What does God Say to the Pastor Proud of His Position?
Bob Patton, M.D., D.D., FACP
Professor of Missions and Science at The Crown College, Bible Translator, Writer and Speaker
What does God Say to the Pastor Proud of His Position?
The Pastor – God’s Gift to the Church – Part 4
The pastor must lead by example. When we preach, we preach to ourselves first, and need to apply our teaching to our own lives.?I Peter 5[3] Neither as being lords over God’s heritage but being ensamples to the flock;?When we are challenged by the very words of scripture, we experience that we need God’s help. We cannot truly completely obey in our own strength.?
Our need for the Lord’s enablement provides a healthy dose of humility.?I Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore, he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
We have a choice. We can humble ourselves, and the Lord promises to give us grace. Or we can be proud of what we do for the Lord (or ourselves) and expect God to resist us. And who can stand against God’s opposition forever? The choice is ours.
ONE MOVEMENT PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD (PCG) INC.
2 年Deff
Professor of Missions and Science at The Crown College, Bible Translator, Writer and Speaker
2 年Precisely said. And the problem with many of us, especially dangerous as professors. We teachers are judged by a stricter standard.
Professor of Missions and Science at The Crown College, Bible Translator, Writer and Speaker
2 年Thx so much
Director Emeritus Theologian in residence at Scripture Institute D. Litt. (Doctor of letters) at Cambridge University U.K.
2 年Thanks Bob, You said it all! "When we preach, we preach to ourselves first, and need to apply our teaching to our own lives"
Behavior Therapist, Counselor, Pastor, Chaplain
2 年I was recently asked what credentials I have to teach the Bible. While I could have listed my academic & professional experience, that doesn't qualify anyone for ministry, nor would I want to glory in the flesh. What are your thoughts on my reply, which I copied & pasted below? "The only credential that matters is that I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives through me. That includes Him teaching through me.? If your family wants to know if God has truly called me to teach, they should come listen for themselves."