Pastors Chapter Eighteen

CHAPTER 18

PASTORS


It has probably been taught more often that pastors and local churches are supposed to receive tithes, than that they should be given to anyone else, or to any other place. This may seem reasonable, since pastors serve congregations continually. Let's look into the Word and see first what is said pertaining to pastors, then go on to what we are told to do when it comes to giving.
The word 'pastor' (singular) is not found in the New Testament, in the King James version of the Bible. The word 'pastors' (plural) is found only once, in Eph. 4:11, which is the verse we looked at earlier concerning gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. There are other words in scripture such as bishop, that according to their meaning and what is said concerning them, could apply to pastors.
Today we think of a pastor as being someone who presides over a local congregation. He is a person who is looked to for guidance and instruction. The New Webster's dictionary descries a pastor as “A minister of the gospel having charge of a church and congregation.”
The word 'pastors' in Eph. 4:11 is the Greek word poimen, poy-mane'; a shepherd (lit. or fig.): - shepherd, pastor. (Strong's) This may be the reason people refer to them as shepherds. However, although the words shepherd and shepherds are found seventeen times in the Bible, they refer to either Jesus himself, who clearly claims to be the good shepherd of the sheep, or to a literal earthly shepherd who actually tends animals.
Jesus said in John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Here the word 'shepherd' is the same word in the Greek as the word for pastors found in Eph. 4:11. There is one other New Testament word for shepherd, also. It is archipoimen, ar-khee-poy'-mane; a head shepherd-chief shepherd. (Strong's)
I Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
I have heard the term 'under shepherd' used for pastors, which is a term I am more comfortable with, since Jesus makes his position as Shepherd of his people so very clear.
There was a parable told in Mark, by Jesus, where I believe the role of a pastor is portrayed, as it should be, in the person called a porter. The porter is referred to, by Jesus, twice in the New Testament. Since Jesus is our foundation, it is very good when we can take his own words as a basis for what we believe. So let's consider the parable he gave.
Mark 13:34-37 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
We have already seen who is the house of God. In these scriptures we see a picture of our Lord, having gone into heaven, leaving his house (us) here on earth. And he gave authority to his servants. Indeed we know God has given his people authority while on this earth.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
When Jesus returned to his Father, he did not leave his disciples helpless or powerless. He gave each of his children, his individual work to do and gave them the power and authority necessary to do it. You notice, though, that he singled out the porter. The Greek word for 'porter' is thuroros, thoo-ro-ros'; (a watcher) a gate-warden:-that kept the door, porter. (Strong's) Warden means “one who guards, protects, or defends; one charged with the care or custody of something, as a keeper ...” (Webster's)
Gate means “A movable structure used to open or close any passageway; any passageway into and out of an enclosure; ... (Websters)
According to the Lexicon a porter is - “a doorkeeper, porter, male or female janitor. A janitor is - “A person hired to clean and maintain an office, school, or other building; a caretaker of a building. (Webster's)
Keeping this in mind, let's go on and read what else Jesus had to say about the porter and see if you do not see pastors portrayed by the porter.
John 10:1-6 Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Though those to whom Jesus originally told this parable to, did not understand it's meaning, the Holy Spirit can reveal it's significance to us.
We see in this story, a door to a sheepfold that is guarded by a porter, for the protection of the flock of God, who are his people, his house.
Ps. 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice.
If God's people, then, are represented by the sheep, and the sheepfold is the place where the sheep are assembled together, we can see the sheepfold representing a congregation. Though there may be many sheep, when they are assembled together they make up a 'flock'. Even the dictionary (Webster's) gives the meaning - “ ... A church or it's congregation” for the word 'fold'.
Jesus said, at one point, -
John 10:16 Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.
He indicated that he had more than one fold, or group of Christians, which will one day come together as one fold. Again Jesus showed his heart of unity.
The door or gate in these parables is vitally important, for one must enter the sheepfold through this door to rightfully belong to the flock, or house, or body of Christ. Both the door and those inside the fold must be important, if the Lord appointed someone to stand guard over it.
