1. A FOUNDATION FOUND IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

• The first principle of being a good pastor is to be joined to others in ministry.
• Paul gives us this principle (1 Thessalonians 1: 11). He was joined to Silvanus, who was a prophet (Acts 15: 32 / Silas is another version of Silvanus), and Timothy, a teacher (1 Timothy 4: 13).
• Joint ministries are the key to effective kingdom preaching and ministry (see Ephesians 4: 11-16).
• The second principle is that we are to remember those in our care before God, regularly praying for them (1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3).
• Paul is our example; he ministered in four ways:
• In word (logos);
• in power (dúnamis);
• in Holy Spirit anointing; and
• in much assurance (full confidence). See 1 Thessalonians 1: 5.
• The result of this ministry was the brethren
• became followers of the Lord,
• they received joy even in persecution, and
• they became examples to other churches (1 Thessalonians 1: 6-7).

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY PASTOR

• We need to be confident in the message we have; a gospel from God which is approved by Him, and that pleases God (1 Thessalonians 2: 4). We do not preach to please men, but to please God.
• Godly pastors behave gently, devoutly, justly and blamelessly before the brethren like good witnesses (see 1 Thessalonians 2: 7 and 10). This is the character of a true spiritual “father”.

What are these characteristics?

1. Gentle = not harsh nor relying on the dignity of the apostolic calling.
2. Devout = living a holy life-style in the eyes of God (see Luke 1: 75).
3. Just = living a righteous life in the eyes of men, agreeable to them.
4. Blameless = the latter two prove us to be without blame in man’s eyes; faultless in the eyes of men; without any censure.

Godly pastors exhort, they also comfort, and implore the brethren to walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 2: 11-12). Such pastors act like a father (see verse 11). They will:

1. “Exhort” meaning to encourage and instruct.
2. “Comfort” meaning to calm and console.
3. “Implore” meaning to call one to witness.

Paul concludes all this by putting it into an eternal perspective. He shows that all this is worthwhile because the brethren will be a pastor’s crown of joy when Jesus Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20). He now introduces the theme of Christ’s Return and shows how a Godly pastor should keep this in mind as he cares for the flock.

3. HOLDING ON AND GROWING DURING TRIBULATION

• Tribulation and persecution was the background for Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. To encourage the brethren Paul regularly mentioned the Return of the Lord Jesus. He used a special Greek word “parousia” in both his letters to describe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This formed a focal point for his teaching of being a Godly pastor to the flock, as well as a source of comfort to the saints in general.
• Not only do these two letters bring insight to any pastor undergoing persecution, but they’re also helpful for the End Time church in general in the Last Days. Paul’s experiences as a pastor undergoing his own tribulation are extremely valuable for us today.
• Six times Paul used the word Parousia and each time he attached a particularly important insight to it regarding the Last Days.

1. A Pastor’s reward and crown. When Christ returns the joy and reward of a Godly pastor shall be the brethren he has nurtured well. So pastors should be diligent and faithful (1 Thessalonians 2: 19).
2. A Pastor’s aim and purpose. The aim of a Godly pastor is to present saints who can stand blameless and holy before God on that great Day (1 Thessalonians 3: 13).
3. A pastor’s duty. To instruct the brethren undergoing persecution, to hold fast during tribulation.
4. A pastor’s ministry and calling. A Godly pastor will ask the Lord to influence the brethren in spirit, soul and body. The pastor will do this through prayer, teaching and exhortation, to prepare the brethren for the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thess 5: 23).
5. A pastor’s teaching. This will primarily take the form of encouraging the brethren to remain firm, stable and not to be troubled during the distressing days of tribulation. The pastor will help the brethren see the deceptions that try to shake their foundation in Jesus Christ (2 Thess 2: 1-2).
6. A pastor’s responsibility to the brethren. To tell and warn the saints of the coming of the Anti-Christ. To enable them to recognise this lawless one and his activities, and to exhort the brethren to stand firm and be established in every good word and work (2 Thess 2: 3-17).

• Keeping these six issues in mind will encourage the pastor as he ministers to the flock. It will also keep the pastor “on track” so that he will not be diverted with other non-essential issues.
• Normally a pastor following the New Testament pattern should only minister according to what the New Testament writings encourage him to do “as a pastor”. For instance, he should usually confine his teaching to such things as found in points 5 and 6. His exhortation however will cover all the above six points.

4. PRINCIPLES OF MINISTERING IN UNITY

• A joined ministry in proper Biblical unity with each other is the most effective ministry for the Kingdom of God. When the whole Body ministers according to each person’s gifts and calling, then true spiritual union flows for the benefit of all (Ephesians 4: 1-16).
• Be in correct submission to one another, recognise each other’s calling and allow it to be used in right order. This will require great humility which the Enemy, and our soul, will try to use against true Unity.
• Therefore ministries need to be joined and linked together; this is the clear New Testament practice. Jesus taught this principle and Paul imitated it; so why not we? (Mark 6: 7 / Luke 10: 1 / 2 Corinthians 1: 1 / Philippians 1: 1 / Colossians 1: 1-2).

5. SOME BENEFITS OF BEING PROPERLY JOINED

• Prayer is answered and corporate spiritual strength is increased (Matthew 18: 18-20).
• A joined ministry acts as a witness (John 8: 17-18).
• Each is strengthened by the other during times of weakness.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING FOR THE BRETHREN

A Godly pastor will always pray for the brethren. When a pastor prays according to Biblical principles great things will happen amongst his flock (Ephesians 1: 15-19 / Philippians 1: 9-11 and Colossians 1: 3-12 ).

• Pray for one another (1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3 / Philemon 1: 4 / Luke 22: 31-32) by name preferably.
• Paul gives us the important principle to always be thankful for the brethren to whom you minister; tell them this to encourage them. (Romans 1: 8 / Ephesians 1: 16). In 2

Thessalonians 2:13 Paul uses the word “bound” meaning ” to be obliged; to owe as a duty “.

• So there seems to be a spiritual responsibility for pastors to give regularly thanks for the brethren in their charge. May we do this faithfully and with diligence!

Teaching by
Peter McArthur

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