Category Archives: Elders

Doddridge on being a minister

19 Wednesday Apr 2017

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Philip Doddridge, D.D., in Lectures on Preaching and the Several Branches of the Ministerial Office, 1808, Boston. The lectures were not published until after Doddridge had died. A short biography may be found here. Dr. Doddridge begins his lectures with 13 general comments about how one can make himself ready for the work of a minister:

See to it that there be a foundation of sincere piety in yourselves, or else there is but little prospect of your being useful or acceptable to others. — Be therefore firmly resolved to devote yourselves to God, and do so solemnly.

Examination:

Piety is an old-fashioned concept, but it lies at the heart of being a Christian. A pastor is one who undertakes to care for the souls of others, to lead them to Christ and to help shelter them from spiritual harm. To understand the word “piety” here and its importance, it would be useful to see it in the context of Calvin’s use in the Institutes, for instance:

Now, the knowledge of God, as I understand it, is that by which we not only conceive that there is a God but also grasp what befits us and is proper to his glory, in fine, what is to our advantage to know of him. Indeed, we shall not say that, properly speaking, God is known where there is no religion or piety

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, vol. 1, The Library of Christian Classics (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011), 39. In a footnote to this section, Battles writes,

It is a favorite emphasis in Calvin that pietas, piety, in which reverence and love of God are joined, is prerequisite to any true knowledge of God. Cf. I. iv. 4. The brief characterization of pietas that follows here may be compared with his words written in 1537: “The gist of true piety does not consist in a fear which would gladly flee the judgment of God, but … rather in a pure and true zeal which loves God altogether as Father, and reveres him truly as Lord, embraces his justice and dreads to offend him more than to die”; Instruction in Faith (1537), tr. P. T. Fuhrmann, pp. 18 f. (original in OS I. 379). For an examination of “pietas literata” with reference to Erasmus, John Sturm, Melanchthon, and Cordier, see P. R. Bolgar, The Classical Heritage and Its Beneficiaries, pp. 329–356. (In many contexts pietas is translated “godliness” in the present work.)

We would not hire a plumber or doctor, lawyer or gardener who did not exhibit skill and interest in that particular subject. Yet many pastors seem more fit for entertainer than a fit guide in godliness. In any event, Doddridge is right. Here are a couple of questions for self-examination on the question of piety.

Meditation: What do I read? Is my reading affective — does what I read (if it is profitable) something which stirs my heart or changes my conduct? Do I ponder and consider what I read? How is my reading of Scripture? Is it perfunctory or diligent and delightful? Do I read, meditate, change?

Prayer: Do I pray — and not just as a matter of course before meals? Do I pray for holiness? Do I pray for others. (Here is a place to start: http://www.icommittopray.com).

Time: How do I spend my time? Take one week, and track your time in 15 minute intervals? What does it show?

Service: Does you life of faith flow out as love to your neighbor?

Holiness: Would someone who spent much time with you think that this characterizes your life? Is there a growth in holiness?

Resolution: Have you — and if not do so — resolve to God that your will demonstrate this piety.

Lemuel Haynes, The Character and Work of a Spiritual Watchman (1791), Part 5

04 Sunday Dec 2016

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(The final portion of the sermon)

A FEW PARTICULAR ADDRESSES

First, to him who is about to set apart to the work of Gospel Ministry in this place

Dear Sir,

From the preceding observations, you will easily see that the work before you is great and solemn: and I hope this is a lesson you have been taught otherwise: the former acquaintance I have had with you gives me reason to hope that this is the case. You about to have these souls committed to your care; you are to be placed as a watchman upon the walls of this part of Zion. I doubt not but that it is with trembling you enter upon this work. The relation that this day’s business has with a judgment to come renders the scene affecting. Your mind I trust has already anticipated the solemn moment when you must meet these people before the bar of God. The good profession you are this state to make is before many witnesses; saints and wicked men are beholding; the angels are looking down upon us; above all the great God with complacency or disapprobation beholds the transactions of this day: he sees what motives govern you, and he will proclaim it before the assembled universe. Oh! solemn and affecting thought! The work before you is great and requires great searching of heart, great self-diffidence, and self abasement. How necessary that you feel your dependence upon God: you cannot perform any part of your work without his help; under a sense of your weakness, repair to him for help. Would you be a successful minister, you must be a praying dependent one; do all in the name and strength of the Lord Jesus. Would you be faithful in watching for the souls of men, you must be much and watching your own heart. If you are careless with respect to your own soul, you will be also with respect to others. Although the work is too great for you, yet let such considerations as these revive your desponding heart. That the cause is good, better than life, you may well give up all for it. ’Tis the cause of God, and that which will prove victorious in spite of all opposition from men or devils –that God has promised to be with his ministers to the end of the world–that the work is delightful; Paul somewhere blesses God for putting him into the work of the ministry –the campaign is short, your warfare will soon be accomplished– That the reward is great, being found faithful, you will receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Secondly, We have a word to the church and congregation in this place.

