Ministerial/Pastoral Integrity- Pastor Joseph Sobanke

TEACHING DELIVERED BY PASTOR J. S. A SOBANKE SURULERE AREA SUPERINTEDENT DURING LAGOS METROPOLITAN AREAS MONTHLY MINISTERS MEETING HELD AT THE NATIONAL TEMPLE, LAWNA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION GROUNDS, OLORUNDA-KETU, LAGOS, ON WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER, 2024, AT 10:00AM

THEME: MINISTERIAL/PASTORAL INTERGRITY

TEXT: JOB 27:5

FAR BE IT FROM ME THAT I SHOULD SAY YOU ARE RIGHT; TILL I DIE, I WILL NOT PUT AWAY MY INTEGRITY FROM ME (NKJV)

INTTRODUCTION:

Job declared “Till I die, I will not put away my integrity from me” Job 27:5. In spite of Job’s suffering in the hand of Satan, he affirmed that he would still maintain his integrity. At a time like this, in the words of Paul, “when men, including ministers of God, have become lovers of themselves (positions), lover of money, boasters , proud, blasphemers. Unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, traitors, etc. (2 Timothy3:1-9), we need to examine whether we are still men of integrity.

1.0 What is Integrity?

1.1 Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines it as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

1.2 New Illustrated Bible Dictionary sees it as honesty, sincerity, singleness of purpose, purity of heart.

1.3 Yoruba translation describes it as “Otito Inu, Iwa Otito, Iwa Alailabuku, alailegan, Iwa Omoluwabi”

1.4 Let us turn to the Bible to get clearer definitions of Integrity.

Job was described as a man that was perfect (KJV) blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1 (NKJV)
He was blameless- a man of complete integrity (fancy that). He feared God and stayed away from evil. (NLT).
He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion (The Message Bible)
Zachariah and Elizabeth on the other hand, were also described as both righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of theLord blameless. Lukel:5-6

“Together they lived honourably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God.” (The Message Bible)

Integrity could therefore be defined, as a state of being perfect (KJV), blameless, upright, righteous, and living honourably before God and man. It entails walking in the commandment and the ordinances of the Lord blameless. Integrity also means having the fear of God and hating evil with a passion. It is to uphold the truth always.

1.5 According to Dr S.M. Davis, integrity is the resolve to do that which is right. It is the determination of the heart. It is that thing in a man or woman that says “I must and will do that which is right. Integrity is what or who you are.

1.6 Above all integrity is the ability to dare to be different in a depraved world.

2.0 Characteristics/Attributes Of A Man Of Integrity

2.1 A man of integrity tells and upholds the truth. He tells the truth regardless of whose ox is gored.

1. Isaiah 59:14-15 paints a grim picture about the truth… “for truth is fallen in the street…. So, truth fails and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey”

II. What did Christ say about truth? “But let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No” Dear ministers, that is integrity per excellence. Mathew 5:37.

2.2 He sees sin as a “great wickedness”, Joseph told the wife of Potiphar, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God”. He did not see the sin only against his master but against God. Genesis 39:9

2.3 He shuns evil or corrupt communication.

i. Job 27:3-4 “As Long as God gives me breath, my lips will never say anything evil, my tongue will never tell a lie” (GNB)

ii. Ephesians 4:29 says “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth”

2.4 He is not a liar. The Cretians were accused of being “always liars, evil beast, lazy gluttons,” These are not marks of integrity. Titus 1:12

Christ called all liars the children of the Devil. John 8:44

2.5 There is no guile (deceit) in him. John 1:47 “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile(deceit)

2.6 He is always resolute to do what is right before God. He has tenacity of purpose.

i. Job declared “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove my integrity from me” Job 27:5.

ii. His wife even charged him to abandon his integrity but he refused. Job 2: 9-10

2.7 Blameless and upright. You cannot fault his character. He has no character flaws. He is impeccable, without blemish. Daniel 1: 4,8.

[02/10/2024 12:14] Mandate Media: 2.8 He is not a supplanter. He is not a generation of Judas Iscariot who betrayed his master.

Luke 22:4-6,47-48

2.9 He is not a thief. He will not tamper with tithes and offerings or church money. He will not inflate contract sums. The Bible describes Judas Iscariots as a thief and a devil. He was not a man of integrity. John 12:5-6; 6:70

2.10 He is not suffering from PHD Syndrome. That is, he is not suffering from “pull him down” syndrome. A man of integrity will not see a colleague or others ministers as a threat that must be pulled down at all cost. David larmented in Psalm 41:5, “My enemies speak evil of me”

when shall he die, and his name perish”. 2.11 He has the fear of God. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Job 28:28; Psalm 111;10; Eccl 12:13.

2.12 Excellent spirit is found in him after the order of Daniel. Daniel 5: 11-12

3.0. Benefits Of Integrity

3.1. Integrity breeds trust and influence.

i. God said of Abraham, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord… Genesis 18:19 ii. Acts 9:11-17. Even a mad man, through the evils spirit in him said “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you these charlatans’ preachers to be disturbing my peace?”

