I. Introduction:
We are told by God in Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” From this verse we are taught:
1. Pastors are God-given.
If a man has not been called by God he should resign and get out of the ministry. He is dishonest to say he is called by God if he is not. True Pastors are God-given.
2. Pastors are given from God’s heart.
It is from the very heart of God that He gifts the church with apostles (missionaries), prophets (preachers), evangelists, pastors and teachers. (See Ephesians 4:11-16). The Pastor is a gift from God to the church. He came from the heart of God.
3. Pastors should feed you.
Jeremiah 23:4 says, “And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.” More on this later.
4. Pastors are to give knowledge and understanding.
In order to do this, he must be experienced and mature in the Lord. Knowledge is facts. Understanding is how to use the facts. Wisdom is doing the facts. A Pastor cannot give wisdom, but he should give knowledge (facts) and understanding (how to use the facts)