My Brethren and Friends,

The importance of the work of a gospel minister suggests the weighty concerns of your souls. As ministers must give account how they preach and behave; so hearers also are to be examined how they hear and improve. You are to hear with the view to the day of judgment, always remembering that there is no sermon or opportunity that you have in this life to repair for another world that shall go unnoticed at that decisive court. Your present exercises with respect to the solemn affairs of this day will then come up to public view.

God we trust is this day sending one to watch for your souls: should not this excite sentiments of gratitude in your breasts? Shall God makes so much care for your souls and you neglect them? How unreasonable will it be for you to despise the pious instruction of your watchmen? You will herein wrong your own souls and it will be an evidence that you love death. You will bear with him in not accommodating his sermons to your vitiated tastes because he must give account. His work is great and you must pray for him; as in the verse following the text the apostle says, “Brethren pray for us.”

Is it the business of your minister to watch for your souls with such indefatigable assiduity, you easily see how necessary it is that you do what you can to strengthen him in this work. That you minister to his temporal wants, that he may give himself wholly to these things. The great backwardness among people in general with respect to this matter at present is an unfavorable aspect. “Who goeth to warfare anytime at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or feedeth a flock and earth not of the milk of the flock?” 1 Cor. ix. 7.

Doubtless this man is sent here for the rise and fall of many in this place. We hope we will be used as a means of leading some to Christ; while on the other hand, we even tremble at the thought, he may fit others for more aggravated condemnation. Take heed how you hear.

A few words to the assembly in general to close the subject.

What has been said about the character and work of gospel ministers shows us at once it is a matter in which we are all deeply interested. The greater part of the people present, I expect to see you no more until I meet them at that day, which has been the main subject of the foregoing discourse. With respect to the character of the people present, we can say little about them; only this we may observe, they are all dying creatures, hastening to the grave and to judgment: there must we meet you–there an account of this day’s work will come up to view–there each one must give an account concerning the right discharge of the work assigned him: the preacher must give an account, and you that hear also.

Let me say to such as our yet in their sins and proclaim it from this part of the wall of Zion, that the enemy of your souls is at hand– that destruction awaits you. Oh! flee! flee! to Christ Jesus: bow to his sovereignty; Know this, but except you were born again and become new creatures in the dispositions of your mind, you cannot be saved. Shall ministers watch and pray for your souls night and day and you pay no attention to them; since they are so valuable, having such a relation to God, did men regard divine glory they would regard their souls as being designed to exhibit it.

Be instructed then, to delay no longer, but by repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ make peace with him before you were summoned before his awful bar. Let me bear testimony against your practice too common on such occasions as this: many people think it is time for carnal mirth and dissipation, that which nothing can be more provoking to God nor incommensurate with that day and strict account that such an occasion tends to exciting the mind. May all, both ministers and people, be exhorted to diligence in their work, that finally we me adopt the language of the Blessed apostle, “As also ye have acknowledged us in part that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

AMEN

Lemuel Haynes, The Character and Work of a Spiritual Watchman (1791), Part 4

01 Thursday Dec 2016

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IV. We are to Inquire What Influence such Considerations will have on the True Ministers of Christ; or when They may be said to Preach and Act as Those who must Give Account.

1. Who properly expect to give a account, will be very careful to examine themselves with respect to the motives by which they are influenced to undertake this work. He will view himself in the presence of a heart searching God, requires truth in the inward parts, and will shortly call him to an account for all the exercises of his heart. He will search every corner of his soul, whether the divine honor, or something else, is the object of his pursuit. He has been taught, by the rectitude of divine law, the God will not pass by transgression, but will judge the secrets of men. The work will appear so great, the the nature recoil at the thought, like Jeremiah, “Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child.” Or with the great apostle, “Who is sufficient for these things?” The true disciple of Jesus will not thrust himself forward in the ministry, like a heedless usurper; but with the greatest caution and self diffidence.

2. A faithful watchmen will manifest that he expects to give an account by being very careful to know his duty, and we’ll take all proper ways which are in his power to become acquainted with it. He will study, as the apostle directs Timothy, to show himself approved onto God. He will give attention to reading, meditation and prayer; and will often call and divine aid on account of his own insufficiency. As a faithful soldier we’ll be careful to understand his duty: so the spiritual watchmen would here closely to the word of God for his guide and directory.

3. I minister that watches for souls as one who expects to give an account, we’ll have none to please but God. When he studies his sermons, this will not be his inquiry, “How shall I form my discourse so as to pleasing gratified to humors of men and get their applause?” But, “How show I preach so is to do honor to God, and meet with the approbation of my judge?” This will be his daily request at the throne of grace. This will be 10,000 times better to him than the pain flattery of men. His discourses will not be circulated to gratify the carnal heart, but he will not Shawn just clear the whole counsel of God.

The solemn account that the minister expects to give on another day we’ll direct him in the choice of this subject; he would dwell upon those things which have more direct relation to the eternal world. He will not entertain his audience with empty speculations or vein philosophies; but with things that concern their everlasting welfare. Jesus Christ and him crucified we’ll be the great topic and darling theme of his preaching. If he needs to save souls, like a skillful physician, he will endeavor to lead his patients into a view of their maladies and then point them to a bleeding Savior as the only way of recovery. The faithful watchmen will give the alarm at the approach of the enemy, and will blow the trumpet in the ears of the sleeping sinner and endeavor to awaken him.

