Honoring Faithful Service: A Call to Obedience

Jul 27, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Blessing Those Who Bless God’s Servants

God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless them that bless you,” sets a pattern throughout Scripture: when God’s people honor and support those He has called, they themselves receive blessing. The principle is seen in the way the Levites were provided for, in Jesus’ words about the laborer being worthy of his reward, and in Paul’s teaching that those who sow spiritual things should reap material things. When you give generously and honor those who serve, you participate in God’s cycle of blessing, moving from a place of need to a place of abundance, as you trust God’s faithfulness to provide. [57:20]

Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Reflection: Who is someone serving God in your life whom you can bless today—through encouragement, prayer, or a tangible gift?

Day 2: The Pastor’s Divine Assignment and Peace

Jesus, after His resurrection, appeared to His disciples and twice declared, “Peace be unto you,” before commissioning them: “As my Father has sent me, even so send I you.” The pastor’s calling is not self-appointed but divinely assigned, and with that assignment comes a supernatural peace that sustains through every trial and challenge. No matter the difficulties or opposition, God’s peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit empower those He sends to fulfill their purpose, reminding all believers that God equips those He calls. [01:21:46]

John 20:19-22 (ESV)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to receive Christ’s peace and remember that you are sent by Him for a purpose?

Day 3: Feeding the Lambs and Sheep—The Pastor’s Charge

Jesus’ threefold command to Peter, “Feed my lambs…feed my sheep,” reveals the heart of pastoral ministry: to nurture, teach, and care for God’s people at every stage of spiritual growth. The pastor’s role is to provide the nourishment of God’s Word, meeting the needs of both the young in faith and the mature, ensuring that all are fed and equipped for life in Christ. This calling is not about personal gain but about faithfully serving and building up the flock entrusted to their care. [01:16:45]

John 21:15-17 (ESV)
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Reflection: How can you help “feed” or encourage someone in your church family this week, whether they are a new believer or have walked with Christ for years?

Day 4: The Power and Responsibility to Forgive

Jesus entrusted His followers with the authority to forgive or retain sins, a weighty responsibility that reflects God’s grace and mercy. While the pastor is given spiritual authority, this power is to be exercised with compassion, not for personal gain or control, but to extend God’s forgiveness and restoration. The call is to be agents of reconciliation, always seeking to build up rather than tear down, and to remember that true spiritual authority is marked by humility and service. [01:24:02]

John 20:23 (ESV)
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today, trusting God’s grace to bring healing and restoration?

Day 5: Sharing Your Testimony—A Simple Witness

Every believer is called to be a witness, sharing the story of what Jesus has done in their life. Your testimony is powerful: tell what you were before Christ, how He came into your life, and what has changed since. If each Christian would share their testimony with just one person each year, countless lives could be touched by the hope of the gospel. Don’t underestimate the impact of your story—God can use your words to bring someone else to faith. [01:39:44]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Reflection: Who is one person you can share your testimony with this week—telling them what Jesus has done in your life?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude, marking 37 years of faithful service by Pastor Lee at Hopewell Church. We honor not only his longevity but the faithfulness of God who has sustained him and the church through every season. The journey of a pastor is not one of personal gain or need, but of obedience to a divine calling. As God told Abraham, “I will bless them that bless you,” and throughout Scripture, we see that God’s people are called to care for and honor those who shepherd them. This is not about meeting needs, but about doing what is right in the eyes of God—giving double honor to those who lead well.

The role of the pastor is rooted in the very heart of the gospel. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and spoke peace over them, even though they had failed Him. He then commissioned them, saying, “As my Father has sent me, even so send I you.” This divine assignment is not taken up lightly; it is a sacred trust, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The pastor is not self-appointed, but sent by God, equipped with peace and authority to shepherd the flock.

Jesus’ conversation with Peter after the resurrection is a powerful reminder of the pastor’s primary responsibility: to feed the lambs and the sheep. The church is filled with those who are growing, and the pastor’s task is to nourish them with the Word of God, week after week. This is not always easy—there are seasons of conflict, moments of discouragement, and times when the “brook runs dry.” Yet, God’s faithfulness never fails. He provides for His servants and calls the church to do the same, not out of obligation, but as an act of worship and obedience.

Ultimately, the call is not just for pastors, but for every believer. We are all sent to bear witness to what Christ has done in our lives. Sharing our testimony—who we were, how Jesus met us, and what He has done since—is a simple yet powerful way to participate in God’s mission. If each of us would share our story with just one person, imagine the impact for the kingdom. God will take care of His people as we take care of His business.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Blessing Flows Through Honoring God’s Servants God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless them that bless you,” sets a pattern for how the people of God are to honor those who lead them. This is not about meeting a need, but about aligning with God’s principle of blessing. When we give double honor to faithful leaders, we participate in God’s economy of grace, and He multiplies blessings in our own lives. [57:20]
2. The Pastor’s Assignment Is Divine, Not Self-Appointed Pastors are not in their position by accident or personal ambition, but by the sovereign call of God. Jesus said, “As my Father has sent me, even so send I you,” making it clear that spiritual leadership is a sacred trust. This calling is sustained by the peace and authority that only Christ can give, even in seasons of difficulty or opposition. [81:46]
3. Feeding the Flock Is the Pastor’s Central Task Jesus’ repeated command to Peter—“Feed my lambs, feed my sheep”—underscores the pastor’s primary responsibility: nourishing God’s people with the Word. The church is made up of both lambs and sheep, all in need of spiritual food. Faithful teaching and shepherding are acts of love and obedience, not mere routine. [76:45]
4. God’s Provision Is Sure for Those Who Obey Just as God provided for Elijah by the brook and through the widow at Zarephath, He promises to care for those who trust and obey Him. Pastors and congregations alike are called to move from “Need Boulevard” to “I shall not want Avenue,” trusting that God will supply every need as we walk in faithfulness. [68:07]
5. Every Believer Is Sent to Share Their Testimony The mission is not limited to pastors; every Christian is called to bear witness to Christ’s work in their life. Sharing your testimony—what you were before, how Jesus met you, and what He’s done since—is a simple yet profound way to spread the gospel. If each believer would reach just one person, the impact for the kingdom would be immeasurable. [99:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[54:07] - Celebrating 37 Years of Faithful Service
[54:59] - Honoring Pastor Lee and God’s Blessings
[55:45] - Anniversary Reflections and Community Support
[56:26] - The Principle of Blessing God’s Servants
[57:20] - Biblical Foundations for Honoring Leaders
[58:27] - The Blessing of Giving and Tithing
[59:37] - Double Honor and Generosity
[63:55] - God’s Provision for His Servants
[65:31] - The Story of Elijah and the Widow
[68:07] - Obedience and God’s Abundant Provision
[74:49] - Jesus Appears: Peace and Commission
[76:45] - Feed My Sheep: The Pastor’s Calling
[81:46] - The Divine Assignment of Pastors
[84:02] - The Power and Responsibility of Spiritual Leadership
[94:36] - Faithfulness in Ministry and God’s Care
[96:23] - Invitation and The Power of Testimony
[99:44] - Every Believer’s Call to Witness

Bible Study Guide

Hopewell Church Small Group Bible Study Guide
Celebrating Faithful Service & God’s Calling

Bible Reading

John 20:19-23 (ESV)
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

John 21:15-17 (ESV)
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)
2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Observation Questions

In John 20, what is the first thing Jesus says to the disciples when He appears to them after the resurrection? Why do you think He says this? ([01:14:49])
According to John 21, what does Jesus repeatedly command Peter to do, and what does this reveal about the role of a spiritual leader? ([01:15:56])
In Genesis 12, what promise does God make to Abraham regarding those who bless him? How does this connect to honoring spiritual leaders? ([57:20])
The sermon mentions the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath. What did God instruct Elijah to do, and how did God provide for both Elijah and the widow? ([01:05:31])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize “peace” when He appears to the disciples, especially considering their recent failures and fears? How might this “peace” be important for those called to lead or serve? ([01:20:16])
What does it mean that Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”? How does this shape our understanding of spiritual leadership and calling? ([01:21:46])
The command to “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep” is repeated three times. What does this repetition suggest about the importance and difficulty of this task? ([01:16:45])
The sermon draws a connection between blessing God’s servants and receiving God’s blessing ourselves. How does this principle challenge or affirm your current attitude toward honoring those who lead in the church? ([57:20])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about moving from “Need Boulevard” to “I shall not want Avenue” by trusting God’s provision. Is there an area in your life where you are still living on “Need Boulevard”? What would it look like to trust God more fully in that area? ([58:27])
Honoring spiritual leaders is described as “double honor,” not just meeting needs but doing what is right before God. What are some practical ways you can show honor and encouragement to your pastor or other spiritual leaders this month? ([59:37])
Jesus gave His disciples peace and then sent them out. When you think about your own calling—whether in the church, at home, or at work—do you feel equipped with Christ’s peace? If not, what is holding you back? ([01:14:49])
The pastor’s main job is to “feed the sheep” with God’s Word. How have you personally benefited from faithful teaching in your life? Is there a way you can help “feed” others in your family, small group, or community? ([01:16:45])
The sermon challenged every believer to share their testimony with at least one person this year. Who is one person God might be putting on your heart to share your story with? What’s your next step to make that happen? ([01:39:44])
The story of Elijah and the widow shows God’s faithfulness in times of scarcity. Have you ever experienced God providing for you in a surprising way? How did that impact your faith? ([01:08:07])
The sermon said that honoring and caring for spiritual leaders is not about obligation, but about worship and obedience. How does this perspective change the way you think about giving, serving, or supporting the church? ([59:37])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for His faithfulness to our church and our leaders. Ask for a heart that honors those who serve, and for courage to share your testimony with someone this year. Pray for God’s peace and provision in every area of your life.

Sermon Clips

“I'm so glad that God is in the blessing business. And Pastor Lee's not sitting over there. Sister Lee's not sitting over there like they in need of something. I used to live on need Boulevard, but the Reverend Jesse bottom said if you tithe God will change your address. Some of y'all lived on curse Boulevard, some of you still have moved off curse Boulevard, but if you tithe God said he'll open up the windows of heaven, pour you out blessings you won't have room enough to receive.”

“All I can tell you is that the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. So Pastor Lee is not sitting up there wanting something. They moved off want Avenue a long time ago. But it's right, you know, anniversaries don't have anything to do with need, has to do with what's right.”

“Whatever you give the pastor is worth double honor. Amen. So I know you've been giving, but we ain't finished giving yet. Pastor Lee loved me, he and Sister Lee, they happy about me, but I ain't over here just to help me quick somebody, I'm here to be a blessing.”

“The pastor has to have the courage. I wish you could hear me today. The Lord takes care of the pastor and the Lord takes care of you. Don't you ever forget that. The pastor cannot have an anniversary without having one first.”

“That's leave it here 37 years cause the brook haven't run dry yet. I'm in my 42nd year greater hope cause the brook haven't run dry yet. Amen. Amen. Pastor Dwayne Gillison, it is his third year at Mount Olive, and the brook hasn't run dry yet. But when the brook runs dry, it's time to move.”

“And I found out that the people that bless the pastor, God blesses them. Amen? All right? I done preached sermon one already, so if I don't preach sermon two, y'all got sermon one. Amen? Amen? And it makes a difference.”

“The pastor's just telling you what does say, the word of God. And all I can tell you is that it works. Amen?”

“John wants us to know that Jesus is God. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. And John begins to tell us about the miracles of Jesus. Then John tells us in chapter nineteen that Jesus is killed crucified on the cross. But John chapter twenty tells us that Jesus rose and now here Jesus is before his disciples.”

“And the first thing the Bible tells us that Jesus said to them is peace be unto you. O Lord have mercy. Jesus said peace be unto you. Jesus wanted them to know even though that they all had forsook him. That they all had left him. Peter denied him. But Jesus said to them in essence don't worry that's all behind. I want you to know peace I give unto you.”

“There's nothing blessing better than know that you have peace with the Lord. O Lord have mercy. The Bible said when a man ways please the Lord he make it even his enemies that be at peace with him. When you have peace with God the Bible said you will have a peace that passeth all understanding.”

“You need to know that the pastor operates on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The pastor is not just here because he wants to be here. He's here because he's been given an assignment.”

“Here in John, John wants us to know that after Jesus rose from the grave, the first action that Jesus does is let the disciples know that they have peace, and then let them know that they have a divine assignment. The pastor's position is of the Lord. The peace that he has comes from the Lord.”

