1 Timothy 4:11 (KJV)
These things command and teach.
I will not attempt today to delineate what the “these things” are. I appeal to the reader to search out this chapter specifically and to consider the Bible as a whole. Here, we find these things. What I would point out is that the preacher is biblically charged both to command and to teach. He is not authorized to create his own rules to command over people, nor is he authorized to conceive his own dogmas to teach people. He is to command “these things.”
He is to teach
I place this first because it seems to be the only role most people believe the pastor is supposed to fulfill. More and more frequently, we find the Christian community willing only to tolerate the teaching pastor. He is to study the Word of God and teach it. The most popular pastors in our country are known for their fine teaching skills. Consequently, many pastors, anxious to honor their calling, successfully become teaching pastors. This they ought to do, but not leave the other undone.
He is to command
John Gill writes, “What are to be commanded, command, and what are to be taught, teach …” We have no authority to command what is not commanded, but we also have no right to merely teach what we are commanded to command. It is the preacher’s duty—his charge and calling—to insist upon those things the Bible commands. To preach and teach without insisting on them is a breach of duty. It will lead to weak Christianity, impotent church communities, and eventually, a falling away from the faith.[1]
Conversely, it is incumbent upon Christians, especially those who are members of a church, to expect their pastor to place expectations upon them, encourage them in doing it, and to obey and observe those commands as they are pointed out from the Word of God and commanded by the pastor.
The preacher’s responsibility extends beyond teaching; he must also command what the Bible clearly instructs. Both roles are essential to the spiritual growth and strength of the church. A balanced ministry that faithfully commands and teaches will lead to a vibrant and obedient Christian community that reaches potential generations into the future. As believers, we must support and follow our pastors as they uphold the authority of God's Word.
#BiblicalPreaching #CommandAndTeach #PastoralDuties #TeachTheWord #BiblicalAuthority
The Pastor’s Role: Essential Duties of a Pastor
[1] Not that the saved can lose their salvation, but that professing Christians may come short of saving faith.
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