4. The pious preacher will endeavor to adapt is discourses to the understanding of his hearers. “He will not be ambitious as saying find things to when applause, it is saying useful things to win souls.” He will consider that he has the week as well as the strong, children as well as adults to speak to, and that he must be accountable for the blood of their souls if they perish through his neglect. This will influence him to study plainness more than politeness; also he will labor to accommodate his sermons to the different states or circumstances of his hearers; he will left comforting and encouraging lessons to see before the children of God; while the terrors of the law are to be proclaimed in the ears of the impenitent. He will strive to preach distinguishing that every here are may have his portion.

The awful scenes of approaching judgment, will have an influence upon the Christian preacher with respect to the manner in which he will deliver himself. He will guard against that low and vulgar style that tends to degrade religion; but ‘s language will in some measure correspond with those very solemn and affecting things that do engage his heart and tongue. He will not substitute a whining tone in the room of the sermon; which, to speak no worse of it, is a sort of satire upon the gospel, tending greatly to deprecate it solemnity and importance, and to bring it into contempt; but the judgment what appear so awful and his attention so captivated with it I his accents will be the result of a mind honestly and engagingly taking up with a subject vastly important.

“Such a preacher will not come into the pulpit as an actor comes upon the stage to perform a feigned character and forget his real one; to sentiments or represent passion to his own.” [Fordyce] it is not to display his talents, but like one who feels the weight of eternal things, he will not address his hearers as though judgment was a mere empty sound; but viewing eternity just before them, any congregation up on the frontiers of it, this whole eternal state depends upon a few uncertain moments; Oh! With what zeal and fervor will he speak! How will death, judgment, and eternity appear as it were in every feature and every word! Out of the abundance of his heart his mouth will speak. His hearers will easily perceive but the preacher is one who expects to give account. He will study and preach with reference to a judgment to come, and deliver every sermon in some respect as if it were his last, not knowing when his lord will call him or his hearers to account.

We are not suppose that his zeal Will vented self and the frightful bellowings of enthusiasm; Buddy will speak forth the words of truth and soberness, Wwith modesty, and with Christian decency.

5 Those who watch for salsas those who expect to give an account, one ever to know as much as may be the state of the souls committed to their charge, that they may be in a better capacity to do them good. They will point out those errors and dangers which they may see approaching; and when they see souls taken by the enemy, they will exert themselves to deliver them from the snare of the devil. The onward department of the faithful minister will correspond with his preaching: he will reprove, rebuke, warning his people from house to house. The weighty affairs of another world will direct his daily walk and conversation and and all places and on every occasion.

Lemuel Haynes, The Character and Work of a Spiritual Watchman Described (1791), Part 2

26 Saturday Nov 2016

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II. Let Us Say Something with Respect to the Character of the Spiritual Watchman.

Natural endowments embellished with a good education are qualifications obviously requisite for an evangelical minister; that it is needless that we insist upon them at the same time and that the interest of religion has and still continues greatly to suffer for the want them is equally notorious.

Nearly ages of Christianity, men were miraculously qualified and calls into the work of gospel ministry; but we are far from believing that this is the present mode by which ordinary ministers are introduced.

1. It is necessary that those who hands are blessed Lord, buy those repeated interrogations to Simon whether he loved him, has set before us the importance of this qualification in a spiritual shepherd. The sad consequences of admitting those into the army who are in heart enemies of the Commonwealth have often taught men to be careful in this particular.

The trust reposed in the watchmen’s such as renders him capable of great detriment to the community. He that undertakes in this work from secular motives will meet with disappointment. What a gross absurdity as this for a man to command religion to others while he is a stranger to himself!

“The pious preacher will commend the savior from the personal fund of his own experience.” Being smitten with the love of Christ himself with zeal and fervor will he speak of the divine glory! Love to Christ will tend to make a minister faithful and successful. The importance of this point urges me to be copious on the subject were it not too biomes to require a long discussion.

2. Wisdom and prudence are important qualifications in minsters: hence that injunction the great preacher. Matthew x. 16. Be you therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. He is a man of spiritual understanding whose soul is irradiated with the beams of the Son or Righteousness — has received an unction form the holy one — is taught by the Word and Spirit, walks in the light of God’s countenance He has seen the deceit of his own heart — knows the intrigues of the enemy, — sees the many snares to which the souls of men are exposed, — and not being ignorant of the devices of Satan, he will endeavor to carry to spiritual campaign with that care and prudence that he shall not get advantage. He knows that he has a subtle enemy to oppose and human nature, replete with enmity against the gospel; and will endeavor in every effort to conduct with that wisdom and circumspection as shall appear most likely to prove successful.

3. Patience is another qualification very necessary in a spiritual watchman. His breast being inspired with love to the cause, he will stand the storms of temptations; will not be disheartened by all the fatigues, and sufferings to which his work exposes him; but will endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4. Courage and constitute a part of the character of a gospel minister. A sentinel who is worthy of that station we’ll not fear the formidable appearance of the enemy nor tremble at their menaces. None of these things remove him, Neither will he count his life dear to him to defend a cause so very important. He has the spirit of the intrepid Nehemiah, “Should such a man as I flee?” He stands fast in the face; quits himself like a man, and is strong.

