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Pastoral Theology Lectures

Albert N. Martin

Syllabus

Unit II

The Life of the Man of God in the Pastoral Office

April 2 - 6, 2007

Trinity Baptist Church

Montville, New Jersey

Pastoral Theology Lectures – Unit 2 Lecture 1 Page 1

Pastoral Theology: Unit II

The Life of the Man of God in the Pastoral Office

[Lecture 1]

General Introduction

A. The Foundational or Central Axiom

As a general rule, sustained effectiveness in pastoral ministry will be realized in

direct proportion to the health and vigor of the redeemed humanity of the man of God.

Note: I did not say just the spiritual health and vigor, nor just the intellectual or

physical, but the whole redeemed humanity.

B. An Explanation of and the Scriptural Support for this Axiom

1. The significance of the words ―sustained effectiveness‖

1 Cor. 3:5-7

Jn 3:8

2. The significance of the words ―as a general rule‖

Mt. 7:21-23

Balaam’s donkey

1 Kings 19:1ff

3. The Scriptures everywhere assert that there should be no disparity between

the man of God as a thoroughgoing Christian man and the man of God

and his pastoral labors.

1 Tim. 4:12

Titus 2:7

1 Tim. 3:2

Titus 1:6

Mt. 23:3

4. The Scriptures set forth a cause and effect relationship between what a

servant of God is as a man and what he accomplishes as a minister of the Word.


1 Thess. 1:2-5

1 Thess. 2:10-12

1 Tim. 4:16

1 Tim 5:22

Acts 11:22-24

5. In the light of these things it is clear that the fundamental responsibility of

the man of God is the conscious nurture of the totality of his redeemed humanity.

Acts 20:28

1 Tim. 4:16

See C. H. Spurgeon, ―The Minister’s Self-Watch,‖ in Lectures to My Students

(Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), book I, pp. 1-3. U2.L1.Gen Intro.B5.pdf


[Lecture 2]

I. The Life of the Man of God in Relationship to God

Introduction

2 Tim 2:15a

2 Cor. 2:17

1 Cor. 4:1-5

A. Spiritually: You must strive to maintain a real, expanding, varied, and

original acquaintance with God and His ways.

See James Stalker, The Preacher and His Models (New York: Hodder and

Stoughton, 1891), pp. 54-55. U2.L2.IA.pdf

1. The following headings exegete this statement.

a. Strive to maintain

1 Cor. 9:24-27

b. Acquaintance with God and His ways

Job 22:21

Ps. 139:3

c. Real

Jn. 17:3

1 Jn. 1:1-3

1 Kings 17:1

d. Expanding

2 Cor. 3:18

2 Pet. 3:18

Acts 26:16

Phil 3:10

e. Varied

The broad spectrum of spiritual experience in the Psalms

See Ps. 23 as a specimen example



Stoughton, 1891), pp. 53-54. U2.L2.IA.1e.pdf

f. Original

Ps. 139


Stoughton, 1891), pp. 109-110. U2.L2.IA.1f.i.pdf

See Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology (Audubon, NJ: Old Paths

Publications, 1996), pp. 38-40. U2.L2.IA.1f.iii.pdf

2. Some vital observations concerning the means for attaining and

maintaining this acquaintance with God and His ways

a. These means are integrated and interdependent.

b. These means are basic and foundational.

c. These means are ultimately useful only because of their divinely

ordained function in enabling us to draw upon the fullness of life and

grace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Col. 3:4

Gal. 2:20

Jn. 6:53-58

Jn. 15:1ff

Jn. 1:15-16

3. The ordinary context within which we cultivate this acquaintance with

God and His ways

a. For God’s people in general, and especially for the man of God in

particular, the context of a growing acquaintance with God is that

of suffering, tribulation, affliction, temptation and opposition.

See Octavius Winslow, The Precious Things of God (Ligonier, PA:

Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1993), pp. 270-273. U2.L2.IA.3a.pdf

b. Specimens of the scriptural proof of this

Acts 14:22

Jn. 16:33

Mt. 5:10-12

Ps. 119:67, 71


Heb. 12:5-11

2 Cor. 1:3-9

Jas. 1:2-4

Heb. 5:8-9


[Lecture 3]

4. The specific identity of the means ordained by God for the cultivation

of this acquaintance with God and His ways.

a. The discipline of the devotional assimilation of the Word of God

Josh. 1:8

Ps. 1:1-3

Ps. 119:9-11

Jn. 17:17

1 Pet. 2:2

1 Jn. 2:14b


Publications, 1996), pp. 76-79. U2.L3.IA.4a.i.pdf

1) Which ought to be structured and consistent

Ps. 1:2

Ps. 119:30; 47-48; 62; 97; 148

Col. 3:16

See Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray

M‘Cheyne (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1966), pp. 54-55.

