The Seed Blog: Enemy of the State, Part 11

In our next passage of Scripture from Peter's Letter to the Persecuted Churches in Asia Minor... Peter shifts his letter towards addressing the "Shepherds" which are over the Flock of God...Giving them serious instructions about TWO particular things as they lead the church... Their attitudes and motivations...

Because God knows better than anyone...That a congregation like theirs in Peter's time... And like OURS TODAY...Which is living in the midst of total depravity and corruption...Calling, tempting and luring them away in desires...Which is in the midst of a world holding the Real God in contempt and injustice for rejecting their selfish ways...Is a congregation that will see many false teachers…And often, be quick to embrace those false teachers...Which will allow them to have security in "false righteousness"...  While keeping their own lifestyles and sins... In effect, embracing a god that SERVES THEM where they are...Rather than embracing a Holy God, that teaches us a better way to love...
 
Ultimately destroying the one thing God treasures most....And died for...
Our love and faithfulness in...Who HE IS AT HEART...  In HOW HE LOVES SELFLESSLY AND PASSIONATELY...And WHAT HE'S DONE TO TAKE AWAY THE HORROR OF OUR SINS!
 
This is often at the heart of false teachings…Focusing on everything, BUT A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!! If every thought we have...Every decision we make...
How we view the worth of every person around us...And how we view ourselves and our purpose...Are ALL centered around how we understand and receive the TRUE Words of God Himself...How vitally important is it that we have genuine, committed teachers and leaders... Totally abandoned to seeing and accepting the True God?! Meaning you should be very cautious as to who you give your trust to with eternal matters...And anyone thinking of becoming a pastor should pay close attention!

- Because of the severity of this calling...
- And the potential to hurt others and God's Kingdom...
- James 3:1 warns we will receive stricter Judgment!
 
So, let's continue in our journey through 1 Peter...And see what he has to say about True Shepherds of God's Church!
 
We live in a world that is saturated with false teachings...And downright blasphemes…Against Jesus Christ and all He stands for...And the sad truth is that we have become impartial and accepting of them! Allowing them to change how people view God, sin, redemption and love!
 
I cannot even begin to list all of the repeated warnings to watch for and stand against these false teachers...It would take the whole sermon! When repeated that many times… God wants us to take note!
 
 
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NKJV)
13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
 
2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)
1  But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2  And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3  By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
 
Jude 1:4 (ESV)
4  For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
 
The Greek word here is aselgeia, (as-elg'-i-a)…Meaning: Driven by unrestrained, filthy, wanton, lewd sexual behavior.  Hmmmmm…
 
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV)
1  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2  speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
 
So far we have learned...God gives us an overwhelming repetition of warnings to recognize and resist false teachers... Especially in the last days! And we see the devastating effect it can have on the heart of the Church for Our True God! Now... Let's join Peter in our text today...And see what he says about this topic!
 
1 Peter 5:1 (NKJV)
1  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:
 
Even before Peter begins to WRITE on the characteristics of a shepherd's heart... He SHOWS us the first characteristic in this opening attitude! As he opens the letter to the elders...He quickly relates himself to them... As simply, "A fellow elder!"
NOT an..."Holier-than-thou", "Above everyone", "Special case!"  Be very weary of any pastor, evangelist or teacher who holds himself in arrogance, and self-righteous pride...Looking down at, and talking down to listeners...Acting as though he is above reproach... Or is an exceptions to God's Words in ANY WAY!
Or boasting of their "Special anointing" that no one else has...
 
This lacks the humbleness and selflessness of Christ...And certainly shows they have no mindset of the reality that...THEY are sinful creatures being used ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD! Even Paul... With all of his education and position... Having been called by Christ Personally... And being used to write 2/3 of the New Testament... Described himself as, "The chief of sinners!"
 
This is why Scriptures warm us NOT to take on a new Christian in the Faith… As a leader, teacher, pastor…
 
1 Timothy 3:6 (ESV)
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
 
Now let's hear what Peter says to his "Fellow elders!"
 
1 Peter 5:2-4 (NKJV)
2  Shepherd (feed and supervise) the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers (looking out for diligently and in passion, being cautious for), not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3  nor as being lords over (bring under domination and conquest) 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.
 
First... Peter says Pastors are SHEPHERD... Or feed and supervise...These are the primary duties of a pastor...Many people today look for pastors to do EVERYTHING for them and the church... Be the do-all, serve-all hands and feet for everyone... Win souls, visit the sick, handle the projects, talk to every troubled soul, even clean the church... With many a complaint they still aren't doing enough! Many pastors spend little time on prayer, study and message preparation...And much time running around taking care of everything else!  THIS IS NOT BIBLICAL!  LISTEN CLOSELY...
 
Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV)
2  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
 
You need to find a pastor that will be concerned for rightly dividing the Word, to the best of their ability...  And giving that Word honestly...Not give HIS OPINION off the cuff!! And then be willing as congregants...To use your gifts to help care for other needs of the Body of Christ!
 
Second... Peter says Pastors are to be...serving as overseers…
(Or…Looking out for diligently and passionately, being cautious for)...
 
This verse is so vital today!!! Peter says a Pastor is to look out for, and care for the flock...With great passion and diligence! Not as a legalistic duty... Not as a business requirement...BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE DRIVEN, WILLING DESIRING, LOVING! WANTING THEM TO KNOW AND BE IN GOD'S WILL!
 
So many Pastors are more worried about their empire...More worried about their image... And political correctness...More worried about their crowds and paychecks...The ministry is just their job... Their business... Their ticket to success...AND THEY DON'T TRULY HAVE ONE OUNCE OF BURNING LOVE AND DESIRE…TO LEAD AND CARE FOR THEIR PEOPLE... AS INDIVIDUALS!
 
It comes back to this simple test...
 
Do they exemplify the love and desire of Jesus Christ...The pure, honest interest in seeing people grow closer to Christ, and loving them?
 
ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION:

"WOULD THEY STILL BE DOING WHAT THEY WERE DOING, IN PASSION... IF THEY COULD NOT LONGER MAKE MONEY DOING IT? IF IT ACTUALLY COST THEM MONEY OR PERSECUTION TO DO IT?”
 
Do you think the first century pastors were paid well as they built and served the church? Do you think pastors in communist or Islamic countries are worried about their empires or political correctness?
 
And THIS brings us to the last part of this verse...
 
"...not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;"
 
The test is simple... Do they exemplify the heart of Christ?
 
It is Biblical to "Make a living" from pastoral duties...And there is nothing wrong with living comfortably...BUT DO NOT TELL ME THAT YOU HAVE A HEART FOR GOD'S WORD...AND A BURNING DESIRE TO HELP THOSE IN TERRIBLE NEED...WHEN YOU SPEND GOD'S TITHES... FROM GOD'S PEOPLE...ON MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HOUSES...OFTEN MORE THAN ONE...PRIVATE JETS... LUXURY CARS...AMUSEMENT PARKS!! AND INDOOR BOWLING ALLEYS!
 
When there are people without fresh water...
People starving... People living as bond-slaves...
People needing medical attention and medicine...
People who have never heard the Gospel...
 
When it is the church's calling to care for the needy...Even to the point that early Christians sold their possessions to be sure all were cared for... And we can waste millions on personal benefits over and above our own needs...THAT MINISTRY IS NOT PASSIONATELY DOING GOD'S WILL IN A LOST AND BROKEN WORLD...
THEY HAVE BOUGHT INTO THE WORLD... PERIOD!
 
How many needs could be met...
How many lives could be saved...
How many souls could be reached...
 
With the money to buy one private jet?  Or to build a Christian Amusement Park?  Or to build that second million dollar house?
 
Don't kid yourself into thinking that God is Glorified for one moment by this kind of ministry!

Don't think for one moment that people are burning to serve God's people when they lead this type of ministry!
 
1 Timothy 6:5-6, 9-11 (NKJV)
5  useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6  Now godliness with contentment is great gain... 9  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
 
Enough said... Let's move on!
 
Lastly... Peter says...
 
1 Peter 5:3-4 (NKJV)
3  nor as being lords over (bring under domination and conquest) 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.
 
A Pastor IS to have authority over his flock in the matters of God's Word...
 
Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)
17  Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
 
Many would do well to adhere to this command of God...Rather than changing churches every time you don't like what the pastor says! Or you are disciplined in love! But Peter says that a Pastor with a true heart will not use this authority to be domineering... Controlling... Demanding... And manipulative...But will lead them by using authority to lovingly guide and correct! Will lead them by giving the TRUE Word...And then... Giving an EXAMPLE to follow...By believing, following, and living the Word themselves!!
 
This is why Jesus said...
 
Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)
15  "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
 
This is why the "Pastoral Epistles"... First & Second Timothy, and Titus...Are full of requirements for Pastors who are going to lead others!! NOT to be legalistic...
But to show that Pastors truly believe and trust what they are saying about God's Word!! Otherwise, how could anyone be expected to trust or follow...What the pastor does not even seem to live by?!
 
Therefore... Biblically... It is NOT OK...To follow a pastor who...
 
Has gotten a divorce and remarried for the wrong reasons...
(Seen multiple times by evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc.)
 
Is living a life of known sin…(In attitude, sexual sins, lies/deception)...
 
Is a practicing homosexual, drunkard, adulterer...Or any other sin accepted by the world...But forbidden by God!
 
Who believes God's Word cannot be trusted in It's entirety...
And that they have the authority to pick and choose how it is lived today!
 
Who makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ about anything other than loving Him with your whole heart... And doing ALL to please HIM!

 Rather than making it all about legalistic righteousness...Or your own spiritual journey of improvement...Or being socially and politically correct to attract crowds...Or refusing to stand against racism, abortion, and any other method of dehumanizing one another...We must love all people... Treasure and value all people...
 
BUT… WE MUST… Stand FOR OUR GOD... Against those who knowingly hurt Him! WE MUST REFUSE... WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE...ANYONE WHO TRIES TO LEAD GOD'S PEOPLE...WHO TRIES TO REPRESENT JESUS' IMAGE TO THE WORLD...WITH SELFISH MOTIVATION AND DISHONESTY TO HIS WORD!
 
Thousands are being led into sins that hurt them... Hurt families... Hurt our society...Causing them to fall away in unfulfillment later!
 
But even more importantly...Hurting their relationship with Christ...Destroying God's image and heart before an unknowing world...Making Jesus' Sacrifice cheap and unneeded...By condoning and approving what Jesus died to save us from...Making God change to suit us and accept our sins...Rather than changing ourselves to please a Holy and Loving God! Making the Gospel about anything other than…Simply wanting to know a Loving Savior with all our hearts... And please Him!
 
If you are serious about knowing and serving Jesus Christ...
If you know Scriptures are the very Heart and Mind of God...
If you recognize the times and debauchery we are living in...
If you really care about people... Not just being popular...
 
YOU CANNOT JUST FOLLOW ANYONE SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU…LIKE THEIR PERSONALITY... THEIR TEACHING STYLE... OR THEIR MESSAGE!!
 
YOU MUST BE CERTAIN THEY ARE TEACHING... AND LIVING…GOD'S WORD WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART!
 
Would you go to a doctor because he was nice...Even though he had multiple malpractice lawsuits of pure negligence? Then why follow a pastor who doesn't live what he says he believes?
 
Would you go to a doctor that would simply tell you a complete and utter lies about your condition to make you feel better...  Rather than give you the truth and help you?

- Then why would you follow a pastor that tells you lies about your spiritual condition and sin…Rather than help you to the Real Savior?
 
Would you go to a surgeon that didn't study and apply himself to knowing his profession... But instead said he would just "wing it" while he removes your brain tumor?

- Then why would you trust your soul to a pastor who never truly studies and gives you the Word of God...

But instead gives their opinion, give the world's wisdom...With a lot of emotion, self-help, and hoopla to make you feel better?
 
Would you send donations for charity to a business organization that keeps 95% for overhead costs... With the managers making millions and flying in private jets... And seeing almost nothing reach those in need?

Then why would you support ministries with even more obligation and calling to help those in need... Who act the same way?
 
Would you send someone to a Substance Abuse Help Center...If their only method of treatment...Was to GIVE the residents all the drugs and alcohol they wanted... To keep them from being upset, and not look mean to others?

Then why would you support a pastor that sells any Gospel message it takes to look politically correct... And not upset those who actually need help...Coddling them, rather than loving them?
 
This world is full of devilish, misleading, controlling, greedy, and opinionated teachers and preachers! You cannot follow a pastor because they preach what you want to hear about God... And let you live as you want...You cannot follow a pastor because it is the family church...You cannot follow a pastor because you like their style!
 
You must carefully, Biblically choose a Shepherd...That believes the whole Word of God... That lives that Word with sincere passion... That is devoted to God and His people... Not just a ministry! And stay with that family of God with loyalty and passion...Resisting those who would hurt your God... His Kingdom... And His people!
 
God will not accept that, "You were just following your pastor!"…As an excuse on the Day you stand before Him!”
 
Do you want comfort?Do you want affirmation while living in your destructive sins?
Do you want political correctness with a world that's gone insane?

Or do you want a real relationship... With a real God...
Who loves you enough to die for you...
And has wisdom beyond this world?
 
Enough games... Enough passiveness and apathy...
 
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17  Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
 
Today’s churches are becoming more and more…
Watered down… Deceptive… Self-serving… Puppets!
 
And things may soon change which DEMAND that a church do these things even to remain open!
 
WE MUST AVOID FEEL-GOOD, SELF-SERVING PASTORS…
 
AVOID THOSE WHO GIVE GOSPELS THAT ARE POPULAR OR ACCEPTING OF THE WORLD’S VIEW…
 
**GET TO A FAMILY OF GOD THAT TEACHES, TRUSTS, AND LIVES GOD’S WHOLE… TRUE WORD…
 
EVEN IF THAT SOON MEANS MEETING SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN A CHURCH BUILDING!!!