5. Nor let us we forget to mention vigilance or close attention to the businesses signed him, as an essential qualification in a minister of Christ. A man does not answer the idea of a watchmen unless his mind is engaged in the business. The Word, which we have rendered watch, in the text, signifies, in the original, too awake, and abstain from sleeping. Indeed all the purposes of the watch set upon the wall are frustrated if he sleeps on guard; there by himself and the whole army are liable to falling easy prey to the cruel depredations of the enemy. The spiritual watchmen is not to sleep, But to watch the first motion of the enemy and give the alarm: last souls Parish through his drowsiness and inattention.

 

Lemuel Haynes: The Character and Work of the Spiritual Watchman Described (1791), Part 1

26 Saturday Nov 2016

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The Character and Work of a Spiritual
Watchman Described

A SERMON
Delivered at
Hinesburgh
February 13, 1791

At the ORDINATION of the
Rev. Reuben Parmerlee

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_________________

By Lemuel Haynes
Pastor of a Church in Rutland

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_________________

Litchfield (Connecticut)
Printed by Collier and Beul
1791

Hebrews XIII.17
For they watch over your souls as they that must give account

Nothing is more evidence, than that men are prejudiced against the gospel. It is from this source that those who are for the defense of it meet with so much contempt. It is true, they are frail, sinful dust and ashes in common with other men; yet on account of the important embassy with which they are entrusted, it is agreeable to the unerring dictates of inspiration to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. 1 Thess. v. 13.

To illustrate this sentiment was the design of the Apostle of this verse, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourself.” He was far from inculcating anything that might seem to confront what the Apostle Peter has enjoined, 1 Pet. v. 3. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage. The word signifies to lead, guide or direct.

Our text contains an important motive to excite to attention and respect that is due to the ministers of Christ on account of their relation to him; and that is the aspect of their work has to Judgement Day: For they watch for your souls, as they that must quickly give account. They are amenable to their great Lord and Master for every sermon they preach, and must give an account of the reception they and their work meet with among their hearers.

Under the influence of such a thought, let us take notice to a few things, supposed by the work, assigned to ministers in the text. — Say something with respect to their character — Whence it appears that they must give account. — When they must be said to be properly influenced by such considerations.

I. There are Several Ideas Suggested by the Work Assigned to Gospel Ministers in the Text: Which is to Watch for Souls. This Supposes

1. That the goal is of vast importance, else why so much attention paid to it, as to have a guard to inspect it? All those injunctions which we find interspersed through the sacred pages to watchmen to be faithful are so many evidences of the worth of men’s souls. What renders them so valuable is the important relation they stand in to their Maker.

The perfections of the Deity are more illustrated in the redemption of fallen men, than they would have been in the salvation of apostate angels; else why were the latter passed by, while God chose the former as the objects of his attention?

God has from eternity appointed a proper number for the display of his mercy and justice; means are necessary to fit for the Master’s use; so that the soul in this view is of infinite importance.

2. Watchmen over the souls of men implies that they are prone to neglect them or to be inattentive to their souls. When one is set to inspect or watch over another it supposes some kind of incapacity that he is under to take care of himself. The Scripture represents mankind by nature as fools or madmen and being in a state of darkness, et cetera.

Men in general are very sagacious with respect to temporal affairs, and display much natural wit and ingenuity and contriving and accomplishing evil designs; but to do good, they have no knowledge. Jeremiah iv. 22. This is an evidence that their inability to foresee danger and provide against it is that the moral kind. Were there a disposition in mankind corresponding to their natural powers to secure the eternal interest of their souls and the way God has prescribed, watchmen would be in great measure useless.

The work and office of gospel ministers suggests the idea of enemies invading: that there is a controversy subsisting in a danger approaching. When soldiers are called fourth and sentinel stand up on the wall it to notes war. The souls of men are environed with 10,000 enemies that are seeking their ruin. Earth and Heller combined to destroy. How many already have fell victims to their ferocity! The infernal powers are daily dragging away their prey to the prison of hell. Men have rebelled against God and have made him their enemy; yea, all creatures and all events are working the eternal misery of the finally impenitent sinner.

II. Let Us Say Something with Respect to the Character of the Spiritual Watchman.

The Important Concerns of Ministers, 1797, Part 2

20 Sunday Nov 2016

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Part 1 may be found here.

Another important idea contained in the text is, that the church, or people of God, among whom a faithful minister finishes his work, will be a cause our crown of peculiar joy or rejoicing at the coming of Christ. It will be a matter of great satisfaction to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and other saints of that day, but the scriptures represent that godly ministers what arrive peculiar joy from the pious parts of their congregations. Daniel 12:3; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 2:16. Reflecting on past providences will be a source of great joy at the day of judgment and as many things have taken place between the minister and his people in which they are more particularly conversant and interested, when they come to be explained, it will afford special joy and admiration, as they have been companions and tribulation, send now it is likely they will be in a more peculiar sense hope enjoy, and help each other in magnifying the Lord for special favors, and displays of divine power and grace on their behalf.