The porter is the guard or keeper of the door. The Lord specifically commands the porter to 'watch'. He tells 'all' to watch, but makes a point to command the porter in particular. Considering the meaning or the word porter, we can see his responsibilities can include that of guarding, protecting and even keeping the door clean. He is also in control of the opening and closing of the door. The door is so important that if anyone comes into the sheepfold without coming through the door, Jesus calls him a thief and a robber. Notice that he didn't say he is a thief because he took something out through the door some other way, but because he came in without going through the door. We will learn that what is stolen, is stolen from hearts and minds and is not material things.
Jesus went on to interpret the parable, so let's go on and see what he has to say.
John 10:7-15 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM THE DOOR of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I AM THE DOOR: by ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.
11 I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: the good shepherd GIVETH HIS LIFE for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling: and careth not for the sheep.
14 I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE for the sheep. (emphasis mine)
First of all Jesus states unmistakably that he is the door. Now it may seem simple enough to see that the only way one can be saved and become a part of the body of Christ, is to come through Jesus. But why would anyone need to guard, protect or keep Jesus clean? The answer is part of a beautiful picture that we can see unfold and should help us understand the will of God.
Jesus made another clear and unmistakable statement in verse 11. He said, “I am the good shepherd”. So he is both the door and the shepherd. Herein lies an awesome truth, which can open the eyes of our understanding, if we grasp the meaning.
Do you recall what Jesus said in John 1:1?
John 1:1 In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God ...
In this scripture John shows us that the Word is Jesus, as he goes on describing the Word as having been made flesh, coming unto his own and being the true light. And in Luke 8, the Word of God is described as the seed, which if planted in a heart, that is ready and willing to receive it, and keep it, will grow and bring forth fruit.
Luke 8:11 “ ... The seed is the Word of God.”
Luke 8:15 “But that (seed) on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit WITH PATIENCE. (emphasis and parenthesis mine)
It is the Word of God that must be opened to an individual in order for him to hear the voice of God and be saved, thus entering the body of Christ, the church or fold. The Spirit of God speaks to us through God's Word, and gives life to that Word. So then, the door in this parable can be seen as being Jesus, the living Word of God.
John 6:63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
The Greek word for 'quickeneth' is zoopoieo, dzo-op-oy-eh'-o; to (re-) vitalize (lit. or fig.):- make alive again, give life, quicken. (Strong's)
Notice that in this parable in John, Jesus says he is the door, then goes right on to speak of thieves and robbers who came before him, but who the sheep “did not hear”. You see God does speak to us by his Spirit through his Word. We can look at his Spirit as his voice. Men can read scripture to us, then mix it with their own interpretations, opinions, and/or tradition and the Holy Spirit will not give life to it. He will not speak through it. So then, the porter is responsible for opening the door, which we can see as being Jesus the Word, to the sheep. It must be the pure Word, however, so that as he opens the door, the Spirit will bring it to life and the sheep will hear their shepherd's voice through it.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, he shall testify of me:
The Holy Spirit, is the Spirit of truth. No one can receive Jesus without the truth. So then, as the Word is opened time and time again, to the new little lambs, they begin to get familiar with the voice of their shepherd, who speaks to them through this door; the Word of God.
As we've already seen, we the sheep are to desire the sincere milk of the Word. But first we must get a taste of it and learn to recognize it.
Ps. 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Ps. 119:103 How sweet are thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
When we hear the Word and Jesus speaks to us, by his Spirit through that Word, it becomes food for our inner man, and life and health to us. And it is the porter's responsibility to open that door, the Word, when the sheep are gathered together in the sheepfold, the congregation, so they can hear the shepherd's voice.
