MY PASTOR: MY GIFT PART 2

MY PASTOR: MY GIFT PART 2

Being born again is the most blessed experience on earth. The man that is born again is blessed with all spirituals and blessed with the gifts of men as pastors. In Ephesians 4, we see that Christ in his ascension  gave us ministry gifts. My pastor is my gift from God. The essence of this gift is to bring me to the knowledge of Jesus.  The question now is how do I Maximize the gift of a pastor from God ?

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PASTOR AS YOUR GIFT

1 Peter 5

 1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

 2  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; 

 3  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 

 4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

 5  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Just as we explained this scripture in the previous part of this series, the pastor is to feed the flock not by constraint but in being examples. Let’s look at verse 5 which speaks of our responsibility to our pastors. We see that the younger is admonished to SUBMIT to the elder (pastors ). Remember younger and elder used in this context have nothing to do with age . The elder refers to the pastor while the younger are those under the pastor(the members ). What DOES IT MEAN TO SUBMIT? Submit  is from two Greek word: hypo( which means under) and taso ( which means station). Hebrews 2:8 uses the word hupotaso and it means putting something in subjection. Titus 2:9 uses it as obedience. To submit is to subjugate, to  arrange under , to bring yourself to the control of another. So we are to bring ourselves to the control of our pastors. We must arrange ourselves under. We see that the pastor is not going to lead by force but we are to bring ourselves under the control of the pastor. Your pastor can never pastor you beyond your submission. Primary responsibility to your pastor is to submit. Pastors feed primarily while the flock submits. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. God resisting the proud is in them not submitting to their Pastor. It is being resistant to God who sets the pastor over you . Reading through Genesis to Malachi, we see men always suffering for not following the instructions of God’s prophets. You should never ever be ashamed or afraid to submit completely to your pastor.   Control is not manipulation. Remember you owe your pastor submission so he can do his work as a pastor over you.   Your pastor is not accountable  to you. Your not submitting is unprofitable to you.

 

Hebrews 13

 7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation

17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you

Notice there are some who have the rule over you . These are your pastors . So in as much as we all have grace given to us but we are not all equal in Christ. We are instructed to OBEY them. This is because they give account for us. It is to our profit that we obey our pastors. Imagine a local church where the pastor gives instructions for the spiritual growth of the members and you as a member didn’t follow. You can never enjoy the blessedness of that Pastor. This is the reason most times we see different men under the same pastor but the blessedness and giftedness of their pastor is not reflected in the same way in their lives . The difference is always as a result of their level of submission and followership. Allow yourself to be controlled- remove the resistance- have total  submission. Submission is easy if you allow God’s word regulates your conduct. It is harder to have oversight than to be controlled. Receiving instructions is easier than giving instructions because the giver must ensure that the instructions  given are correct. The pastor can control you in your submission. A pastor doesn’t take oversight by lording or by dominating. His authority and jurisdiction is in God’s word. This means his actions towards the flock mustn’t be against the word of God.

Submission is not a disadvantaged act. The burden is more on the controller( pastor) than on the one being controlled.

The graciousness/blessedness of a pastor can’t be enjoyed outside submission.

IN ADDITION TO SUBMISSION, THEIR ARE OTHER NECESSARY things you owe your pastors like praying for them and giving to them .

PRAYING FOR OUR PASTORS

We pray for our pastors and we must see this as what we are indebted to doing. We are told to pray for our pastors and we are told what to pray for them. Paul on so many occasions asks believers to pray for him. Let’s look at some of these prayers to guide us in praying for our pastors .

Romans 15

30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 31  That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 

 32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

We see here that we pray for our pastors for there ministries to be accepted and that he may be delivered from those against his work of ministry.

2 Thessalonians 3

1        Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: note

2        And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Paul asks that he should be prayed for . This prayer is for God’s word to have free course in his mouth. This is what we do for our pastors . We pray for them that the God’s word in their mouth will spread rapidly and that it will be honoured . We also pray for them that they be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men.

Ephesians 6

 18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

 20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 21  But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

We see here that we are to pray for our pastors for utterance to be given to them to SPEAK THE GOSPEL BOLDLY as they ought to speak.

Colossians 4

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3  Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

 4  That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

It is an apostolic injunction to pray for pastors. Praying for pastors is a commitment we must keep to. Notice in all these scriptures, no where we were told to PRAY FOR “MORE GRACE OR MORE ANOINTING “ for our pastors. Your pastor as your gift is graced and anointed for you. You don’t have more anointing to give him if not you will not be under him and him over you.

 

GIVING TO YOUR PASTORS

We are instructed in the Bible to give to our pastors as a matter of necessity. The Bible is our final and only authority for doctrine as believers . Our belief system is not from experiences or from men but from the Bible . So we must take heed to the instructions to give to our pastor as believers. Let’s look at some of these scriptures with clear instructions on giving.

To be able to honour rightly your pastor with your substance, it begins with RECOGNITION. You must first know your pastors and the role they play in your spiritual growth .

1 Thessalonians 5

12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

 13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

To “know” means to perceive with the eyes,  notice, discern or discover so as to realise what is to be done .  It has to do with perception with your eyes and your mind . We are instructed here to know them which labour among us. These are the men which are over us in the Lord . Verse 13 further instructs us to ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY. Two Greek words are used for highly “ek ex” which means out of or away from and “perissos” which means exceeding measure or rank, over and above what is necessary. So we are to esteem our pastor beyond what is necessary. Our estimation of our pastor must be such that exceeds in measure. This means that there is no honour that you give to a pastor that will be “too much”. The Bible instructs us to give them too much honour for their work sake . What is their work ? They labour in word and doctrine. We know we esteem one another as believers but when it comes to pastors we are told to ESTEEM them BEYOND WHAT IS NECESSARY. This will reflect in how we give to them.  