U2.L3.IA.4a.1.i.pdf

2) Which ought to be systematic and comprehensive

2 Tim. 3:14-17

2 Tim. 4:1ff

Mt. 4:4

Mt. 22:29

See Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh:

Banner of Truth Trust, 1967), p. 53. U2.L3.IA.4a.2.pdf

3) Which ought to be prayerful and meditative

Ps. 119:18

Ps. 139:23-24

Jer. 15:16


Banner of Truth Trust, 1967), pp. 162-163. U2.L3.IA.4a.3.i.pdf


[Lecture 4]

b. Maintaining the habit and spirit of secret prayer

Lk. 18:1

Ps. 5:1-3

Ps. 55:16-17

Mk. 1:35

Mt. 6:5-6

Dan 6:10

Eph. 6:18

Jude 20

Ps 119:10

Jer. 29:13

1) In which your personal communion with God the Father and the Lord

Jesus Christ is renewed and increased

Phil. 3:10

Eph. 3:14-19

2 Pet. 3:17-18

2) In which your perspective of reality is kept in focus

2 Cor. 4:18

Ps. 73

3) In which your own sins are seen in their true light

Ps. 90:8

Is. 6:1ff

4) In which your pardon and acceptance are sealed afresh to

your heart

Ps. 130:3-4

1 Jn. 1:7-9

5) In which grace for His work is attained

Heb. 4:16

Is. 40:29-31


Banner of Truth Trust, 1967), pp. 60-61. U2.L4.IA.4b.5.i.pdf



Banner of Truth Trust, 1967), pp. 150-151. U2.L4.IA.4b.5.iii.pdf

c. Maintaining a good conscience before God and man

Introduction: The two previous exercises must find concrete

expression in an increasing ethical conformity to the will of God.

1Tim 1:18-19

Acts 24:16

1) Meaning that you have no controversy with God in terms of

a) A sin committed but not confessed

b) A duty known but not performed or determined to perform

c) A truth brought to the understanding but rejected

Ps. 119:101-102

2) Meaning that you have sought biblically to resolve any area of

abnormality with your fellow man: wife, children, fellow workers,

the flock of God, and the world.

Conclusion: The importance of a healthy conscience cannot be

overemphasized. A defiled conscience will take away relish for the

Word and cause estrangement from the throne of grace.

John 3:19

See James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching

(Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), pp. 110-111.

U2.L4.IA.4c.2.i

See also Charles Bridges, Psalm 119, pp. 165-172 and four

references to ―conscience‖ in the Index.

See also Robert P. Martin, ―The Conscience‖ (code RP-O-1-

14), Trinity Baptist Church, Montville, NJ.

For a further development of this subject see also sermons

on the conscience in ―Perseverance of the Saints‖ by Albert

N. Martin, (code TP-L-15-24), Trinity Baptist Church,

Montville, NJ.


[Lecture 5]

d. Engaging in periodic seasons of intense self-examination and

protracted seasons of prayer

1) The Scriptures record such seasons.

Moses and his forty days with God

Daniel setting himself to seek God by prayer and fasting

The exhortation of the prophet Joel

The example of our Lord Jesus

The example of the Apostle Paul

The assumption of our Lord’s words in Mt. 6:16ff

2) Christian biography underscores the benefit of such seasons.

3) The necessity for such seasons

The frightening power of indwelling sin

Ps. 139:23-24

Ps. 19:12-13

The dulling influence of constant contact with holy things

The draining influence of the manifold tasks and burdens of

the ministry

Lam 3:40

e. Regular exposure to the masters of the inner life

The implications of Eph. 4:11ff

1 Cor. 3:21-22

See Owen, Vol. 2, Vol. 6, and Vol. 7

See Flavel, Keeping the Heart

See Brooks, Precious Remedies and Privy Key to Heaven


See Bunyan, Prayer

See Heywood, Heart Treasure

See Sibbes, Works of Sibbes

See Baxter, The Reformed Pastor

See Bridges, Psalm 119 and Proverbs

See Scudder, The Christian’s Daily Walk

See Winslow, The Glory of the Redeemed

See Winslow, The Precious Things of God

B. Intellectually: You must seek a maturing spiritual perception of the truth of

God both in its objective essence and in its practical application to the world of

men and things.

Introduction

A word of caution and qualification

The caution is that we must not think that there is an ironclad separation of the

spiritual and the intellectual.

The qualification is that it is possible for a man to experience no little measure of

a humble walk with God with its necessary intellectual exercises and yet to fall

short of his maximum potential for usefulness because of general intellectual sterility.

1. Explanation of this principle

a. The concern of this principle focuses upon the truth of God.

