Spurgeon's Advice on Discerning the Call to Preach
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video I share how Charles Spurgeon answers the very important question about whether a man is called to preach or not. I summarize it by suggesting we ask ourselves three questions:
1. Do I want to preach?
2. Can I preach?
3. Are people helped by my preaching?
Spurgeon offers four lines of evidence. For his full discourse, you should read the chapter "The Call to the Ministry" found in Spurgeon's book "Lectures to My Students."
RECOMMENDED READING:
• You can purchase Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students" here: amzn.to/3qaAYQl
PS - I use affiliate links in this description that I get a kickback from
Have a blessed day!
#Spurgeon #sermons #preaching
A word to those concerned that there is no Bible given in this video: The reason you're only hearing references to Spurgeon is because the video is a summary of Spurgeon's chapter on the minister's call to preach. The purpose of the video is not to give a Bible study or a sermon on the issue, but to share what another godly preacher has said, and perhaps to encourage others to read Spurgeon's book where Spurgeon gives more detail (and Scripture). While we would never elevate man's opinion above the authority of God's Word, we should still value the insight and advice of godly preachers.
For Scripture references relevant to the discussion see 1 Tim. 3:1 (the desire to the office), Eph. 4:11 (that it is a gift of God) and that is something that other godly leadership attests to see 1 Ti 4:14; 5:22; 2 Ti 1:6; and Tit 1:5.
Pastor I Am A Young Pastor(Longevity) Wise In Rural Northwest Missouri I Am Grateful I Came Across Your Videos Recently And That Was Not By Accident I've Pastored Our Small Baptist Church Almost 2 Years And Know There Is So Much To Learn And Grow In And Will Grow And Learn Each Day ...I Also Study Charles Spurgeon And Paul Washer Voddie Bauchum Etc But As U Can Attest To Nothing Beats Our Great God's Inherent Infallible Word Of Truth And The Knowledge Of It And Our God As Spurgeon Said I Have A Great Need For Christ And Great Christ For My Needs And I Appreciate Your Kind Insight And Tutelage And Your Goodness In Your Videos In Sharing With Those Of Us Out Here Hungry For God And His Word And For Brotherhood And Fellowship As My Mentor Pastor Gary Phillips Says Hello Fellowship Don't Be The Only Fellow In Your Ship ...God Bless U Pastor And Your Ministry And Family As U Fullfill God's 🙏 Call Upon Your Life In Obedience To Him Amen 🙏
In regard to one not waiting to be completely trained: "God does not call the qualified; he qualifies those whom he calls."
Amen!
Waoooo
One of my favorite quote.
Then why did the scriptures in two locations give qualifications for elders and pastors?
Being a pastor is not easy. It's not just a title or position but it's a divine task or work...
I believe I was born to preach. Many years ago I got saved and started serving in my local church as a youth pastor. My pastor would sometimes allow me to preach from the pulpit. I enjoyed studying the word, teaching the word, and attending Bible studies.
But I let the Devil in and he took down a path that I never intended to go. I feel lost and ashamed and so disconnected from my Lord. It's been 20 years and I think of all that time I wasted. 😢
"Return to me", says the Lord. Come back into His loving arms, confess your sins and be forgiven. And give yourself freely and wholly to God. Lay your life down, witholding nothing, and He will surely wash and cleanse and use you.
I am being helped by your videos...may you never lose your anointing by sin, pride etc. May God be with u and be glorified by you. Brother from Nepal
Wow, thank you!
Good stuff. Thank you for the video & yes you’re absolutely correct sir.
I once read of Solomon & how he studied anything and everything.
He even studied birds.
I always thought why study birds? Why not spend that time studying the Word of God to unlock every secret & attain great wisdom.
But I realized we can learn from pretty much everything
Especially a godly preacher like Charles Spurgeon.
Thank you Lord for your faithful servants .Thank you Sir
You are very welcome
This is a very difficult topic for me. I have felt compelled to preach/pastor, and I can also see the gifts that the Lord has provided me could certainly enable me to do this (I am able to teach and I have an acceptable level of discernment according to my friends). I was raised in church, have been a believer for most of my life, and I have pursued after understanding when it comes to the Word of God my entire adult life. I can identify the work of the Holy Spirit in my own life and I affirm that.
