Posted by deangonzales on February 2, 2010
Pastoral Theology is appropriately subtitled “The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office.” In the book, Dr. Thomas Murphy carefully provides the reader a balanced mixture of theological exposition and practical exhortation. Each chapter seeks to address a unique area of focus common to those in pastoral ministry, providing instruction for how a man might faithfully and biblically serve God and His church in that particular area of ministry. Although Murphy deals with a wide spectrum of pastoral duties throughout the book, this review will restrict its focus to the chapters assigned for this course, specifically chapters two and three.
In chapter two, Dr. Murphy’s focus is “The Pastor in His Closet,” addressing the level of personal piety necessary for carrying out a faithful pastoral ministry. Murphy quickly makes it clear that the pastor’s piety is of the utmost importance, opening the chapter with suitably strong words: “Eminent piety is the indispensable qualification for the ministry of the gospel. By this is not meant simply a piety the genuineness of which is unquestionable, but a piety the degree of which is above that of ordinary believers.”
In the section that follows, the author enumerates a multitude of reasons that the pastor is to give great attention to maintaining his personal communion with God. It is clear that a pastor’s consistent, growing walk with the Lord is central to his being qualified to serve in his calling. In addition, this piety provides the spiritual power and godly example that will make his ministry effective. Murphy goes on then to outline how a pastor is to cultivate this increasing level of piety. The reviewer found this to be an immensely practical section, reminding even the most seasoned pastor of the crucial importance of seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Murphy bemoans the growing neglect of continual, fervent prayer on the part of pastors in his day. His words are more needed than ever in the face of modern evangelicalism in America:
The old ministers were not much better preachers than we are, and in many respects they were inferior, but there was an unction about their ministry, and success attended upon it now but seldom witnessed. And what was the cause of the difference? They prayed more than we do. If we would prevail and have power with men, we must first prevail and have power with God.
In addition to continual prayer throughout the day, it is essential that a pastor consecrate a time each day specifically for drawing near to God. Murphy suggests “that the pastor set apart the first hour of every day for uninterrupted communion with God”, providing the proper focus for the rest of the day.
Finally, if the pastor is to grow in his knowledge of the Lord he must maintain a regular practice of reading the Scriptures, mediating on them, and applying their truth to himself. Murphy concludes the chapter by providing a concise list of both hindrances and helps in developing the kind of personal piety that the pastorate requires. The author briefly reflects on temptations that are common to those in the ministry. From treating the ministry as simply a career to underestimating the forces of spiritual warfare, pastors must be on guard against these pitfalls. On the other end of the spectrum, Murphy reminds the reader of the great blessings that are afforded to those in pastoral ministry in that their livelihood provides them motivation and opportunity for pursuing godliness that are not available to most laymen.
As Murphy moves on to chapter three, his focus becomes “the pastor in the study.” If chapter two could be summarized as the need to cultivate the heart for communion with God through prayer and devotion, chapter three is dedicated to cultivating the mind for communion with God through regular, ongoing, systematic study. In making his case to the reader for the central role study is to play in the life of a pastor, the author goes as far as to argue: “God will not inspire a man without his own efforts, for the Spirit works through the diligent use of human means.” This is a much needed reminder that our diligent study to know God does not demonstrate a lack of faith in His illuminating grace, but instead avails itself to this very grace in the way in which God has commanded.
Murphy does not simply entreat the reader to devote himself to study, but provides immensely useful advice on how he might structure his time so as to give study the priority it deserves. The author even suggests times for when one might study and gives advice on the attitude and approach the reader should take during these times set aside for growth in knowledge. This down-to-earth, clear instruction was particularly helpful to the reviewer, providing a clear path forward for those ministering in a fast-paced, stressful culture which makes constant demands for one’s time and attention. For study to be effective, there must be a pre-planned system for ensuring it is a priority in the ongoing work of the minister.
