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Show A MAN APPROVED TO PREACH "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, apostle, and a teacher of the (2 Timothy 1: 11) Theme: The by and an Gentiles." pastor is appointed and approved God to teach and Introduction: preach. One of my favorite books in The Bible when it comes to talking with those who believe they have been called to the preaching/pastoring ministry is the book of Jeremiah. For in it, we find a wonderful example of the call of God to that ministry. Can I say in passing that if you have not been called by God, you have not been approved to preach. In fact, it is there that we read and hear saying: "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3: 15) The word pastor speaks of one who is shepherd, one who has the care of flocks and herds, a minister of the gospel who has charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to the voice of God 1 watch his over charge, the people and cares for the souls of and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the Christian faith. The pastor's goal bring God's people to knowing and comprehending with the same mind, fully understanding the kingdom of God. Day 1: The trouble in the Bible: In this text, the apostle Paul wants the people to know that salvation is a holy calling, that not is to works but God's purpose and grace is sufficient, and that Jesus Christ is the instrument of God's boundless love. He wants has been abolished and life and light. us to know that death replaced with immortal And he wants us to be sure that given and approved for special responsibilities that include preaching and teaching. Unfortunately, many of those in Biblical times doubted. They were not sure who Jesus was even His own brothers and sisters. They were not sure some have been said, "I must be about Father's business." They did not understand what He meant when He my what He came to do and whether He succeeded 2 or Then, there were those who doubted the role and calling of Paul even more. For he had failed. church and locked up many who followers of "The Way." So Paul wrote this persecuted the were Timothy that all was well and that he could hold his head up high for he was a man god approved to preach. Day 2: The Trouble In The World Two main problems exist in the world in terms of Spiritual leadership today. First, it's hard to letter to find reassure a man of God. Like in the books of Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, God is always looking for a man to stand in the gap on behalf of His people. He is searching for workers to go into His vineyard where the harvest is ripe and plenteous. That's what Jesus was talking about when He told the parable of the prepared wedding. He said, "The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy." (Matthew 22: 8) "F or many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22: 14) I am glad Jesus said, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." 3 (Luke 19; 20) many who say they have been called act like they have not. Their behavior contradicts Second, their words and the people are confused. Their ragged and their walk is crooked. They limp around through the muddy places slipping and sliding, peeping and hiding. The people give up on God, fall by the wayside and become backsliders. They live in despair and hopelessness. They are like sheep without a shepherd, wandering and straying in the dark. Day 3: The Grace In the Bible lives are God leaves cares so us much about alone. He knows promised to supply it. us that He never every need and He that what David our Maybe had in mind when he sang, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh he leadeth me me to lie down in green beside still waters. pastures: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name' sake. Ye though I walk through the valley in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 4 thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with runneth over. the me in the oi; my cup and mercy shall follow Surely goodness days of my life: me all And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalm 23) spiritual son Timothy that "I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." That word "appointed" Paul reassures his established, decreed, constituted, allotted, furnished, equipped, is serious business: It means worthy ship or an army ready for battle, the original language "Tithemi" means well prepared and set to service as overseer to tend the church of God. It means grafted or ordained. Like inserted in or a sea hooked on to become one for support and nourishment, and the graft determines the kind of fruit. That's what the say, "He came Scriptures into his own 5 mean and his when own they received many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1: 11-12) him not. But Day I for as 4: The Grace In The World am me. glad that Jesus He made a way for you and down and went all the way to to save a wretch like me. He gave came Calvary just right to the tree of life. He did not want us to be ignorant and powerless. So He empowered Paul to preach and teach. He came preaching in season and out of season the uncompromising word of God. He proclaimed the Gospel, announcing reconciliation for the repentant and judgment for the hardhearted. He preached that Jesus died, was buried and rose again. He preached that all who believe would be saved. "Go preach My gospel, saith the Lord. Bid the whole world My grace receive. He shall be saved that trust My word. But he condemned His life that I might have a who'll not believe." "Go tell over the hills and on everywhere. mountain that Jesus is born." 6 the mountain, Go tell on the |
