Integrity in Pastoral Ministry: A Call to Holiness

 

Summary

Psalm 78:70-72 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of integrity in pastoral ministry. David, chosen by God from the sheepfolds, exemplifies the qualities of a shepherd with an upright heart and skillful hands. As pastors, we are called to pursue pastoral integrity, a journey that demands total godliness, a life of prayer, vigilance against temptation, a commitment to sound teaching, and persistence in our calling.

Firstly, aiming for total godliness is essential. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to "keep a close watch on yourself" underscores the need for self-discipline and spiritual growth. This involves a daily commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and meditation on God’s Word, to cultivate a life that reflects Christ’s character. As Robert Murray M'Cheyne once said, "Be as holy as a saved sinner can be," reminding us that our lives should be a testament to godliness.

Secondly, being a person of prayer is crucial. Prayer is not just a duty but a lifeline that connects us to God and empowers our ministry. Whether through personal prayer or leading congregational prayers, our prayer life should be vibrant and sincere, reflecting our deep relationship with God. The example of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, remembered for his fervent prayers, illustrates the lasting impact of a prayerful life.

Thirdly, we must be vigilant against Satan and temptation. The ministry is fraught with spiritual battles, and pastors are often targets of the enemy’s schemes. Like Joseph, who fled from temptation, we must be prepared to resist and flee from sin. Maintaining sexual purity and accountability is vital to safeguarding our integrity and witness.

Fourthly, keeping a close watch on our preaching is imperative. Our teaching should be rooted in sound doctrine and continuous learning. Paul’s request for books and parchments even in his final days highlights the importance of lifelong learning and theological depth. A well-read pastor is better equipped to feed the flock with rich, biblical truths.

Finally, persistence in our calling is necessary. We are to be like the Duracell Bunny, continually moving forward in our ministry. This persistence is not just about enduring but thriving in our calling, ensuring that our integrity casts a shadow that others can follow. By persisting in godliness and integrity, we safeguard ourselves and those we lead from falling.

Key Takeaways:

- Aim for Total Godliness: Pursuing godliness requires a disciplined life of spiritual practices. It involves daily engagement with Scripture and prayer, fostering a life that mirrors Christ’s holiness. As shepherds, our lives should be a living example of godliness to our congregations. [02:50]

- Be a Person of Prayer: Prayer is the heartbeat of pastoral ministry. It connects us to God and empowers our work. Whether through personal devotion or public prayer, our prayer life should be sincere and impactful, leaving a lasting legacy of faithfulness. [10:03]

- Vigilance Against Temptation: Pastors face unique spiritual battles, and vigilance is crucial. Like Joseph, we must be prepared to flee from temptation, maintaining purity and accountability. This vigilance protects our integrity and strengthens our witness. [15:31]

- Commitment to Sound Teaching: A pastor’s teaching should be rooted in sound doctrine and continuous learning. Lifelong study enriches our ministry and equips us to feed our congregations with deep, biblical truths. [21:23]

- Persistence in Ministry: Persistence is key to maintaining integrity in ministry. Like the Duracell Bunny, we must keep moving forward, ensuring our integrity casts a shadow that others can follow. This persistence safeguards us and those we lead from falling. [27:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Introduction to Pastoral Integrity
- [01:47] - Personal Experience with Integrity
- [02:50] - Aim for Total Godliness
- [03:54] - Training in Godliness
- [06:17] - The Christian Life: Mortification and Vivification
- [08:37] - Be a Person of Prayer
- [10:03] - The Power of Prayer in Ministry
- [12:05] - The Role of Pastoral Prayer
- [13:21] - Legacy of Prayerful Leaders
- [15:31] - Watch Out for Satan and Temptation
- [17:43] - Lessons from David and Joseph
- [21:23] - Keep a Close Watch on Your Preaching
- [24:01] - Paul’s Example of Lifelong Learning
- [27:59] - Persist in Your Calling
- [30:08] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 78:70-72

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Observation Questions:

1. What qualities did David exhibit as a shepherd that are highlighted in Psalm 78:70-72? How do these qualities relate to pastoral integrity? [00:42]

