Christian Living

Part 15 Overcoming

by james rondinone 
01/02/16
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œRecognizing a Spirit-Filled Pastor

œA Checklist For Recognizing A Spirit-Filled Pastor                                                             

   How many believers are able to determine as to whether the pastor of the church is Spirit-filled? I would say that if the pastor is religious, then this is all they know. Therefore, they wouldn’t have a clue as to how to recognize this in the pastor’s walk with God. Hopefully this lesson will provide for you those characteristics of being Spirit-filled so that you can recognize them or become aware that they are non-existent.

Recognizing a Spirit-Filled Pastor

Spirit-Filled Pastor

One who is continually filled (controlled, guided, and directed) by the Holy Spirit.

   In the New Testament, the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations is now made manifest to his saints, that is, Christ in us, the hope of glory. We believe in Jesus Christ as the God-man, who came to earth and died on a cross paying the penalty for and providing forgiveness for the sins of the whole world, and that he will send us another comforter, the Holy Spirit, who will come and indwell inside of us, bearing testimony of Jesus Christ.

   The New Testament believer is not mandated to keep or observe God’s statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies as written in the Law of Moses. We are to have our minds renovated or renewed according to God’s word as it reveals to us all of who we are at salvation, as declared in the New Testament epistles, which will result in Godly speech and actions. We are no longer to live according to the cravings or desires of the flesh, but according to the desires, spiritual qualities, and divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

   A pastor should be teaching what God’s word says about Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension along with doctrine (e.g. positional truth; eternal security; the gifts of the Holy Spirit; forgiveness; etc.). We should also be taught the doctrine of personal sanctification. Sanctification is a process that helps us to recognize those thought processes which are contrary to God’s word, confess these thoughts as sin, and apply or think with God’s word (mind) in these particular areas of thought. In order to think with God’s mind (word), we need to learn what his word states, appropriate it for ourselves, and meditate upon it throughout our day. This will release or activate the spiritual qualities of the Holy Spirit, who is residing in us, thus allowing us to be a witness or testimony of these divine qualities in our speech and actions toward others.

   This lesson is written so that we, as believers, might recognize:

œWhether the pastor we are listening to is teaching us about the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ along with doctrine (e.g. positional truth; eternal security; the gifts of the Holy Spirit; forgiveness; etc.), but not including the doctrine of personal sanctification, thus causing us to continue to walk according to our own cravings or desires, being intellectually religious.

œWhether the pastor we are listening to is teaching us about the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ along with doctrine (e.g. positional truth; eternal security; the gifts of the Holy Spirit; forgiveness; etc.), including the doctrine of personal sanctification, thus causing us to walk in the Holy Spirit’s power, being spiritual.

   In 1982, I graduated from bible college. In my opinion, the president of the bible college walked in the filling of the Holy Spirit. When he spoke, there was a tremendous anointing that saturated my soul with God’s love, joy, and peace. The messages talked about how Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all of the sins of the whole world on the cross. Our debt or ransom was paid. All of our sins were forgiven (put away as far as the east is from the west). God’s work was finished. As a believer, I have become a new creature. I was taught concerning who I am now in Christ. As I learned, appropriated, and meditated on these teachings, I began to grow and be set free from carnal thinking, speech, and actions.

   I would characterize the president of the bible college as a non-dispensationalist. This means that there are many principles, policies, and procedures that God has established throughout history that can be incorporated into this present time involving his church. This view results in the perpetuation of a tradition or a certain practice and in the justification of a particular emphasis or doctrinal view (e.g. obeying the Ten Commandments; tithing; observing the 7th Day Sabbath; believing that a pastor is only accountable to God for his sin; abstaining from alcohol; etc.).

   I would describe the incorporation of tradition or certain practices to be complied with as religious tendencies. However, this did not detract from God the Holy Spirit working in the president’s life. A person can walk in the Holy Spirit and adhere to religious practices. Conversely, a person can adhere to religious practices and follow God in his own power, and never experience the working of the Holy Spirit in his life.

