The Relationship of Truth to Pastoral Ministry from the Pastors’ Epistles
Paul opens his letter to Titus and first epistle to Timothy by defining the genuine relationship they share as by implication, “a spiritual father” writing to his “spiritual son” in the faith; specifically, a reference to the relationship established by their common faith in Christ Jesus that leads to Godliness (1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:1, 4). This is the basis for all relationships in the church, where the pastor models his unswerving faith in Christ Jesus, walking out his theology in and around those he serves. The pastor serves as lead worshipper of God in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23), basing his life upon truth; that is, upon Jesus Himself who is truth (Jn. 14:6) who gives His Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17), whose word is truth (Jn 17:17).
Paul urges that the minister be active in prayer for all men, not only for their salvation but for peaceable living, because God approves as He is the one who, “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:4). The model minister reminds that truth, the clear reality in the context of Christ
[1] and communication of Him, is the reason for ministerial appointment (1 Tim 2:7). The church, the local and universal body of Christ is to uphold the truth, living out God’s Word in the world (1 Tim 3:15).
Paul models how proclamation and personal application of God’s Word in the exaltation of Jesus and the demonstration of God’s great power exposes and brings to light those false teachers who would destroy men and keep them from the truth (Titus 1:10-15). Paul demonstrates truth in ministry as, “that which is in accord with what really happens, facts that correspond to reality, whether historical in the time/space continuum (Lk 4:25; Ac 4:27), or an eternal reality not limited to historical fact.”
[2]
False teachers distort what God has declared to be good and is meant to be shared by those who believe and know the truth (1 Tim 4:3) and in so doing distort everything to do with God. They would rather turn from truth and accept myth (2 Tim 4:4, Titus 1:14). “[D]ivine truth or the faith and practice of the true gospel is called “truth” either as being true in itself and derived from the true God, or as declaring the existence and will of the one true God, in opposition to the worship of false idols. Hence divine truth, gospel truth, as opposed to heathen and Jewish fables.”
[3] False teachers, false ministers are those who are depraved in mind, deprived in truth and “suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” (1 Tim 6:5; 2 Tim 3:7-8).
The pastor aligned with truth is one who is diligent to make certain he is presented approved to God as a workman who is not ashamed and handles accurately the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Contrarily is the wicked man who has gone astray from the truth, upsetting the faith of others (2 Tim 2:18). The pastor is to be one who gently corrects those in opposition, “if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 2:25). “Conduct conformed to the truth, integrity, probity, virtue, [is] a life conformed to the precepts of the gospel.”
[4]
[1]Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary : New Testament. electronic ed., G225. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000, c1992, c1993.
[2]Swanson, James. Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Greek (New Testament). electronic ed., GGK237. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.
[3]Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary : New Testament. electronic ed., G225. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000, c1992, c1993.
[4]Ibid.
