Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. I. TO FEED THE CHURCH WITH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. This is by preaching the Gospel. 1. There is spiritual wisdom in understanding the mysteries of the Gospel, that we may be able to declare the whole counsel of God, and the riches and treasures of the grace of Christ unto the souls of men (Acts 20:27; 1 Corinthians 2:1-4; Ephesians 3:7-9). 2. Authority is required. What is authority in a preaching ministry? It is a consequent of unction, and not of office. 3. Experience of the things preached. 4. Skill to divide the Word aright. 5. The knowledge and consideration of the state of the flock. 6. To be actuated by zeal for the glory of God, and compassion to the souls of men. II. CONTINUAL PRAYER FOR THE CHURCHES OVER WHICH CHRIST HAS MADE THEM OVERSEERS. 1. No man can have any evidence in his own soul, that he doth conscientiously perform any ministerial duty towards his flock, who doth not continually pray for them. 2. This is the way whereby we may bless our congregations. 3. What shall we pray for? (1) For the success of the Word that we preach unto them. (2) For the presence of Christ in all our assemblies. III. TO PRESERVE THE TRUTH AND DOCTRINE OF THE GOSPEL THAT IS COMMITTED TO THE CHURCH. What is required hereunto? 1. A clear apprehension in ourselves of those doctrines and truths which we are so to defend. 2. Love of the truth. 3. Let us take heed in ourselves of any inclination to novel opinions, especially in, or about, or against such points of faith, as those wherein they who are fallen asleep, found life, comfort, and power. 4. There is skill and ability required hereunto, to discover and be able to oppose and confound the cunning sophistry of adversaries. Great prayer, watchfulness, and diligence are required, that we may be able to attend unto these things. And those who are less skilled may do well to advise with those who are more exercised in them to give them assistance. 5. That we labour diligently for the conversion of souls. ( John Owen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. |
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