For those of or whom the Holy Ghost has made them overseers in particular: how God will give their hearers weapon converted through their instrumentality as a kind of reward and fruit of their travel or labor. When it appears that God has made use of the true ministers of Christ the conversion of some of the sauce wants committed to their charge it will excite wonder, joy, and humility in the minds of pious teachers, that God should deign to honor them as instruments of such glorious work, by which they will be led to adore sovereign grace and condescending love.

It is often through the painful labors of Christ’s servants that souls are brought home to God, doubtless he would approve of such virtues by conveying signal honors I’m such you have turned many to righteousness, who will shine as stars forever and ever.

Pious people will give such account of their faithful teachers as will meet with approbation of God, which will be expected by that heavenly plaudit,”Well done good and faithful servant!”

Their mutual accounts will be given up with joy, and not with grief, Hebrews 13:17. The hopes and expectations of such ministries are great, As the apostle suggest in the text— For what is our hope, or Joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye? He speaks of it as the earnest hope and expectation of all Christ’s ministers, by calling it our hope. They reflect with pleasure on the approaching happy moment, when it comes it will greatly gratis five their holy desires.

That it will be possible to hold equal communion with all the saints, especially at one time in the invisible world, perhaps is not admissible. It appears that the wicked, weapon associates and sin here, we’ll be companions of torments hereafter. Luke 16:28.

They are to be gathered like the standing corn, and to be bound in bundles to burn. It is more than possible that the righteous who have live together in this life will have a more intimate access to each other in the world come.

It will be useful for them to meet in some sense as distinct societies, perhaps it will subserve the interest of the universe that they in a degree continue so. It is the character of the true Church of Christ that they treat his ministers with respect in this life, accounting them as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1. They help them in their work. 2 Corinthians 1:11. God will in the great day reward people for such kindness; is hereby they express their love to Christ. Matthew 25:40. This will gratify the benevolent feelings of Christ servant; at the same time fill them with holy admiration, and deep humility, that what has been done to such poor sinful creatures should be taken notice of.

Ministers and the people of their charge will assist each other, and be united in bringing a verdict against the wicked and impenitent, among whom they live while on earth. The saints are to judge the world. 1 Corinthians 6:2. one way by which they will do this, without wispy to declare before angels and men what they know about them, or their conduct in this life. And attachment to divine justice will make this delightful work. Ministers must declare what and how they have preached to them, and the bad improvement they have made of the gospel, so far as it has come under their observations; how they have despised and mock the messengers of the Lord, contemned his word and ordinances. Pious hearers and witness to the same things, and in this way the mutual testimony of godly ministers and people will be strengthened and supported, and divine proceedings against in penitent sinners vindicated that’s the church will be a crown of joy to her faithful ministers.

The Important Concerns of Ministers (1797) Part 1

19 Saturday Nov 2016

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The important concerns of Ministers, and the
People of their charge, at the day
of Judgment

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Illustrated in a
SERMON

delivered at Rutland,
ORANGE SOCIETY
August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the
Rev. Abraham Carpenter
THEIR WORTHY PASTOR

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By LAMUEL HAYNES
Pastor of a Church in Rutland, Vermont
_______________

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PRINTED AT RUTLAND, 1798

1 Thessalonians II.19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his Coming?

The second coming of Christ is the source of peculiar joy and consolation to the people of God: it is a day in which their hopes and expectations will be fully answered. Tribulation attends the good men while in this life; the scenes of divine providence are mysterious, and many things unaccountable and insignificant without a day of judgment; they will then be explained and adjusted to the joy and admiration of all who love Christ appearing. Many of the events that take place in this life, stand in a solemn relation to the Judgment Day, unknown more so than the gospel ministry; hence it is that the attention of the true servants of Christ is so much taken up with a future state. St. Paul being detained from the church of Thessalonica, since this epistle as a token of his love and respect to them; in which he anticipates that blessed., when he should meet them at the bar of Christ, which would afford such joy and satisfaction asked you more than compensate for all their sorrow, more especially for his being prevented a personal interview with those to whom he wrote.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his Coming?

We have two very important ideas suggested in the words. One is, that ministers and their people must meet each other at the day of judgment.—The second is, that although ministers are often separated from their hearers in this life, Get the people of God among whom a pious creature finishes his work, will be a cause or crown of peculiar joy and satisfaction at the second coming of Christ.

With respect to the first point we may observe, to give us a striking contrast between this in the coming world, we are in the present state subject to many vicissitudes.

What changes are taking place in the empires, states, societies, and families? In nothing is this more observable been in matters relating to ministers and the people of their charge. A persecuting spirit, that prevailed in the apostolic age, was often the mean of parting friends, and especially of driving preachers from their churches: the same causes had influence in every age at the church; but if religious societies are so happy is to escape such a calamity, yet it pleases the great head of the church in his sovereign wisdom, to separate ministers and their people by death; this gets feeling to a pious preacher, And in some degree has influence and every sermon he delivers. That all mankind will be collected before the bar of Christ, to see the great and intricate affairs of the universe adjusted, is a plane dictate I’ve reason and scripture; but that many we’ll meet there as having mutual concerns with each other as evident.