See James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (Edinburgh: Banner of

Truth Trust, 1975), pp. 173-175. U2.L5.IB.1a.i

b. By a maturing perception of the truth of God I am referring to

that which is attaining its full development or ideal.

c. By a spiritual perception of the truth of God I am referring to that

perception which is imparted by the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.


d. Both in its objective essence and in its application to the world of

men and things

We must not only grasp the truth in its objective reality but always seek to

perceive how it relates to the real world in which we and our people live.

2. The importance of this principle

a. Without this maturing perception of the truth of God our ministries will

degenerate into dullness, needless repetition and sterility.

b. This is particularly true in a lengthy pastorate.

See J. C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century (Edinburgh:

Banner of Truth Trust, 1978), p. 102. U2.L5.IB.2b.i

See Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth

Trust, 1967), pp. 48-49. U2.L5.IB.2b.ii

3. The directives for implementing this principle

a. You must make time for general reading beyond specific sermon preparation.


Truth Trust, 1975), pp. 127-129. U2.L5.IB.3a.i


Truth Trust, 1975), pp. 167-168. U2.L5.IB.3a.iv

See also James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching, Letters IV, V, VI,

and X.


[Lecture 6]

b. You must establish and maintain a balanced reading program.

See D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand

Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), pp. 178-179.

U2.L6.IB.3b.i

See also D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand

Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), pp. 174- 184.

See also Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner

of Truth Trust, 1967) pp. 33- 50.

1) Devotional literature


Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), pp. 174-175.

U2.L6.IB.3b.1.i

See James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (Edinburgh:

Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), p. 93. U2.L6.IB.3b.1.iii

See James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (Edinburgh:

Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), p. 141. U2.L6.IB.3b.1.iv

2) Theological literature

See James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (Edinburgh: Banner

of Truth Trust, 1975), p. 168. U2.L6.IB.3b.2

3) Biographical literature

4) Historical literature

5) Pastoral literature

6) Homiletical literature

7) Polemical literature

8) Technical literature

9) Contemporary/secular literature


c. You must conserve the fruits of your reading by underlining, indexing,

filing, etc.

See C. H. Spurgeon, ―The Necessity of Ministerial Progress,‖ in Lectures

to My Students (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), book II, p. 24.

U2.L6.IB.3c

d. You must take heed to the following warnings:

1) Do not make reading a substitute for thinking.


Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), p. 181.

U2.L6.IB.3d.1

2) Do not make a status symbol out of the amount of reading you do.

3) Do not make reading a substitute for the other duties of the ministry.

See Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner

of Truth Trust, 1967), p. 49. U2.L6.IB.3d.3.i


Publications, 1996), p. 93. U2.L6.IB.3d.3.ii


[Lecture 7]

C. Physically and emotionally: You must seek to attain and maintain an accurate

understanding of your present physical and emotional constitution and engage

in a regular but flexible discipline aimed at keeping these two aspects of your

redeemed humanity in optimum health and vigor.

1. The necessity for and inevitability of this concern for the pastor’s physical and

emotional health and vigor.

a. The biblical doctrine of man demands it.

Gen. 2:7

Mt. 10:28

Lk. 16:19ff

Prov. 3:7-8; 4:20-23; 17:22; 18:14

Ps. 6, 32, 51

1 Kings 19:2ff

Mt. 4:7

Mk. 6:31

Col. 2:20-23

1 Tim. 4:1-5

See C. H. Spurgeon, An All-Round Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth

Trust, 1960), pp. 198-199. U2.L7.IC.1a.i

b. The law of God demands it.

6th Commandment

See The Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 135

c. The biblical doctrine of salvation demands it.

Rom. 8:23

Phil. 3:20-21

1 Thess. 4:14

1 Cor. 15

Rom. 12:1

1 Cor. 6:13, 20

Phil. 1:19-20

1 Tim. 4:7-8 with 5:23

d. The biblical doctrine of preaching demands it.

Col. 3:23


e. The past and present experience of men of God demands it.

See Ebenezer Porter, Lectures on Homiletics and on Preaching and on

Public Prayer and Lectures on Eloquence and Style (Andover, MA:

Gould and Newman, 1836), footnote on pp. 510-511. U2.L7.IC.1e.i

See William G. Blaikie, For the Work of the Ministry (London: J. Nisbet

& Co., n.d.), pp. 83-85. U2.L7.IC.1e.iii


[Lecture 8]

2. Explanation of the principle

a. The first area of concern is that of attaining and maintaining an accurate

understanding of who and what you are physically and emotionally.

Ps. 139:13-16

Job 10:8-12

Rom. 12:3

2 Cor. 4:16

2 Sam. 21:5-17

b. The second area of concern has to do with a structure of activity and

relationships which will maintain you at optimum physical and emotional

strength.

2 Cor. 12:1ff

Ps. 102:23

c. The third area of concern focuses on the concept of your ―redeemed humanity.‖

1 Cor. 6:19-20

3. Practical implementation of the principle

a. Concerning physical health

1) Beware of fundamental ignorance of or indifference to the basics of

health and nutrition.