John 14:26 But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Now we come to the importance of both guarding and keeping the door, the Word, clean. If someone comes into the fold, where the sheep are congregated, without coming through Jesus, the door, by means of true salvation, and begins to guide and instruct God's little ones, his lambs, using deception, before they are familiar with, or accustomed to their shepherd's voice, the sheep may become confused and even rebellious. As these intruders begin to speak words, which in their cunningness, deceive the sheep, they are giving words that contaminate the truth (the sincere milk of the Word), perverts it and even replaces it.
Please do not misunderstand. Jesus himself is never contaminated. But the written word must be anointed by the Holy Spirit, to be alive, and truly be Jesus the living Word. The Holy Spirit cannot accompany, nor anoint, a misrepresentation of the written Word. So then, if scripture is quoted but mixed with untrue teachings of men, then it is contaminated and will kill, rather than give life. The only time there is life in the written Word, is when it is anointed by the Holy Spirit of God.
1Cor. 3:6 “ ... For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”
If one sheep is killed by eating contaminated (poisoned) food, fed to him by the enemy of his soul, then there has been a murder and a robbery. When intruders slip into the flock, not coming through the door (Jesus the Word) the truth is stolen from the hearts and minds of the sheep. Such intruders are thieves and robbers. Some come into a flock for the very purpose of stealing and killing, while some being deceived themselves, are not fully aware of how Satan is using them. The job of the porter, then, is extremely important. He must be careful to open the door (Word) faithfully and in all purity, neither mixing in, nor allowing anyone else to mix in, any contaminants. It must be pure and real so that the Shepherd will anoint it and speak through it, and the sheep will come to know his voice very well.
The porter does have authority. But his authority is in the Word, the giving of the Word and protecting the Word, when the flock come together. He only feeds the sheep, as far as opening the Word to them, so they can hear the shepherd's voice and come through the door to pasture. It is up to the sheep to eat.
Yes, the thief does come to steal, to kill and to destroy and it is God's Word he wants to steal, for then destruction will be the result. It is very important that the porter open the door often enough and in large enough quantities, that the shepherd's voice will be heard enough, so that the sheep come to know it well and can distinguish it from all other voices, and will follow no other.
Eph. 4:14+15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lay in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him (the shepherd) in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Luke 8:12 “ ... then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
John 17:17 Sanctify (purify and consecrate ... [Strong's])them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (added notation)
The porter was also commanded to 'watch' and to do so because the doesn't know when the master of the house will be returning. Now I believe this command may be more than to watch the sky for the Lord's return, but also to watch carefully over the door, seeing to it that it is handled in truth and purity, so that when the Lord suddenly arrives, the sheep will recognize his voice immediately.
Look at the Greek word for 'watch' and it's meaning. It is gregoreuo; gray-gor-yoo'-o; to keep awake, that is, watch (lit. or fig.) : - be vigilant, wake, (be) watch (-ful). (Strong's)
The porter needs to watch, or stay awake and be vigilant. He needs to stay alert and mentally acute, and to see to it that the sheep become so themselves. He needs to be watching for the thief, to guard against him and his works, so as to keep the sheep safe and alert.
It is true that all of us should be watching for the Lord's return. But what good will it do to watch, if we do not know how to recognize him? Any sheep who is uncertain of his Shepherd's voice, may follow the wrong voice, wandering into danger and death, thus missing the Lord's return altogether. What a shame it would be for the porter to fall asleep, leaving the door unguarded and let an intruder slip in and deceive the sheep, just before the Lord returns for them! Oh! what a tragedy that would be! Jesus wants all of his people to be able to perceive even minute distinctions in his voice, from the voices of deception. However, far to many so-called Christians are unstable in their beliefs and too easily swayed from one opinion to another.
Can you see how the role of the porter sounds like the role of a pastor, since he stands as a watcher at the door of the sheepfold (congregation), opening the Word to the sheep, and allowing the Lord to speak to his sheep, his people, as the Spirit of the living God moves and anoints? And do you see how, also, that he is to guard the Word, but never present himself as the voice of the Shepherd, but rather to teach the sheep to learn to hear and know the voice of their one and only good Shepherd?
