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  DOCTOR' OR 'BROTHER'
  by A.W. Pink
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Summary: A.W. Pink argues against the use of flattering titles in
ministry, advocating for humility and the preference of being called
'Brother Pink'.

Topics: "Humility", "Servanthood"

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Pink reflects on the lessons learned from God regarding the
acceptance of titles and honors, emphasizing that true humility is found
in serving Christ without seeking the accolades of men. He shares his
conviction against accepting the title 'Doctor' and urges others to
refrain from flattering titles, citing biblical passages that highlight
the importance of humility and the dangers of seeking human honor. Pink
encourages believers to follow the example of Christ, who made Himself
of no reputation, and to embrace their identity as servants of God
rather than seeking worldly recognition.

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CONTENT
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What strange methods God sometimes employs in teaching His Children much
needed lessons! This has recently been the writer's experience. I have
been approached by a "university" to accept from them a degree of "D.
D." Asking for time to be given so that I might prayerfully seek from
God, through His written word, a knowledge of His will, fuller light
came than was expected. I had very serious doubt's as to the
permissibility of one of God's servants accepting a title of fleshly
honor. I now perceive that it is wrong for me to receive it even
complimentary. Various friends, as a mark of respect, have addressed me
as "Dr. Pink." I now ask them to please CEASE from doing so. Let it not
be understood that I hereby condemn other men for what they allow. No,
to their own Master they stand or fall. The principal passages which
have helped me I now mention, praying that it may please God to also
bless them to others.

FIRST, to the false comforters of Job, Elihu (God's representative)
said. "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me
give FLATTERING TITLES unto men" (Job 32:31). SECOND, "Be NOT ye called
Rabbi" or teacher" (Matthew 23:8), which is what "Doctor" signifies.
THIRD, John 5:44 reproves those who "receive honor one of another" and
bids us seek "the honor that cometh from God ONLY." FOURTH, none of the
Lord's servants in the New Testament ever employed a title. "Paul, an
apostle, "but never "the apostle Paul." FIFTH, the Son of God "made
Himself of no reputation" (Phil. 2:7); is it then fitting that His
servants should now follow an opposite course? SIXTH, Christ bids us
learn of Him who was "meek and lowly" (Matthew 11:29). SEVENTH, one of
the marks of the apostasy as "having men's persons in admiration because
of advantage" (Jude 17). EIGHTH, we are bidden to go forth unto Christ
outside the camp "bearing His reproach" (Heb. 13:13).

For these reasons it does not seem to me to be fitting that one who is
here as a representative and witness for a "despised and rejected"
Christ should be honored and flattered of men. Please address me as
"BROTHER PINK"

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-pink/doctor-or-brother/
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