, if you invert them you’re actually closer to the true worth. That which the world declares to be priceless turns out to be worthless. And that which God declares to be priceless is treated by the world as worthless. But one day, there will be a universal accounting and the true prices will be revealed. Real worth will come into its own; real treasure will be finally unearthed. Paraphrasing Jonathan Edwards, “The wisest thing a person can do is to treat things according to their true value.” This means that we assess all things according to God’s standard, not the worlds. In the meantime, we find rest for our souls as we rest in him.
The Burden of Artificiality
The third burden is the burden of artificiality. The burden of artificiality forces us to play a character in a carnival of self-deceit, hoping that the audience never awakens to the fact that underneath the costume and makeup is only an empty self. We strive to never flub a line, never miss a cue, and never, never slip out of character. The entire advertising industry is built upon artificiality – the art of convincing people that appearance is everything. But what the world has raised to an art form, each individual experiences as a burden – a burden that gets heavier as time goes on. To make matters worse, our culture encourages and celebrates artificiality without qualification. You can never go too far. Nobody cares any longer if those body parts are fake or if this designer outfit is a knock-off or if that diploma is mail order. It’s all about appearing to have more, even if you really don’t have anything. It’s about being on top, even if there really is no top. And there’s nothing new here. The artificial fruit fooled Eve. The artificial intimacy duped Samson. And the artificial reputation lured Ananias and Sapphira. The only thing that’s new is how trendy artificiality has become. At its core, artificiality is aspiration with God removed. The noble quality of aspiration: a dislike for being stuck, an impatience for mediocrity, a dissatisfaction with business-as-usual, or, as Paul proclaims in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” But when you remove God from this praiseworthy virtue, you are left with an empty shell – all hype, no hope.
As Tozer says, “Artificiality is one curse that will drop away the moment we kneel at Jesus’ feet and surrender ourselves to his meekness. Then we will not care what people think of us so long as God is pleased. Then what we are will be everything, what we appear will take its place far down the scale of interest for us. Apart from sin we have nothing of which to be ashamed.”
The Burden of Pride
Tozer highlights three kinds of interior burdens, each one capable of attacking the heart
and mind, and eventually the body. The first is the burden of pride. The burden of pride
chains you to the labor of self-love, which is hard labor on behalf of the little god named
self. This god requires your unconditional loyalty and devotion. He forces you to remain
vigilant at all times, forever sensitive to someone speaking slightingly about you, always
scanning the room for someone who doesn’t consider you “our kind of people.” This god
has a very touchy honor that must be shielded from the opinions of others at all times. But, as Christians, were never meant to bear this burden. Jesus calls us into his rest, and meekness and humility is his method. The humble person doesn’t really care who is greater. They long ago decided that to be esteemed by the world is not worth the effort. They now define themselves as children of God, members of the body of Christ, and living stones in the Temple of God. In referring to such a person, Tozer says,
“He develops toward himself a kindly sense of humor and learns to say, ‘Oh, so you have been overlooked? They have placed someone else before you? They have whispered that you are pretty small stuff after all? And now you feel hurt because the world is saying about you the very same things you have been saying about yourself? Only yesterday you were telling God that you were nothing, a mere worm of the dust. Where is your consistency? Come on, humble yourself and cease to care what men think.’”
He reminds us to stop taking ourselves so seriously because there is One who has already taken us seriously. How seriously? The doctrine of grace humbles us without degrading us and elevates us without inflating us: in ourselves – nothing; in God – everything. God gives us an accurate audit of our spiritual poverty and then imputes to us his spiritual wealth. Our new standing is immune from the machinations and falsehoods of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We know who we are and we know whose we are.
The Burden of Pretense
The second burden is the burden of pretense. The burden of pretense superglues our face to the mask of self-importance and hides the inner ugliness of the self. At the core it is the fear of having people find out just how impoverished we really are. It “gnaws like rodents within [the] heart.” That image accurately depicts the ceaseless fear of someday coming across a person more cultured, educated, or wealthy and being unmasked as a pretender. Tozer warns, “Let no one smile this off. These burdens are real, and little by little they kill the victims of this evil and unnatural way of life.” And so, to all the victims of this heavy burden Jesus says, “Ye . . . [must] become as little children” (Matthew 18:13). The image of the child is most apropos. Tozer explains,
“For little children do not compare; they receive direct enjoyment from what they have without relating it to something else or someone else. Only as they get older and sin begins to stir within their hearts do jealousy and envy appear. Then they are unable to enjoy what they have if someone else has something larger and
better. At that early age does the galling burden come down upon their tender souls, and it never leaves them till Jesus sets them free.”
