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THE PREACHERS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CONGREGATION

INTRODUCTION: Many brethren have differing views of what the work of the preacher is. Some want a social director. Some want a stand-up comedian. Some desire a proxy-Christian. Some just want him to preach feel good sermons and stay out of their hair. What does the Bible say about the responsibilities that a preacher has to the local congregation?

1. HE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PREACHING THE WHOLE GOSPEL
   1. He must preach in such a way as to be "free from the blood of all men."
      1. Acts 20:26,27- "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
      2. Ezekiel 3:17-21
   2. Some subjects won't be popular.
      1. Marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
      2. Social drinking.
2. HE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SETTING A GODLY EXAMPLE.
   1. The preacher is commanded to be an example of the believer.
      1. I Timothy 4:12- "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
      2. 2 Timothy 2-22- "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
      3. Titus 2:7- "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,"
   2. A preacher is looked upon the set the pace.
      1. In moral standards
      2. In church work
      3. In personal life
3. HE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING HIS TALENTS.
   1. Timothy was told to "neglect not the gift."
      1. I Timothy 4:14,15 - "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all.
      2. Specifically deals with the miraculous gifts that Timothy was given. Timothy was told to not neglect them.
   2. The preacher today should continue to learn and develop the skills that God has entrusted with him
      1. Must continue regular study.
      2. Lectureships, and other forms of continuing education are not vacation opportunities for the preacher but necessary to grow and continually recharge spiritually.
4. HE MUST BE BIBLICAL IN ALL OF HIS PREACHING AND TEACHING.
   1. This is the preacher's primary work.

      I Timothy 4:13- "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

   2. We must preach "the truth."
      1. Ephesians 4:15 - "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
      2. 2 Timothy 1:13 - "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
      3. 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
      4. There must be a "thus saith the Lord."

         I Peter 4:11- "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

5. HE MUST AVOID RIDING HOBBIES.
   1. What is hobby riding?
      1. Harping on one subject to the exclusion of all others.
      2. Can often be the truth being taught.
         1. For example, sermons of giving are needed in the church, but 20 consecutive sermons of giving would not be.
   2. Preachers are warned to avoid foolish things.
      1. I Timothy 6:20- "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."
      2. Titus 3:9- "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."
      3. Some preachers have troubled the church with their endless theories and constant harping on one issue.
6. AVOID TAKING SIDES IN DISPUTED AMONG BRETHREN.
   1. We need to seek to remain impartial when it is not a matter of doctrine.

      I Timothy 5:21 - "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality."

   2. The biblical method of settling disputes is the best way for ALL BRETHREN. Matthew 18:15-20

CONCLUSION: Both preacher and congregation have the same goals: the spreading of the kingdom of God, the maturing of the church, and the salvation of sinners. When he stands before God he will give account for his stewardship.