2. According to the sermon, what does Paul advise Timothy to do in 1 Timothy 4:16, and how does this relate to the concept of godliness? [02:50]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in pastoral ministry, and what example is given to illustrate its importance? [10:03]

4. What are the dangers mentioned in the sermon that pastors face regarding temptation, and how is Joseph used as an example? [15:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "upright heart" in Psalm 78:72, and what does it suggest about the character of a pastor? [00:42]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a vibrant prayer life can impact a pastor's ministry and legacy? [13:21]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between continuous learning and sound teaching in pastoral ministry? [24:01]

4. How does the sermon use the example of the Duracell Bunny to illustrate persistence in ministry, and what does this suggest about the nature of pastoral work? [27:59]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual disciplines. What specific steps can you take to "train yourself to godliness" as suggested in the sermon? [04:59]

2. Consider your current prayer life. How can you make it more vibrant and sincere, similar to the example of Robert Murray M'Cheyne? [13:21]

3. Identify a temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take to flee from it, following Joseph's example? [20:05]

4. How can you ensure that your teaching or sharing of biblical truths is rooted in sound doctrine and continuous learning? What resources or practices could help you in this area? [24:01]

5. Think about a time when you felt like giving up on a task or calling. How can the concept of persistence, as illustrated by the Duracell Bunny, inspire you to keep moving forward in your ministry or personal life? [27:59]

6. In what ways can you be more accountable in your spiritual journey, especially in areas where you might struggle with integrity? [21:23]

7. How can you be a living example of godliness to those around you, and what changes might you need to make to better reflect Christ's character? [06:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Pursue Godliness with Discipline
Pursuing godliness requires a disciplined life of spiritual practices. It involves daily engagement with Scripture and prayer, fostering a life that mirrors Christ’s holiness. As shepherds, our lives should be a living example of godliness to our congregations. This pursuit is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and transformation. By committing to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and meditation on God’s Word, individuals can cultivate a life that reflects Christ’s character. The exhortation to "keep a close watch on yourself" serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and spiritual growth. [02:50]

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to enhance your pursuit of godliness, and how will you incorporate it into your daily routine?


Day 2: Cultivate a Vibrant Prayer Life
Prayer is the heartbeat of pastoral ministry. It connects us to God and empowers our work. Whether through personal devotion or public prayer, our prayer life should be sincere and impactful, leaving a lasting legacy of faithfulness. A vibrant prayer life is not just a duty but a lifeline that connects individuals to God and empowers their ministry. Through personal prayer or leading congregational prayers, a sincere and impactful prayer life reflects a deep relationship with God. The example of fervent prayers illustrates the lasting impact of a prayerful life. [10:03]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make your prayer life more vibrant and sincere this week, and who can you pray for specifically to leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness?


Day 3: Stay Vigilant Against Temptation
Pastors face unique spiritual battles, and vigilance is crucial. Like Joseph, we must be prepared to flee from temptation, maintaining purity and accountability. This vigilance protects our integrity and strengthens our witness. The ministry is fraught with spiritual battles, and individuals are often targets of the enemy’s schemes. By maintaining sexual purity and accountability, one can safeguard their integrity and witness. The example of Joseph, who fled from temptation, serves as a reminder to be prepared to resist and flee from sin. [15:31]

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What specific temptations do you need to be vigilant against this week, and what steps can you take to maintain purity and accountability in those areas?


Day 4: Commit to Sound Teaching
A pastor’s teaching should be rooted in sound doctrine and continuous learning. Lifelong study enriches our ministry and equips us to feed our congregations with deep, biblical truths. Sound teaching is essential for effective ministry, and individuals should be committed to continuous learning. By rooting their teaching in sound doctrine, they can enrich their ministry and equip their congregations with deep, biblical truths. The importance of lifelong learning and theological depth is highlighted by the example of Paul’s request for books and parchments even in his final days. [21:23]

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you." (1 Timothy 4:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of biblical study can you focus on this week to deepen your understanding and teaching, and how will you incorporate this learning into your ministry?


