Topical Bible: Ministers: Specially Protected by God

◄ Ministers: Specially Protected by God ►

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In the Christian tradition, ministers are often viewed as individuals who have been called by God to serve His people and advance His kingdom on earth. This calling comes with a unique set of responsibilities and challenges, and Scripture provides numerous examples and assurances of God's special protection over those who serve in this capacity.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible contains several passages that highlight the divine protection afforded to those who minister in God's name. One of the most prominent examples is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. Despite facing numerous trials, including imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution, Paul experienced God's protection and deliverance. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul recounts his sufferings, yet he remains steadfast, attributing his endurance to God's sustaining power.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah is another example of a minister specially protected by God. During a time of severe drought and famine, God provided for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food (1 Kings 17:4-6). Later, when Elijah faced threats from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, God protected him and even revealed His presence to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Divine Promises of Protection

The Bible contains explicit promises of protection for those who serve God. Psalm 91 is often cited as a powerful declaration of God's safeguarding presence. Verses 11-12 state, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone" . This passage is frequently interpreted as an assurance of divine protection for those who are engaged in God's work.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself assures His disciples of God's protection. In Luke 10:19, He says, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you" . This promise underscores the spiritual authority and protection granted to those who minister in His name.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

While God's protection is assured, it is often contingent upon the minister's faith and obedience. Hebrews 11 provides a litany of individuals who, through faith, experienced God's protection and deliverance. The chapter highlights that faith is a critical component in accessing divine protection, as it aligns the minister with God's will and purposes.

Moreover, obedience to God's commands is essential. In Deuteronomy 28, blessings, including protection, are promised to those who diligently obey the Lord. Verse 7 states, "The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven" . This passage emphasizes that obedience to God results in His protective hand over His servants.

Examples from Church History

Throughout church history, there are numerous accounts of ministers experiencing God's protection in miraculous ways. From early church martyrs who faced persecution with divine peace to modern-day missionaries who have been delivered from danger, these accounts serve as testimonies to God's faithfulness in protecting His servants.

Conclusion

The concept of ministers being specially protected by God is deeply rooted in Scripture and affirmed by the experiences of countless believers throughout history. While challenges and trials are inevitable, the assurance of God's protection provides ministers with the courage and confidence to fulfill their divine calling.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 1:10
Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... WORLD, CREATED BY GOD, STILL CHERISHED AND PROTECTED BY HIM ... each of its parts, but
does not specially direct the ... and the flames of fire his ministers;" that "he ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

God's Restraining Power.
... imagined that social relations are best protected, and the ... We specially commend to
Thee also, for this ... him with faithful and zealous ministers, who understand ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... at-arms came forth from the guard-room, and the city was protected against surprise ...
Ministers, deacons, and elders of churches are specially called to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... a year and six months, being protected, according to ... salvation of which they were
the ministers and stewards. ... Mark Algeria) specially connected with Alexandria ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... Matthew is designed specially for the Jews; Mark is ... a double thought: she should
be protected by God ... from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm

His Missionary Travels
... some of his outstanding adventures, "Are they ministers of Christ ... But God protected
His servant. ... traffic in little images had been specially smitten, organized ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... But the grace of God which then protected them, will ... and bursting into tears sobbed
bitterly, specially grieving at ... this he was one of the ministers, and was ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/the genuine acts of peter.htm

Benares as a Mission Sphere.
... not only be safe from violence, but protected from every ... years longer he would have
seen ministers of his ... of mind to which the Gospel is specially adapted, and ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter viii benares as a.htm

Heresies
... Their specially religious teaching was largely ethical, and by the ... in the case of
the ministers, it was ... Viscount of Beziers, who openly protected heretics; but ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xii heresies.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... in a civilised country where Christianity is protected by law ... a company of serious
Christians, ministers and private ... was ready who had been specially fitted, by ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm