Jesus came into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15). All the people whom God gave to Jesus to redeem were dead spiritually and slaves to sin. In order to rescue them from eternal punishment, Jesus had to be punished in their place. Jesus was the sin bearer on the cross. It was there that God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of sin in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). There has never been a greater demonstration of love than Jesus laying down His life for His people.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said He would build His church. The church He was referring to is the body of Christ- all those who are born again from above. Christians are to join with a local church once they are saved to learn, grow, be accountable, and serve the Lord. Because the Lord Jesus loves His people so much, He made provision for their spiritual growth by raising up qualified pastors, deacons, and teachers. These men are responsible to teach, protect, equip, serve, and be models of godliness for the believers to look up to and imitate. Jesus wants His church to prosper spiritually. That can only happen when qualified men are in leadership positions. Jesus gave specific qualifications for pastors and deacons in His Word in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
We have to pray to the Lord to give us wisdom in choosing spiritual leaders in the church. Satan has plans to destroy local churches by putting unqualified men in the office of pastor and deacon. Many churches have men serving as pastors and deacons who were chosen on the basis of popularity or connections with influential people. The Apostle Paul said many pastors were false teachers who were put there by Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Jesus loves His church and wants the best for all His people. The best spiritual leaders will be those who are evaluated and tested based on the Lord’s requirements revealed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. If the need for spiritual leaders in the local church is great but no men meet the Lord’s standards for those offices, it is better not to put anyone in those offices. Jesus is building His church and He will supply the need in His time.
Are you praying for your pastors and deacons? If your church needs pastors and deacons, are you praying to the Lord to raise up qualified men? The Lord will answer our prayers and provide the best spiritual leaders for His children. Our prayers are the means He uses to bring about His blessings for the church He loves.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dennis
