Dear Church Family - Once again you have overwhelmed us with your love and encouragement. Your cards, gifts, and the love shown to us last Sunday is so greatly appreciated. Eva joins me in thanking you and praising God for each of you. I prepared a sermon for “Pastor Appreciation Sunday” - however, as you know, I wasn’t able to give it from the pulpit. With some degree of reduction here it is in Pastor’s Pen Pulpit.

“A CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 2:1-26

In Jeremiah 1:4-10 we have the record of Jeremiah’s call to the prophetic ministry. Jeremiah objects in verse 6, “I can’t speak. I am but a youth.” In verses 7-9 we have God’s twofold answer to Jeremiah’s objection - Everywhere I send you, you shall go; I have put My words in your mouth. So Jeremiah was both called and gifted of God.

This order has not changed in church history. A true minister of God must be both called and gifted. Any other reason for going into the ministry is bogus. In II Timothy 2:1-26 we have a beautiful portrait of a man called into the ministry of the Word.

1. He must be a man who understands the grace of God (v. 1b). Timothy is called to be strong in the grace. You can’t be strong in grace unless you understand grace. Three areas of understanding are:

• The source of Grace - “In Christ Jesus”

• The function of Grace (Titus 2:11-13)

• The environment in which Grace works (II Corinthians 12:7-9a). Paul understands this very well (9b, 10).

2. He must be a man who is committed to spiritual reproduction - a discipling mindset (verse 2.)

This doctrine is the Apostle’s doctrine. It is to be committed to faithful men “to deposit or to entrust”, faithful men who are trustworthy and who can be depended on. Faithful men who will be able to teach others. A man called to ministry is to pass the old truth on to new men.

3. He must seek to be a well disciplined individual. In verses 3-13 we see three pictures of the arena of discipline.

As a soldier (vs. 3, 4, 8-13)

1. A disciplined soldier learns to adjust to hardship (v. 3). The word “hardship” suggests the whole round of hardship that comes with being a soldier for Jesus Christ on the front line of battle - to endure affliction or rough treatment that often leaves battle scars, to have thick skin and a soft heart (never reverse the two). A soldier must learn to endure hardship without becoming hardened.

2. A disciplined soldier develops a singular focus to commitment and calling (v.4). The man of God must avoid becoming involved in secular interest and pursuits that would dull the keen edge of ministry. This does not imply renunciating family, friends, etc. but warns against preoccupation with things that entangle. They entangle when they pull you away from your commitment.

3. A disciplined soldier learns to keep the source of his power and authority constantly before him (v.  8). Exalt Jesus Christ, your captain. We must never lose sight of Him. Keep Him before you always. This is not just remembering a cause to fight for - but that He is your resurrected leader - the source of your power and authority. He is the one who has conquered already - and guarantees that if you look to Him you will not fail. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Fallen giants have forgotten this somewhere along the way. Make up your mind that you are not going to become a casualty.

4. A disciplined soldier learns to concentrate on his purpose for serving (v. 10). “God’s elect”. If you lose sight of the importance of people - you lose your purpose for serving. The principle of success is to love people and use things (again - never reverse the two)!

5. A disciplined soldier learns to trust and follow his leader without question (vs. 11-13).

As an athlete (v.5).

The discipline of an athlete. The athlete in training had a rigid schedule involving diet and physical exercise. If they did not stay with that schedule they were disqualified. The disciplines of the Christian ministry are exacting. The man of God must run according to the rules. This means that he must be willing to give the time and effort that is necessary to be the best preacher he can possibly be. We must avoid the Samson mentality.

As a farmer (v. 6).

The discipline of a farmer. This involves labor to the point of weariness - patiently sowing the seed and cultivating the ground. Sometimes the results are slow in coming - sometimes you have to look for the long term yield of your labor.

The principle of financial support is also taught in this passage (cf. I Tim. 5:17). The church that calls a man to give his full time to a ministry ought to free him up to do that work.

4. He must be a man who is committed to the Word of God (vs. 14-21).

Lack of respect for the Word of God disqualifies a man from the ministry. Verse 15 spells out the nature and extent of that commitment.

The minister should seek to be nothing less than an approved workman (Note requirements for doctors, attorneys, etc.) Be skilled in your practice. Don’t be guilty of spiritual malpractice!

In the professing church (Christendom), there is the true and there is the false (vessels to honor and to dishonor) - make sure that you are a vessel that honors Jesus Christ.

5. He must be a man with a servant mentality (vs. 24-26).

A servant must concentrate on pleasing his master. He must avoid getting involved in issues that cause divisions.

The servant must seek to maintain a patient and kind disposition, not quick to retaliate toward those who oppose him.

So my charge to you, Pastor Dale:

YOU are the Lord’s bond servant!

YOU are doing His work!

YOU are His representative!

And beloved, let us as his flock love him, pray for him, support him, encourage him, and appreciate him as he is God’s gift to us.

Love to you all.