A FAITHFUL MINISTER Richard Carlson In Ephesians 6:21, Paul refers to Tychicus as a “beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.” He then said of him that he “shall make known unto you all things.” What do we learn when we look to God’s Word concerning faithful ministers? First, faithful ministers see the need to study and prepare themselves to preach. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul told Timothy to “study.” To study means much more than just read. It means to read in great detail with the intention of learning. When we read over and over to the point of retention, we can know we have put proper time into study and preparation. Peter likewise said to “be ready to give an answer” (I Peter 3:15). Second, faithful ministers will preach the word (II Tim. 4:2). To preach the word means just that &151 proclaim faithfully the inspired Word of God. When God says to do it, that leaves out anything else! No minister (or any other Christian) can add to the Word of God or take away from the Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19). To preach anything other than the Word is to be guilty of preaching a perverted Gospel (Gal. 1:8-9). Third, faithful ministers will make no apology for preaching the Word (Truth). After Jesus taught that he is the “bread of life,” John 6:66 tells us that “many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.” But under no circumstance did Jesus go after them and apologize for things he taught; and, neither can we! Matthew 15:12 tells us that some Pharisees were offended by the Lord’s teaching. But, instead of apologizing, Jesus said, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (15:13-14). We must work so our attitude, conduct and manner will not offend, but when truth offends, then so be it. Fourth, faithful ministers will stand alone if need be. Remember this is how it was with Elijah. In 1 Kings 18:21-22 we read, “And Elijah came unto all the people and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.” The American Standard version records Elijah’s question this way, “How long go ye limping between the two sides?” Elijah stood alone against so many. When people around us abandon the word of God, we may very well find ourselves standing alone. So be it. Fifth, faithful ministers will defend the faith and the church of Christ. Jude verse three says, “earnestly contend for the faith.” In Philippians 1:17 Paul says, “I am set for the defense of the gospel.” He was always ready to do so and when the occasion presented itself, he did it. It’s not easy in the face of opposition, but a faithful minister will stand having the sword of the Spirit, in his mouth and in his pen. Sixth, faithful ministers will preach so everyone can understand. In 2 Corinthians 3:12, Paul said, “we use great plainness of speech.” Matthew tells us concerning Jesus that “the common people heard him gladly” (12:37). No preacher needs to use big long fancy sounding words. Those who do so are doing it just for show! If you have to use a dictionary to look up definitions to words the preacher uses, he is not preaching so you can understand. Faithful ministers will preach so that no one is left wondering what he said or what he meant. Seventh, faithful ministers will live a pure life. Paul writes to Timothy saying, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (I Tim. 4:12). He was to keep himself pure (I Tim. 5:22). Paul tells the brethren at Ephesus to let no corrupt communication proceed out of their mouth (Eph. 4:29). Jesus left us such an example and we must follow his steps (I Peter 2:21-22). Far too many have been unfaithful and have not lived a pure, upright life. Eighth, faithful ministers cannot force the truth upon anyone. He will reprove, rebuke, exhort (II Tim. 4:2). He will persuade, plead, warn. But when truth is rejected and denied instead of being accepted and acknowledged, it is out of his hands. Felix told Paul, “go thy way” (Acts 24:24-25) and Agrippa said “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Paul made it clear that he was “pure from the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26). A faithful minister will proclaim the truth, it’s then up to people to heed and obey. Ninth, faithful ministers will not seek to be the most popular preacher in the brotherhood. Too many, I fear, have the “move up the ladder of success” mentality. Goals of men like this is to preach for larger congregations until they can preach for the largest congregation in the brotherhood. Bigger is not always better. Such an attitude comes from greed and lust. In Philippians 2:2 Paul said, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” It is enough to be faithful to God, His service, and to “spend and be spent.” A preacher must constantly ask himself, “Where can I best serve the Lord? Where can I be of most use and profit for His name’s honor and glory?” In 1 Corinthians 10:33 Paul said, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” Tenth, faithful ministers will not try to plan every activity of the congregation. He is not the center of attention. He does not have his finger on every thing. He is not an entertainment director, youth minister, and party planner. He is simply willing to work in any capacity that is useful in the Lord’s service. Eleventh, faithful ministers do not flaunt their education. He does not remind you that he has an education. He should conduct himself in such a manner that you would be surprised to find out he has a degree(s). And if he does, do not address him as Dr. so and so. He is a brother in the Lord. There are no doctors in the Lord’s service (Matt. 23:8-12). Peter and John were without academic degrees, but they had something far more important. Even though they were perceived as “ignorant and unlearned men,” their message was powerful and heart piercing. It made the difference between souls being saved or lost. Acts 4:13 says, “they had been with Jesus.” They did not attend the schools of the Rabbis, but they did sit at the feet of the Master Teacher and were taught to preach the old Jerusalem Gospel! May we always do the same. Obey the Gospel today. Repent and be baptized if you are not a member of the church of Christ. If you are a wayward member, repent and be restored (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:20-25). 710 N Duncan Bypass Union, SC 29379
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:15:20 +0000
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