The Example of the Pastor

I. The first area of ministry for which a pastor is responsible is his or her own soul (Acts 20:28; I Tim. 4:14-16). The Pastor must take heed to himself.A. To take heed means: 1. To fasten your attention on

something or someone. 2. To apply your mind with strict

and close attention to a matter.

B. Ministers must “take heed” to themselves for several reasons (Note: The following list is taken from The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter). 1. Ministers have heaven and hell to win or lose.

2. Ministers have sinful inclinations as well as others.

3. Ministers are the object of Satan’s first and sharpest attacks.

4. Minister’s sins are more likely to be sins against knowledge.

5. Ministers bear the honor of the Lord in their actions more than others. 6. Ministers are watched more closely than others.

7. Ministers can save or offend so many by their example.

C. As Ministers: 1. Ministers must not let their

example contradict their doctrine.

2. Ministers must not be guilty of the very things that they condemn in others (Rom. 1:32; II Pet. 2:19).

II. Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a perfect example to His followers (I Pet. 2:21-22).

A. Part of Christ’s mission was to demonstrate the principles of the Word of God (John 1:14).

Jesus came to put a face on God (John 14:9; Col. 1:15)

B. We are not only saved by Christ’s death, we are saved by His life that He lived in front of us (Rom. 5:10).

C. Sheep are followers and need an example to follow (John 10:4, 27).

III. One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the sheep is an example to follow.

A. God’s people are instructed to follow the faith of their leaders (Heb. 6:12; 13:7).

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Hebrews 13:7

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. –NIV

B. Leaders are to be balanced Christians and examples for the flock in every area of life (I Tim. 4:12) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. –CEV

Leaders are to be an example in:1. Word Does your speech betray you?

How do you talk? People naturally pick up a leader’s expressions. 2. Lifestyle or Conduct

Is your lifestyle balanced? Is it conducted the same way you expect others to live? Does your life confirm your word?

3. Love Do you lead the way in

expressing love in action? Do you show the people how by leading the way? 4. Spirit

Is your spirit liberated and free in the Lord? Do you show enthusiasm for the things of the Lord?

5. Faith Do your words and actions

inspire and lift? Do you lift the congregation to a place of trusting God in difficult times?

6. Purity (I Tim. 5:22) Are you warring a good

warfare in personal areas of temptation? Are you in control of the internet?

C. The greatest thing that a pastor can provide for the sheep is his or her example (I Peter 5:1-4).

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but eagerly;…

… 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1. Leaders are to rule by their example. 2. It is the example of the leader that gives them the right to rule.

3. It is the fruit of the leader’s personal life that attests to the genuineness of his or her faith (I Tim. 3:4-5).

IV. Paul is a great example of this kind of leadership.

A. At times Paul deferred his own personal rights in order to be an example (II Th. 3:7-9).

For you know that you ought to follow our example. We were never lazy when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it…

… We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It wasn't that we didn't have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. –NLT B. Paul was readily encouraged others to follow his example (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17).

C. Paul saw his example as an integral part of his Gospel message (I Th. 1:5-6a).

V. Pastors must be a willing example in every area of life.

They should be pattern believers in:• Healthy Living

• Family Life • Financial Matters • Home / Yard • Appearance • Marital Relationships

• Recreation and Leisure time • Character • Prayer Life/Worship Life• Faithfulness