1 Cor. 10:31

2) Beware of excessive weight accumulation.

a) Because it produces sluggishness

b) Because it cripples the conscience with guilt

c) Because it breaks the grip on the consciences of others

2 Cor. 6:3

3) Beware of the ―no planned physical exercise‖ syndrome.

1 Tim. 4:8


4) Beware of the pattern of cheating on the necessary measure of sleep.

Prov. 6:6-11

Mt. 26:40

Ps. 127:2

Mk. 4:35ff with Lk. 8:22ff

1 Kings 19:5ff

5) Beware of the dependence upon or addiction to stimulants and depressants.

1 Tim. 4:4-5

1 Cor. 6:12-13

6) Beware of the ―no day off‖ pattern of life.

4th Commandment

See C. H. Spurgeon, ―The Minister’s Fainting Fits,‖ in Lectures to

My Students (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), book I,

pp. 174-175. U2.L8.IC.3a.6.i


Publications, 1996), p. 104. U2.L8.IC.3a.6.iii

See Warren Heckman, ―The Pastor and His Pastime,‖ in Ministry

Magazine (November 1981), pp. 26-27. U2.L8.IC.3a.6.iv

7) Beware of the ―no planned vacation‖ pattern of life.

Mk. 6:31

See Ebenezer Porter, Lectures on Homiletics and on Preaching and on

Public Prayer and Lectures on Eloquence and Style (Andover,

MA: Gould and Newman, 1836), pp. 506-507. U2.L8.IC.3a.7.i

8) Beware of the stubborn refusal to listen to others who see the signs of

emotional and physical weariness in you.

See also Albert N. Martin, ―The Christian and the Stewardship of

His Physical Health‖ (audio recording, code TT-Z-1-4), Trinity

Baptist Church, Montville, NJ.

See also ―The Solemn Covenant of Kilbirnie Place‖ (n.d.).

U2.L8.IC.3a.8

b. Concerning emotional health


1) Beware of unnaturalness and ministerial stoicism.

See Gardiner Spring, The Power of the Pulpit (Edinburgh: Banner

of Truth Trust, 1986), pp. 158-159. U2.L8.IC.3b.1.i

2) Beware of social isolationism.

3) Beware of taking on excessive responsibilities.

4) Cultivate a wholesome domestic climate.

5) Cultivate the ability not to take yourself too seriously.

6) Cultivate a pattern of timely wholesome emotional diversions.

See also B. B. Warfield, ―The Emotional Life of Our Lord,‖ in

The Person and Work of Christ, pp. 93-145.


[Lecture 9]

II. The Life of the Man of God in Relationship to His People

A. You must experience a growing measure of unfeigned love for your people.

1. Explanation of this principle.

a. Definition of this love: Unfeigned love is that gracious and principled

disposition of goodwill which desires and practically seeks the good of its

object at personal cost.

1 Cor. 13

1 Jn. 3:16

1) Gracious

Gal. 5:22

2) Principled

3) Disposition

4) Desires and seeks the good of its object(s)

Rom. 13:10

5) At personal cost

Eph. 5:25ff

Jn. 3:16

b. The quality of this love — unfeigned

1 Pet. 1:22

2 Cor. 6:6

Rom. 12:9

Jn. 11:35-36

c. The measure of this love — growing

1 Thess. 4:9-10

Phil. 1:9-11

2 Cor. 12:15

d. The objects of this love — his people and the unsaved within his influence


Acts 20:28

Heb. 13:17

1 Pet. 5:1ff

Rom. 9:1-5

2 Tim. 2:10

2. The importance of this principle in the work of the ministry

a. Because of the explicit teaching of 1 Cor. 13

b. Because of the general demand for evangelical law-keeping

Rom. 13:8-10

1 Jn. 3:17

c. Because of the specific nature of your office

1 Pet. 5:1-4

1 Jn. 2:6

Mt. 10:25

Jn. 10:11

Jn. 15:13

Rev. 3:19

Mt. 9:37

Lk. 19:41

d. Because of the constituted relationship between assured love and an open ear

See Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Edinburgh: Banner of

Truth Trust, 1974, pp. 117-118. U2.L9.IIA.2d.i

See Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner of

Truth Trust, 1967), pp 336-338. U2.L9.IIA.2d.iii

See John Calvin, ―Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians,‖ in

Calvin’s Commentaries, vol. XXI (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House,

1979), p. 30. U2.L9.IIA.2d.vi

e. Because of the specific ways in which love exerts its influence in both the

preparation and delivery of sermons

1) In fidelity to the text of Scripture

2) In logical order and transparency of structure

3) In searching application and riveting the Word to the conscience


4) In earnestness and pathos

1 Thess. 2:7-8

Acts 20:20

See D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids:

Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), pp. 92-93. U2.L9.IIA.2e.4.i

See C. H. Spurgeon, ―On Conversion as Our Aim,‖ in Lectures to My

Students (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), book II, pp.

