[Biblemat] S) PREACHERS: THE PREY OF THE LION (1)

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the first part of
a study from my files.  Use to the glory of God.

PREACHERS: THE PREY OF THE LION  (1)

     In 1896 British Officer, Lt. Col. John Paterson, was sent
to Africa to build a railroad bridge over Uganda's Tsavo River.
There was a sense of urgency in his commission because
there were important deadlines to meet.  He was confident
that he could get the job done, but he didn't figure two man-
eating lions into the equation.  The entered camp at night, 
dragging away their victims, killing for food and later, seem-
ingly for sport (his superstitious workers feared that they
were actually ghosts).  According to reports, the lions ate
more than 130 people in just a few months.  Paterson finally
killed them and their skins are displayed today in the Field
Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

     Our battle is not with a physical lion.  Our adversary is 
fiercer and more deadly.  He is the devil "who prowls around
seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).  A real lion can only
destroy the body but this spiritual foe is after your soul.
Therefore, this is a fight that you cannot afford to lose.

     BIBLICAL INSIGHTS is not a "preacher" paper.  It's goal is
to address a wide range of topics of interest to all Christians.
Occasionally, however, it is important for those of us who 
preach to look at things in the light of the unique position we
occupy.  This is one of those times.

     While I reject the pastor system of denominationalism, it
cannot be denied that preachers accupy prominent positions
in local churches and are in the public eye.  Preachers wield
a lot of influence, affecting people both inside and outside of
the congregations they serve.  The scrutiny can sometimes
 be intense.  The preacher is held to a high standard and should be, for Paul 
commanded him to, "show yourself an
example of those who believe" (1 Tim. 4:12).

     Perhaps it is because preachers occupy such public posit-
ions that the devil seems to place special emphasis on us.
The sin of a public servant can do immeasurable harm to the
Lord's cause in a community and Satan knows it!  This, no
doubt, is one of the reasons why Paul wrote to one young
evangelist concerning "how one ought to conduct himself in
the household of God" (1 Tim. 3:15).  His instructions are just
as timely for preachers today.  There are certain "lions" about
which the aged apostle gave specific instruction.

THE LION OF LAZINESS: -- Paul encouraged Timothy to "disc-
ipline himself for the purpose of godliness" and "labor" in the
gospel (1 Tim. 4:7,10).  The young preacher was to "take pains" with his work 
and "be absorbed" in it.  Unlike many 
whose time at work is controlled by others to whom they must give account, 
for the most part a preacher's time is
under his control.  It is easy to be lazy and dereliction of duty
may go, at least for a while, undetected by others.  However--
like its counterpart, hard work -- it eventually will become
"evident to all" (1 Tim. 4:15).  Preacher, realize that you are
to "do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward..." Col.
2:23,24).  Don't succumb to the lion!

THE LION OF IMBALANCE: -- Timothy was instructed to balan-
ce his preaching (2 Tim. 4;2).  Reproof and rebuke are needed
but so also are exhortation and patient instruction.  One of my heroes in the 
faith, Rufus Clifford, Sr., used to call exhort-
ation "scotching the work."  Mary Poppins sang, "A spoon full
of sugar helps the medicine go down."  Though there are cer-
tainly exceptions, that is generally pretty good advice for 
those of us who preach.  Balance in our approach adds credi-
bility to our message.  In addition Paul felt it was important to
declare "the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:27).  If you allow
yourself to become a "one-note wonder," if you are perceived
to concentrate on one issue alone, your effectiveness as an
evangelist is on the precipice of self-destruction.  Songs have
different notes for a reason.  I understand that controversial
issues must be addressed, but don't forget about the need
for balance.  You may be fighting the devil on one front but
he may be destroying more souls on another.  Don't succumb
to the lion!    (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow
the Lord willing, JWS).   </HTML>
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