Topical Bible: Truth: Ministers should Approve Themselves By

◄ Truth: Ministers should Approve Themselves By ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian faith, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of the gospel message. Ministers of the gospel are called to embody and uphold truth in their lives and ministries. The Bible provides guidance on how ministers should approve themselves by truth, emphasizing integrity, sincerity, and faithfulness to the Word of God.

Scriptural Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently underscores the importance of truth in ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 , Paul writes, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." Here, Paul highlights the necessity for ministers to reject deceit and to present the gospel with transparency and honesty.

Integrity and Sincerity

Ministers are called to live lives of integrity, reflecting the truth of the gospel in their actions and words. In 1 Timothy 4:12 , Paul advises Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This exhortation emphasizes the importance of a minister's character in approving themselves by truth. Their lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.

Faithfulness to the Word

A minister's commitment to truth is also demonstrated through their faithfulness to Scripture. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul instructs, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This verse underscores the responsibility of ministers to diligently study and accurately teach the Word of God, ensuring that their message aligns with biblical truth.

Avoiding Falsehood

Ministers must be vigilant against false teachings and doctrines that deviate from the truth of the gospel. In Titus 1:9 , Paul writes, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that by sound teaching he will be able to encourage others and refute those who contradict it." This charge highlights the role of ministers in defending the truth and protecting the church from error.

Living as Examples of Truth

The life of a minister should be a living example of the truth they proclaim. In Philippians 1:27 , Paul exhorts believers, "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Ministers, as leaders in the faith, are especially called to embody this principle, demonstrating the truth of the gospel through their daily lives and interactions.

Conclusion

The call for ministers to approve themselves by truth is a profound responsibility that requires dedication to integrity, faithfulness to Scripture, and a commitment to living out the gospel. Through their example, ministers have the opportunity to lead others into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the truth found in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:7,8
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 7:14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... was pleased to shed the light of his truth in greater ... man so account of us, as of
the ministers of Christ ... it was expressly provided that no one should assume a ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... would not have given charge to his ministers to tender ... of eternal punishment, is
to deny the most obvious truth. ... To suppose that he should hate and forbid sin ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic. ... Be ye, according to the voice of Truth,
wise as serpents ... already mentioned is given, lest these too should be made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

The Praise of Men.
... hatred; did it prefer goodness and truth to gifts ... offices of teachers or of God's
ministers, they generally ... We must submit (should it be unavoidable) to appear ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors.
... But let one of these ministers send his saw to be ... The truth is, they call that religion
in a layman which ... it strange that a man so like Christ should have no ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxi men often highly esteem.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... I tell you, sirs, he can find ministers for his truth ... to get into my own soul, then
I should preach indeed ... churches there are which have proved the truth of what ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... It should always be borne in mind that the love ... they only hate God, and Christians,
and ministers, and revivals ... admit to these sinners the real truth, and then ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... Holy Ghost," and "needed not that any one should teach them ... But on this vital point
the Methodist ministers bent their ... and as a leader into all truth, it was ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... existence that his decorum will be so influenced by the power of divine truth that
all ... He says that the ministers of God should approve themselves by "much ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

Human Characters Determined Only by Divine Decision.
... man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ ... is the Lord""his judgment is
according to truth" that will ... We should be so too"should study to acquaint ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xv human characters determined.htm