—More especially, ministers and the people one committed to their charge, doubtless will appear in some sense as distinct societies, as having particular and personal matters to attend to. —This supposes that they will have a knowledge of each other: for without this the purposes of their meeting in such a manner could not be answered. How far this will extend, or by what means it will be conveyed, is too curious to inquire.

It seems, unless we are able by some means to distinguish those from others with whom we have been intimate in this life, the designs of the future judgment once some measure be frustrated. The great end of that day is to illustrate divine truth, or make that appear conspicuous to creative intelligence; to affect this, god will make use of mankind is instruments; this is the method he takes in this life, and doubtless it will be most eligible in the world come. For our acquaintance to be summoned as witnesses for or against us at this court, we’ll perhaps be the best means to administer conviction. In this way the great God can speak in language easy for finite creatures to understand.

One design of the world, being divided into distinct societies and communities, without was to prepare matters for the day of judgment. The relation between ministers and people is such as renders them capable of saying much about each other; in this way the justice and mercy of God will be illustrated, divine proceedings vindicated and every mouth stopped. It is our conduct in this life that will direct divine proceeding towards us at the final judgment; that the equity of God’s administrations may appear, ’tis the salvation in damnation of many souls will be through the instrumentality of faithful and unfaithful watchmen: this is an idea contained in the charge God gave to Ezekiel, 32d chapter. It will be necessary that the motives by which ministers have been influenced in their work, be brought out to view: for without sincerity of heart they can never execute their office with any degree of truth faithfulness, and are a high affront to God, and a vile imposition on the people.

At the day of judgment the doctrines with which a minister has entertained his hearers must be examined. However, doctrinal preaching must be discarded by many in such words as metaphysical, abstruse, and etc., are often made use of to obstruct free and candid inquiry. Yeah it is evident that one great end of the gospel ministry is to disseminate right sentiments; hence it is that Paul’s so often exhorts Timothy to take heed of his doctrine. Sound doctrine, as well as could practice, is necessary to constitute the Christian character. Whoever transgresseth and abideth not in doctrine of Christ hath not God, 2 John 9.

A careful inquiry will be made whether an empty parade of learning, elegancy of style, etc., have been the main things with which I people have been entertained; tending only to gratify vain curiosity, and to fix the attention of the hearers on the speaker. This made the St. Paul condemn such a mode of preaching, and determined not to know anything say Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Cor. 2:2.

Whether vague equivocal expressions have been used to convey, or whether to obscure the truths of the gospel; by which anything, and almost everything maybe understood. This is causing the trumpet to give an uncertain sound; and has no tendency to impress or give feeling to the mind, as is the case with the words of the wise, being as goads and nails, Ecclesiastes 12:11.

Whether to please man has had greater influence on our composing and delivering our sermons or the glory of God and the good of souls. People will be examined at the bar of Christ, whether they have not dealt plainly with —

[Whether they had] been told their characters and danger–that they are wholly opposed to God, destitute of everything that is holy, or morally good–

That they are by nature under the curse of God’s law, exposed every moment endless well –that they are hopeless and helpless in themselves–

The necessity of the renewing influence of the Spirit–

The nature of their impudency, that it consists of an evil heart;

That they are therefore altogether inexcusable, and are criminal in proportion to the degree of their inability–

Nothing short of repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the immediate duty of all that hear the gospel.

Ministers and their people must meet before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account whether the true character of God has in any good measure been investigated–

As a sin hating in sin and sin revenging God —

As one who in his sovereign wisdom and goodness has elected some to everlasting life, and others for the display of his power injustice to internal death–

That he governs all things by a fixed on alterable plan.

That of him, and to him, and through are all things.

Without this, the character of God is kept out of sight, people left in the dark, and I’m not able to determine whether they love or hate the true God.

It must be known whether people have had the character and work of the Redeemer set before them —

The design of his sufferings;
the efficacy of his blood,
and the necessity of our union to him.

The manner in which divine truth has been delivered, will be a matter of serious examination at that day; whether with that earnestness and fervor becoming the vast importance celebrity of gospel truth, tending to effect the mind.

The deportment, or examples of ministers among their people will be closely attended to:
their private visits, exhortations and reproof,
holy desires and wrestlings for the souls of their hearers, we’ll not escape notice;
the improvement that people have made of such advantages will be brought into public view.

How often people attended on the ministration of the word, and the manner how, will be matters of serious concern at the Judgment Day. Those excuses that men make for neglecting public worship, will be weighed in at just scale.

Whether people have so far contributed to the temporal support of their ministers as to enable them to devote themselves to the service of Christ: or by to great neglect, have not obstructed the gospel, robbed God, wounded their own souls.

It will be useful that the time of the minister’s continuance among the people be known, as it will serve to set the character of the gospel despisers in a true point of light. That ministers and the people of their charge will meet each other at the bar of Christ as suggested in my text and other parts of the sacred writings.—It has already been observed, that in this way truth will appear a conspicuous, and the conduct of God believe vindicated, and the designs of the Judgment Day in the best manner answered.