Now consider for a moment, where it is that the sheep actually pasture.

WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES SAY?
DO THEY PASTURE INSIDE THE FOLD

John 10:3+4 “ ... and he calleth his own sheep by name, and LEADETH
THEM OUT.
4 And when he PUTTETH FORTH his OWN sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
John 10:9 I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go IN AND OUT and find pasture. (emphasis mine)
It is Jesus who calls to his own sheep, by his own voice, his precious Holy Spirit, through the Word, and as they hear his voice, they follow 'him', not the porter! Then Jesus leads them outside of the fold (congregation) to pasture. You see, each individual, based on his own life's experiences, is at a different place in his spiritual, emotional and mental growth and understanding. So the good Shepherd leads each person, individually, outside the congregation, to pasture, where, and on what they need, and to commune with him alone. The grass upon which they graze must be green, fresh, not stale, but pure, alive and suited to their individual digestive system. Group feeding alone is not adequate to meet an individual's needs for proper growth and good spiritual health.
If a pastor attempts to confine the sheep to total dependency on himself, as their so-called spiritual authority, as though he is the one who hears from God for them, he is doing wrong and harming the sheep. Such a thing will produce sickly sheep. Through the opening of the door (Word), sheep get a glimpse of the Shepherd. Their ears perk up as they hear his voice, not the porter's, then they follow the one God intends for them to follow.
LET ME ASK THOSE OF YOU WHO SERVE AS PASTORS; WHO IS IT YOU TRULY WISH TO GLORIFY?
WOULD YOU PREFER THE PRAISE AND GLORY OF MEN, OR THE ETERNAL REWARD OF GOD?
You who are pastors have such an extremely important role! Standing watch over God's Word, that the voices of counterfeits do not mingle in the flock, confusing and leading astray. Pointing the sheep back to the door (Word), where the true voice can be heard. But please, pastors, whatever you do, do not try to be God's voice, or, that is, the Holy Spirit, for the sheep. You cannot be the convicting power of God. God is fully capable of doing his job efficiently. Let him do it. But perform your calling through 'him'! It really is enough!
It is Jesus who goes before the sheep. It is Jesus who 'putteth forth his sheep. The Greek Lexicon gives the meaning for the word 'putteth' , “to let them out of the fold so they can rush forth, [al. to thrust them by laying hold of them.]
When Jesus gets hold of the hearts of his sheep, they rush hungrily for pasture. They should rush from the congregation to a place alone with Jesus and his Word, having received enough and heard enough of his voice to cause them to desire him, and to hunger and thirst for him and his righteousness!
Matt. 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
We live in a time when our world is filled with many many voices. There are so many men considered to be men of God, but whose messages oppose each other, while all are supposedly based on scripture. Many are the messages that come across the air waves through radio and television. How can the sheep ever truly know their master's voice? The day in which we are living sounds, indeed, like the time spoken of in 2 Timothy -
2 Tim. 4:3+4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The more you scratch an itch, the more it itches, and it is so hard to get relief! The medicine that will stop an itch may burn before it soothes. But relief can be had with the proper ointment. So it is for many today. They heap to themselves teachers, but their itching ears are not soothed for long. The truth would set them free, but at first it may sting and burn somewhat, as the truth of their condition is realized. Oh! But how wonderful is the soothing and peace that follows!
No matter how many sermons one listens to, if it is not the pure, true Word of God, and the Holy Spirit does not speak through it, it is powerless. We have no lack of these sermons and teachings in today's church world. As a result we have people walking around claiming the title of 'Christian' denying the true power that comes with godliness, and living in sin at the same time.
2 Tim.. 3:5-7 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Oh, how the church needs pastors who faithfully, humbly and carefully present the name of Jesus, his authority and character, without imposing their own authority in Jesus name! When you know the character of a person it is harder to believe a lie about them, that does not agree with their character. God is love and therefore love is the foundation of all truth.