Not only should there be an organized system for when and how the pastor studies, but he should also develop a strategy for what he will study. Murphy provides a suggested plan for gaining a broad knowledge of the whole counsel of God so that the pastor is prepared for whatever unique challenges and opportunities are presented to him. This includes a commitment to reading the Bible broadly and narrowly at the same time, diving deeply into particular books and sections of scripture while at the same time being able to place them in their context within the whole cannon. It requires the ongoing memorization of key passages of scripture, as well as a commitment to stay fresh with the original languages. Steadfastness in these areas will keep the pastor’s study from growing cold or dull, ensuring that he is continually equipped to carry out his ministry with competence and zeal.
Pastoral Theology is a tremendously helpful tool for pastors old and new alike. While it is written in a readily accessible style, it’s content is rich and transformative. Murphy lays a biblical foundation for each practice and then proceeds to provide clear direction on how it might be carried out. In a culture when pragmatism tends to win the day, this book stands as a resounding call to pastors to hold fast to what is most important by watching their “life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16). Most importantly, Murphy reminds us over and over again that the key to a faithful, thriving ministry is not found in relying confidently in our talent or giftedness, but in being driven to our knees in utter dependence on God’s power and grace. It is as God’s under shepherds take this posture day after day that we live out Murphy’s prayer, found on p. 6 in the introduction to the book, that we might “contribute…to the promotion of the glory of Christ our King.”
Bill Streger
Pastor of Kaleo Church, Houston
Student of Reformed Baptist Seminary
If you’re interested, you may purchase the book at Trinity Book Service or Amazon.com for around $30.
Posted by John Reuther on January 30, 2010
If you have been following this three-part series on the parable of the householder (see Part 1 and Part 2), you are surely thinking of how it applies to us in practical ways. If we have any responsibilities in our housholds or in the church it needs to be asked: What does your household, or your ministry, look like? Which side of the house illustration that you see here best describes how you are fulfilling Matt. 13:52? Is it filled with trash, trivia, or treasure?
Some men or women bring their trash into their household. By trash I mean ungodliness, sinful ways, foolishness, or, worst case, treacherous dealings with members of the household or church. You can try to hide trash, but it always stinks. It wafts its way through closed doors and tight spaces; it is eventually discovered by wives, family members, or the people of God. Sins and addictions that beset professing Christians keep many men from being the kind of head that each household needs. David said: “I will give heed to the blameless way…I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away, it will not fasten its grip on me” (Psalm 101:2-3). “How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, not to those who lapse into falsehood” (Psalm 40:4).
Men and women, let’s examine ourselves. Our families need us. The devil seeks to destroy godly families and good churches. The treasures of God are freely given, having been purchased at great cost by the gem of all history, Jesus Christ the son of God. Look to your heart. What do you see there: trash or treasure? Then remember what Jesus said about this matter. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Can we say that our heart, our motives, and our desires are pure? “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). If we can’t see God for impurities in our hearts, how will we see God clearly enough to point our family members to Him and His treasures? If we don’t show them the treasure, who will? “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, faith and purity, show yourself an example to those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Paul gave us the battle plan for removing the trash that we try to hide in our hearts or bring into our homes and churches. “Therefore, put to death the members of your earthly body: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry…put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth” (Colossians 3:5, 8).
But there is another problem. Sometimes we fill our storehouse with trivia rather than treasure, things that have no real value. Some things seem neutral and not bad or evil in themselves, but they do not possess the quality of spiritual treasure. God commands us to “approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). Trivia are trifles and unimportant matters that serve no godly purpose and leave no lasting blessing. Growing in Christ’s school of discipleship teaches us to “deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12). Christian men and women need discernment and creative leadership to show their loved ones how they can lead godly, prosperous, fulfilled, happy, useful, and contented lives without selling themselves to worldly pursuits or wasting precious time in pursuing the vain things of this world.
Are our homes places of learning and growing with the proper amount of relaxation and family fun mixed in?[1] Or are they one continual fun house with games galore leaving little time for kingdom pursuits? The head of the household knows when to bring out some new things to help the family relax and rest, to unwind and enjoy, but never by sacrificing Christian truth and heritage and leaving off the pursuit of Christian discipline in following Christ. The same can be asked of the church today. Are churches really serious about growing in the serious study of the Word of God, attendance upon the means of grace, the preaching of solid exegetical sermons with searching practical application?
Is the talk in our homes and churches superficial, light, and void of Christ? Or do we speak of the glory of God, our desires for Him, our prayers, and answers to our prayers? Do we speak of Christ and testify of our satisfaction in His fullness in our lives? Fill both your heart, your home, and you church, with the treasure of Christ, Scripture, prayer and thanks: excellent things, things of true and lasting worth and goodness, the heritage of our faith, and the power of the kingdom.
The Making of a Good Head of a Household
The Gospel of Christ has designed that you and I should be like the converted scribe who is a head of a household who brings out of his treasure things new and old. We have seen how this applies to the original twelve disciples, all disciples in the kingdom, husbands, fathers, mothers, Sunday-School teachers, pastors and teachers. The question therefore is: are you converted and constituted as such a man or woman in the family, or in the church, where God has placed you?
Are you one who possesses the treasure? Are you one who longs to show the treasures to your wife and family, to you children? Are you one in whom the good things of God are evident and whose life bears credible testimony to God’s love and powerful grace? Do you have the wisdom of a converted scribe of the kingdom who offers solutions to family members and the people of God, help for difficulties and distresses, and creative ways to get out of the ruts of life that beset us?
Do you read the Bible with earnestness, and seek for knowledge that gives practical wisdom? Do you read good Christian books and budget money each year for the purchase of those excellent works that will make you a good spiritual leader? Do you limit your intake of sports and entertainment so that they afford you occasional relaxation and not mastery over your heart and time? Do you sing hymns with your family? Do you help your wife so that you will be able as a family to open your home for Christian hospitality and evangelism? Are you equipping the members of you church for ministry and service (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Do you attend church faithfully so that you can keep filling your treasure-chest with the good things of God? Are you so eager for the treasures of God that nothing except real sickness or distress will keep you from being in God’s house?
Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes tells the sorry tale of the deterioration of his beautiful life as the world’s greatest wise man. He tells of how he allowed riches and pleasure and power and idolatry and women to corrupt his life and sink him into a life of futility. But by God’s grace he saw how wretched he was. Ecclesiastes is his confession, tells of his restoration, and gives us a much-needed warning.
At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon speaks about the work of the preacher. Of course, he is the preacher, and he has been speaking things new and old to guide others into safe paths. “In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10).
Praise God for all preachers who work this hard to display the treasures of God to others in the churches today! Oh, how we need men like this who will show this generation that worldly treasures are really trash and trivia. Pray that God will empower preachers to be like converted scribes who have become disciples of the kingdom, who bring forth things new and old, so that they may present the true riches (Luke 16:11) to their fellow men.
But if you are the head of a household, no matter how small or large it may be, YOU ARE THE PREACHER there! Solomon goes on to say: “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11). A godly man is a wise man. A Christian man is like a converted scribe who searches the Scripture much like a business man seeks profit in pearls.
But you may say, I am not gifted in speech and I am not eloquent as a preacher must be. Would God ask you to do something impossible? Would He place you in your household, give you a wife or children, and not give you the resources to lead? No, He is equipping you to do it. But in order to be the preacher, the wise leader, and the true head, you must listen to the preacher and seek precious gems from him. Follow Christ, hear what the Spirit says, and follow pastors who lead you in the church (Hebrews 13:7).
This is how God makes you a good head of a household. He makes you a pillar in His household, the Church, and gives you treasure there so that you can be the preacher of wisdom like Solomon, and a reflection of Christ the preacher, in your family. You can be what God wants you to be and what your family needs you to be if you will feed on the word of God as you read it and as your hear it opened up in your church.
The church is the household of God and the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). If you want to be a pillar in your household, you must be one in your church. Apollos is a good example of the head that Jesus is speaking of in this parable: He was “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24).
So here is the bottom line: “Store up…treasures in heaven…there your heart will be also…do not be worried about your life…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:20, 21, 25, 33), so that you can and will “bring out of (your) treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52).
John Reuther – Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church, Lumberton, NJ, Reformed Baptist Seminary, Easley, SC.
[1] I encourage the reader to read
Redeeming the Time: A Christian Approach to Work & Leisure, by Leland Ryken (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1995). I hope to do a book review of this book on RBS Tabletalk in the near future.
Posted by John Reuther on January 27, 2010
In Part 1 of th
is article we thought about the conversion of the scribe and the care of a household. We move on here in Part 2 to give our attention to the functions of the head of a household.
The Head of a Household is a Leader
This is carefully stated in the parable of Matt. 13:52. Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and after setting many parables before them He asked them, “Have you understood all these things?” “And they said Him, ‘Yes’” (Matt. 13:51). The “therefore” of 13:52, which begins the parable of the householder, is the application of the parable directly to them in their leadership role in the kingdom. They have become disciples of the kingdom and they are like scribes (converted) who bring out of their treasure things new and old. The head of the household therefore is a leader.
What can we say about the leadership which a head of a household exercises? He will be a man of movement. He will not be a sitter, but the runner of the race of life; He will not be a stagnating pond, but a rolling river bringing fresh life to his household, his wife, family, church. Like the merchant of the earlier parable of Matthew 13, he will be a seeker of fine pearls, finding them in Christ, and filling his treasure with jewels for his family (Matthew 13:45-46). He will be drawing closer to the kingdom of God each day in this world himself, and seeking to lead his wife and family to the kingdom that is delighting him with its treasures. This also applies, as mentioned in the first article, to the teaching role of women in their households. It applies to the disciples in their role as leaders, teachers, and preachers in the church, and it applies to pastors today. We must be men of movement, always seeking, studying, praying, working, going, and growing.
But the movements of a household leader are in the context of the struggles and challenges of daily life. Spiritual leadership in this world involves leading a household through the darkness into the light, and making our own aware of the dangers as we lead them to safety in Christ and God’s word.
If Jesus is your greatest treasure, then your leadership in the home or in the church will be characterized by dynamic movement and patterned after the movements of Jesus whose call to discipleship is to follow Him.
But he will also be a man of motivation. The head on our physical body provides the source of power and direction to the whole body. The head is the coordinator and the communicator. In the same way, a spiritual leader motivates his household by utilizing the treasures of the kingdom that fill his own heart. He thinks God’s thoughts and feels God’s truth with a burning passion, and wants his household to share them with him. His thought life is not of the ivory-tower, arm-chair theologian type. He is not a heady thinker, but a hearty thinker whose heart and mind are joined in an inseparable union. A man may imagine that he knows the Bible from cover to cover, but if he does not bring out of his treasure things new and old he may really know very little.
Prayerfully meditate on the leadership of Jesus and ask God to make you a motivator like Him. How did He do it? He displayed the treasures of His Father and drew His hearers with the beauty and glory of God’s kingdom! He saw the glory of God; He saw the presence of the kingdom while the scribes and leaders of Israel saw only their traditions and their own expectations. He saw God’s plan being fulfilled in Himself and set out to accomplish God’s will in the world to which He was sent.
The Head of a Household is a Provider
As a provider, he will be a man who is rich in resources which he has for himself and for those committed to his care. This involves two things.
First, it means that he will gather and get riches. No one has a treasure chest unless he first gathers the treasures. Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). Solomon, earlier in history, taught us that “Wise men store up knowledge” (Prov. 10:14). “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:9-10).
It also means that he will give those riches to others. He gathers not to horde them and imagine himself great in Scripture knowledge, but to talk about them, draw attention to them, and present them with enthusiasm, energy, and conviction to his household.
John Crotts gives an outstanding presentation of learning and living wisdom for leadership in the home. He develops the theme that heads of households are really like craftsmen who are building and maintaining a household which will be filled with treasure. He writes:
“T
rue wisdom is more than just sitting under a tree and philosophizing about life. It involves the hard work of craftsmanship. The wise craftsman searches out inspired truth from the Book of God and then carefully seeks to apply those truths to real-life situations. The result of this lifestyle craftsmanship is not about a bald head, beard, and a permanent spot on a high hill for people to come to seek out your wisdom, but a life that others recognize as skillfully lived. A wise life is a life worth living and a life worth following.”[1]
Matthew 13:52 is saying just that. The householder brings out of his treasure things new and old. He knows what valuables he possesses in Christ; he knows the needs of his wife and family; and He displays and dispenses the treasures for their benefit and prosperity, mixing new and old in a helpful balance. Pastoral ministry is shepherding ministry with wisdom and skill, studying the Scripture, studying the heart of man, and knowing the people of God committed to our charge.
Gathering and giving out God’s treasures to one’s household is like maintaining real estate. Think about the house that you live in. It has a foundation which is firm. There is little that you need to do with the stone foundation. If it was properly laid, it is solid and holds up the house. On it the frame and the rooms and the roof were built. These things demand constant care and home improvement. The foundation compares to the old things that Jesus spoke about in the parable, and the rest of the house is the new: foundation and fulfillment.
If we do not keep up with the house it begins to fall into disrepair, its rooms become shabby, and the atmosphere of the house becomes depressing and unattractive. God designed a home to be kept up and filled with rich treasures. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power” (Prov. 24:3-5).
A good man is able to lead his family in communicating those foundational truths which give solid support to our personal, family, church, civil, and social lives. These things include understanding God’s work in the Old Testament, the moral and ethical foundation of the Law of God, the Ten Commandments and their summary; the fear of the Lord and discipline for all true learning in life; The Sermon on the Mount; the Fruit of the Spirit; the meaning and application of God’s covenant in our lives; and the place of prophetic preaching in the plan and purpose of God as illustrated in the ministry of men like Moses and the Prophets.
A good householder is Christ-centered and fixed on Jesus. After all, He is the “pearl of great value.” He has sold the world to have Christ in the treasure of His heart, and his greatest desire is to lead his household in seeing and seeking that treasure.
He understands the newness of Christ and the changes that He brings for the good. He realizes that coming to Christ will mean repentance for his family also, and reformation for godliness. He understands that Christ’s Spirit has regenerated us and given us a new birth that renews, reforms, and restores us into His glorious image. He trusts in God to grant this for his wife and family, and for His church.
There is freshness about his perspective on life too. Like Paul he says: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). He does not live in the past, being forever wounded by life’s losses, or burdened with past struggles. He does not want to repeat past sins or foolishness, nor let them sideline him for future usefulness. He will not give up; he will not be pessimistic or cynical just because things did not work out for him in previous situations. He will not allow the devil to discourage or depress him. He believes that God gives fresh wisdom and new solutions to life’s ongoing difficulties. He will do what James 1:5 directs a leader to do: plead for wisdom from God and believe that God will give it. Wisdom is new light on old truths, new solutions to old problems, hope for seemingly hopeless situations.
In the final installment of this article (Part 3), we will think about whether our “houses” are filled with trash, trivia, or treasure!
John Reuther,
Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church, Lumberton, NJ
Professor, Reformed Baptist Seminary, Taylors, SC.
[1]John Crotts,
Craftsmen:
Skillfully Leading Your family For Christ (Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 2005) p. 27.
