Ministers.

From: The New Topical Textbook By: Reuben Archer Torrey

• 4 min. read • grade level: 12

Called by God. Ex. 28:1¹And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. (Exodus 28:1), with Heb. 5:4⁴And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (Hebrews 5:4).

Qualified by God. Isa. 6:5-7⁵Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. ⁶Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: ⁷And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. (Isaiah 6:5‑7). 2 Cor. 3:5, 6⁵Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; ⁶Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:5‑6).

Commissioned by Christ. Matt. 28:19¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19).

Sent by the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:2, 4²As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)
⁴So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:4).

Have authority from God. 2 Cor. 10:8⁸For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: (2 Corinthians 10:8). 2 Cor. 13:10¹⁰Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. (2 Corinthians 13:10).

Authority of, is for edification. 2 Cor. 10:8⁸For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: (2 Corinthians 10:8). 2 Cor. 13:10¹⁰Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. (2 Corinthians 13:10).

Separated unto the gospel. Rom. 1:1¹Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Romans 1:1).

Entrusted with the gospel. 1 Thess. 2:4⁴But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

DESCRIBED AS

Ambassadors for Christ. 2 Cor. 5:20²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Ministers of Christ. 1 Cor. 4:1¹Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1).

Stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1¹Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1).

Defenders of the faith. Phi. 1:7.

The servants of Christ's people. 2 Cor. 4:5⁵For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Specially protected by God. 2 Cor. 1:10¹⁰Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; (2 Corinthians 1:10).

Necessity for. Matt. 9:37, 38³⁷Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; ³⁸Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37‑38). Rom. 10:14¹⁴How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14).

Excellency of. Rom. 10:15¹⁵And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15).

Labors of, vain, without God's blessing. 1 Cor. 3:7⁷So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:7). 1 Cor. 15:10¹⁰But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Compared to earthen vessels. 2 Cor. 4:7.

SHOULD BE

Pure. Isa. 52:11¹¹Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. (Isaiah 52:11). 1 Tim. 3:9⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:9).

Holy. Ex. 28:36³⁶And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. (Exodus 28:36). Lev. 21:6⁶They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. (Leviticus 21:6). Titus 1:8⁸But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (Titus 1:8).

Humble. Acts 20:19¹⁹Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: (Acts 20:19).

Patient. 2 Cor. 6:4⁴But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (2 Corinthians 6:4). 2 Tim. 2:24²⁴And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:24).

Blameless. 1 Tim. 3:2²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (1 Timothy 3:2). Titus 1:7⁷For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Titus 1:7).

Willing. Isa. 6:8⁸Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. (Isaiah 6:8). 1 Peter 5:2²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:2).

Disinterested. 2 Cor. 12:14¹⁴Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. (2 Corinthians 12:14). 1 Thess. 2:6⁶Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:6).

Impartial. 1 Tim. 5:21²¹I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. (1 Timothy 5:21).

Gentle. 1 The. 2:7. 2 Tim. 2:24²⁴And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:24).

Devoted. Acts 20:24²⁴But 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. (Acts 20:24). Phi. 1:20, 21.

Strong in grace. 2 Tim. 2:1¹Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1).

Self-denying. 1 Cor. 9:27²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Sober, just, and temperate. Lev. 10:9⁹Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: (Leviticus 10:9). Titus 1:8⁸But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (Titus 1:8).

Hospitable. 1 Tim. 3:2²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (1 Timothy 3:2). Titus 1:8⁸But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (Titus 1:8).

Apt to teach. 1 Tim. 3:2²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (1 Timothy 3:2). 2 Tim. 2:24²⁴And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:24).

Studious and meditative. 1 Tim. 4:13, 15¹³Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)
¹⁵Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:15).

Watchful. 2 Tim. 4:5⁵But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5).

Prayerful. Eph. 3:14¹⁴For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 3:14). Phi. 1:4.

Strict in ruling their own families. 1 Tim. 3:4, 12⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (1 Timothy 3:4)
¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (1 Timothy 3:12).

Affectionate to their people. Phi. 1:7. 1 The. 2:8, 11.

Ensamples to the flock. Phi. 3:17. 2 Thess. 3:9⁹Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. (2 Thessalonians 3:9). 1 Tim. 4:12¹²Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12). 1 Peter 5:3³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:3).

SHOULD NOT BE

Lords over God's heritage. 1 Peter 5:3³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:3).