1Cor. 8:1 “ ... knowledge puffeth up, but charity (love [Strong's]) edifieth. (added notation)
Men become puffed up, or that is, proud of their knowledge, but it is love that will build the kingdom of God. The sheep need pastors who guard the Word and not self interest.
I am afraid that there are far too many men today, who work as pastors, for wages, but do not know enough of the pure Word of God themselves to guard it, protect it and open it to God's flock. There is a need for less hirelings and more servants of love. The Greek word for 'hireling' is misthotos, mis-tho-tos'; “a wage worker (good or bad): - hired servant, hireling.” (Strong's)
Hirelings do not have the heart to truly protect the sheep, for their love, if they have any, is too limited, while self preservation, self ambition and self recognition are in the way. Those who pastor simply as an occupation and not out of love and concern for God's little ones, are hirelings who will run away when the wolf comes. Look at what Peter had to say.
1 Peter 5:1-4 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 lure, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as Lords over Gods 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.
The word 'elders' here, is the Greek word presbuteras, pres-boo'-ter-os; comp. of presbus (elderly); older; as a noun, a senior ...” The word oversight is the Greek word episkopeo. ep-ee-skop-eh'-o; ... by impl. to beware: - look diligently, take the oversight, (Strong's)
Peter recognizes the older men as qualifying for this position, for even in verse 5, he says -
“Likewise ye, younger, submit one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
So Peter tells the elders to feed the flock which is among them, taking the oversight thereof. Now he may be telling them to diligently watch over the flock, or, more specifically, to oversee the feeding of the flock. Doesn't this, once again, sound like the job of the porter, or watcher of the door, the Word? It is, after all, the Word, that the sheep are to eat and live on.
Peter told these elders not to do, what they do, by constraint and not for filthy lucre. The Greek word for 'constraint; is anagkastos, an-ang-kas-toce'; “compulsorily: - by constraint.” (Strong's) Compulsorily means: Compelling; enforced: mandatory. (Webster's)
So whether you interpret this to be telling the elders not to feed the flock because they feel obligated or constrained to do so, or, rather, to be telling them not to constrain or demand of the flock, both would agree with God's character.
As far as not serving the flock in this capacity for filthy lucre, the meaning given for this in the Greek Lexicon is, “for eagerness for base gain.” They were not to be after selfish profit, for that would put them in the category of an hireling.
Peter told the elders to do this service of a ready mind. Ready, in the Greek is - prothumos, proth'-oo-mos; “forward in spirit, that is, predisposed; neut. (as a noun) alacrity: ready, willing.” (Strong's)
Alacrity means “cheerful willingness; briskness. (Webster's)
This was to be a service rendered willingly, because it was in their heart to do so.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.
1John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Love will motivate a man to serve his brother for his brother's good. Money and self advancement will never be acceptable motivation to God.
Peter further tells them not to act as “lords over God's heritage. He makes an important point here, as he points out who the flock actually belongs to. They are God's heritage! As a result of the death and resurrection of Jesus himself, all of his children are now the heritage of God. They are his own! And he will not have leaders acting as lords over 'his' inheritance!
The word 'lords' is the same word in the Greek as the word for 'exercise dominion' used in Matt. 20:25, when Jesus forbid his disciples to exercise dominion over each other.
1Cor. 7:23 You are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
We are to serve one another from willing hearts of love, but not as though owned or controlled by people; for we know who our Lord and Savior is, and to him only do we belong.
The elders were told to be ensamples, which according to the Strong's Concordance, is “ ... a model (for imitation) ... en – (ex-) ample ...” to the flock, but were never to usurp the Shepherd's position over the sheep. Their reward would come from the Chief Shepherd when he returns. And he will return! We must watch and be ready! How valuable are elders, or pastors, with true hearts after God! And how dangerous are the hirelings who, too often, fill pulpits!
Rom. 10:14+15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
We've already seen how that God rewards a person who gives even a cup of cold water to one of his little children. What a reward awaits him who serves God's little ones night and day, in love and in the Word of God!
