Colossians 1:7 As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A FAITHFUL MINISTER OF CHRIST. 1. A sincere and manifest attachment to our Lord and Saviour. 2. He receives his doctrines and his views of truth from the pure fountain of Divine revelation. Moses was ordered to make all things according to the pattern shown him on the mount; and every faithful minister of Christ is extremely cautious that everything he delivers corresponds with the rule laid down by his Master. He makes the Scriptures his guide — the Holy Word of God his instructor. 3. While he knows the truth, he without reserve honestly delivers the Lord's message. Jeremiah was commanded by God to deliver all the message which the Lord gave him, and not to be afraid of man. He will not hesitate to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come, and will be equally faithful in comforting and strengthening believers — in showing to them their privileges, and the great mercy bestowed upon them through their covenant-head. 4. While he preaches a whole gospel, giving to saints and sinners their portion in due season, he is willing, and does suffer, if need be, for righteousness' sake. 5. Perseverance to the end: "Be thou faithful," etc. II. SUCH A MINISTER IS A GREAT BLESSING TO THE PEOPLE TO WHOM HE IS SENT BY GOD. 1. Because he leads them from the greatest of misery to the greatest of blessedness. (1) He conducts them from sin, impenitence, self-righteousness, and unbelief; and the man who does this is our true friend. (2) He leads us to the enjoyment of the most distinguished favours, into green pastures — a state of favour with God, of union with Jesus Christ, of holy communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, upon earth, and a state of happiness when we die, enabling us to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 2. Inasmuch as he brings to their knowledge those holy and exalted truths that fortifiy a man for the sufferings of time and the hour of death. 3. Inasmuch as by opening to them the gospel, he presents them with — what? — ah! with what philosophy cannot do — with what the reason of man cannot unfold — with what science can never explore — with what all the pride of learning can never bring to light: — he brings life and immortality to their view. III. GOD WILL PUT HONOUR ON A FAITHFUL MINISTRY. 1. By the witness of the Spirit in the minister's own soul. 2. Where the gospel is fully preached God is generally pleased to add the seal of His approbation to it by means of the talents of His minister. 3. The Lord puts honour on His faithful ministers, both in the Church and in the world. 4. The faithful minister of God will be honoured at the day of judgment, when his Master shall say to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant," etc., not Well done, learned, zealous, eloquent, successful servant.Conclusion — 1. A faithful minister of Jesus Christ is the gift of God. 2. When a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ dies he goes to give in His account. 3. If the faithful minister goes at death to give an account to his Lord and Master, then the congregation he leaves behind ought to reflect and think what account he will give of them. (R. McAll, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; |
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