Greedy of filthy lucre. Acts 20:33³³I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. (Acts 20:33). 1 Tim. 3:3, 8³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (1 Timothy 3:3)
⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (1 Timothy 3:8). 1 Peter 5:2²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:2).

Contentious. 1 Tim. 3:3³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (1 Timothy 3:3). Titus 1:7⁷For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Titus 1:7).

Crafty. 2 Cor. 4:2²But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 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. (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Men-pleasers. Gal. 1:10¹⁰For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10). 1 Thess. 2:4⁴But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Easily dispirited. 2 Cor. 4:8, 9⁸We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8‑9). 2 Cor. 6:10¹⁰As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Entangled by cares. Luke 9:60⁶⁰Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:60). 2 Tim. 2:4⁴No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4).

Given to wine. 1 Tim. 3:3³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (1 Timothy 3:3). Titus 1:7⁷For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Titus 1:7).

Should seek the salvation of their flock. 1 Cor. 10:33³³Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:33).

Should avoid giving unnecessary offense. 1 Cor. 10:32, 33³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: ³³Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:32‑33). 2 Cor. 6:3³Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: (2 Corinthians 6:3).

Should make full proof of their ministry. 2 Tim. 4:5⁵But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5).

ARE BOUND, TO

Preach the gospel to all. Mar. 16: 15. 1 Cor. 1:17¹⁷For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians 1:17).

Feed the Church. Jer. 3:15¹⁵And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15). John 21:15-17¹⁵So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ¹⁶He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15‑17). Acts 20:28²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28). 1 Peter 5:2²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:2).

Build up the Church. 2 Cor. 12:19¹⁹Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. (2 Corinthians 12:19). Eph. 4:12¹²For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:12).

Watch for souls. Heb. 13:17¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17).

Pray for their people. Joel 2:17¹⁷Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? (Joel 2:17). Col. 1:9⁹For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9).

Strengthen the faith of their people. Luke 22:32³²But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:32). Acts 14:22²²Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22).

Teach. 2 Tim. 2:2²And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2).

Exhort. Titus 1:9⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9). Titus 2:15¹⁵These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:15).

Warn affectionately. Acts 20:31³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:31).

Rebuke. Titus 1:13¹³This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; (Titus 1:13). Titus 2:15¹⁵These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:15).

Comfort. 2 Cor. 1:4-6⁴Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. ⁵For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. ⁶And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. (2 Corinthians 1:4‑6).

Convince gainsayers. Titus 1:9⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9).

War a good warfare. 1 Tim. 1:18¹⁸This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (1 Timothy 1:18). 2 Tim. 4:7⁷I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7).

Endure hardness. 2 Tim. 2:3³Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3).

SHOULD PREACH

Christ crucified. Acts 8:5, 35⁵Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. (Acts 8:5)
³⁵Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (Acts 8:35). 1 Cor. 2:2²For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Repentance and faith. Acts 20:21²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21).

According to the oracles of God. 1 Peter 4:11¹¹If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11).

Everywhere. Mar. 16:20. Acts 8:4⁴Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. (Acts 8:4).

Not with enticing words of man's wisdom. 1 Cor. 1:17¹⁷For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians 1:17). 1 Cor. 2:1, 4¹And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1)
⁴And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Not setting forth themselves. 2 Cor. 4:5⁵For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Without deceitfulness. 2 Cor. 2:17¹⁷For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17). 2 Cor. 4:2²But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 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. (2 Corinthians 4:2). 1 The. 2:3, 5.

Fully and without reserve. Acts 5:20²⁰Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (Acts 5:20). Acts 20:20, 27²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (Acts 20:20)
²⁷For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:27). Rom. 15:19¹⁹Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19).

With boldness. Isa. 58:1¹Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1). Ezek. 2:6⁶And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 2:6). Matt. 10:27, 28²⁷What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. ²⁸And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:27‑28).

With plainness of speech. 2 Cor. 3:12¹²Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: (2 Corinthians 3:12).

With zeal. 1 Thess. 2:8⁸So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

With constancy. Acts 6:4⁴But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:4). 2 Tim. 4:2²Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2).

With consistency. 2 Cor. 1:18, 19¹⁸But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. ¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. (2 Corinthians 1:18‑19).

With heedfulness. 1 Tim. 4:16¹⁶Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16).

With good will and love. Phi. 1:15-17.

With faithfulness. Ezek. 3:17, 18¹⁷Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. ¹⁸When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 3:17‑18).

Without charge, if possible. 1 Cor. 9:18¹⁸What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:18). 1 Thess. 2:9⁹For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Woe to those who do not preach the gospel. 1 Cor. 9:16¹⁶For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).