On the other hand, what sort of a reward awaits those who are hirelings and leave the sheep unprotected? We will each face God when he returns.
Luke 13:24+25 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying, Lord, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know not whence ye are:
Or as the Greek Lexicon says, “from what place:. In other words, I know not from what place ye are. You may ask, -

AT WHAT POINT WILL GOD CLOSE THE DOOR?
FOR WHAT REASON WOULD HE SHUT THE DOOR?
IS THIS ABOUT THE RAPTURE OR IF ONE COMMITS THE UNPARDONABLE SIN?

There are probably a variety of thoughts on this, and I will not claim to have the complete understanding with which to answer such questions. However, I do think it would be good to consider how that to some degree, the door could be, being shut, in many churches across America today. Notice that the gate we are to strive to enter in at, is the 'strait' gate. This word, in the Greek is stenos, sten-os'; “narrow (from obstacles standing close about): - strait. (Strong's) And the word 'strive' is agonizomai, ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee; “to struggle, lit. (to compete for a prize), fig. (to contend with an adversary), or gen. (to endeavor to accomplish something): - fight, labour fervently, strive. (Strong's)
We have already spoken of the many voices that are in the world, and of the thieves and robbers, which the porter is to guard against. And we know that before a person is saved, there are many obstacles that serve to distract or hinder us from accepting the Word into our hearts and in turn, giving our all to Jesus. But remember also that after salvation the sheep go in and out, following the Shepherd to pasture and rest. Our enemy, Satan, doesn't stop trying to steal the Word from our hearts after we're saved. He works from the outside but also from inside the fold.
Acts 20:28-31 Take therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?
Yet Paul said that he knew it would happen. It was such an important issue that Paul had warned them night and day for three years, even with tears! If it was so important to Paul, should it not be important to us also? It must be! He surely did not warn them so long and with such fervency, just to have it forgotten!
Do you think that the sheep could be easily drawn away from their Shepherd if they had a constant and close relationship with him, and were communing with him daily, listening to his voice?
When young lambs listen to pastors who preach some truth but contaminate it with worldly attitudes, to make it easier to accept, without being in obvious opposition to worldly views, then this can happen. Or when pastors mix the Word with personal interpretations, and personal opinions, based only on carnal thinking, or even false teaching, until the Shepherd no longer speaks through it, the sheep will not be certain of his voice. The Holy Spirit is not going to anoint the Word presented falsely, so in a sense, the door will be shut. The sheep are then left with a written letter which kills, and no Spirit of God to give it life. (2 Cor. 3:60
Satan is very cunning in the strategies he uses against the kingdom of God. He doesn't always approach the sheep showing his true face or his true purpose. (see Gen. 3:1) Rather, he changes his true appearance to, not only be one of the sheep, but even to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who has come to illuminate the Word of God to his people.
2Cor. 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
DEAR ONE, WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES SAY?
FALSE WHAT?
DECEITFUL WHAT?
These people present themselves as disciples of Christ! Satan comes pretending to be an angel of light. The Strong's Concordance gives the meaning for 'angel' here, as, “a messenger; esp. an “angel”; by impl. a pastor: ...”
So they come posing as messengers of light. Who is the true light, but Jesus himself? They come as messengers of Jesus! Even as pastors!
Matt. 7:15+16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Dear child of God, not every man who carries a minister's license, wears a robe or a backwards collar, or even holds the position of pastor, is a true man of God. We live in a world of deceivers. The word 'transforming' in 2 Cor. 11:13, in the Greek is, metaschematizp, met-aksh-ay-mat-id'-zo; to transfigure or disguise; fig. to apply (by accommodation): transfer, transform (self); to change. (Strong's)
Some Christians worry and disapprove of what messages are being given to children through the media, and rightly so. Yet while teenage mutant turtles have played on television, how many adults listened to evil mutant ministers from the pulpit, whose outward appearance was of sweetness and concern? Ministers who seem to carry a message of righteousness and appear to shine the 'light' on God's Word, but inwardly their goal is destruction of God's flock. This may sound a little far fetched, but if Paul warned the disciples might and day, for three years of just such happenings, then it must be a reality.