It may be further observed, the two matters relating to the gospel ministry are of such magnitude it appears important that it will be attended to; they concern a Judgment Day an eternal state. On ministers and people meet in the house of God it is an acknowledgment that they believe in the future state of retribution, And as a sort appeals to the day of judgment. The influence of a faithful or unfaithful minister is such as to the fact unborn ages; April commonly determine the sentiments and characters of their successors; and in this way they maybe doing good or evil after they are dead and even to the second coming of Christ.

That God’s hatred towards false teachers and against those who choose them, together with their criminality may appear, it will be necessary that these matters I laid open at the tribunal of Christ—. As a proof of the matter under consideration I may only add: that there always has been an important controversy and a greater or lesser degree between ministers and part of their people; it is so with faithful preachers and some of their hearers; wicked man oppose the doctrines they preach, and will not be convinced. Unfaithful preachers, they have advocates and opposers; the dispute involved the character of Christ, it cannot be settled in this world: how necessary that ministers and their people meet at the great day to have the matter decided, the doctrines of Christ vindicated, and the characters of ministers or people exonerated.

II.

Why didn’t Paul take a salary at Corinth?

06 Wednesday Jul 2016

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One aspect of the ancient world that we need to keep in mind as we read these verses is the fact that it frequently operated on the basis of informal “patron-client” relationships. In such relationships, a “have” (patron) supported a “have-not” (client) materially. The have-not did not earn or merit such “grace.” The patron or “have” did it for other reasons, such as the prestige of being noble or various other favors a have-not might render. In return, the have-not, the “client,” returned whatever honor or service was appropriate.

In some parts of the Roman Empire, the newly rich would compete for status by accruing as many clients as they could.3 Such clients might be expected to come to the patron’s house once a day and do whatever menial tasks the patron required. In return they would get at least one meal that day along with the possibility of future help. The entanglements of patron-client relationships provide us with a good explanation for why Paul on principle did not receive material support from the churches where he was ministering. He would take support from churches elsewhere, such as the support he received from the Philippian church while he was at Thessalonica (Phil. 4:15–16). But he refused support from the cities where he currently served.

Kenneth Schenck, 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Commentary for Bible Students (Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2006), 136.  Commenting on 1 Corinthians 9

Ministry Directions from 1799

26 Sunday Jun 2016

Posted by in Elders, Ministry, Uncategorized

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This letter is found in “The Evangelical Magazine” for January 1799, page 26. It is entitled, “On the Exemplary Behavior of Ministers”.

Dear Sir,
In regard to mankind in general, you must labor to be not only unblamable and unreprovable in all things, but, also, of good report. Study the most rigid equity in all your dealings. Cultivate the most engaging humility of spirit; preferring others to yourself; condescending to persons of low degree; never esteeming yourself too much, nor reaching beyond your station or ability.

Above all things, put on charity, the most tender and loving affection, and about in it’s delightful and winning exercise; ardently loving good men, in proportion to the appearance of Christ’s image in them; highly esteeming them, delighting in their persons and company; readily assisting and supporting them; truly and heartily loving all men, wishing in promoting their real good; pinching yourself to supply the poor; forgiving injuries though often repeated; pitying and praying for malicious and inveterate enemies and rendering them good for evil; being hospitable to strangers, especially to such as are persecuted for righteousness’s sake, or who appear to be extremely destitute.

Let your moderation be known to all men; and readily bearing with, and overlooking there moroseness, passion, imprudence, or the like; interpreting their words and deeds in the best sense which they can bear; yielding from your right to prevent contention and offense; overlooking and forgiving what reproaches and injuries you meet with.

Show yourself to be apt, ready, and inclined to things spiritual. Let your speech be always seasoned with salt; not merely innocent, but edifying. Seize every opportunity of introducing, or maintaining, spiritual converse. In order to this, furnish your mind with an extensive stock of interesting anecdotes and striking hints. In imitation of your Divine Master, Study to draw something serious and instructive from everything you see or hear.

Prudence is no less necessary and guarding against advances of designing men, who hypocritically pretend to esteem and love you; in avoiding the unbridled rage of enemies; and attending, not only to that which is lawful, but also to that which is expedient; and keeping within the limits of your station, while you were endeavoring to extirpate evil, and promote what is good; and never correcting evils by that which will prove as hurtful or more so; and studying to suppress the fame of your good deeds, if it be likely that it will be perverted to a bass use; and a never meddling with, or even inquiring into those things which do not concern you.

By the earnest study of the above duties towards God, yourself, and your neighbor, you will promote your own delightful fellowship with God; you will cherish and maintain the abundant influences of the Holy Ghost, who dwells in you; you will make God delight to honor and bless your ministrations; you will prevent your falling into much sin, snares, reproach and the like; you will increase your fitness for your office; you will render yourself and family noted examples to your flock; You will procure the affection of good men, the help of their fervid prayers, and the esteem of all, on their readiness to attend without prejudice, to instructions, reproofs, and exhortations; you will adorn your ministry, and promote the usefulness of it and the salvation of your hearers; you will highly glorify god, and acting answerably to his nature, his oracles, law or gospel, ordinances or worshipers, with which your ministry is connected; All of which require holiness and virtue in all manner of conversation.