“You think that this is easy pastoring? You think it's just easy for me to stand up and say what I just said? Some people are looking at you, and God told Jeremiah, don't be afraid of their faces. Oh, help me quick, somebody. If you can see your face sometime looking at me when I'm looking at you, you'd run from your own self. But God said, don't be afraid of their faces.”

“This position is not an easy position, but the Lord has told the pastor, I've given you peace. How many times, many times over Pastor Lee's tenure here at Hopewell, it wasn't a peaceful moment. Over there, it wasn't peaceful. And the Lord let him to build this, to come over here. It wasn't always peaceful. And every now and then, little ripples come up. But the Lord gives us a peace that passes all understanding.”

“Jesus said, as my Father sent me, even so send I you. The apostolic connection is passed on down through the line. And what Jesus says here to them, he said it to Pastor Lee, myself, and Dwayne, and other pastors. He said, I have a job for you to do. As my Father sent me, even so send I you.”

“Then he said, I want you to know that you have a partner in this business. And he breathed on them. That's what he said. The Bible said that when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Long before the Holy Spirit came in full on the day of Pentecost, the disciples had already been charged and given the Holy Spirit.”

“The pastor has power. He said, Whoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them. But whoever sin ye retain, they are retained. He told the pastor, You have the power to forgive sins and the power to let people's sins lay on them.”

“Everything that I said to you since I stood up here has been the Word of God. Taking pastor's offering is the Word of God. Moving off Need Street is the Word of God. Moving off Wamp Boulevard is all the Word of God. I come to tell you what God said: the pastor has a job to do and that job has been given him by the Lord.”

“God takes care of all of his children. He takes care of his pastor. When all of us get home, I don't care every preacher, whenever you get home, he gonna say lack anything and you want to say you lack nothing. Every last one of us, if he called you, you're not gonna lack anything. If you belong to him, you won't lack anything. He will take care of you. He will take care of you.”

“The pastor job is to feed the lambs. I come to tell you, you come in the church as a lamb, you think you're grown but you're nothing but a lamb. The past they come in here as a lamb and you got to know that lambs need to be fed and the pastor have to feed the lamb.”

“All we have is lamb and sheep food and pastor comes here every Sunday to lay out the table before you to give you the word of God and the Bible makes it clear that if you eat the word of God God will take care of you. If you do what God tells you to do don't worry about it God will bring you through.”

“Jesus said I came to do the will of my father. At the age of 12 he said I must be about my father's business. It was put on his heart at the age of 12 to do what God told him to do and then by the age of 30 Jesus made his way down to the Jordan river, told John the Baptist you got to baptize me... and a voice from heaven said this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”

“I did my job, I did what I was supposed to do, but now you, you've got to do yours. And I'm so glad he's been doing it. Pastor Lee's been doing it. He's been doing it. He's been doing it. I've been doing it. Dwayman's been doing it. Pastor Gil did it, too. My pastor did it. John William's doing it. Wilfield Washington did it. Help me real quick. It's being done all over the world. Oh, Lord. We didn't start it, but he told us to go do it. And I'm glad that Lee's doing it. He'll take care of you. He'll take care of you.”

“If every Christian would just witness to one person. One person a year. Between now and 2033. Oh, Lord have mercy. They talk about the billions of people that would be saved. And we just witnessed. What do you mean by witness? This is what it is. It's real simple. This is your testimony. Share your testimony with another person this year.”

“Your testimony is this. What you were before Jesus came into your life. Tell people what you were before Jesus came into your life. The second part of your testimony. Tell them how Jesus came into your life. I went to Hopewell one Sunday, pastor preached, and Jesus got in my life. I was in the Sunday school class. The Sunday school teacher said something. Jesus got in my life. Help me somebody. I was in front of the TV listening to Billy Graham. Jesus got in my life. I listened to so-and-so on YouTube or something. Jesus got in my life. And then the third point is tell them what your life has been since Jesus came into your life. Now, that ain't hard, is it? That's not hard.”

Ask a question about this sermon

Hopewell Baptist Church, Buffalo NY This sermon · AI assistant

What is the divine purpose of a pastor's authority?

How does faith influence blessings and divine provision?

What role does sharing testimony play in spreading faith?