T4G 2008: Session 8

The closing session was very fitting and was delivered by C.J. Mahaney of Sovereign Grace Ministries. Mahaney is a pastor’s pastor. He is a very simple and humble man. He admits that he is not a scholar but this in no way diminishes his giftedness to communicate the truths of Scripture to pastors.

The text C.J. used was Philippians 1:3-8. He used the example of Paul’s love for the believers of Philippi as a model for the love that pastors should have for the flock God has entrusted them with.

He shared 3 dominant characteristics behind Paul’s joy in life and ministry.

1. Gratefulness to God (v. 3). Mahaney stressed the importance of living our lives in gratefulness. He warned us of the sin of      complaining. He made it clear that complaining is a serious sin because it reveals pride. When we complain we are telling God “There is no need for this. I know what’s best for me and this isn’t” He also explained the importance of modeling gratefulness to our families as well as our ministries.

2. Faith for the future (v. 6). Paul was confident that God was the one who worked and because God had begun the      work He would be faithful to complete it. Mahaney quoted from Charles Bridges who said that the for the pastor the “main difficulty is not in our work but in ourselves.” Our problem does not lie in the work we are called to but rather the problem lies in our lack of faith in God.

3. Affection for others (v. 7-8). The affection Mahaney speaks of is a yearning for God’s people. We should yearn for them, love them, and desire to be with them. The solution for a lack of love and affection for others is to consider them in view of God’s grace and mercy. When I don’t yearn for someone consider the grace and love of Christ for them through the work of Christ. This is one for whom Christ died. We must survey the cross before we survey people.

Mahaney’s message was especially challenging to me as a pastor. I am thankful for C.J.’s heart and his ability to get down on the level of life with pastors. I was moved to ask God to change me and my attitude.

God bless,
Pastor Duane