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NASB | 1 Timothy 4:6 ¶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:6 ¶ If you point out these instructions to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed. |
Bible Question:
Are there many pastors (or ex-pastors) on this Forum who have been "wounded" by their congregation or District Superintendent or overseeing board of directors for "political reasons" and have been forced out from fulfilling their calling as pastors? If so, how is the church to minister to a pastor and his family who is among the 'walking wounded'? Are there places for pastors and their families (who have been burnt before in the past) to fulfill their calling? |
Bible Answer: Dear brother Markarios: I hardly know where to start. My heart goes out to those who have been good soldiers of Jesus Christ and yet find themselves in a situation which seems impossible to overcome. There is no greater hurt than one that is caused by spiritual family members whom we love. I list myself with the "walking wounded" and I am thankful for fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ on this forum. When things are going well it is easy to discuss Paul and his needs, and how he entreated God to remove his thorn in the flesh. God simply gave him this answer, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor. 12:9 We get a sense of Paul's frustration in 2 Tim. 4. In v. 6 he speaks of his own death by martyrdom and of his departure to be with Christ. The "voice" of his last instructions show us his love for those he will be living and his faithfulness and love to Christ. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21 In these last days "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3-4 The Lord has been wonderful to me over my life and in retrospect I see his hand in it. At times it is not pleasant to be chastened of him and yet in going through the process we know that he loves us more than we will ever know. During the early years of my life as a member with the Plymouth brethren, the Lord by his grace used us (my wife and I) along with others in establishing a Sunday School and a gospel outreach in a rural area. During those days we experience much blessing from God and souls were brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. As the numbers grew we were exercised in forming a church after the pattern of the New Testament. This pattern consisted of those who were saved and baptized and expressed a desire to be gathered to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ alone. The Lord blessed us and gave us strength as the small group as workers together built a nice sized hall. We had been meeting in an older hall which did not have facilities and could not be upgraded. The physical building grew and spiritual growth and gift could be seen among the Lord's people. For 15 years we had our ups and downs, but were generally settled in the Lord. Since we did not have a full time pastor, there were those who functioned as overseers to feed, lead and protect the flock of God. This was no small responsiblity, but we did it with joy knowing we serve the best of masters. About 12 years ago, the group divided and some polarized around a person from among us who thought himself to be somewhat of a prophet. The problem was he was causing a split among the people with his brand of doctrine and his prophetic insight. In an attempt to save ourselves, I along with a few others attempted to stop the problem and to bring unity among the Lord's people. In short, the church was divided, many left, one committed suicide and the person in the wrong seemed to still have the dominant influeance. Personally, this took a toll on me and my wife and as time went by at the advice of my doctor I had to withdraw from the church. To withdraw from something which had become a part of you for so many years was equivalent to a living death. Over the past 12 years I have tried to make sense of it all. I even tried to live afar off from the Lord and yet I found no peace or true happiness. I have (not unlike others) suffered major health problems and financial loss. Due to my health I retired early from teaching and opened a business which I thought would help my family. Due to problems with this we lost almost everything we owned. During the past year after shutting the business down I have tried to get closer to God and I have experience forgiveness and have a peace which I cannot explain. I have had the priviledge to give myself to a study of the scriptures and at this point we are looking for direction in our life which would bring glory and honor to Christ. It is my desire that in this last phase of my life that God could still use me and that I might continue to experience the joy of his salvation until he comes. By writing this, it is not my intention to ask for sympathy or am I bitter toward God's people. I would like to simply give the readers a little insight that leaders must go through in order to maintain a testimony for the Lord. I know that God is able and yet at times we wonder why we must travel down these side tracks of life. I would however, covet your prayers for my family and I. I am so thankful that I am kept my his power. In Christ Robert |