   I thank God for using him in the teaching and preaching of the word of God in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

The Tongue of the Heart; One’s Belief System

Suggested Reading: Matthew 7:15-23

   Beginning in Matt.5:1, Jesus taught his disciples. He warned them in chapter 7 verses 15-23 that there would come forth false prophets who appeared to be harmless, meek, or guileless (sincere, honest, straightforward), but would corrupt the purity of the faith by promoting false doctrines, which they would claim were messages from God. Inwardly or from within, they would be greedy for power, gain, or wealth.

   You shall know them from the tongue of their heart. “A man’s works,” says one, “are the tongue of his heart, and tell honestly whether he is inwardly corrupt or pure.” If a person’s teaching is guided or directed by the Holy Spirit, then the effects of these teachings in the lives of those who receive them will produce in them, and subsequently from them, the spiritual qualities or fruit of the Holy Spirit.

   The false prophets will appear to be Godly in their actions. They will speak God’s word, cast out demons, and will perform wonderful works. However, they are complete strangers to God, because they fail to operate in his love. If we follow them, then we will be easily carried off from the flock. The result will be that we will keep our own baggage of sin and worldliness and not experience a changed life that produces fruit for God’s glory.

   Are the teachings of your pastor teacher guided or directed by the Holy Spirit? If they are, then the effects of these teachings will produce in those who receive them the spiritual qualities or fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16

   All throughout the New Testament, believers are warned about false apostles, prophets, and teachers, and rightfully so. In many cases, those in leadership are looked upon as if they are the only ones God works through. As long as we follow them, even if we never experience a changed life for ourselves, then we are commended. We are taught to believe that we have gained God’s favor by how often we have obeyed the leader’s directives. We are told that God loves us and the words “peace be with you” are repeatedly mentioned. However, we never experience either one in our lives. Our reputation before others is based on how committed we are in performing religious duties.

   Does this characterize your walk with God?

   The word of God clearly delineates how to recognize a Spirit-filled pastor. If your pastor is characterized by these declarations — which will be inherent in the teachings brought forth — then you are in good hands.

   The pastor’s teachings will:

œInstruct followers to not to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of the sentiments and morals of men, but rather to appear as new persons with new habits by means of a complete change of mental processes for the better. This will include spending time meditating on God’s Word, memorizing it, and making it a part of their inner person.

œBe in demonstration (signs that convinced people that God’s Spirit was working powerfully) of the Spirit and of power.

œNot continually teach messages that are pat. This means that they are not always a part of a weekly format that all of the pastors employ at various times throughout the year.

œInstruct us not only in getting to know the person of Christ, but also of applying the knowledge of how to walk differently96 from unbelievers, not imitating their lives by giving ourselves over to every self-indulgence, acknowledging no restraints.

œMold the character of others by reproof (rebuke) and admonition (a warning or mild criticism to correct some fault), so that they no longer think wrong thoughts.

œInstruct followers to continually keep God’s word (all that he has made known to us as his will in regard to our conduct) so that we will realize God’s love not only in word, but also in deeds.

œInstruct followers to put on the person they are now in Christ, in whom a new character is being formed, and to seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces and to follow his leadings. The leadings of the Holy Spirit will be to comfort us; stir us to pray; reprove us of our sins; draw us to works of love causing us to bear testimony of Christ; renew the heart; sanctify the soul; and produce the spiritual qualities of “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance”.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1 Corinthians 2:4

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:17-21

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:5

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:8-10

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16

   What follows is a checklist you can use in order to better determine if your pastor is Spirit-filled. Some might think this is silly. Let me ask you this. When you made your mind up to buy a car, how did you ultimately decide which one to buy? I’m sure that you had an idea of the options that you wanted, and whether it would be a sports or family car. Would it be reasonable to say that you asked for advice from some of your friends and/or bought a copy of Consumer Reports and read their analysis?

   Where should we get our analysis from in determining whether a pastor is Spirit-filled? Hopefully, it is from the word of God.

   Without the Holy Spirit operating in the lives of those who are in leadership in the church, there will be no salvations and subsequently no spiritual growth.

   The higher the score to 10, the stronger the pastor’s dependence on the ministry of the Holy Spirit to control, direct, and regulate their life.

   If the score is closer to zero, run baby, run.

