Week in, week out no matter what else is going on faithful pastors work hard to teach the Word of God. Nothing is more foundational to healthy ministry than that. God’s word is where we learn about God’s character, God’s purpose, our condition and His wonderfully good life giving news! God’s Word gives certainty, clarity, direction and hope. God’s Word leads us to salvation in Christ and entrance in His eternal Kingdom. What could be more crucial?!
And yet, over time, a variety of temptations to drift lie waiting for those called to shepherd His people. Here are few we have all seen. I’m sure you could easily add to this list.
- Sharing our own words as if they were God’s Word.
- Teach His word without digesting and following it ourselves.
- Short cutting His Word in favor of other growth strategies.
- Using His Word to build our own platform.
The problem is deprioritizing God’s Word hijacks the power & purpose of our calling. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core of our soul and releases cleansing transforming creation redemption power. I know that is too many adjectives but God cannot be limited by our sense of good grammar. To encourage you I want to simply remind you of some key verses about a pastor’s relationship to the Word and some questions for your reflection.
Does how you live embody God’s true knowledge? Do your words preserve true knowledge even when you are NOT teaching?
Teach His Truth Not Your Ideas!
Mal 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
I know you aren’t a priest in the OT sense, but you are a member of Jesus’ royal priesthood! You are an undersheperd of the Great Shepherd called to steward His word for the purpose of His mission. Pastors should be known for being men who know the Word while skillfully helping others understand and follow Jesus in it.
GUT CHECK: We must ask ourselves. Is what we teach true biblical knowledge? Do we value clear over clever? Do we honor the content & intent of our Creator’s word when we claim to teach?
Keep Your Life Anchored in His Word!
1Tim 4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
GUT CHECK: Does how you live embody God’s true knowledge? Do your words preserve true knowledge even when you are NOT teaching? To teach with integrity and authority means our lives should demonstrate, exemplify, and model God’s living word with increasing faithfulness over time. I’m not talking perfection here but continual deepening as His disciples.
The problem is deprioritizing God’s Word hijacks the power & purpose of our calling.
Protect the Priority of His Word in Your Ministry!
2Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Work at living and teaching it well. It takes what it takes to study, pray, listen to the Lord and shape the message for those He calls you to serve. Prioritize that time, Plan that time & protect that time. I know there are other important things we do as pastors, yet if we drift from His truth those other things are likely to become polluted as a result.
GUT CHECK: Do we prioritize intentional work to understand & follow God’s word in my own life? Do I work hard to make sure the principles and applications we teach from his Word are true to his word?
Pastor, I am for you in this sacred work. I pray you do not stray from the simplicity of teaching the Word of God so that people can experience the transforming power of Jesus. Whatever else you do each week, devote yourself to faithfully reflecting, digesting and teaching God’s Word.
Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
The Pastor's Life 