Biblical Principles of Encouraging and Supporting the Man of God

The Biblical Mandate to Encourage and Support the Man of God

• The Foundation of the Believer's Responsibility

  • As members of the church and children of God, every believer is called to encourage and support the servant of God. This is not merely a suggestion but a principle deeply rooted in the Scriptures that guides how one should walk as a Christian.

  • The transcript emphasizes that one's participation in the church involves more than just physical attendance; it requires an active role in strengthening those who lead the ministry.

• Biblical Principles of Encouragement and Submission

  • Encouragement (Deuteronomy 1:38): The scripture says of Joshua, son of Nun, $\text{he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.}$. This establishes the principle that those in leadership require encouragement to fulfill the divine tasks set before them.

  • Obedience and Submission (Hebrews 13:17): Believers are commanded to $\text{Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,}$. This oversight is carried out so that they may do it with joy and not with grief, as a grieving leader is $\text{unprofitable for you}$.

  • Double Honor (1 Timothy 5:17-18): Elders who rule well are to be counted worthy of $\text{double honor}$, especially those who labor in word and doctrine. The scriptural justification provided is $\text{Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn}$ and $\text{The laborer is worthy of his reward}$.

  • High Esteem in Love (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13): Believers are urged to know those who labor among them and to $\text{esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake}$.

  • Remembrance (Hebrews 13:7): Members are told to $\text{Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God}$, following their faith and considering the end of their conversation.

The Nature of the Pastoral Calling

• A Calling, Not a Choice or Profession

  • Being a pastor is defined not as a human vocational choice or a secular profession, but as a specific calling from God.

  • It involves a divine "burden" or desire to do the work of God above all other pursuits, including business or other livelihoods.

  • The speaker notes that a pastor cannot simply "quit" or "resign" from the calling in the way one does a normal job because the authority and the charge are given by God Himself.

• Appointed Authority

  • Pastors are given authority by God to lead the flock. This authority is not for the benefit of the leader but for the guidance and protection of the church body.

  • Because of this God-given authority, believers are instructed to respect and salute (honor) them as they would their own parents or teachers, but to a higher degree because they serve the soul.

The Duties and Labors of a Pastor

• Feeding with Knowledge and Understanding (Jeremiah 3:15)

  • God promises to give $\text{pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding}$.

  • This feeding is done through the diligent study and preaching of the Word of God, ensuring that the congregation is not ignorant of biblical truths.

  • Acts 20:28 corroborates this: $\text{Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.}$.

  • 1 Peter 5:2 instructs leaders to $\text{Feed the flock of God which is among you... taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.}$.

• Leading by Example (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

  • A pastor must rule his own house well, having his children in subjection. The logic is: $\text{For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?}$.

  • The pastor serves as a blueprint for Christian living, consistency, and faithfulness, participating in the work every service—Sundays, Thursdays, and prayer meetings.

• Constant Prayer for the Brethren (Romans 1:9)

  • The pastor labors in prayer $\text{without ceasing}$, mentioning the members $\text{always in my prayers.}$.

  • This involves praying for the members' salvation, their baptism, their spiritual growth, their health, and their families.

  • The speaker describes the "tears" of the pastor (referencing Acts 20:31), warning and praying for the flock day and night for years.

• Preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)

  • The charge is to $\text{Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.}$.

  • This means a pastor must preach the whole counsel of God, even when the message contains hard truths or rebukes that may be uncomfortable for the listener.

• Equipping and Perfecting the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-12)

  • Pastors and teachers are given $\text{for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.}$.

  • The goal is to prepare members so they are no longer "babes" but are mature and able to serve in God's work themselves.

• Protecting the Flock (Acts 20:29-31)

  • The pastor acts as a watchman against $\text{grievous wolves}$ who enter the church to $\text{speak perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.}$.

  • It is the pastor's duty to warn the congregation about false doctrines and external spiritual threats to protect the integrity of the church.

Practical Aspects of the Pastoral Work

• A Full-Time Commitment

  • Referencing Matthew 4:18-20, the speaker highlights how Peter, Andrew, James, and John $\text{straightway left their nets, and followed him}$ when Jesus called them to be $\text{fishers of men}$.

  • True pastoral work is described as a full-time endeavor where the leader leaves behind secular "nets" or businesses to be fully available for the ministry.

• A Spiritual and Rewarding Work

  • The work is not secular or worldly; it is spiritual. It involves battles with the devil and struggles that are unseen by the congregation.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 is cited to show that those who preach the gospel should $\text{live of the gospel}$.

  • Just as a soldier does not go to $\text{warfare any time at his own charges}$ and he who $\text{planteth a vineyard... eateth not of the fruit thereof}$, the pastor is entitled to support from the church they serve.

  • The speaker notes that God may use even unbelievers or unexpected sources to provide for and reward the work of a faithful pastor, but the primary responsibility lies with the members of the church.

Questions & Discussion

• Engagement with the Congregation:

  • Question: Why does God teach us these principles of honoring and supporting the pastor?

  • Response: Firstly, because of their calling and authority. Secondly, for their "work's sake." The labor they perform in feeding, leading, and praying for souls is uniquely strenuous and spiritual.

  • Question: What should be the believer's prayer regarding their pastor?

  • Response: The believer should pray to be a source of encouragement rather than a burden. They should ask God to make them a "supporter," a "partner," and a "channel of blessing" to reward the pastor's labor.

  • Closing Call: The speaker encourages anyone whose heart is moved by God to commit to supporting the ministry and the pastor, asking for willingness to be used by God to strengthen the church fellowship.