Personal Identity
God expects each one of us to let Him use us in helping people to a walk of spiritual blessing and victory, regardless of our age, background, or experience.
A.W. Tozer addresses the challenge of personal identity faced by new pastors, emphasizing that congregations often struggle to accept a new leader who differs from their beloved predecessor. He reminds us that God's blessings are based on faith and obedience rather than age or appearance, urging both pastors and congregations to embrace change and foster a loving relationship. Tozer encourages the faithful to support their new pastor and highlights the importance of demonstrating faith and obedience in ministry. He prays for unity and grace between the pastor and the congregation, reinforcing the idea that God can use anyone for His purpose.
Text
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. --1 Timothy 4:12
This problem of personal identity not infrequently troubles the faithful minister. The congregation has called him as their pastor and teacher, but the members have a hard time forgetting the saintly predecessor who died or who was called to another ministry. They find it hard to make room for the new minister--mainly because he is not enough like the former one. His voice is different. So are his gestures. His hair is not gray. His wife is not as friendly.
Be careful! God blesses people for their faith and obedience, not because they are old or young, bald or gray, pleasant voiced or raspy. God expects each one of us to let Him use us in helping people to a walk of spiritual blessing and victory. Not necessarily must we have had a long record as heroes in the faith to qualify. Jesus, Author of our Faith, 70.
"Lord, I pray for any of my brothers who may be facing this struggle today. Challenge the congregation to move on and love their new pastor. Give grace to the pastor; help him to faithfully demonstrate faith and obedience. Weld pastor and people together in a deep love relationship. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Personal Identity
- Difficulty in accepting a new pastor
- Comparison to the previous pastor
- Importance of faith and obedience
Key Quotes
“God blesses people for their faith and obedience, not because they are old or young, bald or gray, pleasant voiced or raspy.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should focus on faith and obedience rather than trying to be like someone else.
- We can help people overcome the struggle of accepting a new pastor by challenging them to love and support their new leader.
- We should give grace to our leaders and help them demonstrate faith and obedience in their ministry.