Ministry.

THERE is no royal road to fruitful ministry of the truth. Ezra showed that he had learned in God’s school when he prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments (Ezra 7:1010For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (Ezra 7:10)), and these principles always abide good. In Proverbs 12:2323A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. (Proverbs 12:23), we are told that a prudent man concealeth knowledge. Why so? Why, having sought knowledge, should he hide it? Because, being wise, he knows that knowledge is granted to him in order that he may himself practice it. The preaching comes later on. “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee” (Psa. 119:22Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. (Psalm 119:2)). Then, as the apostle instructs Timothy, when you have yourself profited by the knowledge you have got, thy profiting shall appear to all. That is the preaching.
Note the order: — Seek—do—teach.
Mark the “do.” It is the keystone of the gateway to real ministry. Take away the keystone and all is deplorable ruin.
L. W. R.