3.2 A man of integrity can be entrusted with money, projects, responsibilities etc. Members repose confidence in him.

3.3 Proverbs 11: 3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of the transgressors shall destroy them.

3.4. Abidance in the tabernacles of God and dwelling in His holy hill.

Psalm 15: 1 “Oh Lord who shall abide in your tabernacles? who shall dwell in your Holy Hill?

Read Psalm 24:3-4

3.5. You will receive the blessing from the Lord, and the righteousness from the God of His salvation,

3.6. He will have a good report of all men “Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself.” 3 John 12; 1 Timothy 3:7

3.7. Integrity will make someone a good and able minister of God. 1 Timothy 4:6,12; 2 Corinthians

3:6

4.1. Psalm 15 and 24 give answer to this. Do what is right, be honest and trustworthy. Don’t gosip, backbite or do evil to your neigbour. Don’t betray trust. Psalm 15:1-5 4.2. Have a clean

hand and a pure heart. Not lifting up soul to an idol nor swear deceitfully.

4.3. Be clean. Be above reproach. Honesty in business, truthfulness of speech, morality of life are essential. Isaiah 52:11 says “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord”

4.4 Walk honestly!

2 Corinthians 4.2 But have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to

every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

4.5. Integrity in our words. Be reliable, dependable and trustworthy. There is a saying that talk is cheap. Colossians 4:6 says; “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

A song: Wherever you go, whatever you do. Do not say YES when you mean to say NO. That is integrity.

4.6 Integrity in handling church money/finance.

Be prudent. Be transparent and trustworthy. Don’t keep church money in your personal bank account. see I Timothy 6:10, Mathew 25:21

i. Judas Iscariots, Jesus treasurer was a confirmed thief and devil (John 6:10) the Bible says

“In fact, Judas has no heart fort the poor. he only said this because he was a thief and in charge of the money bag. He would steal money whenever he wanted from the funds given to support Jesus ministry. (the passion translation Bible.) (TPT)

ii. 1 Timothy 6:10 “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…

4.7 Beware of opposite sex.

Proverbs 6:26. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread.

Provers 22:14. The mouth of a strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

4.8. Above all, no dignity or integrity in alcohol

5.0 Examples of Men of integrity.

5.1. Moses declared his integrity during the rebellions of Korah, Dathan and Abiram” I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. Numbers 16:15

5.2 Samuel- He was also a man of integrity. In his farewell address to the people, he charged the people “witness against me before the Lord and before his anointed; whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or who have I cheated? Who have I oppressed, or from whose have ! received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you. 1 Samuel 12:1-5 Chronicles 29:34

5.3. The Levites For the Levites were more upright to sanctify themselves than the priests. 2

5.4. Job. The Bibles affirms Job integrity

i. Job was perfect (blameless) and upright and feared God. Job 1;1

ii. God acknowledged Job’s integrity

iii. His wife charged him to jettison his integrity. Job 2;9

1v. He maintained that Till I die I wil not remove my integrity from me, Romans 11:13

5.6. Nathaniel. Jesus Christ described him as an Israelite indeed in whom there was no guile

5.5. Paul. “I magnify my office,” that is, I glorify and honour my office and callings.

(deceit). John 1:46-47

5.7. Daniel. An excellent spirit was found in him. Daniel 1:18. 5:11-12

5.8. Jesus Christ. While on earth. He did always those things that pleased His Father. John 8:29, John 14:30

6.0. Quotable Quotes on Integrity

6.1 In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. Warren Buffet.

6.2 Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching you………..C. S. Lewis

6.3 Integrity is about doing the right thing; it is being incorruptible, honest and above all, doing all these things when no one is around to see it.

4.0 How Does Someone Become a Man of Integrity.? Proverbs 20:1; 23: 29-35

6.4. No excuse is strong enough for acting under pressure to do what is not right……. Rev. Dr. Supo Ayokunle

6.5. We must be the same person both in private and public. Only the Christian worldview gives us the basis for this kind of integrity. Chuck Colson

6.6. When the minister of the gospel is embezzling money or conniving with financial officers to misappropriate the money of GOD’s people, it is the very height of evil. It is a misnomer and a shame because the church is expected to give hope to the world.. Rev Dr. Supo Ayokunle.

6.7. People of integrity and honesty not only practice what they preach, they are what they preach, David A. Bednar

6.8. Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it…….. Augustine of Hippo

7.0. Conclusion.

Integrity is what or who you are. No more no less, a pastor lives in a glass house. Dignity, integrity, cannot be earned/ preserved in alcohol, thievery and double – dealing.

A man of integrity, nay pastor, should be able to respond positively to Paul probing questions in Romans 2:21-23, You therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who says “Do not commit adultery” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonour God through breaking of the law? N.K.J.V.