185-186. U2.L9.IIA.2e.4.iii

3. Practical suggestions as to its nurture and manifestation

a. As to its nurture

1) Cry to God for it.

Gal. 5:22

Lk. 11:13

2) Deliberately and periodically meditate upon those truths calculated to

produce it.

a) Their worth in the sight of God


Truth Trust, 1974, pp. 131-132. U2.L9.IIA.3a.2a.i

b) The worth of a soul itself

Mk. 8:36

c) The sufferings and agonies of Christ for sinners

d) The true state of men

Acts 20:28ff

2 Tim. 2:26

b. As to its manifestation both in and out of the pulpit

1 Jn. 3:18

1) In words — express affection.


Affectionate language of the New Testament

Col. 1:8

2 Tim. 1:4

2) In deeds

a) Demonstrate an increasingly high standard of pulpit ministry

2 Cor. 12:15

b) Demonstrate a willingness to take initiative; be sensitive to their

individual needs.

As in maintaining a good marriage, make phone calls, write cards,

letters, make inquiries, etc

c) Have an affectionate relationship to children even as Christ had.

2 Cor. 12:14-15


[Lecture 10]

B. You must experience an increasing liberation from the fear of men.

Introduction

You must grow in the grace of holy boldness.

Gen. 2:18

Rom. 1:18

Rom. 8:7

Jn. 3:19

Jn. 15:18-27

Jer. 1:17-19

Jer. 19:14-20:2

Amos 5:10; 7:10-13

Gal. 4:16

Rom. 9:14ff

1. The biblical basis for the grace of holy boldness

a. In the example of the Apostle Paul

Gal. 1:10

1 Thess. 2:1-6

Eph. 6:19

Acts 20:20, 26, 27

b. In the example of Elihu

Job 32:17-22

c. In the example of our Lord

Mk. 12:13ff

See R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel

(Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), pp. 517-518.

U2.L10.IIB.1c.i

d. In the general teaching of Scripture

2. The vital necessity of the grace of holy boldness

Prov. 29:25


3. Suggestions for cultivating the grace of holy boldness

Liberation from the fear of men is fundamentally rooted in converting grace.

Jer. 32:39-40

Mt. 10:32-33

Rom. 10:9-10

a. In your walk before God as a Christian man

1) You must maintain a good conscience before God and man.

Acts 23:1

Acts 24:16

Prov. 28:1

1 Cor. 4:1ff

2 Cor. 4:1

1 Thess. 2:4 with 2:9-10

2) You should keep good models before you.

Phil. 3:17

2 Tim. 3:10-11

a) By reading the Scriptures

b) By reading good biographies

See Gardiner Spring, The Power of the Pulpit (Edinburgh:

Banner of Truth Trust, 1986), pp. 71-72. U2.L10.IIB.3a.2b.i

c) By listening to fearless preaching

b. In your posture before God as a minister of His Word

1) The will of God has put you in this task.

Rom. 1:1, 5

1 Cor. 1:1

2 Cor. 1:1

Acts 20:28

2) The eye of God is upon you in your task.

2 Cor. 2:13

1 Thess. 2:4

2 Tim. 4:1


See R. C. Sproul, ―The Whole Man,‖ in The Preacher and

Preaching, ed. Samuel T. Logan, Jr. (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R

Publishing, 1986), p. 122. U2.L10.IIB.3b.2.i


of Truth Trust, 1967), footnote on p. 124. U2.L10.IIB.3b.2.ii

3) The living God will judge you for your faithfulness to the task.

2 Cor. 5:9-10

Job 32:22

2 Tim. 4:2

Ezek. 3:17-21

Jer. 1:19

1 Pet. 5:4

Jer. 48:10

See John Brown, An Exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle

to the Galatians (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2001),

pp. 217-218. U2.L10.IIB.3b.3.i

4. An identification and refutation of common objections to the grace of

holy boldness.

a. Holy boldness will not make preachers hard, caustic, and insensitive.

1) It is not so in the biblical examples cited.

2 Cor. 2:1-4

1 Thess. 2:7, 8, 11

Gal. 1:10, 11; 4:19

Acts 20:20, 31

2 Cor. 7:2-4, 8

1 Cor. 16:13

2) It is impossible in the economy of God’s grace.

Love and boldness are both attributed to the work of the Spirit.

b. Holy boldness will alienate some people.

2 Cor. 12:15

1) The enemies of the truth may indeed be alienated.


2) Some may be alienated temporarily, but in time they will become

better friends.

Prov. 28:23

3) The people of God will not be alienated. They will love you more.