That being said, I do not want to preach (at least not full time). I have other interests, but they’re not necessarily passions of mine. I simply have never desired to be a full-time pastor. However, the reason I am here is because I cannot shake the unsettled compulsion deep in my spirit towards this work. I know I can speak in public and a certain wave of almost euphoria at times has come over me when I explain and articulate the truth to others… yet I don’t desire this work. I know my infatuation with the worldly things that interest me (a career as a dietitian) and my inadequate desire to serve others as a pastor aren’t necessarily commendable. I know I should probably pray for God to change my heart to be more like His in regard to shepherding/pastoring/preaching, but I truly don’t want to. I am ashamed at my disinterest in changing to be more like God in that regard, but it’s the truth.
James 3 says not many should be teachers and I take that seriously. Who in the world would want to do ministry is they didn’t have to?
Your cautious approach to ministry is wise. Those who can preach but have no desire to the pastorate can be used effectively in the church as lay preachers. There is a need for capable men to fill pulpits when pastors are unable.
I think the best way to describe the call to pastoral ministry is an ability coupled with an intense desire for the work. A man who joins the ministry who doesn’t want to will be miserable, and his church will soon follow.
For me, ministry was a desire I didn’t want. A part of me wanted something else, but the desire to shepherd souls grew over time until it eclipsed all other ambitions.
Seek the Lord and the wisdom of your own pastor. God will show you what to do.
I've been having yearly existential crises and depressive periods for close to a decade now. Finally, after I turned my restless soul in search of purpose to God, this is where I find myself. I'm having the exact same feelings and thoughts about the call that you are @WillTay. I just want to thank you for the insight from you and this video. God bless the both of you.
I struggle every day with conviction of disobedience cos I hear that message every where. I don't want to lose my salvation.
Most of my adult life as someone who liked to have my own business, but couldn't do it without a partner. I've always proclaimed that I must have someone with me even if the person was of no help, otherwise I'd be unable to operate alone.
This is affecting my supposed call for evangelising alone (one on one or street preaching). By the grace of God, I'm able, but that lifelong mindset n fear is just so overwhelming
I have witnessed quite a bit alone, but I really struggle with approaching people, but not with worldly things. (business, work, and gospel yes). I don't know why.
I was flamboyant in social soccer, but fearful and held back in league games. The same at school as a child; Invisible in class but invisible outside.
The parable of the 'Minas' scares me.
I meant 'invinsible' outside
@@johnfestus7446 You cannot lose your salvation friend, if you've received the Lord Jesus Christ and faith and been born again, God has made a down payment on you, and has given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you. Salvation is not of things you can lose.
Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV - In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Appreciate that brother. Well done. Put a fork in it. May you experience Love, Joy, Peace, Happiness & Abundance from here to Eternity!
Thanks so much for this. This was really helpful!
Thanks for this message... it's helping me to decide...
Thanks for watching, Jennifer. In addition to Spurgeon's advice, prayerfully consider the requirements of a bishop as given in 1 Tim. 3:1-7. God's Word is the ultimate guide and authority in the life of the believer. Grace and Peace
Very well said, brother. Thank you for breaking down Spurgeons lessons for m this book.
This is very enlightening. Thank you so much! Praise God!
Amen! Glad it was helpful
Very helpful and simply put.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you 🙏 😊
Thank you for this message.
You are so welcome
That is very very good advice
People who would say ministry is an easy life have no idea. They should study Spurgeon alot. He had a very difficult life. I can’t speak for the difficulties physically and mentally on a pastor at all. I’m a firefighter and can speak for that and it’s incredibly taxing mentally. During times of tragedy, death, and destruction im usually the first one called. Who would you think the second call is? For most people it’s their preacher.
Well said. Thank you for serving your community the way you do.
That's why it is called a Calling
this is very helpful. thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Use the gift the lord gives you to bear fruit only for him John chapter 15
Nice sir, Thank you
Most welcome
Great advice
Thank you! Glad to hear from folks who've found the videos helpful.
Ironically I’m coming back to this video a year or so later after recently preaching and experiencing major attacks on my calling here. Spiritual warfare and sin hinder us, but the Lord keeps us
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
Preaching is not a vocation, it's a calling.....
what about those (like me) who are in their 60's?
Doesn't it apply to every profession?
what if I dont want to preach, but I can do it and people get something from it? In all honesty I really dont want to do it. I would rather do a bunch of other things. other things just peak my interest much more. I dont believe I'm called but maybe I'm wrong. can you help?
Hi, Joshua. A desire to preach the Word doesn't mean we don't have any other interests, but it does mean that we have God-given passion for preaching. If you can do it and edify others, then be glad God can use you in that way. But if you do not have a desire for the office (1 Timothy 3:1) then you should probably not pursue it as a vocation. God uses men such as yourself to preach as occasions arise, but perhaps not to be in full-time pulpit ministry.
I hope that helps, but I would encourage you to talk to your pastor about this. He will be able to give you more personal guidance.
Waooooooo.......I love you sir.,...u are fantastic
@@PreachBetter love you sir🤣🤣🤣
I love you sir.....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
There is NO scripture that says God "calls" us to preach or become a member of the clergy. Rather I Tim. 3 says if a man DESIRES the office of a bishop (pastor, leader, overseer, etc.) he desires a good work. So if you DESIRE it and have the following qualifications ------ GO FOR IT. No other "call" is needed. (Keith Slough, Th.D, minister and theology professor)
You look like Charles Spurgeon or is it just me and my mind?
I've been told that a few times
@@PreachBetter
Well, it is good to hear that i'm actually sane. Thank you for the videos. They are helpful
I’m amazed how this man tells people how they are “called” to preach, and he does this WITHOUT USING THE BIBLE!!!
Hi, Vinson. Thanks for watching. I am summarizing Spurgeon's advice about discerning the call to preach that he gives in his book "Lectures to My Students." I suggest you read the chapter where Spurgeon goes into more detail and gives scripture too. I think you'll like it. Thanks again.
Grace and Peace
@@PreachBetter it seems logical that if someone was giving “biblical advice” they would actually quote the Bible!
That’s the problem in todays denominational world; too many stories, feelings, personal thoughts, experiences and not enough of God’s word.
Please which books or study kits do you recommend for one that is going into ministry.
• Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students"
• Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor"
• MacArthur's (and the Master's Seminary Faculty) three-volume set on pastoral ministry/
• Dever's "Nine marks of a Healthy Church"
• Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Preaching and Preachers"
@@PreachBetter thank you very much
What about pastors who have committed adultery? Are they allowed to pastor a Church and preach again?
I don't believe a man who has committed adultery is qualified to pastor a church according to 1 Tim. 3:2. After time, if he has brought forth fruits of repentance, it is possible that he could preach in some capacity, but I think his sin has voided his qualifications for church office - especially if his sin was committed while he was a pastor.
He can be forgiven, of course. Mercy is always available, but qualifications can be lost.
Everybody is called to preach.
I absolutely disagree. Nothing I could say or do could possibly “get someone saved”. The job of the preacher is to lead that person to the only one that can save. Are you kidding me?
He never said anything about what the scriptures says about your calling, he only says what Spurgeon says, but what about what God says. God calls the foolish( unlearned) to confound the wise. If you are called of God, it doesn’t matter what mans, God’s word overshadows all others.
Smith Wigglesworth lacked the ability to preach at first though he had the other three qualities. I think if you have the other traits God may require brokenness of spirit before one has the boldness and lack of self consciousness necessary to preach well.
No fruits in my ministry...people say i have preaching gift but no conversions so far..I don't qualify
Don't give up. Spurgeon's advice is good but it can be taken too strictly. He had large audiences of people and hence many more opportunities to see conversions. The average size of a preaching audience today is much, much smaller. Be patient and be sure to share the gospel personally with the unbeliever and not only from the pulpit.
@@PreachBetter Thanks for encouraging words. I have not been successful in personal evangelism (except a convert from Pakistan in a Middle Eastern country where I was living) currently live in a Hindu majority country where its extremely hostile to Christians
@@supersmart671 all the more reason to be resolute in your ministry. You are in a most difficult area. Spurgeon preached in a Christian nation. Your ministry is very different than his. Your witness is needed, even if no one will listen.
It's ok to change what God wants you to do, especially if you're not ready. You know deep down inside, you're not ready. God understands.
God has a replacement ready, so it's ok you don't want to do it, so don't worry.
You can live your life. It was too hard anyway. If you get a good life by not doing what God wants, it's not Satan tempting, but God rewarding you for your decision
What is your answer to this genuine question?