Day 5: Persist in Your Calling
Persistence is key to maintaining integrity in ministry. Like the Duracell Bunny, we must keep moving forward, ensuring our integrity casts a shadow that others can follow. This persistence safeguards us and those we lead from falling. Persistence in one’s calling is necessary for maintaining integrity in ministry. By continually moving forward, individuals can ensure that their integrity casts a shadow that others can follow. This persistence is not just about enduring but thriving in one’s calling, safeguarding oneself and those they lead from falling. [27:59]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your ministry do you need to persist this week, and how can you ensure that your integrity casts a shadow that others can follow?

Quotes


"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." "Keep a close watch on yourself." Now, the Greek verb is epechó, and it's a verb that's used in Acts, Acts 3, in verse 5, where Peter and John in the temple meet a leper, and he's asking for alms. [00:02:50]

"Train yourself to godliness." "Godliness" is a word in Greek that can also be rendered "piety," "piety." Think of Calvin; it's always good to think about Calvin. I look forward to meeting him. I have a ton of questions that I would like him to answer. I must have read the "Institutes" thirty, forty times, I'm sure. [00:05:47]

Aim for total godliness. As Robert Murray M'Cheyne once said, "Be as holy as a saved sinner can be." As Pastors and shepherds, we are meant to be an example to the flock, an example of godliness. Whatever else they may say about you, "Oh, he's a great preacher," "He's a great teacher," but a better compliment would be, "He's a godly man," [00:07:40]

Be a person of prayer. So, Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men." And then in chapter 2 and verse 8, "I desire that in every place that men should pray." Well, that's a general command, a general desire that all men should pray, but especially, especially, pastors. [00:08:54]

One of the great moments, I think, in the life of a pastor is the pastoral prayer on Sunday morning. And I don't know what your habit is. Maybe you write out your prayers. I tend not to do that. They come from my heart. And I think when you lead people in prayer in worship, it exposes you, doesn't it? It exposes your soul. [00:10:53]

"Pursuing Pastoral Integrity," that's our theme, requires of us that we be men of prayer. Robert Murray M'Cheyne from Dundee in Scotland, he died when he was twenty-nine, he was in ministry for barely seven years, and one of those years, he was in Palestine. And from that came a mission to the Jews, a Christian witness to Israel which still exists to this day. [00:13:21]

If we are to pursue pastoral integrity, we need to watch out for Satan, we need to watch out for Satan and temptation. Richard Baxter, in his wonderful book, "The Reformed Pastor," and that would be up in the top two or three books that I would recommend for pastoral ministry and the shape of pastoral ministry, Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor." [00:15:31]

Pastors are exposed to greater temptations than others. If Satan can make you fall, he gains most of the congregation. Sadly, I've known far too many. I can say dozen but I can put an "s" on it; I think I've known dozens of pastors who have fallen tragically publicly. And there go I but for the grace of God. [00:16:23]

We are to be like Joseph. Joseph, a young handsome man, in the extraordinary providence of God, he was in the house of the second most important and influential man in Egypt in Potiphar's house. And when his wife laid hold of Joseph's garment with an intention in mind, he ran away leaving the garment in her hands. [00:20:05]

Keep a close watch on your preaching. So, the text, 1 Timothy 4 and verse 16, and Paul is saying, "Keep a close watch on your teaching," didaskalia, "doctrine," "theology." If you're to maintain integrity as a preacher, you need to be reading constantly. I have to admit that I get disappointed when I go into pastors' offices, [00:21:23]

Do you remember Paul in 2 Timothy...this is Paul writing from the Mamertine Prison in Rome. This was his third and final imprisonment. He is, perhaps, weeks away from being taken to the Ostian Way and beheaded. And he writes to Timothy, his protégé who's in the church at Ephesus. And he wants Timothy to come to him, and I don't think Timothy ever made it. [00:23:33]

Persist in this. "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame." Do you remember what Paul said to Timothy? "By so doing, you will save yourself," in the sense of saving yourself from falling. [00:27:59]

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Transcript
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