Topical Bible: Ministers: should not Be: Contentious

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In the Christian ministry, the character and conduct of ministers are of paramount importance. The Bible provides clear guidance on the demeanor that ministers should exhibit, emphasizing that they should not be contentious. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical teaching on peace, unity, and the role of leaders within the church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides explicit instructions regarding the qualifications and behavior of church leaders. In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul lists the qualities required of an overseer, stating that he must be "not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money" . Here, the term "not contentious" underscores the importance of a peaceable spirit, avoiding unnecessary disputes and quarrels.

Similarly, in Titus 3:2, Paul instructs believers "to slander no one, to be peaceable and gentle, showing true humility to all men" . This directive applies to all Christians but is especially pertinent to those in leadership, who are to model Christ-like behavior.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the ultimate example for all believers, demonstrated a life of humility and peace. In Matthew 11:29, He invites His followers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . Ministers, as under-shepherds of Christ, are called to emulate His gentleness and humility, fostering an environment of peace rather than contention.

The Role of a Minister

Ministers are tasked with shepherding the flock, teaching sound doctrine, and maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). A contentious spirit can lead to division and strife within the church, undermining the minister's ability to effectively lead and nurture the congregation. James 3:17-18 further highlights the wisdom from above, which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness" .

Practical Implications

In practical terms, ministers should strive to avoid arguments and disputes that do not edify the body of Christ. Instead, they should focus on promoting understanding, reconciliation, and love among believers. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 advises, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth" .

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for ministers to avoid contentiousness is clear and serves as a guiding principle for those in church leadership. By embodying a spirit of peace and gentleness, ministers can effectively fulfill their calling and contribute to the spiritual growth and unity of the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:3
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hindrances to Revivals.
... And he will manifest his displeasure, by not pouring out ... I had a voice loud enough,
I should like to make every one of these churches and ministers that have ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... councils, what better could be expected of weaker men Were it not for secular
advantage, how should it come to pass that ministers, in all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 3-Jan
... by this also the subordinate class of ministers (tous diakonous ... are we not to love
those that minister unto us ... Yea, saith he; but you should know to what extent ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily viii 1 cor iii.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... were thus filled with Christian ministers, another edict ... and natural privilege that
each should worship that ... to your gods, for they will not desire sacrifices ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... it does not now belong to faithful ministers to coin ... that every one who presumes
to contradict should be regarded as ... I ought not to seem contentious when I so ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Verse 8 speaks sadly against ministers that withdraw from their charges so
unnecessarily, as a bird that wandereth too long from ... Should they not then far ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Scriptures
... As God has given to his ministers gifts for interpreting obscure places, so he has
given to his people ... Though we should not be of contentious spirits, yet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

part ii.
... was moved, I wrote to my fellow-ministers into Egypt ... and at last out of very shame
could not deny it ... were discovered, the game they were playing should at length ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part ii 2.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... So that I should not be surprised if I were even imprisoned ... masters in the strife;
if I have not often kept ... of its priests, and all ye others ministers of God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Rom. xiii. 1
... in these words, "they are God's ministers." Then to ... For that we should become acquainted
with things ... brought us great assistance; accomplishing not some part ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii rom xiii 1.htm