Ps. 141:5

4) The unsaved will be awed and angered.

Acts 4:13

Acts 7:54


[Lecture 11]

C. You must earn and experience the increasing respect and confidence of your people.

Introduction

A word of justification

Eph. 2:8-9

Mt. 25:26-29

Lk. 16:10-12

A word of qualification

1. The biblical basis for this principle

The nature of the biblical requirements for the office of an elder

1 Tim. 3:1-7

Titus 1:5-9

1 Tim. 4:12, 15

Titus 2:7, 15

1 Pet. 5:3-5

2 Cor. 4:1-2


Stoughton, 1891), pp. 167-168. U2.L11.IIC.1.i

See John Brown, An Exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the

Galatians (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2001), pp. 204-205.

U2.L11.IIC.1.iii

2. The areas of crucial concern with reference to this principle

Introduction: Selective criteria

Observation of men in the ministry

Exposure to proven guides who have written on this issue

The observation and reaction of the people of God

a. Ministerial laziness or sloth

1 Tim. 5:17

1 Cor. 9:6-14


1) In general

2 Thess. 3:6ff

Acts 20:34-35

1 Thess. 2:8-9

Ezek. 34:1-3

See Ralph G. Turnbull, A Minister’s Obstacles (Westwood, NJ:

Fleming H. Revell Company, [1966]), p. 20. U2.L11.IIC.2a.1

2) In sermon preparation


Truth Trust, 1974, p. 71. U2.L11.IIC.2a.2.i

See Ralph G. Turnbull, A Minister’s Obstacles (Westwood, NJ:

Fleming H. Revell Company, [1966]), pp. 22-23.

U2.L11.IIC.2a.2.ii

3) In necessary diaconal duties

1 Thess. 2:9

2 Thess. 3:8

Acts 20:34-35

Lk. 22:24-27

Jn. 13

b. Self-defensiveness

Prov. 6:23

Prov. 9:8-9

Prov. 12:15

Prov. 15:10

c. Covetousness

Titus 1:7

1 Pet. 5:2

1 Tim. 6:9-11

Jn. 10:12-13

"Practical Suggestions‖

1) Do not be a fashion hound.


2) Do not be addicted to new cars.

3) Do not agitate discussion about your salary and benefits.

4) Do not complain about your parsonage.

1 Sam. 12:1-5

Acts 20:33-34

5) Let the names of Achan, Gehazi, Judas, and Demas say to

you, "Beware of covetousness."

d. Sexual impurity

1) Its peculiar temptation for the preacher

a) Because you are the objects of peculiar Satanic attack

Prov. 6:26

b) Because you are in a peculiar place of temptation

i) You have access to people at any time.

ii) You have access to the affections of people at the

deepest level.

iii) You have access to the burdens and needs of people at the

deepest level.

2) Means for avoiding and overcoming this temptation

a) Maintain vigorous spiritual health in general.

Mt. 26:41

b) Maintain good marital relations with your wife in all areas.

i) Generally

ii) Sexually

Prov. 5:15-20

1 Cor. 7:1–5

c) Maintain preventive disciplines.


1 Tim. 5:2

i) Do not go into a home when a woman is alone.

ii) Do not counsel alone if your study is at home.

iii) Keep hands off in private.

iv) Beware of eye contact.

Prov. 6:25

v) Load the conscience with warnings of Scripture and the

issues at stake.

e. Domestic incompetence

1 Tim. 3:4-5

Titus 1:6

1) Beware of not caring for your property.

2) Beware of a bossy or broken wife.

3) Beware of unruly or crushed children.

f. Inconsistency in general

Titus 2:7

1 Tim. 4:12


of Truth Trust, 1967), pp. 120-121. U2.L11.IIC.2f.i

See also Bridges, The Christian Ministry, pp. 112-137.

See also C. H. Spurgeon, ―The Minister’s Ordinary Conversation,‖

in Lectures to My Students.

g. Slovenliness or social boorishness

Be sensitive to such matters as clothing, grooming, laughter, manners,

and mannerisms.


See R. C. Sproul, ―The Whole Man,‖ in The Preacher and Preaching, ed.

Samuel T. Logan, Jr. (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1986), p. 110-112.

U2.L11.IIC.2g.i

3. Concluding observations

a. It is possible to be respected when not loved.

1) John the Baptist

2) Jesus

b. It takes longer to earn the confidence of some more than others

because of personalities and past experiences.

c. Do not make respect and confidence your primary aim.

2 Cor. 5:9

d. Respect and confidence earned over a long period of time may be

lost in a moment.

e. Respect and confidence may be eroded by lies and slander.

Mt. 5:10-12

2 Cor. 6:8

The example of our Lord


[Lecture 12]

III As a Man in Relation to Yourself

You must seek to gain and maintain an increasingly realistic understanding and

acceptance of your own unique and present identity as a man and as a servant of God.