Whereas by unholiness and vice, ministers render themselves unfit to study, understand, or declare the ministers of God’s Kingdom; and are exceedingly hurtful to the church, exposing her ordinances to neglect and contempt. They’re bad example spreads far and wide among the people. Their wickedness introduces manifold errors in corrections into the church. The corrections expose them to the most fearful judgments of the Most High.

A Teaching Outline of 1 Peter 5:1-4

03 Monday Mar 2014

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Peter’s instruction to the elders of the churches.

A. An exhortation, v. 1.

1. Peter calls himself a “fellow elder” — even though he is the apostle Peter.

2. His qualifications: (a) he has witnessed the sufferings of Christ; (b) he hopes for glory.

B. The instruction to the elders, vv. 2-4

1. The general rule: Shepherd

a. It is God’s flock, not yours (cf. Acts 20:28).

b. He gives three pairs of contrasts which demonstrate the nature of the work

i. not compulsion, rather willingly

ii. not for gain (extracted from the flock), but eagerly

iii. not domineering (lording over), but rather by providing an example.

2. Look for a reward from Christ. (The elder’s orientation must be toward the return of Christ. 1 Peter 1:13).

C. Application and development

1. The danger for the elder is pride

a. It is God’s flock: implication, don’t think of it as your flock.

b. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; elders are just undershepherds.

i. Example: One time someone called CBC and spoke to Jack. The caller insisted on speaking to The Pastor. Jack kept saying, “I’m a shepherd. If you want to speak to The Pastor, you’ll need to speak with Jesus.”

ii. Example: Mike P told him of his life as a shepherd growing up in Greece. His father was the shepherd of a flock which he loved and cared for. His father was the shepherd. But to help him in his work he had dogs who also took care of the sheep. The elder is in the end, a dog to help the shepherd.

c. The shepherd is warned to not lord over the flock. It is a butcher who drives the sheep about and demands from them. It is a shepherd who leads the sheep through dangerous places, walking ahead, driving off wolves, finding a place to rest. The example of the shepherd must thus be an example of humility.

2. The elder must shepherd God’s flock through suffering to glory.

a. That has been the theme of this letter.

b. Peter grounds his eldership in his witness of suffering and his hope for glory.

3. The elder must be remarkable for his humility.

a. Note that Peter warns the elder against

i. Thinking of the flock as the elder’s flock. The sheep belong to Jesus.

ii. His three warnings against exercising power over the flock. A three-fold warning means that this must not be overlooked. It also speaks to the constant danger of leadership.

b. 1 Peter 5:5, “all of you” are instructed to humble. Thus, the example of the elder must be in accord with the command.

c. 1 Peter 5:6, there is a universal command to humility.

d. The previous commands of entrusting oneself to God’s design, not taking personal revenge or control, blessing in the face of trials all flow from and require humility.

e. Accordingly, humility — a patient hope for the Lord’s rescue from present trials — is the great strength of elder’s shepherding. Implication: if an elder is not example of humility, then he is a usurper and enemy of the flock.

4. Consider the matter more broadly.

a. Jesus on leadership. Mark 9:33-37; 10:42-45.

b. The elder’s authority is one of instructing in the Scripture. 1 Tim. 1:3-2 Tim.4:2. The elder is a steward of Christ’s authority. 1 Cor. 4:1.

c. The distinguishing mark of an overseer is not merely a godly character, it is in particular, the use of Scripture in instruction. 1 Tim. 3:2 “able to teach”; Titus 1:9.

d. The respect due an elder is dependent wholly upon their example of a godly character & their ability to instruct others in Scripture. Hebrews 13:;7 & 17.

e. Elders who fail to make disciples after Christ [by (a) providing a example of godliness and humility; (b) instructing faithfully in the Scripture] after called savage wolves. They are not blessings but dangers to the flock. Acts 20:29-31a. Note that merely holding an office does not mean the man is rightly an elder. (See, e.g., Hosea 8:4a, “they made kings, but not through me”.) You are nowhere commanded to be subject to ungodly men. Consider the example of a wife’s submission. The husband has no plenary control of a wife, but only a charge to care for her. A wife is to submit only “as is fitting in the Lord” (Col. 4:18).

f. The OT example of the priest. The priest had the duty of instructing the people in God’s law. Leviticus 10:11. In Hosea 4:4-6 & Malachi 2:1-9 God condemns priests for failing to provide instruction to the people. See, ESV study Bible notes on Hosea 4: The priests had the responsibility of teaching the people God’s laws (cf. Lev. 10:11; Mal. 2:6–7), but they had failed miserably, and as a result, the people lacked knowledge of God’s laws and his ways. Therefore God says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. But he puts the blame squarely on the priests: because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. On “knowledge,” see notes on Hos. 2:8 and 4:1–2. The statements have the air of a judicial decision and sentence. The kind of knowledge the priests had rejected is further specified: since you have forgotten the law of your God. The consequences of this neglect of God’s Word would be seen in the lives of what was most precious to the priests: I also will forget your children (cf. 2:4). The future tense still may indicate a warning, hinting that repentance might avert this judgment. But the great privilege of knowing God was in danger of being forfeited, even for the next generation.

g. There is a special warning for those who are teachers. James 3:1