WHEN FAITHFUL,

Approve themselves as the ministers of God. 2 Cor. 6:4⁴But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (2 Corinthians 6:4).

Thank God for His gifts to their people. 1 Cor. 1:4⁴I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; (1 Corinthians 1:4). Phi. 1:3. 1 Thess. 3:9⁹For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

Glory in their people. 2 Cor. 7:4⁴Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. (2 Corinthians 7:4).

Rejoice in the faith and holiness of their people. 1 The. 2:19, 20. 1 Thess. 3:6-9⁶But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: ⁷Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: ⁸For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. ⁹For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; (1 Thessalonians 3:6‑9).

Commend themselves to the consciences of men. 2 Cor. 4:2²But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 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. (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Are rewarded. Matt. 24:47⁴⁷Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (Matthew 24:47). 1 Cor. 3:14¹⁴If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:14). 1 Cor. 9:17, 18¹⁷For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. ¹⁸What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:17‑18). 1 Peter 5:4⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:4).

WHEN UNFAITHFUL,

Described. Isa. 56:10-12¹⁰His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. ¹¹Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. ¹²Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. (Isaiah 56:10‑12). Titus 1:10, 11¹⁰For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: ¹¹Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (Titus 1:10‑11).

Deal treacherously with their people. John 10:12¹²But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (John 10:12).

Delude men. Jer. 6:14¹⁴They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14). Matt. 15:14¹⁴Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14).

Seek gain. Mic. 3:11¹¹The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. (Micah 3:11). 2 Peter 2:3³And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:3).

Shall be punished. Ezek. 33:6-8⁶But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. ⁷So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. ⁸When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 33:6‑8), Matt. 24:48-51⁴⁸But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; ⁴⁹And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; ⁵⁰The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, ⁵¹And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:48‑51).

THEIR PEOPLE ARE BOUND, TO

Regard them as God's messengers. 1 Cor. 4:1¹Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1). Gal. 4:14¹⁴And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (Galatians 4:14).

Not to despise them. Luke 10:16¹⁶He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luke 10:16). 1 Tim. 4:12¹²Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12).

Attend to their instructions. Mal. 2:7⁷For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 2:7). Matt. 23:3³All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (Matthew 23:3).

Follow their holy example. 1 Cor. 11:1¹Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1). Phi. 3:17.

Imitate their faith. Heb. 13:7⁷Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7).

Hold them in reputation. Phi. 2:29. 1 The. 5:13. 1 Tim. 5:17¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17).

Love them. 2 Cor. 8:7⁷Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (2 Corinthians 8:7). 1 The. 3:6.

Pray for them. Rom. 15:30³⁰Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (Romans 15:30). 2 Cor. 1:11¹¹Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 1:11). Eph. 6:19¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:19). Heb. 13:18¹⁸Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. (Hebrews 13:18).

Obey them. 1 Cor. 16:16¹⁶That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. (1 Corinthians 16:16). Heb. 13:17¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17).

Give them joy. 2 Cor. 1:14¹⁴As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:14). 2 Cor. 2:3³And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. (2 Corinthians 2:3).

Help them. Rom. 16:9⁹Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. (Romans 16:9). Phi. 4:3.

Support them. 2 Chr. 31:4⁴Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 31:4). 1 Cor. 9:7-11⁷Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? ⁸Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? ⁹For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? ¹⁰Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. ¹¹If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1 Corinthians 9:7‑11). Gal. 6:6⁶Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (Galatians 6:6).

Pray for the increase of. Matt. 9:38³⁸Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:38).

Faithful—Exemplified. The Eleven Apostles, Matt. 28:16-19¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. ¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. ¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:16‑19). The seventy, Luke 10:1,17¹After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. (Luke 10:1)
¹⁷And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. (Luke 10:17). Matthias, Acts 1:26²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26). Philip, Acts 8:5⁵Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. (Acts 8:5). Barnabas, Acts 11:23²³Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23). Simeon, &c. Acts 13:1¹Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (Acts 13:1). Paul, Acts 28:31³¹Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:31). Tychicus, Eph. 6:21²¹But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: (Ephesians 6:21). Timothy, Phi. 2:22. Epaphroditus, Phi. 2:25. Archippus, Col. 4:17¹⁷And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. (Colossians 4:17). Titus,

Titus 1:5⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5).

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The New Topical Textbook

• Medo-Persian Kingdom.

• Methods of Bible Study

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• Miracles of Christ, the.

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• Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As.

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