Those in pastoral ministry have a great responsibility in preaching the Gospel to their congregation. Paul repeatedly encouraged Timothy and Titus to teach the good news with clarity and to model humility, integrity and godly character. In these sermons, Alistair Begg encourages pastors to stay focused on God’s Word as the source of inerrant truth and to teach the Bible in a manner that glorifies God.
A Prayer for Pastors (2 Timothy 4:5) — Listen (Free) | Download MP3 (Free)
In churches everywhere, many pastors are discouraged, burdened, and overworked. How, then, can church members best pray for their pastors? Alistair Begg counsels us by drawing on Paul’s words of encouragement to his pastoral protégé, Timothy. Paul urges Timothy and other pastors to keep their heads amid challenges and trials. By praying that our pastors may endure hardship, evangelize to the lost, and complete the work of their ministry, we aid them in their important callings.
Partners in the Gospel (Philippians 1:1-6) — Listen (Free) | Download MP3 (Free)
Writing from jail, Paul was nonetheless thankful, prayerful, and joyful in his greeting to the church at Philippi. His zeal was fueled by their ongoing partnership, which was grounded in the Gospel, and by the prospect of one day seeing and sharing in the glory of Christ. In an introduction to our study in the book of Philippians, Alistair Begg helps us see that despite disappointments, we can be confident that God will finish the work He began in us.
Integrity, Humility, Frailty (2 Corinthians 4:1-6) — Listen (Free) | Download MP3 (Free)
The qualities most necessary to fruitful Christian ministry are not often taught in college or seminary—and they are the opposite of worldly self-promotion. In this message, Alistair Begg unpacks the Apostle Paul’s advice to those who serve in ministry. Paul urged leaders to be committed to integrity and the humility of self-forgetfulness. Ministers, he reminded them, are humble jars of clay that contain what really matters: the glory of God.
As For You, Titus (Titus 2:1, 7-8, 15) — Listen (Free) | Download MP3 (Free)
Paul’s message to Titus was clear and consistent: teach sound doctrine with dignity, integrity, and the authority given by God Himself. Titus was also to model the godly character and service he exhorted others to practice. Words, cautions Alistair Begg, are useless if they are not supported by actions. In contrast, when a pastor’s conduct embodies the Gospel message he preaches, believers are edified and encouraged to also live lives that declare the goodness of God’s grace.
Leaders in the Local Church (1 Peter 5:1-5, Exodus 18:13-27) — Listen (Free) | Download MP3 (Free)
Since a church will not progress beyond its leadership, appointing elders is a vital task that requires a clear understanding of Christian doctrine. As shepherds of the flock, elders work together to assure that God’s Word is taught, God’s Son is honored, and God’s people are edified. Alistair Begg explains that biblical eldership is pastoral, plural, spiritual, and accountable: diverse in giftedness and function, elders are accountable to God as they share the privileges and responsibilities of leadership.