Topical Bible: Ministers: Excellency of

◄ Ministers: Excellency of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The role of ministers within the Christian faith is one of profound significance and honor, as they are called to serve as shepherds, teachers, and leaders within the body of Christ. The excellency of ministers is rooted in their divine calling, the spiritual authority bestowed upon them, and their responsibility to faithfully proclaim the Word of God.

Divine Calling and Appointment

Ministers are appointed by God to fulfill a sacred duty. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this divine calling in his letters, underscoring that it is God who equips and appoints individuals for ministry. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the diversity of roles within the ministry, each contributing to the edification of the church.

Spiritual Authority and Responsibility

Ministers are entrusted with spiritual authority, which carries with it a weighty responsibility. They are called to lead by example, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3 : "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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage underscores the importance of servant leadership, where ministers are to guide and nurture their congregations with humility and integrity.

Proclamation of the Word

The primary duty of ministers is the faithful proclamation of the Word of God. Paul charges Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 , "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." This directive highlights the centrality of Scripture in the minister's role, emphasizing the need for diligence and perseverance in teaching and preaching.

Excellency in Service

The excellency of ministers is also reflected in their dedication to service. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of servanthood, as recorded in Mark 10:45 : "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Ministers are called to emulate Christ's example, serving their congregations selflessly and sacrificially.

Spiritual Gifts and Empowerment

Ministers are endowed with spiritual gifts that enable them to fulfill their calling effectively. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul explains, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit to empower ministers in their various functions within the church.

Accountability and Reward

Ministers are accountable to God for their stewardship of the ministry. James 3:1 warns, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This accountability underscores the seriousness of the ministerial role. However, faithful ministers are also promised a reward, as Peter assures in 1 Peter 5:4 , "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

In summary, the excellency of ministers is characterized by their divine calling, spiritual authority, dedication to the Word, exemplary service, empowerment by spiritual gifts, and accountability to God. These elements collectively underscore the esteemed and vital role that ministers play within the Christian community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 10:15
And 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!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Old Law Ministers Death; the New, Righteousness.
... the spirit and the letter, Chapter 31 [XVIII.]"The Old Law Ministers Death; The ... have,"
says he, "this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 31 xviii the old law.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and
government of ... Bunyan so highly graduated, is the only one where ministers can be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Justification
... then, as far as I remember, are the Articles which your excellency mentioned to
me ... any assembly whatsoever, whether it be composed of all the ministers in our ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel.
... and mysterious, by a metaphysic dress, It is a peculiar excellency of the ... who might
object to the illiterate character of primitive gospel ministers, a Paul ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ii the wisdom of.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... in the Hebrews! What a guidebook of unequalled excellency for ministers
of all times in the pastoral epistles! In the Epistle to ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon.
... is a deacon in the village of Telzeha, goes about and ministers secretly in ... governor,
and said to him: Habib of Telzeha, whom thine Excellency was inquiring for ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of.htm

Early History of American Lutheranism.
... to the Bishop of London, the ecclesiastical superior of the Anglican ministers and
congregations ... I would desire your Excellency to speak with Dr. Wrangel, and ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/early history of american lutheranism.htm

section 4
... But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may
be of God, and not ... "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 4.htm

The Message Heeded
... our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the ... this treasure,"
the apostle continued, "in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 31 the message heeded.htm

Letter civ. To the Prefect Modestus.
... so that the exemption may be given in each place to ministers by the rulers of the
Church. This boon is sure to bring undying glory to your excellency for your ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter civ to the prefect.htm