What young ministers should learn
Counsel to Young ministers
One vital lesson I learnt in life as a growing minister is
"NEVER MAKE A TRUTH THE TRUTH "
It's pertinent to note that a pastor can't afford to be a specialist.
One who majors only on a biblical concept and is either at sea or ignorant majorly on other subjects.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Spiritual growth of members can't depend on just one great truth you have much insights into .
It must be on the knowledge of the entirety of the scriptures .
Paul emphasized this in Ephesus
Acts 20:20 KJV
[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you , but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you , but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Nothing that was profitable unto you .
This refers to spiritual development .
Acts 20:27 KJV
[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Whole counsel ,meaning everything .
I once heard some say he meant the gospel of grace .
That's exactly what I meant earlier .
Once you grasp a truth ,everything must sound like it .
Let's deal a bit with the specifics
Acts 20:21,24-25,32 KJV
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance towards God,which is by faith in or towards the Lord Jesus .
He didn't mention 'grace'.
[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
He mentioned the 'gospel of the grace of God'.
25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
He mentioned the preaching of the kingdom of God
[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
He mentioned the 'word of His grace'.
It's important to note that in his defense of his gospel paul never mentioned 'grace'.
Acts 26:18 KJV
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
It appeared he mentioned faith primarily here .
One mustn't get so fixated and enamored with subjects or concepts .
Some also attempt to teach all truth as faith .
Others ,it must be forgiveness of sins
Several others material blessing
Some holiness and heaven.
The list goes on and on.
For example no man taught grace like Paul .
Yet Paul taught grace in salvation ,ministry ,giving etc
He taught living right , in honesty and in holiness .
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
He taught living right , in honesty and in holiness .
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Salvation .
1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV
[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Ministry .
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Same .
2 Corinthians 8:1,6 KJV
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Giving .
Not just for forgiveness of sins .
More so,He taught works as much as he did grace .
He taught prayer in All his epistles.
Let's see a few
Romans 12:12 KJV
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
1 Corinthians 14:13 KJV
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Ephesians 6:18 KJV
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Philippians 4:6 KJV
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Colossians 4:2 KJV
[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV
[1] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
[1] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
1 Timothy 2:1 KJV
[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 Timothy 1:3 KJV
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
It was very vital in his leadership of the churches .
Romans 12:17-18 KJV
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 KJV
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,
5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,
5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
Citing a few examples .
The danger of " one truth " minister is they usually get into error .
They will push a truth till it becomes a lie .
They aren't sufficiently grounded in ALL scriptures .
Paul warned about this
2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Itching ears in original language means that which tickles your fancy .
It could be any truth you embrace and in doing so, ignoring other ones .
Jesus is the center point of all truth .
John 5:39 KJV
[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
With particular emphasis on his sufferings and glory after .
Which we have termed 'finished work'.
Truth is not all things are finished .
He sent us to preach ,
Mark 16:15 KJV
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
It's on going .
To make disciples too
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is on going .
In this we pray , not we have prayed .
We gather not we have gathered .
His ascension yet leaves much work to be done
Paul mentioned this
1 Corinthians 15:25 KJV
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Till,means it's on going .
Colossians 3:1-2,5 KJV
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Our lifestyle must reflect this too.
Even the writer of Hebrews
Hebrews 10:12-13 KJV
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Expecting till.
It's noteworthy Paul emphasized the importance of works ,lifestyles which glorify God.
1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
This isn't finished but on going
He teaches rewards for our works
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Our works will be tested not the finished work .
2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Things done ,not already done by christ .
In his closing remarks
2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Once again brings to light how important our works are .
You will see words like " stand ", " fight " " flee "" be careful " " walk " etc in his epistles .
Hence its important we don't get carried away with ministers ready to side step this truths.
It's poignant to note that no single truth taught by paul went without the foundational realities of our identification with christ in his death ,burial ,resurrection and Ascension .
Yet,the believer has been empowered by it to act and live from these positions not just admire them whilst nothing changes in his own world .
I acknowledge the finished work of christ ,with all its attendant benefits
I acknowledge the on going work of christ in all, in my duties and obligations to others ,my local church in my Labours ,in persecutions,in
I acknowledge the unfinished work of christ in reaching the lost and discipling them ,this continues till I go to him or he comes and concludes this age via the resurrection of my body like his, called the manifestation of the sons of God.
All these must be given the due gravity of emphasis as it is in the scriptures .
It's dangerous to specialize and be found wanting in several truths of scriptures.
Never make any truth the truth.
I call you blessed .
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