I love study and preaching and have enjoyed every past opportunity to share God's Word. People also tell me that it is powerful and prophetic - including a couple of my former pastors. If this is so, why has the door to preaching ministry remained firmly shut over nine years? Do you think it possible that man can prevent a gift being used and developed or does the Lord remain in control and chooses to leave certain gifts unused?
This is not a bitter question, but simply a desire to find answers.
I cannot say. You should talk to your pastor about your situation and ask him for input. Without knowing you or your background I couldn't give you advice. "The gifts and the callings of God are without repentance." (Rom. 11:29) If God has gifted you to preach then he will you lead to exercise that gift in some capacity. Maybe not in full time ministry as a pastor, but in some way. Seek godly counsel from your pastor or trusted Christian mentor.
Can God call you to do business as well
Short answer: in a way, yes.
Long answer: by "calling" we mean a spiritual gift (teaching/preaching) that is also used as a vocation within church ministry. Spiritual gifts are for the purpose of edifying the church. The call to preach is often attached to an office in the church (pastor/bishop/elder) for which there are qualifications and warnings given in scripture - which is why it's important for a man to know that he is called (gifted) for the office of pastor/bishop/elder.
I suppose God calls a Christian to many things (if we use the term loosely) as it would apply to them using their spiritual gifts in varied capacities - some gifts have secular world applications. Though spiritual gifts are meant for the church's good, they can still benefit the non-church area of a Christian's life. It's not like we turn the gifts off once we leave the assembly. The Christian life ought to be a two-way street between secular and sacred: our spiritual gifts can be used in our secular roles, and our secular roles can benefit the church.
Yes
Bibles are available
Most can read
Just witness shine light
Staying in ones present employment
And providing a witness is more effective than trying to preach from a pulpit without proper authority and knowledge
Too many false preachers and teachers on today's circuit!
Or a woman called to preach
To witness yes but they are not called to be pastors or ministers in the pulpit.
I'm hearing no reference to the Bible all your referring to is Charles Spurgeon 🤷♂. What does God word say? I need bible and verse. Charles spurgeon ain't God's word . I wanna know what God says not man
Thanks for watching and commenting. The reason you're only hearing references to Spurgeon is because the video is a summary of Spurgeon's chapter on the minister's call to preach. The purpose of the video is not to give a Bible study or a sermon on the issue, but to share what another godly preacher has said, and perhaps to encourage others to read Spurgeon's book where Spurgeon gives more detail (and Scripture). While we would never elevate man's opinion above the authority of God's Word, we should still value the insight and advice of godly preachers.
For Scripture references relevant to the discussion see 1 Tim. 3:1 (the desire to the office), Eph. 4:11 (that it is a gift of God) and that is something that other godly leadership attests to see 1 Ti 4:14; 5:22; 2 Ti 1:6; and Tit 1:5.
Thank you for your high view of the Bible.
Grace and Peace.
@@PreachBetter it's like some of these people commenting are completely missing the point of your video and whole channel 🤷
I love hearing what Spurgeon has to say, also Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones.
IT IS A PLAY UNDER THE SUN BECAUSE MAN JUST THINKS THEIR JUST SONS OF MAN, WE ALL EXPERIENCE IT ALL.,JESUS WAS AN ALLEGORY AND HAPPEN INSIDE MAN NOT OUTSIDE., HISTORY NO, ITS ALL TAKING PLACE EVERY DAY.
“In the last days The Most High is pouring out His Spirit on ALL flesh and He won’t wait for only Men to respond to the call…He has also chosen Women for the purpose!”💖🙏🏽❤️🩹
@@Beans-he3xi your opinion, you’re stuck in religion according to the Greco Romans…DO YOU! 🫵🏽😇🔥💦 I’ve come to realize that people pick and choose what they want to apply from The Bible due to their experiences, Understanding, and interpretation! I have a relationship with The Most High/The Holy Spirit and don’t need mankind to tell Me what My Creator says or has for Me! ✌🏽❤️🩹
Acknowledge Jesus Christ, Lord, savior and king of all and over all! Not mother nature. It was God who created nature and all the wonderful things in it for us to enjoy, but NEVER for us to worship in His place. Pray you receive this in love as a brother in Christ sister.