Topical Bible: Ministers: should be Self-Denying

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The concept of self-denial is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostolic writings. Ministers, as leaders and servants within the Christian community, are called to embody this principle as they shepherd their congregations and serve the broader mission of the Church.

Biblical Foundation

The call to self-denial is explicitly stated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus instructs His disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This directive underscores the necessity for ministers to prioritize the will of God and the needs of others above their own desires and ambitions.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies self-denial in his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:19 , he writes, "Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." Paul's willingness to forgo personal freedoms for the sake of the Gospel highlights the self-sacrificial nature expected of ministers.

Characteristics of Self-Denying Ministers

1. Humility: Self-denying ministers exhibit humility, recognizing that their role is to serve rather than to be served. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

2. Sacrificial Love: Ministers are called to love sacrificially, following the example of Christ. In John 15:13 , Jesus states, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This love is demonstrated through acts of service, compassion, and a willingness to endure hardship for the benefit of others.

3. Stewardship: Self-denial involves the responsible stewardship of resources, time, and talents. Ministers are entrusted with the care of their congregations and must manage these responsibilities with integrity and selflessness, 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."

4. Perseverance in Suffering: Ministers often face trials and persecution. Self-denial equips them to endure such challenges with grace. In 2 Timothy 2:3 , Paul encourages Timothy, "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." This perseverance is a testament to their commitment to the Gospel.

Practical Implications

The self-denying nature of ministry has practical implications for how ministers conduct themselves in various aspects of their work:

· Preaching and Teaching: Ministers should focus on faithfully conveying the truth of Scripture, even when it is countercultural or unpopular, rather than seeking personal acclaim or popularity.

· Pastoral Care: In providing care and counsel, ministers must prioritize the spiritual and emotional well-being of their congregants, often placing their own needs second.

· Leadership: Effective leadership in ministry is characterized by servant leadership, where ministers lead by example, demonstrating humility and a willingness to serve alongside their congregations.

· Community Engagement: Ministers are called to engage with their communities, often sacrificing personal comfort and convenience to meet the needs of those they serve.

In summary, the call to self-denial is integral to the role of a minister. It is a reflection of Christ's own life and ministry, serving as a model for those who are entrusted with the spiritual guidance and care of others. Through humility, sacrificial love, stewardship, and perseverance, ministers fulfill their calling to serve God and His people faithfully.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Self-Denial.
... to all this the ax must be laid; of all this the self-denying soul must say ... And from
this motive the faithful ministers of the Word should persuade, incite ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvi self-denial.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... trust. It is not God's will that His ministers should seek to be rich. ... winning.
There never lived a more self-denying, persevering worker. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Import of the Great Commission.
... feel inclined to shrink from the more self-denying service, and ... force of such an
immense contrast should make it ... spirit and enough of it, in ministers and in ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vii import of the.htm

Twenty-Fifth Day. Holy and Blameless.
... and quite content that the other should want what ... heart and life to be the ministers
of that ... self-forgetting, the gentlest and most self-denying, the kindest ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-fifth day holy and blameless.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... Again, many pastors should become missionaries, for all ... so readily produce union
among ministers at home ... mind into some all-absorbing and self-denying enterprise ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

The Christian Ministry, and Its Relation to the Christian ...
... in the noble spirit of self-denying love according ... the other, share equally with
the ministers in the ... remarkable, that Peter in particular should present the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 59 the christian ministry.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... A truly charitable self-denying heart, that hath devoted itself, and all that it
hath ... not doth better than he that doth marry, surely ministers should labor to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... did not daunt the spirit of the self-denying Jesus ... madness and vile degradation of
a people, should be to ... when shall it be, that Christians and ministers of the ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

On Singing and Music.
... Holy Ghost, without which none are the ministers of Christ ... if any of these visited
ones should resort to ... the man of the world from the self-denying follower of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/on singing and music/on singing and music.htm

In the Next Place, Celsus Urges us "To Help the King with all Our ...
... others are engaged in battle, these too should engage as the priests and ministers
of God ... along with righteous prayers we join self-denying exercises and ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxiii in the next.htm