Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Pray for your pastor

Bryan Schneider · April 24, 2021

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

sharonrpc.org/sermons/pray-for-your-pastor

Summary

Christians should evaluate ministers by the pattern of Scripture rather than celebrity, wealth, charm, or worldly success.
Paul's endurance after suffering in Philippi shows the need to pray for pastors who speak the gospel courageously amid conflict.
Faithful pastors must be tested in doctrine and character, seeking God's approval rather than pleasing people.
The church must resist flattering, greedy, glory-seeking wolves and pray for accountable leaders of integrity.
Pastoral ministry combines a nursing mother's gentleness with a father's exhortation, comfort, and direction toward a worthy walk.
Ministers labor for people they love, and believers should pray for pastors who are courageous, proven, diligent, devout, just, and blameless.

Do I judge pastors by biblical doctrine and character or by platform, personality, and visible success?
Am I regularly praying that my pastor will have courage, purity, accountability, and endurance?
Does a minister speak hard truths about sin and repentance, or rely on flattery and promises of worldly gain?
Do church leaders combine truthful exhortation with gentleness, affection, comfort, and personal sacrifice?
How can I encourage faithful pastoral labor without feeding celebrity culture or insulating leaders from accountability?

Entrusted with the gospel: Approved by God to steward and proclaim his message faithfully rather than alter it for approval or gain.
Pastoral courage: Boldness in God to speak the gospel despite shame, opposition, or personal cost.
Pastoral gentleness: Affectionate, self-giving care that nurtures believers rather than using authority for control or prestige.
Blameless character: A credible pattern of devout and just conduct that gives no settled ground for reproach, not sinless perfection.