The simple way a child welcomes whatever gift is given soon gives way to the childish schemes by which we comparison-shop for what we want. But in our frenzy we forget that all the price tags are wrong. In fact, if you invert them you’re actually closer to the true worth. That which the world declares to be priceless turns out to be worthless. And that which God declares to be priceless is treated by the world as worthless. But one day, there will be a universal accounting and the true prices will be revealed. Real worth will come into its own; real treasure will be finally unearthed. Paraphrasing Jonathan Edwards, “The wisest thing a person can do is to treat things according to their true value.” This means that we assess all things according to God’s standard, not the worlds. In the meantime, we find rest for our souls as we rest in him.
The Burden of Artificiality
The third burden is the burden of artificiality. The burden of artificiality forces us to play a character in a carnival of self-deceit, hoping that the audience never awakens to the fact that underneath the costume and makeup is only an empty self. We strive to never flub a line, never miss a cue, and never, never slip out of character. The entire advertising industry is built upon artificiality – the art of convincing people that appearance is everything. But what the world has raised to an art form, each individual experiences as a burden – a burden that gets heavier as time goes on. To make matters worse, our culture encourages and celebrates artificiality without qualification. You can never go too far. Nobody cares any longer if those body parts are fake or if this designer outfit is a knock-off or if that diploma is mail order. It’s all about appearing to have more, even if you really don’t have anything. It’s about being on top, even if there really is no top. And there’s nothing new here. The artificial fruit fooled Eve. The artificial intimacy duped Samson. And the artificial reputation lured Ananias and Sapphira. The only thing that’s new is how trendy artificiality has become. At its core, artificiality is aspiration with God removed. The noble quality of aspiration: a dislike for being stuck, an impatience for mediocrity, a dissatisfaction with business-as-usual, or, as Paul proclaims in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” But when you remove God from this praiseworthy virtue, you are left with an empty shell – all hype, no hope.
As Tozer says, “Artificiality is one curse that will drop away the moment we kneel at Jesus’ feet and surrender ourselves to his meekness. Then we will not care what people think of us so long as God is pleased. Then what we are will be everything, what we appear will take its place far down the scale of interest for us. Apart from sin we have nothing of which to be ashamed.”
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Lessons From An Ostrich- Job 39:13-18
In Job chapters 38-42 we see God answering Job out of the whirlwind and asking Job if he can explain why God does the things He does. In this brief passage in chapter 39: 13-18, God explains a simple ostrich...and it's amazing. Read the passage and think about what God says here.
An ostrich has feathers, but they are ugly. Certainly nothing compared to a majestic stork.
An ostrich lays her eggs out in the open. No hidden nest to protect it. It is unconcerned about the safety of her egg. And when the egg hatches, she is not a caring mother, but rather is harsh with her young. It's as if she does not care, because she does not have wisdom.
But when she runs, she laughs at the horse and rider!! How awesome is that!
You see, the ostrich is ugly, dumb, and uncaring. But God did not make the ostrich to be beautiful or smart. God made the ostrich to run!! And when she runs...she laughs at the horse and rider! When the ostrich does what it is meant to do, the ostrich laughs with joy.
That's our lesson. What are we meant to do? What are you created to do? When we do what we are created by God to do, we too will laugh with joy.
An ostrich has feathers, but they are ugly. Certainly nothing compared to a majestic stork.
An ostrich lays her eggs out in the open. No hidden nest to protect it. It is unconcerned about the safety of her egg. And when the egg hatches, she is not a caring mother, but rather is harsh with her young. It's as if she does not care, because she does not have wisdom.
But when she runs, she laughs at the horse and rider!! How awesome is that!
You see, the ostrich is ugly, dumb, and uncaring. But God did not make the ostrich to be beautiful or smart. God made the ostrich to run!! And when she runs...she laughs at the horse and rider! When the ostrich does what it is meant to do, the ostrich laughs with joy.
That's our lesson. What are we meant to do? What are you created to do? When we do what we are created by God to do, we too will laugh with joy.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Five Things Christians Should Believe
It was Rupertius Meldinious who said: "In necessariis unitas, in non necessariis libertas, in omnibus caritas." which means: In the essentials unity, in the non essentials liberty, but in all things charity (or love). You see, there are certain things that as a Christian are essential and we therefore must all believe as part of being a Christian and receiving eternal salvation (IE, Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus was born of a virgin, Jesus rose from the dead, faith in Jesus is the only way into Heaven, etc.).
Then there are certain things were Scripture is not totally clear. In those non essential areas Christians can differ in practice and yet not risk eternal salvation (IE. Women in ministry, the rapture, free will vs predestination). These are areas where the scripture is not 100% clear, and therefore we can differ in practice and still be saved. These are not areas of practice that degrade the sufficiency of Jesus' atonement or would prevent a believer from entering heaven.