A. Explanation of this axiom

1. ―Gain and maintain‖

A measure of this accurate self-assessment is needed on the threshold of

your ministry.

However, with the passing of time you are changing with respect to what you are

as a man and as a servant of God.

2. ―Increasingly realistic understanding of your unique identity‖

By the use of the word ―realistic‖ I am underscoring the principle of

Romans 12:3. Our view of ourselves must not be idealistic, inaccurate or visionary.

By ―unique‖ I am simply underscoring the fact that each one of us is ―one

of a kind.‖ We must not press ourselves into an artificial, pre-formed mold

of our own making or one made by others for us.

3. As a man and as a servant of God

What you are in the totality of your redeemed humanity

What you are with reference to your present age, measure of gift,

experience, etc.

Joshua 14:6ff

1 John 2:12ff

B. The biblical basis for this axiom

Rom. 12:1–8

Mt. 25:14ff

Ps. 139:13-17

Prov. 27:8

See John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids: William B.

Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997), vol. II, pp. 117-119. U2.L12.IIIB.i


See William Arnot, Parables of Our Lord (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications,

1981), pp. 520-521. U2.L12.IIIB.iv

See Charles Bridges, A Commentary on Proverbs (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth

Trust, 1968), pp. 507-508. U2.L12.IIIB.vi

C. Some major qualifications or perspectives conditioning our understanding of

this axiom.

1. There exists in the wisdom and sovereignty of God a great diversity of

legitimate preaching style and effective pastoral ministry.

1 Cor. 12:4–7

1 Cor. 3:4–7

Implications:

a. Be careful when you encounter preachers of the past in biographies, etc.


Truth Trust, 1975), p. 160. U2.L12.IIIC.1a

b. Do not get all your formative influence from one man in the present.

1 Cor. 3:21

2. The Holy Spirit is not the author or owner of the unnatural and the affected.

Jn. 8:36

Ps. 139

See Ian Macpherson, The Burden of the Lord (New York: Abingdon Press,

1955), pp. 16-17. U2.L12.IIIC.2.i

Qualifications

a. This does not imply that we accept fatalistically our weaknesses and

limitations and not try to overcome them.

2 Tim. 2:15

1 Tim. 4:15

b. This does not imply that we will not be influenced by the unconscious

imitative element of preaching.

1 Cor. 15:33


Prov. 13:20

c. This does not imply that we should not consciously imitate biblical principles

and sound rhetorical principles embodied in men.

Phil. 4:9

Phil. 3:17

1 Cor. 11:1

3. The true people of God and discerning sinners will generally be suspicious of the

forced and the unnatural.

2 Cor. 4:1–2

4. Summary and Conclusion

See D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids:

Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), pp. 126-127. U2.L12.IIIC.4.i

It is a liberating thing to live out the role God has designed for you

rather than to play the role which men have mapped out for you.

[For the content of the following section see MI-MB-23 and MI-MB-24 of Pastor Martin’s

audio series of Pastoral Theology lectures.]

IV. As a Man in Relation to His Immediate Family

A. The man of God must attain, maintain and manifest an exemplary biblical

standard of domestic competence.

1. The words ―attain, maintain and manifest‖ are calculated to underscore the fact

that these issues are neither static nor secret.

As the family grows in size, as one’s wife and children pass through various

stages of growth and development, our competence must parallel those changes.

2. By the word ―exemplary‖ I am underscoring that the man of God must be a

standard-bearer in this area.

3. By the use of the word ―biblical‖ I am underscoring the fact that the man of God

must educate his conscience in these matters by the Word of God.

Neither tradition nor culture must set the standard.

B. The necessity for domestic competence in the life of the man of God

1. General Christian duty


Eph. 5:25ff

1 Pet. 3:7

Eph. 6:4

Tim. 5:8

2. Specifically

a. Explicit biblical requirements for the office of an elder

1 Tim. 3:1–7

Titus 1:6,8

b. The position which he occupies as an example to the flock

Titus 2:10

Phil. 2:14,15

1 Pet. 5:1–3

1 Tim. 4:12

Titus 2:7

Mt. 10:25

Phil. 4:9

Acts 20:3

1 Pet. 2:21

Mt. 23:3,15

c. The particular circumstances of our generation

Titus 1:12

Rom. 12:1,2

Phil. 2:14,15

C. The peculiar ministerial temptations to domestic incompetence

1. The temptation to rationalize domestic failures in light of your ministerial duties

Mt. 15:3–6

2. The temptation to be insensitive to the special pressure brought on your wife and

children because you are a minister

a. Wife

1) Emotional pressures

2) Physical pressures


3) Spiritual pressures

See Abraham Booth, ―Pastoral Cautions,‖ in The Christian Pastor’s

Manual, ed. John Brown (Ligonier, PA: Soli Deo Gloria

Publications, 1991), pp. 74-75. U2.L12.IVC.2a.3.i

4) Temptation to submit to the unreasonable demands of a wife not fully

sympathetic to your calling.

b. Children

1) Direct pressures

a) Monitor the inordinate attention which may be heaped upon your

children in virtue of your position.

b) Neutralize their temptation to have an inflated view of themselves

and to set themselves over their peers.