Do you think the Word they present is truly anointed by the Spirit of God, when given a false meaning, or does God shut the door and walk away?
Some men hold positions of pastors, but are only hirelings working for money. Some are impostures posing as something they are not. Some are men truly called of God, but who are failing to guard the Word as they ought, desiring approval and praise of men over that of God. Some are true pastors doing the best they know, to present the Word in truth and purity. The Chief Shepherd is going to come suddenly one day. And one day he will separate the sheep from those goats who have moved into the sheep fold and mixed with the sheep. Then he will close the door and it will be too late for many.
Now, dear child of God, please do not be frightened by all this, but turn to God with your whole heart and learn to know your master's voice well. God will lead you. But remember, we must do more than seek, we must also strive, or labor fervently. As we saw in the meaning of the word 'strive', we must fight. We have an enemy to contend with. But we can win, if we put the battle into God's hands.
The word 'seek' in Luke 13:24, where Jesus says that many will seek to enter in, is, in the Greek, zeto, dzay-teh'-o; “to seek (lit. or fig.); spec. (by Heb.) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life): - be (go) about, desire, endeavor, enquire (for), require, (x will) seek, (after, for, means).” (Strong's)
You can do all sorts of forms of worship; sing, dance and shout. You can ask all sorts of questions, make all sorts of inquiries, research and investigations, as you try to enter in to the body of Christ. But if that is what your seeking involves, it will not be enough. You must submit to God totally. And be prepared to do battle in the strength of the one who has defeated Satan at Calvary, so that you will not be one of those to whom the Lord will say – Luke 13:25 “ ... I know you not whence ye are:.”, but will, rather, be one to whom he will say -
Matt. 25:34 “ ... Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” -
Because you knew your master's voice and obeyed it.
Matt. 25:31+32 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Although we live in a time when the words which Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees, could be said of many in the church world, it does not have to be true of you and I. Jesus said -
Matt. 15:8+9 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
If you are now sitting under a pastor where you are unable to clearly distinguish the voice of God, you may need to make a change. But you can rest assured that God does want to speak to you through his Word, by his Spirit, and to have a personal relationship with you. Surrender your all to him, then begin to read the Word and ask him for understanding. He is willing to guide you into all truth.
Each man or woman who holds the position of pastor, must answer to God for what they do in relationship to the Word and God's sheep. If a pastor is serving God's little ones faithfully, carefully and according to God's Word, God is with him and will bless him. This man is a blessing to the church and a true servant. As such he should be honored, loved and appreciated as a gift from God, though he does not seek honor from men. Such a man is not too easy to come by and should never be taken for granted. Those who he serves should love him and look to his needs, to supply those needs as God leads and gives the ability.
Never fear, dear pastor, God is always faithful and will see to it you are cared for, if you trust him. Remember what Peter told the elders in 1 Peter. -
1 Peter 5:5-9 ... God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking who he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Pastor you are not alone in the afflictions you go through. The Greek word for 'afflictions' is pathema, path'-ay-mah; “something undergone, that is, hardship or pain; subj. an emotion or influence:- ...”
All the brotherhood in Christ must deal with these things. So remain humble, cast all your care on Jesus, and he will always care for you. Just see what he will do for the servant who trusts him as Abraham did. Never place your trust in the obedience of other men, for your life's support, for God will keep his Word to you, when you trust and obey, even if others should rebel and forsake you.
Rejoice! Be at peace! Let God be your portion and you will have nothing to fear! For the child of God there is peace even in the valley and provision even in the face of enemies!
Ps. 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Ps. 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Go with me now and let us see what instructions and/or guidelines are given in the New Testament concerning tithing and how ministers of the gospel are to be supported. God does have a plan of action, and it is the best!