YOUR PASTOR AND YOUR SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL GROWTH (PART 2)

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
2 Timothy  3:15-17 AMP  “ And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. “
 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),   So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. “
      The above scripture is from a pastor to his flock , Apostle Paul was writing to his follower Timothy highlighting the importance of having a well-balanced teacher of the gospel  as a pastor . Paul’s principle of teaching was based on leadership- by -example and learning by observation and discernment.  1 Cor 11:1 NIV “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
   The lifestyle  of the pastor is summarized by the five cardinal factors of spiritual growth namely worship (private or group) , fellowship , evangelism , Discipleship and ministry . These are the five elements that one should look out for in the life of a pastor and his followers, they are what constitute healthy and sound Christian discipline.  The pastor directs, corrects, and nourishes his followers in preparation for the second coming of Christ. A pastor who is afraid to correct you whenever you err is not your pastor but an acquaintance, likewise a pastor who has no time for you and is economical with the truth of the gospel is not your pastor .  His or her job is to equip the saints for every good work through sound teaching of the gospel and exemplary behavior. His job is to produce doctors, politicians, lawyers , businessmen, actors, pilots , husbands, wives , families and professionals with  a  spirit of excellence and integrity . It is very easy to differentiate between Christians under a sound pastor from those without.
      Christians without pastors are identifiable with the following traits listed in 1 Tim 4:1-3 NIV “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.  Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” Such persons do not believe a person can prosper without being corrupt  ; they have no regards for pastors and the bible. They constitute those described in  2 Tim 3:1-5 TLB Bible “ in the last days ...people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad.  They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good.  They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won't really believe anything they hear. Don't be taken in by people like that.” it is a terrible thing to be emotionally involved with such Christians. Ask God for a discerning spirit .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and savior and receive grace to walk in boldness , emotional and spiritual stability in Jesus’ name .
E-mail: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com. +2348035536911, +2348098536911