1 Timothy 5

 17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward

The elders(pastors ) that rule well are to be counted worthy of double honour . Notice their rule is in their labour in the word and doctrine. Double honour there speaks of double payment or salary. Giving to your Pastor is taught as compulsory payment. Verse 18 quoting from Leviticus 19:13 says we should not shut the mouth of the ox the thread the corn because a labourer is worthy of his wages . We see that when we give to pastors, we are not doing them a favor. GIVING TO A PASTOR IS NOT CHARITY even when you know it is an obvious need for the pastor.   Don’t forget there is nothing you give to a pastor that  is too much. The standard is to honour and give to them in a measure that is beyond necessary.   

You measure your honour for pastors according to their labour in the word in your life. This is why it is outright wickedness to give to a pastor more than your pastor that is consistently teaching you the word and bringing you to the knowledge of Jesus. It is like eating in one restaurant and paying in another restaurant. Remember you owe your Pastor your giving as he labours in the word for you. Let’s see how paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 9. Kindly read carefully.

 5  Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 

 6  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

 7  Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

 8  Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

 9  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

 10  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

 11  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

 12  If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

 13  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 

 14  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

 15  But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

 16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

From verse 1 of this chapter, Paul the apostle begin to make a case of his right as a pastor . He has the right to marry . He also has the right not to do any other work just like the other apostles. Notice his argument in verse 11

“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things”

If a pastor has sown spiritual things (his labour in word and doctrine), the proper thing to do is give him your substance which can be kind or cash . It is not for you to tell the pastor “more grace” or pray for the pastor for God to replenish his anointing as if the anointing is leaking. The anointing of pastor and his grace replenish itself by use. It doesn’t need your prayers to do so. There are scriptural prayers to pray for your pastors as explained above and these prayers are not at the expense of your giving. The pastor has the right to be given to by his members but he is never to place demands on this right so the gospel will not be hindered. Hence, paul argues that though he ought to be taken care of by the people he is labouring for in  doctrine, he doesn’t take advantage of this power so he can preach the gospel freely. So should a pastor do other jobs that gives him money? This has been a debate for many ages. The normal thing is for the people to take care of the pastor. The pastor in other not to be a burden to the people can choose to do other things for money. It should never be seen as abnormal if all a pastor does is to labour for his flock. This is because it is enough work. Every sincere pastor will like to have enough time to labour and feed the flock. Giving to a pastor as we see again in this chapter is not taught as optional. You can’t say because some pastors abuse this right you will not give to your pastor . Remember you are not giving to your pastor because he has an obvious need, But because of his labour in the word and doctrine. This is THE PRIMARY ESSENCE of giving to your Pastor. So whether the pastor has millions of dollars or have nothing, it should not make any difference in your giving. You don’t give to your pastor because he is caring and calls you everyday or because he is perfect in his conduct. You give to him because of his labour in the word. You don’t give to a pastor for anything you will gain or for selfish reasons or to break into his anointing or to make him bless you more . Even if any of these can happen, they should never be the reason for your giving. His labour in word and doctrine is enough blessing.

Philippians 4

 10  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

 11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

 13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 14  Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

 17  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

 18  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul commended the Philippians for taking care of him and for their consistent giving. This church was always seeking opportunity to give as we see in verse 10. Every pastor  just like Paul should learn to abase and abound. So his speaking on giving was not because of want. This church sent Epaphroditus with their gifts to Paul . In response, Paul prays for them that their needs be met according to the riches in glory in Christ. The riches in glory in the writing of Paul is in the saints. Paul uses the riches in glory in Ephesians 1:18, 3:16 and Colossians 1:27 to speak of the inheritance in the saints. Therefore, Paul  praying for them here for their needs to be supplied according to the riches in glory by Jesus was that their needs be met by other saints as they keep meeting the needs of Paul. WHEN YOU MAKE GIVING YOUR HABIT, GOD WILL SPONSOR IT . So as believers we must ensure we continually give to our pastors as they keep labouring in the word for us .

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE WHAT TO GIVE?

We don’t give “spare” money to our pastors. We give even when we don’t have: we give in surplus and in penury. YOU ALWAYS HAVE WHAT TO GIVE. You can give your money, your substance, your time even words of appreciation. All of these must be done. You cannot say you don’t have , you don’t have but you spend money on necessities like data subscription, food, clothing every day/week/month. Since giving to your Pastor is a necessity, it should also be done along side your other necessities. See the Macedonian church with all their trials and deep poverty they kept giving.

2        Corinthians 8

 1.Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

 2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

This church in their  DEEP POVERTY kept pursuing Paul with their gifts . This teaches us that THEIR IS NO EXCUSE good enough not to give to your pastor. Giving to your pastor is not a matter of convenience but a matter of COMMITMENT. It is what we must commit to as believers .

So far we have seen that God in his absolute wisdom gave us pastors for our perfecting. God instructs us to submit to these pastors and bring ourselves under their control. We are expected to also pray for them and give to them in honour continually. Do not allow offence and abuse of some pastors makes you relent from doing all these knowing fully well that IT IS FOR YOUR BENEFITS. In  subsequent part of this series, we will look at how to receive spirituals from pastors and how avoid being offended at  pastors.

 

 

 

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BY EMEKE MODESTY OBIAZIKWOR

 

       www.emekemodesty.com

 

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MY PASTOR: MY GIFT PART 2 MY PASTOR: MY GIFT PART 2 Reviewed by Emeke Modesty Obiazikwor on March 04, 2021 Rating: 5

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