A Checklist For Recognizing A Spirit-Filled Pastor

Title of the PASTOR’S message ___________________________________________

DATE:____________

    Hopefully, as the pastor is teaching or preaching, you will be taking notes concerning the content of the message. Then, you can check the boxes below in order to determine whether the message or teaching is about the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ along with pertinent doctrine (e.g. positional truth; eternal security; the gifts of the Holy Spirit; forgiveness; etc.). Also, you can note whether the message is:

   œWithout the doctrine of personal sanctification, thus causing us to be intellectually religious.

   œWith the doctrine of personal sanctification (letting the Holy Spirit direct our lives), thus causing us to walk in the His power, being spiritual.

If the following Point is being taught from the pulpit, then please check the box.

  1 POINT  

   The message conveys that it is Spirit-guided because in the content they talk about minding the things of the Spirit, and thereby give declaration that they are not to be controlled or dominated by the evil nature.

   The message is not self-derived (a packaged format). Romans 8:6

   The message is derived not solely from the pastor himself, but by means of cooperation with the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

  1 POINT

   Not only will the Spirit-filled pastor (TSFP) exhibit the workings of the Holy Spirit in prayer, good works, and testimony, but will also be able to experience for himself and declare in words to others that God wants all of us to experience his abundant life (divine comfort). The working of the Holy Spirit in the pastor’s life will be evidenced in the teachings as the One who provides comfort, stirs us up to pray, reproves sin (mental, verbal, and overt), bears testimony of Christ, and draws us to works of love. Romans 8:16

  1 POINT

   TSFP will clearly indicate by the messages taught that we, as believers, are not to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of the sentiments and morals of men. We are to be transformed (appear as new persons with new habits) by the renewing (the changing) into the new views of our mind and subsequent feelings, through the intake (reception), the memorizing of, and the meditation upon God’s word. Romans 12:1-2

   TSFP teaches that believers put on the new man, the person, who we are now in Christ.

   TSFP instructs that Christians know themselves in the light of God’s word (Colossians 3:8-10), to conscientiously observe doctrine, especially all that God has made known to us as his will in regard to our conduct, along with how to have a sound mind in a disciplined fashion. 1 John 2:5

   The result will be that the listeners of the teaching will be able to:

     œExercise a due restraint on their passions and propensities.

     œRender to every man his due, injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property.

     œHave a reverential love toward God. Titus 2:11,12

 1 POINT

   TSFP doctrine in private and preaching in public is not with persuasive doctrines of human wisdom (…”skillful (or, clever) words that so-called educated people use100”), but in the demonstration or evidence (“…signs that convinced people that God’s Spirit was working powerfully.”) of Spiritual power. 1 Corinthians 2:4

  1 POINT

   TSFP does not advocate that faith must include personal achievement or good works. TSPF emphasizes that the basis for outward works should be relegated first to the development of a personal relationship with the working or ministry of the Holy Spirit. This relationship will result in a faith which works by God’s love, which will bring forth good works in God’s time and not ours. 2 Corinthians 11:4

  1 POINT

   TSFP does not teach that the new life in Christ encourages or allows a complete surrender to every self-indulgence (e.g. premarital sex, homosexual intercourse, idolatry, adultery, fornication, etc.) or scandalous enormities of every description. Ephesians 4:17-21

  1 POINT

   A recurring theme in the Spirit-filled pastor’s teachings is for the believers to be continually filled with (controlled by) the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

  1 POINT

   TSFP instructs with correction, molding the character of others by reproof (rebuke) and admonition (a warning or mild criticism to correct some fault), so that they no longer think wrong thoughts. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

  1 POINT

   TSFP instructs fellow believers to confess (admit guilt to) known sin to God the Father privately, and also to confess to others concerning offenses that they have committed against them. 1 John 1:9

  1 POINT

   The pastor’s message contains the doctrine of personal sanctification (letting the Holy Spirit direct our lives), thus causing followers to walk in the Holy Spirit’s power, being spiritual.

TOTAL _____/ 10

   The higher the score to 10, the stronger the pastor’s dependence or allowance on the ministry of the Holy Spirit to control, direct, or regulate their life.

   Remember, if the score is closer to zero, run baby, run.

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