Topical Bible: Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately

Bible > Topical > Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately

◄ Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, ministers hold a sacred responsibility to guide, instruct, and warn their congregations with love and compassion. This duty is deeply rooted in Scripture, where the role of a minister is not only to teach and shepherd but also to admonish and correct with a spirit of gentleness and affection.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul serves as a primary example of this ministerial duty. In Acts 20:31, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of his own ministry among them: "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." Here, Paul emphasizes the emotional investment and affectionate concern he had for the believers, warning them with tears, which signifies deep love and earnestness.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Paul describes his approach to ministry: "For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We encouraged you, comforted you, and urged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." This paternal imagery underscores the affectionate nature of his warnings and exhortations, akin to a father's loving guidance.

The Role of Love in Admonition

The call to warn affectionately is further supported by the overarching biblical command to love one another. In Ephesians 4:15, believers are instructed to "speak the truth in love," which applies directly to ministers as they address sin, error, or spiritual danger within their congregations. The balance of truth and love ensures that warnings are not harsh or condemning but are instead aimed at edification and restoration.

Proverbs 27:5-6 also highlights the value of loving correction: "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Ministers, as friends and shepherds to their flock, are called to offer faithful wounds—truthful warnings that may initially sting but ultimately lead to spiritual growth and healing.

The Shepherd's Heart

The imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep is frequently used in Scripture to describe the pastoral role. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sets the ultimate example in John 10:11, where He declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Ministers, following Christ's example, are to lay down their lives in service, which includes the duty to warn and protect the flock from spiritual harm.

In Ezekiel 3:17-19, God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, charging him with the responsibility to warn the wicked of their ways. Failure to do so would result in accountability for their blood. This passage underscores the seriousness of the ministerial duty to warn, highlighting the eternal consequences at stake.

Practical Application

In practical terms, ministers are encouraged to cultivate relationships with their congregants that are built on trust and mutual respect. This relational foundation allows for warnings to be received in the spirit in which they are given—out of genuine concern for the individual's spiritual well-being. Ministers are to be patient, understanding, and empathetic, recognizing the unique challenges and struggles faced by each member of their congregation.

Furthermore, ministers are to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to speak with wisdom and discernment. In doing so, they fulfill their calling to shepherd the flock with a heart that mirrors the love and compassion of Christ Himself.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... and impassioned earnestness, though his hands were bound with chains ... ought not to
be personal." Ministers ought to be ... no honest lip will again warn you; perhaps ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... stood enchained by his eloquence, spell-bound by his ... the unfaithfulness of her members,
her ministers, and her ... not say this, allow me affectionately to warn you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

Sovereign Grace and Man's Responsibility
... He is not bound to give it to any man, much less ... we can point you to a string of
ministers from the ... did your mother speak to you, and your father warn you; and ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/sovereign grace and mans responsibility.htm

Who Can Tell?
... hundreds, it not thousands, of able ministers; at once ... and we should have considered
ourselves bound to contemplate the ... he have sent his servants to warn and to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... if that will not do, To him, and warn him of ... He that is bound on earth, is bound
in heaven, Nor is ... so highly graduated, is the only one where ministers can be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... of three years, I ceased not to warn every one ... of his sufferings for Christ, saying,
'Are they ministers of Christ ... but the word of God is not bound; yea,' saith ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... nation, as Greeks and Jews interpreted it, but the tie which bound Christians to ...
11. The first time Peter speaks in his own person, he affectionately calls his ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... of man he was." It was useless to warn them to ... go to meet the wants of life, but
are ministers to vicious ... himself with food in the earth, he bound himself with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Warn all against niceness in hearing, a great and prevailing ... at Whitehaven, Wesley
'had all the Church ministers to hear ... Consider what you are bound to do as a ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'Many hundred godly ministers were suspended ... He could complain in the bitterness
of his anguish, 'Thy fierce wrath goeth over me.' Bound in affliction and iron ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm