Summary: A pastor is the backbone of the church. He needs to live to the highest esteem as an example. He can be there when you are born or when your life ends.

HE IS THE MESSENGER OF THE LORD

Introduction: "The Perfect Pastor"

Theme Scripture: Malachi 2:7

Gal 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

I. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

A. Matt 13:57 "A prophet is not without honour"

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

B. "Is not this . . . ?" John 6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

Matt 13:55-56 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this manall these things?

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Yes, he is a carpenter, but he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

II. CALLED OF GOD

I Cor 4:1 Eph 3:7 I Tim 1:11

III. DON'T DESPISE, BUT ESTEEM HIGHLY

A. Don't Despise

Luke 10:16

I Thes 4:8

B. Esteem highly

1. For their work's sake. I Thes 5:13

2. Count him precious. Php 2:29

IV. SUPPORT THE MESSENGER

A. By Praying

1. Pray for labourers to be sent. Mt 9:38

2. Pray for those who have gone. Romans 15:30

B. By Obeying

1. Remember them Heb 13:7

Hebrews 13:7 Obey them . . .

C. By honoring.

1. I Tim 5:17

2. Scripture to support a paid minister.

a. Old Testament Proof

Lev 2:3 Num 18:21 Deut 18:3 II Chron 31:4

b. New Testament Proof

I Cor 9:7 --- Read

I Tim 5:18

Deut 25:4

II Tim 2:6

Gal 6:6