Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Their Calling Glorious

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The role of a Christian minister is one of profound significance and divine calling, rooted deeply in the teachings of Scripture. The minister serves as a shepherd to the flock, a steward of God's mysteries, and a proclaimer of the Gospel. This calling is not merely a profession but a sacred vocation that demands a life of dedication, holiness, and service.

Divine Calling and Appointment

The calling of a Christian minister is initiated by God Himself. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the divine origin of his own ministry, stating, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). This calling is not self-appointed but is a response to God's sovereign choice and purpose. Ministers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Shepherding the Flock

A central aspect of the minister's role is to shepherd the people of God. The Apostle Peter exhorts elders to "be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness" (1 Peter 5:2). This shepherding involves teaching, guiding, protecting, and nurturing the spiritual well-being of the congregation. The minister is to emulate the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Stewardship of the Mysteries of God

Ministers are entrusted with the stewardship of the mysteries of God, which refers to the profound truths of the Gospel and the teachings of Scripture. Paul writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). This stewardship requires diligent study, faithful proclamation, and the wise application of biblical truths to the lives of believers. The minister is to handle the Word of God with integrity and accuracy, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15).

Proclaimers of the Gospel

The proclamation of the Gospel is at the heart of the minister's calling. Paul declares, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). The minister is charged with the responsibility of preaching the Word, in season and out of season, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:2). This proclamation is not limited to the pulpit but extends to all areas of life, as ministers are called to be witnesses to the transforming power of the Gospel.

A Life of Holiness and Service

The calling of a Christian minister demands a life of holiness and service. Paul instructs Timothy, "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Ministers are to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, serving others selflessly and leading by example. This life of service is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who equips and enables ministers to fulfill their calling with grace and effectiveness.

The Glorious Nature of the Calling

The calling of a Christian minister is indeed glorious, as it is a participation in the redemptive work of God in the world. Ministers are co-laborers with Christ, working to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom. The Apostle Paul captures the glory of this calling when he writes, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15). The minister's work is of eternal significance, impacting lives for the glory of God and the advancement of His purposes on earth.

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2 Corinthians 3:7-11
But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Relaton of the Imprisonment of Mr. John Bunyan, Minister of the ...
... man hath received the gift, even so minister the same ... the world, both as becometh
a man and a Christian. ... those that plainly and simply make it their only end ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a relaton of the imprisonment.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... On the contrary, I am calling upon the church to ... pleading your word and example as
a Christian minister." I have ... youth will go to perdition on their authority. ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm

A Home Question
... carry out every precept of the Christian ritual. ... can find; with this exception, that
their calling is honorable ... where every man sees the minister during service ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a home question.htm

Christian Perfection
... unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things ... So, therefore, is his disciple,
even every real Christian. ... but in this world they are as their Master ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 40 christian perfection.htm

The Antitype of the Christian Home.
... not all ministering spirits, sent to minister unto them ... The soul of the Christian,
conscious of the emptiness ... fain would follow, Where I know their steps have ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxviii the antitype of.htm

Storming the Battlements
... comes roaring there, conscience begins calling out, "Man ... is not yet taken: the Christian
minister, under the ... Many poor sermons get their brains knocked out in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/storming the battlements.htm

The Minister's Farewell
... saved from sin, happy in his early Christian career, and ... of partial blindness was
laid upon their eyes, and but ... The minister once beloved was hated; he who had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the ministers farewell.htm

Effectual Calling
... A Christian's heart is to be the presence chamber of ... You may resist the minister's
call, but you cannot the ... do not mind the evidences of their effectual calling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... I, therefore, as a Christian minister, when I preach the ... majestic orbs, and keeps
them in their pathways, making ... his hand; yet he stoops down to minister to a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Culture and Christianity: their Relation and Necessity.
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel. ... Christian culture is essential
to the subduing of ... duties is an accomplishment for their daughters, is ...
/.../i culture and christianity their relation.htm