Practically Speaking: KingsWay Pastors’ Blog

On Sunday, Mickey taught on Pastoral Care.  His premise was that, as the Head of His Church, one way that Jesus leads His people is through delegated authority. (1 Thes. 5:12, 1 Tim. 5:17)

One example of God leading his people this way is found in Psalm 78:70-72. God called David from shepherding sheep to shepherd His people with skillful hands and upright heart. Likewise, God calls pastors to exercise skillful hands in leading, feeding, protecting and caring for His people; and an upright heart in leading as servants, leading with grace, and leading with affection.

Scripture also speaks clearly to those who follow - to obey and submit, to honor, to support financially and to be faithful members.

Here are a few questions for application:

1. What is the difference between obedience and submission? Since submission isn’t blind obedience, what does personal responsibility look like in following?
2. What are some ways God calls me in Scripture to honor those who care for and lead me?
3. What should I do if I have a question about those who lead? What responsibility do I have? How can I honor God in my attitude and response?

On Sunday, Gene talked about “The Joy of Gospel Partnership” from Philippians 1:1-6.  In this passage, Paul conveys that Gospel partnership begins with joyful devotion to God, is expressed in grateful affection for one another, and results in a confident faith for the future.  Here are some questions to help apply these truths:

1. Paul refers to himself and Timothy as servants or, more literally, slaves.  This same word is used to describe Jesus’ posture in Phil 2:7 with the command, “your attitude should be the same” (v 5).   How do you think of your life?  Do you serve as a slave of Christ or when it is convenient?
2. Paul is addressing the church at Philippi along with elders and deacons, revealing the high value God places on the local church. Committed membership is both a responsibility and a privilege.  Martyn Lloyd Jones calls church membership “the biggest honor which can come a man’s way in this world.”  What is God calling you to do to reinforce the treasure of membership in your life?
3. Verses; 5 & 6 contrast the responsibility of man (“your partnership”) and the commitment of God (“He who began…will bring it to completion.”)  Paul expresses absolute certainty (“I am sure of this”) that God’s purposes are being and will be complete in our lives.  It’s easy to be discouraged when we focus on our problems and imperfections…and that of others!  But there’s nothing so encouraging as knowing that God’s plan will be accomplished regardless of our sins and shortcomings.  (Read John 10:27-28 & Rom 8:38-39)  Consider the quote below and reflect on how verse 6 transforms the way we process all of life.

We go into the artist’s studio and find there unfinished pictures covering large canvases, and suggesting great designs, but which have been left, either because the genius was not competent to complete the work, or because paralysis laid the hand low in death; but as we go into God’s great workshop we find nothing that bears the mark of haste or insufficiency of power to finish, and we are sure that the work which His grace has begun, the arm of His strength will complete.   (FB Meyer)