We look now at the particular duties of the teaching elder. The church must remember we have a duty of practical care for those in need. But practical concerns should never distract from the primary duty of the church (prayer and the ministry of the word). The apostles are putting in place a paradigm for the church to follow. So we want to think about the pastor as a man of prayer. A pastor can serve a congregation but neglect prayer. Paul makes mention of his prayers (2 Tim 1:3). His prayer was a habitual exercise of worship and petition.
Reasons why a pastor prays 1. He is a saved man Think of Paul of which the Lord said: "Behold, he prayeth." 2. He is a man who is being sanctified He has a concern for his own personal holiness. He is conscious of his own sin and need for God. The pastor is to live holy and not only lecture. He is to show in life and lip true holiness. A pastor must pray for the Spirit to produce such holiness in him. A pastor's holiness is deeply connected to the well being of his congregation. 3. He is in the service of the Lord The work of God requires prayer (2 Thess 3:1-2). He is asking for prayer so that the Word of God would run without hinderance. We are in a battle and must pray for the blessing of God. If he exhorts them to prayer, he must pray himself. 4. He has a love for the sinner Phil 1:8;Rom 10:1 5. He has a love for the saints 3 John 3:2 - physical and spiritual well being
Example of prayer Paul in Col 1:1-10 who prays for the saints and their sanctification, success, spirituality, strength, their thankfulness for salvation, and their understanding of the scriptures. For any one to grow in grace, it is answer to prayer.
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