Vera. 12, 13.-~ due reoo_qnitwn of Christia,i, pastora. The apostle ne:r.t touches upon the relation of the Church to its teachers. I. THE APPOINTMENT OF PASTORS IN THE CHUROB. 1. This was by Divine appoint- m.e,i,t. "He gave pastors and teachers" (Eph. iv. 11). There is no hint given in Scripture of a time when pastors would cease to be necessary, and when the Church would be served by an" any-man ministry." 2. It was the custom o/ the apostles to "appoint elders in every city," for they understood the advantages of a full ecclesiastical organization. IL THE OFFICIAL POSITION AND DUTIES OF PASTORS. 1. They ~re labourer, in. the Church. "We beseech you, brethrt,n, to know them which labour among you." (1) This work is no sinecure, but a hard exhausting service, with heavy responsibilities and many cares. (a) It is labour in preaching. For they" labour in the Word and doctrine" (1 Tim. i. 5), "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim. ii. 15), giving each of the household of faith " a portion of meat in due season " (Luke xii. 42). (b) It ill labour in earnestly contending for the faith as well as in dispensing the ordinances of religion. '(2) It is labour in a Divine partnership. For pastors are " lahourers together with" God in the work of perfecting the Church {l Cor. iii. 9). 2. 'J'J.ey are presidents in the Cl1urcha. "Those which are over you in the Lord." This refers to tbe elders or presbyters, who are also called pastors, or shepherds, or bishops (Acts XL 17, 2tl). (1) The appointment of rulers is essential to order and harmony in the Church. (2) Yet they are not a sacerdotal caste, nor " lords over God's heritage" (1 Pet. v. 3). (3) Their official superiority is "in the Lord," because from him deriving its warrant, motive, and blessing. 3. They are spiritual guides. "And admonish you." They have" to watch for your souls as they that must give account" (Heh. xiii. 17). Therefore they must "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all Jong-suffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. iv. 2). They have to" warn every man, and teach every man in all willdom, that they ma.y present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col. i. 28). Tl,1:y have to wam against sins committed, and urge to duties neglected. Ill. THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE TO THEm PASTOR~. 1. They must give them due recognition as pastors. They must" know them." They must make tt.emselves acquainted with them, that pastors may be the better able to know the state of their souls, and they must acknowledµ:e their position as "stewards of the mysteries of God,'' and submit to their ministry. 2. They must "esteem them very !ti,ghly in love for their wor/1, sake." (1) The bond is not to be one of mere official relationship, but of affection. (2) A due respect for the ministry is an important element in its efficiency and success. Tl,erefore we are to " hold such in reputation," and to count them" worthy of double honour." 3. The ground of this claim ls "for their tDOTk'• llal«." Not for the mere office, which way be often filled unworthily, though it ie still entitled to consideration, but for the sake of the "labours of love'' iuvolved in its faithful discharge. Ministers who "make full proof of their ministry" d.1allenge the abiding respect of their fiocks.-T. 0.
Ver, 13,-Imulcation of ,nutual peace. • And be at peace among yourselves.'' oe. v. 1-28.] THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THEBSALONIANS. lll
Thie is connected with the previous verse, for a faithful pastorate tend ■ to unity and pe,1ce. I. THIS PEAOE DEPENDS UPON OUB DIVINE OALI,Dl'G. For it jg the .. peace unto which we are called" (Col. iii. 15), II. IT 18 ESSENTIAL TO GROWTH AND Bl,ESBING. (Eph. iv. 3; Ps. cxxxiii. l; Jas. iii. 18.) III. IT 18 ONE OF THE BLERRINGB AJ.WAYS TO BE PRAYF:D FOR. (Ps. cxxii. 6--8.) IV. IT 18 ONE OF THE BEA'l'ITUDRS WITH A PROMISE. (Matt. v. 9.) V. IT 18 ONE OF THE ll'AIREBT GROWTHS OF THE SPIRIT. (Gal. V. 22.)-T. 0.