𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝘃𝘀 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥

GODLY PASTOR vs GREEDY PASTOR

Who Are You Following—and Why It Matters
Key Text: Acts 20:24, 28–30 | 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Not every man behind a pulpit is sent by God.
In the Dispensation of the Grace of God, the greatest danger to the church is not persecution—but corruption from within.

“Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”
— Acts 20:30
This message is not about personalities—it is about patterns.

PREACHING — WHAT COMES FROM THE PULPIT
John 1:17 | Galatians 1:6–9

A. Godly Pastor — Proclaims grace and truth
B. Greedy Pastor — Promotes prosperity and signs
C. Pauline Test — Preaches the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24)
The message reveals the motive.

PURPOSE — WHAT IS HE AIMING AT
Ephesians 1:7 | 1 Timothy 6:5

A. Godly Pastor — Focuses on salvation by faith alone
B. Greedy Pastor — Fixates on financial gain
C. Pauline Goal — Redemption, not revenue
Salvation is not a business.

PARTITION — HOW HE HANDLES SCRIPTURE
2 Timothy 2:15 | 2 Corinthians 2:17

A. Godly Pastor — Rightly divides the Word
B. Greedy Pastor — Mixes law, grace, Israel, Church
C. Pauline Standard — Truth without corruption
Confusion always benefits the deceiver.

POSTURE — HOW HE LIVES BEFORE MEN
Philippians 4:11–12 | Revelation 3:17

A. Godly Pastor — Walks humbly and modestly
B. Greedy Pastor — Flaunts luxury and excess
C. Pauline Mindset — Content in Christ
Character confirms calling.

PROFIT — WHO REALLY BENEFITS
2 Corinthians 12:14 | Micah 3:11

A. Godly Pastor — Seeks the edification of saints
B. Greedy Pastor — Seeks personal enrichment
C. Pauline Example — Gave, not took (Acts 20:33–35)
Wolves always feed on sheep.

PRIORITY — WHAT HE MAGNIFIES
Colossians 1:28 | Romans 16:18

A. Godly Pastor — Magnifies Christ
B. Greedy Pastor — Magnifies self and system
C. Pauline Warning — Smooth words deceive hearts
Who is glorified tells you who is served.

PROVISION — HOW NEEDS ARE MET
Philippians 4:19 | 2 Peter 2:3

A. Godly Pastor — Trusts God’s provision
B. Greedy Pastor — Manipulates giving through fear
C. Pauline Truth — God supplies, not gimmicks
Faith rests; greed pressures.

PATH — WHERE THE TEACHING LEADS
Galatians 5:1 | 1 Timothy 4:1

A. Godly Pastor — Leads to liberty in Christ
B. Greedy Pastor — Leads to bondage and burnout
C. Pauline Freedom — Stand fast in grace
Wrong leaders always lead people the wrong way.

PROOF — WHAT FRUIT IS PRODUCED
1 Corinthians 3:12–15 | Matthew 7:20

A. Godly Pastor — Builds gold, silver, precious stones
B. Greedy Pastor — Builds wood, hay, stubble
C. Pauline Judgment — Work tested at the Bema Seat
Fruit reveals fire-worthiness.

CONCLUSION

The question is not:
“Is he popular?”
“Is he gifted?”
The question is:
“Is he Pauline?”
“Follow me, as I also follow Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1

CALL TO ACTION

Examine what is preached
Examine how Scripture is divided
Examine who gets the glory
Follow Christ—not charisma.
Follow truth—not treasure.
“Buy the truth, and sell it not.”
— Proverbs 23:23

FINAL THOUGHTS

Preaching reveals motive
Purpose exposes the heart
Partition protects truth
Posture proves sincerity
Profit shows allegiance
Priority shows who is worshiped
Provision reveals trust
Path reveals destination
Proof will be tested by fire