But as the quote above states, In omnibus caritas- in all things love!! Even when we disagree with our Christian brothers and sisters we should still love and respect one another. There is not place for brothers and sisters in Christ to not treat each other with anything less than love in any circumstance.
That said, I wanted to list a few items that I feel through study in the Word that all Christians should believe:
Then there are certain things were Scripture is not totally clear. In those non essential areas Christians can differ in practice and yet not risk eternal salvation (IE. Women in ministry, the rapture, free will vs predestination). These are areas where the scripture is not 100% clear, and therefore we can differ in practice and still be saved. These are not areas of practice that degrade the sufficiency of Jesus' atonement or would prevent a believer from entering heaven.
But as the quote above states, In omnibus caritas- in all things love!! Even when we disagree with our Christian brothers and sisters we should still love and respect one another. There is not place for brothers and sisters in Christ to not treat each other with anything less than love in any circumstance.
That said, I wanted to list a few items that I feel through study in the Word that all Christians should believe:
- The Word of God is verbally inspired: Paul, an apostle of Christ, wrote: “Every scripture is inspired of God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible asserts its own inspiration—of this there is no doubt.
- The Bible is equal in authority through from Genesis to Revelation: All books of the Bible, including the Old Testament, are the word of God. Who can say that one part of God's word is not as important as another? Certainly some are better written than others; some are easier to understand than others. But all are equally true. Revelation 22:18-19 says- 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
- The Word of God is infallible: Here I say WWJD!! Jesus never belittled Scripture (as some modern critics do), or set it aside (as the Jewish leaders of His day had done with their Oral Traditions), or criticized it (although He criticized those who misused it), or contradicted it (although He rejected many interpretations of it), or opposed it (although He sometimes was free or interpretive with it), nor spoke in any way as “higher” critics do of the Old Testament (Tanakh).
- Jesus knew the scriptures thoroughly and used them- John 7:15
- He believed the scriptures and claimed he was the fulfillment- Luke 4
- Multiple instances where he quoted the Old Testament as historical fact: Creation, Noah, Abraham, etc.
- The Word of God progressively reveals the person and plan of God- The Bible is a grand story. The entirety of Scripture, from the fall of man to the redemption of man is the drama of God working out the promise of Genesis 3:15. It is consummated in Jesus Christ said "It is Finished" in John 19.
- All scripture must me interpreted literally- This must take into account the types of literature in the Bible. Poetry is poetry, apocolyptic literature is rich in imagery. But the Bible is to be understood literally. There are several reasons to interpret the Bible literally, not the least of which is that the Lord Jesus Christ took it literally. Whenever the Lord Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, it was always clear that He believed in its literal interpretation. As an example, when Jesus was tempted by Satan in Luke 4, He answered by quoting the Old Testament. If God’s commands in Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:13, and 6:16 were not literal, Jesus would not have used them and they would have been powerless to stop Satan’s mouth, which they certainly did.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Leadership and the Bible
Here we are on the eve of a major election in the United States. My advice: pray, search your heart, and vote for what you believe is right. Here are some Bible verses regarding leadership. In all things keep your faith and know that the Lord is in control. Stay close to Jesus in all things!!
- “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31
- Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
- Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23
- But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain —and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.Exodus 18:21
- With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand. Psalm 78:72
- But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. Matthew 20:26
- Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
- Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
- He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
- So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
- For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Following Jesus Does Not Make Everything Easy
Following Jesus is the single most important thing anyone can do. It is our assurance of eternal life. Our faith and belief in Jesus Christ is the way to our eternal treasure and reward. But, following Jesus does not automatically make "this life" easy. Following Jesus has a cost, it's hard, it's tough. Consider some of the things that Jesus said (italics for emphasis):
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Matthew 16:24
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”- Matthew 20:20-28
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’[c]- John 15:18-24
I set this up as I look and consider the lives of the Apostles. The Apostles loved Jesus with all their being and and faithfully spread the Good News of Jesus Christ (except Judas of course). And, of the Apostles (including Matthias and Paul), they all died as martyrs with the exceptions of John. Consider some of these facts about the Apostles after Jesus death:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 4-9
Yes, this life is hard and following Jesus is tough. But the eternal reward and the treasure that was will inherit above is beyond imagination. Stay close to Jesus, focus on Him, and consider it all joy.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Matthew 16:24
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”- Matthew 20:20-28
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’[c]- John 15:18-24
I set this up as I look and consider the lives of the Apostles. The Apostles loved Jesus with all their being and and faithfully spread the Good News of Jesus Christ (except Judas of course). And, of the Apostles (including Matthias and Paul), they all died as martyrs with the exceptions of John. Consider some of these facts about the Apostles after Jesus death:
- Peter- led the church in Jerusalem. Died by Crucifixion. Requested to be crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die as Jesus did.
