Note to self...

1 Timothy 1:5 "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

What charge is Paul referring to here? Looking at verse 1:3, we see that it was the charge that "certain persons not teach any different doctrine" in the church, that is, doctrine that is outside of true Gospel orthodoxy. Thus, while some perceive the practice of guarding doctrine both divisive and pedantic, Paul saw it as the pathway to love and purity, to "a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Note to self then: doctrine and love are not incompatible.

The Pastor's Books

Some helpful words:

"The pastor’s work and the pastor’s books are inseparable. Since dialogue with scripture and tradition is so central to pastoral care, it is to be expected that the life of the pastor will be deeply enmeshed in the meditative reading, thoughtful study, and care of good books. Since the pastor’s time is limited, selection of excellent books is a consequential pastoral decision."

Oden, T. C. (1987). Becoming a Minister. Classic Pastoral Care (159). New York: Crossroad.

Interviewing the Apostle

One of the most helpful things for me in terms of studying a text in preparation for preaching is simply to ask questions of it. I liken it to "interviewing" the biblical author.

Thus, in preparation for preaching 1 Peter 2:9-10 in a couple months, here are some of the questions I'm asking Peter. The list is not exhaustive (and is in no particular order).

1.     Who is Peter addressing? Jewish Christians? Gentile Christians? Does it matter?

2.     What can I determine about the original recipients’ situation and how is it relevant to the meaning and exposition of the text?

3.     From what OT texts does Peter quote? Why does he use these quotes? How does he apply them? What were the original OT contexts and how does that influence the meaning of the quotes in 1 Peter?

4.     What is the meaning and purpose of 1 Peter as a whole?

5.     Why does Peter say the things he says at this particular point in the epistle? How does this section contribute to the meaning and purpose of 1 Peter as a whole?

6.     How does Peter’s identity and history influence his writing?

7.     What is the purpose of this particular text?

8.     Is there anything to learn from the Greek text that is not obvious in the English that I would have to explain?

9.     How is the Gospel present in this text?

10. How can I preach Christ clearly from this text?

11. How does the text “divide up” exegetically? Does it “divide up” differently homiletically?

12. How does this text apply to believers? To unbelievers? To UWSP students?

13. Are there other relevant biblical texts that shed light upon 1 Peter 2:9-10?

14. What is the tone of Peter’s epistle and of this section in particular? Encouraging? Rebuking? Instructing? Warning? Other?

15. How does the genre of 1 Peter (epistle) influence its meaning?

16. What are the main themes of 1 Peter as a whole?

17. Where does 1 Peter fit into the overarching biblical storyline?

18. What are some possible wrong interpretations and conclusions to be drawn from this text?

A Great Pastor's Greatest Weakness

I was profoundly helped this evening by a quote from R.C. Sproul. It's his answer to the question "What is your greatest weakness as a pastor?" Both encouraging and convicting...

"My biggest weakness is that I am profoundly shy. I am not quick to make friends, nor even to interact with the friends I have been blessed with. Though I am confident in the depth of the love I have for the sheep under my care, I likewise understand why that love may not seem so evident to the sheep. My shyness is, I suspect, a corollary to a deeper problem, that I want to be liked. My reputation matters far more to me than it should."

Read the whole thing at http://www.ligonier.org/blog/10-important-things-ask-potential-pastor/