Topical Bible: Ministers: Have Authority from God

◄ Ministers: Have Authority from God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, ministers are recognized as individuals who have been granted authority by God to lead, teach, and shepherd His people. This authority is not self-assumed but divinely appointed, as evidenced throughout Scripture. The role of ministers is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing their responsibility to guide the church in accordance with God's will.

Divine Appointment and Authority

The concept of divine appointment is central to understanding the authority of ministers. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own calling and authority as being directly from God. In Galatians 1:1, Paul asserts, "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead." This underscores the belief that true ministerial authority is conferred by God Himself, not by human institutions alone.

Role and Responsibilities

Ministers are tasked with preaching the Word, administering the sacraments, and providing spiritual oversight. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul outlines the roles within the church: "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the diverse functions of ministers, all aimed at edifying the church and fostering spiritual growth among believers.

Authority to Teach and Preach

The authority to teach and preach is a significant aspect of a minister's role. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This charge emphasizes the minister's duty to faithfully proclaim the gospel and provide sound doctrine, guiding the congregation in truth.

Spiritual Oversight and Shepherding

Ministers are also called to exercise spiritual oversight and shepherd the flock. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter instructs, "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 highlights the pastoral responsibility to care for and lead the congregation with humility and integrity.

Accountability to God

While ministers hold authority, they are ultimately accountable to God for their stewardship. Hebrews 13:17 reminds believers, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account." This verse underscores the gravity of the ministerial role, as ministers must answer to God for their leadership and the spiritual well-being of their congregation.

Conclusion

The authority of ministers is a divinely ordained responsibility, rooted in Scripture and essential for the governance and edification of the church. Through their teaching, preaching, and shepherding, ministers serve as instruments of God's will, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and ensuring the faithful transmission of the gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 13:10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Same Pope Sent to Augustine the Pall and a Letter, Along ...
... with his aforesaid envoys, certain fellow labourers and ministers of the ... also the
pall; and yet we would have him to be subject to your authority, my brother ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxix how the same.htm

Of the Anger of God and the Punishment of Sins, and a Recital of ...
... as the philosophers will have it, how is it that not only the demons and ministers
of such ... But God has authority; therefore also He must have anger, in ...
/.../chap xxiii of the anger of.htm

I Will Deal Shortly with the Second Passage which My Brother Tells ...
... places, far above all rule and authority and power ... to come." After stating various
expositions which have been given ... came to the offices of the ministers of God ...
/.../23 i will deal shortly.htm

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
... Upon this ground, I conceive that ministers have a warrant to preach the Gospel
to every creature, and to address ... We have the Word of God for our authority. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvi the lamb of.htm

Anti-Romanistic Attitude.
... For every congregation has the privilege of choosing fit persons for their ministers,
and individual pastors have the authority to perform their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-romanistic attitude.htm

The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons...
... As for the ministers of Gods Word, they have equally the same power and authority
wheresoever they are, as they are all ministers of Christ, the only ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxxi the ministers elders.htm

The Westminster Standards in America.
... utterly disclaim all legislative power and authority in the ... sacred ordinances all
such as we have grounds to ... do therefore agree that all the ministers of this ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

The Christian Church
... its ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, its faith in God the Father ... Authority
and Teaching."The church and its ministers have authority to teach ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study ix the christian church.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... eyes are opened, the majesty and authority of God ... Others have a poor imaginary wisdom
that they call ... become wiser than their ancients, than their ministers. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic ... Be mindful also of your brethren, and
have pity upon them ... Hence by apostolic authority, and in agreement with all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm