Doctor' or 'Brother'
A.W. Pink argues against the use of flattering titles in ministry, advocating for humility and the preference of being called 'Brother Pink'.
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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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"
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the topic of titles and honor
- Personal experience with receiving a degree
- Reflection on the appropriateness of titles
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II
- Scriptural basis against titles
- Job 32:31 and the danger of flattering titles
- Matthew 23:8 and the call to humility
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III
- The importance of seeking God's honor
- John 5:44 and the distinction between human and divine honor
- The example of New Testament servants
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IV
- Christ's example of humility
- Philippians 2:7 and the call to lowliness
- Matthew 11:29 and learning from Christ
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V
- Warnings against apostasy
- Jude 17 and admiration for men
- The call to bear Christ's reproach
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VI
- Conclusion on the use of titles
- Personal preference for being addressed as 'Brother Pink'
- Final thoughts on humility in ministry
Key Quotes
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give FLATTERING TITLES unto men.” — A.W. Pink
“Be NOT ye called Rabbi or teacher, which is what 'Doctor' signifies.” — A.W. Pink
“The Son of God made Himself of no reputation; is it then fitting that His servants should now follow an opposite course?” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Consider the impact of titles on your own humility and service to God.
- Reflect on how you honor others and seek God's approval over human recognition.
- Embrace a spirit of equality by addressing fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.