PAUL'S PASTORAL EPISTLES

Paul was used of God to write letters to others churches as a pastor and letters to men who were pastors.  These are called the Pastoral Epistles.  They are I & II Thess., I & II Tim., Titus, and Philemon (though this was to a godly layman).  It is Sunday morning!  I'm expecting God to speak to hearts and see people saved!  God is soooooo good!!  Here are a few thoughts before I head off to church: 1) IT WORKS IN US!  In I Thess. 2:13 it says: "the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.."  God's word works effectually in us!  I like that.  It simply means that when I read the Word of God, or hear it taught, or hear it preached; it works in me!  And not only does it work in me, but if is effective!  It does the job, God needs for it to do.  Wow!  No wonder we need church.  No wonder we need teaching, preaching, and personal time each day in God's Word... it has a job to do and it will if we let it! 2) DESIRE + DISCIPLINE - I guess I knew this, but I never saw it together until this morning.  In I Tim. 3:1 it says: "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."  I have often thought of that desire that a man has and have seen it so many times in many men.... but what I failed to put together is that verses 2-7 go on to give us the DISCIPLINE that is required of someone who has this desire!  I have seen men have a desire for ministry, but did not possess the discipline to even be faithful to Church services, or outreach, or Christian service, or family life, or personal devotions, or Christian character, etc.  You see God puts the two things together.... Desire plus Discipline produces a God called man God can use! 3) DEMAS, HATH FORSAKEN ME- In II Tim. 4:10, Paul shares with us his personal pain.  Demas, a co-worker in Christ, left the work, and left Paul: "having loved this present world". Ministry is helping people.... ministry is being hurt by people.  It is both!  I'm glad that Paul put a glimpse of his personal pain in God's Word for all of those who would minister to others throughout time.  He let us know it is both.  He rejoices over those who are serving Christ, he weeps over those who have abandoned Christ.  If you serve the LORD, get ready for great joy, and deep pain..... it is both. Well, I've got to go for now.  May God richly bless you!  Pastor Mike Mutchler