Topical Bible: Ministers: Their People are Bound, to not to Despise Them

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In the Christian tradition, ministers hold a significant role as shepherds of their congregations, tasked with guiding, teaching, and nurturing the spiritual well-being of their people. The Bible provides clear instructions regarding the relationship between ministers and their congregants, emphasizing respect, honor, and support for those who serve in this capacity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament offers several passages that underscore the importance of respecting and honoring ministers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 , the Apostle Paul writes, "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." This passage highlights the need for congregants to recognize the labor and leadership of their ministers, urging them to hold these leaders in high esteem.

Similarly, Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of ministers to care for the spiritual welfare of their flock and the corresponding duty of the congregation to support and cooperate with their leaders.

Role of Ministers

Ministers are called to be stewards of God's word, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17 : "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching." This passage not only highlights the importance of the ministerial role but also suggests that those who excel in their duties deserve additional respect and recognition.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to himself and his fellow workers as servants of Christ, emphasizing humility and dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 , he states, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This reinforces the idea that ministers are entrusted with a sacred responsibility, and their faithfulness in this role is paramount.

Congregational Responsibility

The relationship between ministers and their congregants is reciprocal. While ministers are called to lead and serve, the congregation is encouraged to support and respect their leaders. Galatians 6:6 advises, "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor." This suggests a mutual sharing of resources and support, recognizing the minister's role in providing spiritual guidance.

Furthermore, 1 Timothy 5:19 cautions against unfounded accusations against ministers: "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses." This directive serves to protect ministers from baseless claims, ensuring that any charges brought against them are substantiated and just.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for congregants to respect and honor their ministers is clear. By acknowledging the vital role that ministers play in the spiritual life of the church, believers are called to support, respect, and cooperate with their leaders, fostering a harmonious and effective community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:16
He that hears you hears me; and he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises him that sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Knox and the Book of Discipline
... a Scottish Catholic, Burne, averred that Willock objected to ceremonies of Ordination,
because people would say ... The ministers are to have their manses, and ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xiii knox and the.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... to observed, that it was not the whole people, but only pastors, who laid hands
on ministers, though it ... whether or not several always laid their hands: it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Consider what fit objects of pity ungodly people are. ... 5. As for the ministers of
the Gospel, it is the very work of their calling to help others to heaven. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

The People's Christ
... Christ's ministers should be the friends of manhood at large ... idea of what it is to
labor for their daily food ... men in power who never were of the people, they do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... are subject to those laws which their people have chosen ... themselves, have often most
abominable ministers and stewards ... or as an instrument of their lusts; whose ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on mutual subjection 1first printed.htm

Our Lord-Sanctifying Himself
... night, what a correspondingly complex intercession for his people! ... for you: but for
your ministers; and, then ... in loving their sons, and in their sons loving them ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/x our lord-sanctifying himself.htm

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... Let ministers be educated as well as they can ... peculiar people, that is, a singular
people, essentially different ... would be led to think of their being different ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... If ministers would be conscientious in performing this duty ... cast out, in restoring
him to their communion; and ... to avoid; and it is the people's duty carefully ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... they said, "a good thing if two people find that ... drew near there were consultations
of ministers with closed ... laid down the rule that when their meetings at ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

Paul's Last Letter
... they desire. Many among both ministers and people are trampling
under their feet the commandments of God. Thus the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm