Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor

Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor
1 Timothy 4

1. Warns of error (1-5) vs.6 “Put in remembrance. . .”
draw line btwn truth & error
warn wicked
NOT embrace error

2. Expert student of Scriptures (6) “Nourished up. . .”
Too many with minimal understanding
A continuing process
1 P 2.2 // 2 Ti. 2.15 // Eph 6.17 // Col. 3.16 // 2 Ti 3.16-17

3. Avoid unholy teaching (7) “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables” (myths)
Guard your mind
1 Ti 1.4 Be careful about reading material
A man went to a liberal seminary to be a minister & came out a bartender

4. Disciplined in personal godliness (7) Exercise thyself rather. . .”
Exercise = Gumnazo = Gymnasium
Takes rigorous self-sacrificing work
Don’t neglect body - don’t be preoccupied with it either

5. Committed to hard work (10) “We both labor and suffer reproach”
The earthy tasks
2 Cor. 5.9 = 2 reasons to labor

6. Teaches with authority (11) “These things command and teach”
Not to entertain
Implies boldness to challenge sin headon

7. Model of spiritual virtue (12) “Be thou an example. . .”
You can pattern your life after a godly man
He 13.7 “Whose faith follow”

8. Thoroughly biblical ministry (13) “Give attendance to . . .”
Scripture + Application + Teaching

9. Fulfill his calling (14) “Neglect not the gift. . .”
A divine enabling

10. Absorbed in his work (15) “Give thyself wholly to them”
Not double-minded

11. Progressing in spiritual growth (16) “That thy profiting may appear to all”
An advancing force

Summary = Verse 16
2 Things -- TAKE HEED
1 - Your Self - Conduct
2 - The Doctrine - Teaching