Lesson # 5: The Example of a Pastor

Pastoral Training Series - JRCCMG

“The first area of ministry for which a pastor is
responsible is his or her soul”
“Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the
Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which
He purchased with His own blood”
Acts 20:28

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy
with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things;
give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take
heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you
will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
1 Timothy 4:14-16
The Pastor must take heed to himself:
A. To take heed means:
• To fasten your attention on something or someone.
• To apply your mind with strict and close attention to a matter

B. Ministers must “take heed” to themselves for several reasons:

• Ministers have heaven and hell to win or lose
• Ministers have sinful inclinations as well as others
• Ministers are the object of Satan’s first and sharpest attacks
• Minister’s sins are more likely to the sins against knowledge
• Ministers bear the honor of the Lord in their actions more than others
• Ministers are watched more closely than others
• Ministers can save or offend so many by the example
The Pastor must take heed to himself:
C. As Ministers:
• Ministers must not let their example contradict their doctrine
• Ministers must not be guilty of the very things that they condemn in others

“...who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such
things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who
practice them.”
Romans 1:32

“For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the
lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from
those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves
of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into
bondage.”

II Peter 2:18-19
 Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a perfect example to
His followers
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”
I Peter 2:21-22

A. Part of Christ’s mission was to demonstrate the principles of the Word

of God

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and
truth.”
John 1:14
 Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a perfect example to
His followers
B. Jesus came to put a face on God.

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you
have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the
Father..”
John 14:9

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation.”
Colossians 1:15
 Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a perfect example to
His followers
C. We are not only saved by Christ’s death, but we are also
saved by His life that He lived in front of us.

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God

through the death of His Son, much more, having been
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
Romans 5:10
 Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a perfect example to
His followers

D. Sheep are followers and need an example to follow.

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them;
and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice...My sheep
hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me..”
John 10:4, 27
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
A. God’s people are instructed to follow the faith of their leaders.

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but
imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 6:11-
12

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God
to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”
Hebrews 13:7
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
B. Leaders are to be balanced Christians and examples for the
flock in every area of life

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the

believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
Leaders are to be an example in:
1. Word
Does your speech betray you? How do you talk? People
naturally pick up a leader’s expressions.

2. Lifestyle or Conduct
Is your lifestyle balanced? Is it conducted the same way you
expect others to live? Does your life confirm your word?
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
Leaders are to be an example in:
3. Love
Do you lead the way in expressing love in action? Do you show
the people how by leading the way?

4. Spirit
Is your spirit liberated and free in the Lord? Do you show
enthusiasm for the things of the Lord?
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
Leaders are to be an example in:
5. Faith
Do your words and actions inspire and lift? Do you lift the
congregation to a place of trusting God in difficult times?

6. Purity
Are you warring a good warfare in personal areas of temptation?
Are you in control of the internet?
 One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
C. The greatest thing that a pastor can provide for the sheep is
his or her example

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will
be revealed: 2Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as
overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but
eagerly; 3nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock; 4and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that does not fade away”
I Peter 5: 1-4
One of the greatest things that a pastor can provide for the
sheep is an example to follow.
C. The greatest thing that a pastor can provide for the sheep is
his or her example

• Leaders are to rule by their example

• It is the example of the leader that gives them the right to rule.

• It is the fruit of the leader’s personal life that attests to the genuineness
of his or her faith (I Timothy 3:4-5)

“It should be noted that the credibility of a local church is largely

Paul is a great example of this kind of leadership
A. At times Paul deferred his own personal rights in order to be
an example

“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we
were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread
free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that
we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not
have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you
should follow us”
II Thessalonians 3:7-9
Paul is a great example of this kind of leadership
B. Paul readily encouraged others to follow his example

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me”

I Corinthians 4:16

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”

I Corinthians 1:11
Paul is a great example of this kind of leadership
B. Paul readily encouraged others to follow his example

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so

walk, so as you have as for a pattern.”
Philippians 3:17

Reflection: When was the last time you told someone “If you
want to succeed as a Christian in all areas, just watch me
and do what I do?”
Paul is a great example of this kind of leadership
C. Paul saw his example as an integral part of his Gospel
message

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in
power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you
know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And
you became followers of us and of the Lord.”
I Thessalonians 1:5-6a
Pastors must be a willing example in every area of life
They should be pattern believers in:

• Healthy Living
• Family Life
• Financial Matters
• Home / Yard
• Appearance
• Marital Relationships
• Recreation and Leisure time
• Faithfulness