- Andrew- went on to preach in Greece and the Ukraine. Died by crucifixion.
- James the Greater (brother of John)- Went on to preach in Spain. He was beheaded in Jerusalem.
- John- died in exile and wrote many letters and books of the New testament.
- James the Lesser- The son of Alpheaus. Martyred by the Romans.
- Thaddeus- also known as Jude. Went on to preach in Persia. Martyred.
- Simon the Zealot- Also went on the preach in Persia and was martyred.
- Philip- was martyred in Hierapolis.
- Bartholomew- some think he may have also been Nathaniel. Went on to preach in Turkey, India and Armenia. Martyred.
- Thomas- Is said to have brought Christianity to India. Martyred.
- Matthew- known as Levi. Shocked the Jewish community when he left being a tax collector to follow Jesus. Writer of the Gospel of Matthew. Martyred.
- Matthias- replaced Judas. It is said that he went on to preach to the "land of cannibals". Martyred.
- Paul- Brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. Writer of most of the New Testament. Beheaded in Rome.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 4-9
Yes, this life is hard and following Jesus is tough. But the eternal reward and the treasure that was will inherit above is beyond imagination. Stay close to Jesus, focus on Him, and consider it all joy.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Some thoughts on the role of the Pastor and the Flock
I PETER 5: 1 – 4
JESUS CHRIST pledged Himself to build His church, and everything the Lord does is planned out and has a defined order to it. Therefore, the way He organized His church is no different. The text lists three primary group exhortations. This shows the church to have been well organized. Consider these traits of the pastor and the traits of the people in a church functioning as intended and planned.
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (I Peter 5: 1 – 4).
THE PASTOR’S CHARGE
There are three words in the Greek text used here to refer to the office of pastor:
PRESBUTEROS – “Elder”
EPISKOPOS – “overseer” or “bishop”
POIMAINO – “Shepherd”
The last of these terms is the one used by the resurrected Christ when He said to Peter “Tend (poimaino) [Shepherd] My sheep” (John 21:16).
It is interesting to note Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder.” If he had been the head of the church, the first Pope, this would not have been the title chosen. In verse one he makes even more emphatic his togetherness by using the word “partaker.”
The first two titles noted refer to the same person as the third. Two internal, Bible evidences indicate the first two to be the same as the third:
In Philippians 1:1 Paul greeted the Bishops and deacons. If the elders were a separate body, surely he would have greeted them also.
In Acts 20:28 Paul sent for the elders (PRESBUETROS) and told them God had made them overseers (EPISKOPOS).
In I Peter 5: 1 and 2 Peter greets the elders (PRESBUETROS) and tells them to “feed,” that is, “shepherd the flock.” The verb “to shepherd” is a translation of the same Greek root from which we get our English word “pastor.” This word was doubtless in Peter’s mind from the post-resurrection seaside charge Christ gave him after three times asking him if he loved Him.
The modern pastor is to be the same as the shepherd-elder of the early church.
JESUS CHRIST pledged Himself to build His church, and everything the Lord does is planned out and has a defined order to it. Therefore, the way He organized His church is no different. The text lists three primary group exhortations. This shows the church to have been well organized. Consider these traits of the pastor and the traits of the people in a church functioning as intended and planned.
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (I Peter 5: 1 – 4).
THE PASTOR’S CHARGE
There are three words in the Greek text used here to refer to the office of pastor:
PRESBUTEROS – “Elder”
EPISKOPOS – “overseer” or “bishop”
POIMAINO – “Shepherd”
The last of these terms is the one used by the resurrected Christ when He said to Peter “Tend (poimaino) [Shepherd] My sheep” (John 21:16).
It is interesting to note Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder.” If he had been the head of the church, the first Pope, this would not have been the title chosen. In verse one he makes even more emphatic his togetherness by using the word “partaker.”
The first two titles noted refer to the same person as the third. Two internal, Bible evidences indicate the first two to be the same as the third:
In Philippians 1:1 Paul greeted the Bishops and deacons. If the elders were a separate body, surely he would have greeted them also.
In Acts 20:28 Paul sent for the elders (PRESBUETROS) and told them God had made them overseers (EPISKOPOS).
In I Peter 5: 1 and 2 Peter greets the elders (PRESBUETROS) and tells them to “feed,” that is, “shepherd the flock.” The verb “to shepherd” is a translation of the same Greek root from which we get our English word “pastor.” This word was doubtless in Peter’s mind from the post-resurrection seaside charge Christ gave him after three times asking him if he loved Him.
The modern pastor is to be the same as the shepherd-elder of the early church.
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