**The Life of a Pastor**
Updated: Sep 8, 2021
When you study scriptures, there is a particular passage found in 1 Timothy 4:16, specifically written for those who teach the Word of God. The apostle Paul was telling Timothy, the Pastor of the Ephesian church at the time to "keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching." But why? I am glad you asked...
You see, the abilities to understand, teach, and live out the truths of the gospel are essential to the work of a Christian church leader. The apostle Paul went even further and stated, "Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." WOW! I love how we approach our preaching at Mighty Fortress Church, where we see this as the Moment of Truth!
Timothy, the pastor, was to "evaluate himself" as Paul used the athletic analogy to convey this message in the previous verses. This was not about Timothy earning his salvation, as we know that he was saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). However, he could save his life and those of his church from the error of false teaching through his example and teaching the truth.
And this is The Moment of Truth, as conveyed by Wayne V. McDill in his book. The ability to teach and preach the Word of God should be viewed as an athlete views his training, and now, during the Olympics, they are reaping their rewards! Pastors, let us run with endurance, the race that has been set before us as stated in Hebrews 12:1.
E.R. Báez, MDiv, JD, Ph.D ABD
ImPefect Ministries
Mighty Fortress Church