Topical Bible: Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain

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In the Christian faith, the concept of salvation is central, encompassing the deliverance from sin and its consequences through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Ministers of the Gospel are called to be stewards of this message, often facing trials and suffering as they labor for the sake of the elect—those chosen by God to receive salvation.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides a profound example of enduring suffering for the sake of the elect. In 2 Timothy 2:10 , Paul writes, "For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." This passage underscores the willingness of ministers to endure hardships, not for personal gain, but to ensure that the message of salvation reaches those whom God has chosen.

The role of suffering in the life of a minister is not merely incidental but is often seen as a necessary part of their calling. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 , Paul describes the paradox of Christian ministry: "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of ministry, where the sufferings of ministers serve a greater purpose in the divine plan of salvation. The trials faced by ministers are not without meaning; they are a testament to the power of the Gospel and a means through which the life of Christ is manifested to others.

Furthermore, the endurance of suffering by ministers is a reflection of Christ's own suffering. As followers of Christ, ministers are called to emulate His example, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21 : "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." This call to follow in the footsteps of Christ includes embracing the suffering that comes with proclaiming the Gospel.

The endurance of suffering by ministers is also a source of encouragement and strength for the elect. In Philippians 1:29-30 , Paul writes, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." The shared experience of suffering for the sake of Christ serves to unite believers and fortify their faith.

In summary, the endurance of suffering by ministers is an integral aspect of their mission to bring salvation to the elect. Through their trials, ministers demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel, following the example of Christ, and providing a living testimony to the hope and glory found in salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... for them that support him, hath none that ministers to him ... in enmity, and thus block
up the way of his salvation. ... it is much the same as if one should cause a ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
... not; and that otherwise, they neither should, nor could ... Upon this ground, I conceive
that ministers have a ... a command, to apply to Jesus Christ for salvation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvi the lamb of.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... his ministers as if they were the ministers of righteousness ... we ascend to the summit
of salvation, not a ... it be possible, none of the brethren should perish, and ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

V. ...
... who are its officers and ministers, and appointed ... God, nor is necessary to salvation,
but because I ... became necessary that the Apostles should carefully admonish ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... there are (unworthy the name of ministers), itineraries, the ... are not the causes of
salvation, yet they ... that any who profess Christianity should be impeached as ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

The Compassion of Jesus
... no intercessor; therefore, his arm brought salvation." He trod ... understand it, he
has sent his ministers forth to ... the damning power of sin, we should always be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/the compassion of jesus.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... priest dread most of all his neighbours and fellow-ministers. ... with such men to his
own salvation, accepting unworthy ... And if he should ever happen to visit more ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... and with the Levites the priests, my ministers."""Thus saith ... number to the benefits
of salvation, illustrate and ... a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

part ii
... nor what he hath done for their salvation, nor what ... if you make such severe laws
for ministers, the Church ... the more they love, the less they should be beloved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... dear Son, and seeking to slay His ministers and apostles. ... a woman forget her sucking
child, that she should not have ... and joy in the God of their salvation.(1080 ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm