A Noble Task for a Great Cause

Main Point:

Pastor's are called to proclaim and guard God's truth for the good of God's people

Point 1:

The Noble Task

Point 2:

How It Is Accomplished

Point 3:

The Men It Requires

Quote 1
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
1 Peter 5:1-3 - So I exhort the elders among you, mas a fellow elder and na witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:2 oshepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,1 pnot under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;2 qnot for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not rdomineering over those in your charge, but sbeing examples to the flock.

Quote 2
“The shepherd imagery blends ideas of authority and leadership with self-sacrifice, tenderness, wisdom, hard work, loving care, and constant watchfulness…It demands knowledge of the sheep, good management skills, and courage in the face of danger. Most important, it demands love for the sheep. Thus, ‘to shepherd’ means to govern the church of God, to provide leadership and guidance for the church, to teach and correct from God’s Word, and to provide protection from all the dangers that threaten the life of the church” - Alexander Strauch (from Biblical Eldership)

Quote 3
“A well-managed family means that the children obey and submit to the father’s leadership. The way in which that relationship is manifested is especially important; it is to be ‘with all dignity.’ The father is not to be a spirit-crushing tyrant who gains submission by harsh punishment…of course there are no perfect, problem-free children in the world. Even the best Christian fathers and mothers have child-rearing problems, but these parents resolve the problems and are involved with their children in responsible, caring ways. They guide their children through the many storms of life.” – Alexander Strauch (from Biblical Eldership)

Quote 4
“the word ‘dignity’ means respect or reverence, and it may well refer to the way the children treat their father…But ‘dignity’ also describes the way the father relates to his children; he treats them like people made in the very image of God, and therefore promotes a relationship of mutual respect.” – Philip Ryken (from 1 Timothy)