Pastoral Epistles Adventure...

 

 

What Hit me...

Class Interaction

     It seems clear that "sound doctrine" cannot be simplistically reduced to items regarding church structure or organization. Rather in the context of Pastoral Epistles it refers to teaching that results in a certain kind of healthy behavior and exemplar among the family of God. This spiritually healthy doctrine has to do with a changed lifestyle under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is life in, and for, the Body. It is caring, watching over and accounting for one another in the body.

     Fundamentally, Christian community means a way that Christians can relate to one another. The Scriptures regard a community relationship of love, commitment, and interdependence among Christians as normative, not optional. I am thankful that despite having different perspectives, that with my fellow students, we are able to overlook such differences and become interdependent. This does not mean becoming weak or less capable of doing things. Becoming interdependent will make us individually and corporately stronger in the faith. That encapsulates the essence of the power of the Word. Acting as a member of an interdependent body does involve unlearning the habits of a lifetime. I learned here that while it is easy to just make our decisions and chart our own course, God's plan for our maturity is not individualistic. I need to be more apt to listening, be open to constructive criticism, flexible and not be quick to react with undesired responses. To function as a body, we must make ourselves subordinate to one another and also able to sense each other’s feelings and needs.

     Alongside the importance of Godly living, the Epistles stress also the importance of corporate prayer and thanksgiving. I enjoyed our small group session where we shared our thanksgiving and prayed together over each individual need highlighted and for those unwell. I learned this as an important requisite as a community and am always reminded to include these wherever I am, alone or with others.

Group Presentations

     Through the group study of Titus 2:1-10, I have also come to see of the importance in Christian unity in both good and bad times. There are always potential ‘threats’ to unity among Christian workers to which we must all be alert. When it does happen, differences arise between Christian workers and unintended partiality may appear. A disunited community will definitely be unable to deal with situations effectively. Holding to opinions beyond prudent limits, I have personally at times been guilty of being ungentle in handling situations.  As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity that God requires of us.

     While there is no way to reverse a poor initial act of rashness, as taught in 1 Tim 6:11, in the face of reactions contrary to my perception of things, I strive to make every effort to respond with a gentle spirit. There must be an awakening in the heart of every believer, a consciousness of the power and influence of Christian unity as a requisite to the success of all our organizational projects. I pray that each day that I will progressively cultivate the great fundamental principles of Christian unity within, and endeavor to teach those principles, both by precept and example. That, when the ex­tent of relations is disturbed by misunderstandings that seemingly cannot be settled, then the atti­tude of forgiveness must be taken up, turning the whole mat­ter over to God in prayer and wisdom required.

Class Lectures

     From the class room lectures, I realized that Christian ministry is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring not just initial enthusiasm and ability, but also staying power. Leadership is one of the most critical issues faced by generation after generation. Everything rises and falls with the kind of leadership that is in place. The Church is called upon to demonstrate the godly leadership that transforms present society and gives hope to the next generation. From a biblical perspective leadership emphasises character more than anything else. Leadership and leadership ability are not primarily questions about skill. They are questions of heart. God wants to equip leaders with skills and give talents for effective leadership. A leader without a character that reflects the values of Christ will certainly fail in the long run. What was entrusted to Paul and is now given to Timothy and Titus is the gospel (1 Tim. 1.11; 6.20; 2 Tim. 1.14; Tit. 1.3). In my mind, the centre of pastoral ministry, Christian discipleship, and evangelism is not primarily a specific view of Scriptural authority or gender but the gospel. The mark of the true leader is how he (or she) articulates, proclaims, guards, lives, and passes on the gospel of God.

     It is said that to be a leader is to be put in a box made of glass where people can see you from all sides. Leaders are to model the lifestyle to which all members should aspire, offering no place for opposition (Ti 2:7-8). There are many leaders today but not role models. As I desire to be a leader who can make a difference and positively influence the next generation for Christ, I want to run the race with passion and perseverance, living and learning in the right manner as a role model that people can emulate. The Pastoral Epistles gives us a good glimpse of this process. The Apostle Paul practiced and emphasized the idea of mentorship by investing in the lives of a young Timothy and Titus. He also exhorted the older men and older women to mentor the younger men and younger women in Titus 2:2-8. And probably the most well known passage regarding mentorship is seen when Paul speaks to a young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2. My own personal experiences have been wonderful in this particular area of working with good mentors. Since I’ve adopted this value at a very early stage of my ministry, it has become a part of my philosophy of ministry wherever I go. It is my sincere request to God to send more of such exemplary people along my path for there is still so much to learn. I humbly seek to leave a lasting legacy of godliness by constantly maintaining a godly character and conduct that will impact generations to come. At the end of the day, I would love to shout out loud that I have fought a good fight, and kept the faith.

Readings and Research

 

     With Paul’s constant exhortation to individuals with pastoral oversight of churches and discuss issues of Christian living, doctrine and leadership, the statement, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching ...” (1 Tim 4:16, NASB) stood out strong in my thoughts. In view of this, I am prompted to challenge myself with greater efforts in four basic disciplines in adhering to statement.

     First, I would purposefully carve out some dedicated personal time to reflect, think, and just examine my heart. This is just a discipline of silence and solitude that will allow opportunities to search one’s heart. Second, I would dialogue with honest and close people in my life and ask them to evaluate me. I would then compare my perception of myself with what they say. My spouse knows me the best and can certainly give an honest assessment of how I am doing. It would be important to listen to her input! Next, I would be in the process of journaling and recording my thoughts over a period of a year. Then, I would read over my journal logs to see if I have progressed or regressed. This would potentially tell me if I was doing well or if I’m cynical. Checking to see if the journal logs are any indication of my heart and seeing if they offer any clues to the condition of my soul. Finally, I would spend extended times in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to expose any shortcomings or undeveloped parts of my character that needs growth. This is not an easily accepted process but a necessary one if a leader is to have success not only in the eyes of the church but more importantly in view of God’s high calling and standards.

I'm having a great time...