2) Indirect pressures

a) Temptation to bitterness and resentment because of the demands of

your office

b) Temptation to resentment because of wrong motives of discipline

and enforcement of standards

c) Temptation to resentment because of an unrealistic standard of

expectation of them as preacher's kids

d) Temptation to frame a wrong conception of daddy as a man of God

professionally but not in reality

D. Practical counsel for maintenance

1. Pray in and periodically refresh your convictions of the unyielding necessity of

exemplary domestic competence.

2. Seek the periodic assessment of your domestic life by competent observers.

3. Seek the periodic assessment of your domestic life by your wife and children.

4. Bind yourself to some inescapable pressure in this area of domestic competence.


[Lecture 13]

V. As a Man in Relation to the Management of His Time and Manifold Responsibilities

Introduction

Gal. 5:23 with Acts 24:25 and 2 Pet. 1:6

Phil. 2:12-13

Titus 1:8

1 Cor. 9:25

1 Cor. 7:9

A. You must acquire and maintain a clear understanding of and a religious

commitment to your God-given ministerial duties.

1. Explanation

2. Christ alone has the right to dictate the duties of the office which He has

conceived and instituted.

Acts 20:28ff

Eph. 4:11-16

1 Pet. 5:1-5

1 Thess. 2

1 & 2 Tim.

Titus

1 Cor. 7:23

3. Major categories of ministerial duty

a. The disciplines essential to the maintenance of a vital and growing piety

Acts 20:28

1 Tim. 4:16

1 Tim. 4:7

b. The disciplines essential to the maintenance of intellectual vigor and balance

Jer. 3:15

Titus 1:9

c. The disciplines essential for adequate preparation for public ministries

2 Tim. 2:15


d. The disciplines essential for the demands of individual care of needy sheep

Acts 20:28

Col. 1:27

e. The disciplines essential to the wise administration of the life of the people of God

1 Tim. 3:5

1 Pet. 5:2ff

f. The disciplines essential to the maintenance of good emotional and physical health

1 Tim. 4:8

1 Tim. 5:23

Mk. 6:31-32

B. You must acquire and maintain a clear understanding of and a religious

commitment to your God-given general or ordinary responsibilities.

1. Husband

2. Father

3. Friend and correspondent

4. Son and relative

5. Citizen

6. Neighbor

C. You ought prayerfully to establish a structured schedule which reflects a

commitment to fulfill all of your ministerial and general duties.

1. This schedule should be realistic.

Ps. 103:13-14

6th Commandment

Rom. 12:3

2. This schedule should be comprehensive.

1 Sam. 15:22

Mt. 15:5

Prov. 28:9

Titus 2:7


3. This schedule should be tenaciously pursued.

See the imagery of the soldier, athlete, and farmer in 2 Tim. 2:1-6.

4. This schedule should be reasonably flexible.

Prov. 16:3

Prov. 16:9

Prov. 19:21

Prov. 20:24

Mk. 6:30-31 with 6:33-36

D. Practical implementation

1. You must master yourself.

Gal. 5:23

1 Cor. 9:27

Prov. 13:4

Eccl. 10:18

2. You must master your home.

1 Tim. 3:4-5

3. You must master your phone.

1 Cor. 7:23

4. You must master your calendar.

5. You must master your television and newspaper.

6. You must master your pillow and blanket.

7. You must master your legitimate avocations.

8. You should instruct and secure the cooperation of your wife, children, fellow office

bearers, flock, and friends.

See William G. Blaikie, The Public Ministry of Christ (Minneapolis: Klock

& Klock Christian Publishers, Inc., 1984), pp 63-64. U2.L13.VD.8.i

Pastoral Theology Lectures – Unit 2 Assigned Reading List Page 40

ASSIGNED READING LIST - PASTORAL THEOLOGY

UNIT II

Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, Chapter I, ―The Minister’s Self Watch‖

Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, Chapter 7, pp. 31-50

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers, pp. 165-184

Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, pp. 296-332

Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, pp. 333-339

Charles Spurgeon, Earnestness: Its Marring and Maintenance, Chapter 21

Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, pp. 117-118 (Paragraph 9)

Charles Spurgeon, The Minister’s Ordinary Conversation, Chapter 12

Charles Bridges, pp. 112-137

Charles Spurgeon, The Preacher’s Private Prayer, Chapter 3,




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