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Paid Loafers and Social Parasites

2 min read
#Discipleship #The Church #Regeneration
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2 min read
What does the Bible say about the duties of a pastor?

The Bible emphasizes that pastors must handle the Word of God accurately and devote themselves to study and prayer.

The Scriptures highlight the critical responsibility of pastors to present themselves to God as approved workers, emphasizing the necessity of accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). This dedication involves diligent study and prayer, as demonstrated in 1 Timothy 4:15-16, where Paul instructs Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely. A pastor's commitment to these tasks not only honors God but also serves the congregation effectively by fostering spiritual growth and maturity.

2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:15-16

How do we know pastors should not be idle?

Scripture makes it clear that pastors are called to be diligent and avoid idleness in their work.

Pastors are uniquely positioned without direct supervision, which means they must cultivate a strong personal discipline to avoid idleness. The warnings against the potential for laziness or self-indulgence highlight that a pastor's primary responsibility is to devote himself fully to the ministry of preaching, teaching, and prayer (1 Timothy 4:15-16). If pastors neglect these duties in favor of leisure or luxury, they risk harming both their own spirituality and the well-being of their congregations, demonstrating the importance of diligence and accountability in pastoral work.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

Why is diligent study important for pastors?

Diligent study is essential for pastors to rightly teach and guide their congregations in the faith.

Diligent study equips pastors to handle the Word of God accurately, which is vital for effective ministry. As Paul advises in 2 Timothy 2:15, a pastor must be approved by God through proper handling of Scripture, which requires a commitment to thorough study. This foundational work ensures that pastors are prepared to teach sound doctrine, counsel members of the church in truth, and protect the flock from erroneous teachings. Additionally, an engaged pastor who invests time in prayer and study will reflect a life of faithfulness that can encourage and inspire their congregation.

2 Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

    It is easy for preachers to become paid loafers and social parasites, wasting their days in pleasure, recreation, and bumming around with open palms and an expectant look. Sadly, the religious hucksters and hirelings of the world have earned their reputation. Let no gospel preacher do so!

    The pastor has no boss within sight. He is not required to keep regular office hours. And no one checks up on him, to be sure he is working. That is as it should be. Yet, the very fact that a church treats her pastor as she should, makes it possible for the pastor to abuse his office, neglect his work, give himself to idleness, or to providing luxuries for himself and his family; when he should give himself relentlessly to study, and prayer, and preaching. If we devote ourselves to this labor, there will be little time or energy for other things.

    "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely." - 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Topics:
Churchianity

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