Topical Bible: Ministers: should not Be: Entangled by Cares

◄ Ministers: should not Be: Entangled by Cares ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Ministers, as shepherds of God's flock, are called to a life of dedication and service, free from the entanglements of worldly cares. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the importance of maintaining focus on spiritual responsibilities without being distracted by the concerns of this world.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes the necessity for ministers to remain unencumbered by worldly distractions. In 2 Timothy 2:4 , Paul writes, "A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him." This metaphor highlights the need for ministers to prioritize their divine calling over secular concerns, much like a soldier remains focused on his mission.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 , Paul discusses the advantages of being free from worldly anxieties: "I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of this world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided." While this passage addresses marital status, the underlying principle applies to all ministers: a singular focus on serving the Lord without divided interests.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ Himself set the ultimate example for ministers by living a life unburdened by worldly cares. In Matthew 6:25-34 , Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. Instead, He urges them to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This teaching underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and focusing on spiritual priorities.

Practical Implications

For ministers, avoiding entanglement in worldly cares involves a conscious effort to prioritize their spiritual duties and trust in God's provision. This may include:

1. Simplicity of Life: Embracing a lifestyle that minimizes unnecessary distractions and material concerns, allowing for greater focus on ministry work.

2. Delegation and Support: Utilizing the support of fellow believers and delegating tasks when appropriate to prevent burnout and maintain spiritual focus.

3. Prayer and Dependence on God: Regularly seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer, acknowledging that He is the ultimate provider and sustainer.

4. Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries to protect time for prayer, study, and ministry, ensuring that worldly concerns do not encroach upon spiritual responsibilities.

Warnings and Encouragements

The parable of the sower, as recounted in Mark 4:18-19 , serves as a warning: "Still others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word, but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Ministers must be vigilant against such distractions that can render their ministry ineffective.

Conversely, the promise of God's faithfulness provides encouragement. As Paul assures in Philippians 4:19 , "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This assurance allows ministers to focus on their calling, confident in God's provision for their needs.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 9:60
Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go you and preach the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 2:4
No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Spirit not Striving Always.
... them opposed to revivals and to gospel ministers, and pre ... its appeal to the
sensibilities, and not to the ... The fact under consideration should be referred to ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvi the spirit not striving.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... all our might; difficulties must quicken, not discourage us ... Should we pass over all
these other duties, and ... think to prove ourselves faithful ministers, and to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

The Draw-Net.
... of its members and the duty of its ministers. ... Even although we should concede that
the visible Church and ... to abide peacefully within the net, and not to leap ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vii the draw-net.htm

Powerful Persuasives
... "Come unto me," says he. He saith not, come to my ministers to consult them. ...
More than all in thee I find.". Why, then, should I not come? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/powerful persuasives.htm

Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter
... questions; but at last, finding himself entangled, he desisted ... be prosperous; likewise
for the ministers of my ... of the Society whether we should not be furnished ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iv six years in.htm

Church Abuses.
... they best please the Court and the ministers in office? ... men whose training is, as
a rule, not adapted to make them good men of business, should throw their ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... the goods of others, except priests and ministers alone, as St ... to God's word alone,
why then should we suffer ... hath made us free, and be not entangled again with ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Of Civil Government.
... on crimes. But if we dare not give the law to it, why should we
bring a charge against its ministers? "He beareth ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Galatians Chapter V.
... from it, and if the body too ministers to the ... it should be, "they suffer." And why
should they be ... the kingdom, for rewards and punishments relate not to what ...
/.../galatians chapter v.htm

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
... power been given from above to Satan and his ministers. ... they are of no account with
God, should be regarded ... which God wills to be saved and not destroyed, it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 of vows the.htm