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The Apostle Paul is a prime example of someone with a shepherd’s heart. He was committed to preparing people to transmit God’s Word to others who in turn would be able to pass it on. Timothy, a half Jew and half Greek believer, and Titus a Greek believer, were two of many disciples who came under Paul’s intimate instructions. In what have been referred to as his Pastoral Letters (two to Timothy and one to Titus), he guided and instructed his proteges on several important matters of the Christian faith.
Paul’s first Letter to Timothy warned him about false teachers who were prowling around the Gentile churches. He urged Timothy to guide the churches under his charge by giving the Christians there sound doctrinal teaching and practising the Christian faith through right living. When the Christians meet for a time of corporate worship, he stressed that a proper attitude toward God and fellow believers must be present in every part of worship. He also taught that Church leaders must be qualified and committed to Jesus Christ so that the Church would be able to operate smoothly to care for all Christians and to honour God. In addition, he said that with regards to Christian character, they must keep themselves morally and spiritually fit.
The second Letter to Timothy was written by Apostle Paul just before the end of his life – “time for my departure is near” (2 Tim. 4:6). In it, he gave Timothy his final instructions and encouragement. Timothy was instructed to carry out his ministry without fear or shame and to remain faithful in the face of opposition, suffering and hardship.
In his Pastoral Letters, there are obviously many lessons we can learn about Apostle Paul, the model Pastor with a great shepherd’s heart. We will consider only two. First, Apostle Paul demonstrated in his personal life right living and right relationships from right belief. He taught that Christians in every church must work towards becoming a counter-culture community. Second, he encouraged those under his instructions to also have a shepherd’s heart in caring for others and training them. In this way, God’s truth will be passed on from generation to generation. The question for us today is: Have we got a shepherd’s heart?
