Rules for Walking in Fellowship- John Owen

Chapter 2- Follow Your Pastor’s Example

Rule 2- Observe and diligently follow his way of life as far as he walks in the steps of Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Heb. 13:7- Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

2 Thes. 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.

Phil 3:17 Brethren be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.

1 Tim. 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Peter 5:3 Neither as lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.

Owen’s rule here is a difficult one for modern churchmen, maybe most difficult for the modern pastor. Who wants to be held to the standard of the way we live? Isn’t it better to be held to the standard of what we say? What did you say, parents?

Owen says an exemplary life is ‘required for those who dispense holy things.’ A pastor is just a man but he should be a fine and just man who desires and is willing for his flock to follow his example in word and deed. In fact, one of his primary roles is teaching the saints how to live by living before and with them. 

Owen also says, “A pastor’s life should be vocal: sermons must be practiced as well as preached.” Pastors need to live out the words they declare from the pulpit. My experience is that whatever you say from the pulpit, the Lord is going to give you a chance to see if you really believe it. So, get ready to live out what you say. What you say should be Bible, so you need to live Bible.