THE RISK THAT THE CHURCH MUST TAKE, PART 2
>> Elements of Ministry <<
(2 Timothy 4:2)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Introduction
The subject matter? Offense!
The realization we should have? Offense is inevitable!
The discipline we are called to? Fulfill the exhortations and commandments of the Lord Jesus regardless of who doesn't like what is done or said (refrain from manpleasing).
Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Do you know that many people are offended by this passage of scripture?!? Does that mean that we should refrain from speaking it, believing it or operating in accordance with it? Absolutely not! Folks, those who have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus have received a wonderful promise and blessing from on high. There is nothing greater. We must realize, however, that it does come with a price. Walking in accordance with it has a price. The price? Persecution.
For those who may have been unaware, persecution is not something that comes at random. Keep in mind that the most basic aspect of persecution is its root word -- PURSUE! When the scripture states that those "who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution", it's letting us know that the opponents of living godly in Christ Jesus will pursue -- go out of their way to cause hardship because of what you believe. The trigger of persecution is . . . OFFENSE. Something has been said or done that causes enemies of the cross of Christ to become incensed, full of hatred and strife.
Today, we'll look at another aspect of "The Risk That the Church Must Take", by looking at one of the most basic elements of the church (the true church) -- ministry.
Elements of Ministry
Ministry has come under extreme attack in these last days. The attack, however, is nothing new. Ministry has been under attack throughout the ages. People tried to shut down those who dared to speak authoritatively on the Lord's behalf since the beginning. Here are some of the discourses regarding attacks on ministry that have been left on record for us:
- (Isaiah 30:9-11) That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children
that will not hear the law of the LORD: {10} Which say to the seers, See
not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us
smooth things, prophesy deceits: {11} Get you out of the way, turn aside
out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
- (2 Chronicles 16:10) Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a
prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa
oppressed some of the people the same time.
- (2 Chronicles 18:7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There
is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he
never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son
of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
- (Jeremiah 5:31) The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule
by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in
the end thereof?
- (Jeremiah 11:21) Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth,
that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou
die not by our hand....
- (Jeremiah 26:11-12) Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes
and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied
against this city, as ye have heard with your ears. {12} Then spake Jeremiah
unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy
against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
- (Acts 5:32-33) And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also
the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. {33} When they
heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
- (1 Thessalonians 2:14-15) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: {15} Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men....
In each of these situations, those called by the Lord were doing as they were commanded. For preaching the unadulterated word of God, many have been killed, tormented, threatened, etc. Today, God is looking for someone that will show his/her heart perfect toward Him regarding ministry. Contrary to popular belief, there are not many willing to do so.
Many in ministry are giving in to the masses. Consider 2 Timothy 4. There are many issues in the early part of this chapter worth discussing, but today, we'll focus on the mindset of people and the exhortation to Timothy. Paul is challenging Timothy to fulfill the proper call to ministry. He is also warning him of the forthcoming corruption that must be resisted -- something Paul warned many people about (e.g. Acts 20:29-32). The common denominator is each warning was . . . proper handling of the word of God.
Again, in Paul's discourse to Timothy, he states that "the time is coming when they (people) will not endure sound doctrine. They shall heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables." In other words, the people will have no desire for that which is just and right concerning doctrine. The people, instead of receiving who God sends, will build their own roster of approved teachers and preachers, having a predetermined spiritual appetite -- only hearing what they want to hear and rejecting everything else. The people will have a greater affection for fiction (fables), forsaking truth. This problem, as illustrated by the aforementioned passages, is not new. People have been attacking and seducing ministry for centuries.
Question: Do you realize who killed the prophets? The prophets were not murdered by the Philistines. They were not tormented or jailed by the Assyrians. Matthew 23:37 says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" God's people have a history of "wiping out" those that present the true and living God to them. Hence, in this day of great apostasy -- in 2001 -- we are no different. Another question: Who are YOU receiving? Have you killed or tormented any of God's prophets (those speaking on His behalf)? Have you supported the Pharasaic Reign of today? Selah.
That's just a foundation. The gist of today's message is this. TRUE MINISTRY has certain elements. They are listed and illustrated in scripture. Many today who are providing ministry improperly are aware of these elements, but refrain from doing them for various reasons -- many times, they refrain because they are aware that they'll lose their popularity, support base, financial support, etc., if they do what thus saith the Lord. There is NO GREATER HATRED than for someone in ministry to hold back the truth in unrighteousness, by not telling you what they should be telling you. Many would rather entertain you and stroke your ego than give you what God has said.
Providing ministry in the proper manner IS A RISK THAT THE CHURCH MUST TAKE!!! The only people that will depart are those who do not believe (e.g., John 6:58-69). In addition, we cannot withhold that which will benefit sheep just because some goats are present and creating problems. Would you hold back good, nutritious foods from your children just because a child is present that is protesting your food selection(s)? Of course not.
The elements of ministry -- TRUE MINISTRY -- are listed/mentioned in such passages as Romans 15:14, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 4:2. Here are the elements and their definitions, courtesy of the Strong's Hebrew/Greek Dictionary:
- Admonition: to put in mind -- to caution or reprove gently
- Instruction: tutorage; i.e. education or training -- by implementation, disciplinary
correction
- Correction: a straightening up again, rectification, reformation
- Reproof: proof, conviction (to convince someone of wrong doing)
- Exhortation: to invite, invoke, to call near
- Comfort: consolation (the word translated "exhortation" is
translated comfort on many occasions; hence, the message may be wrong at
times)
- Rebuke: to tax upon, censure or admonish (also means "to tell a fault" and "sharp
correction")
- Longsuffering and Doctrine: This is an attitude of proper ministry. "Longsuffering" means "longanimity or forbearance" -- the willingness to stick with something and see it through. Some people don't respond right away and need our patience in order to attain victory. Please note that a "slow response" and "rebellion or scorning" are two different things. Those who are rebellious are in need of rebuke, not comfort. In addition, many are patient with people, but do not embrace doctrine while doing so. This is suicide. The word says that we should embrace LONGSUFFERING AND DOCTRINE. Embracing doctrine (teaching and standard) without embracing longsuffering is dangerous too. We must embrace them both.
SERVING NOTICE: Those submitted to a ministry that is void of such elements are in danger. SERVING NOTICE AGAIN: Those providing "ministry" that is void of these elements are out-of-order and stand to be judged for their unrighteous deeds. Each one of these elements/attitudes are robbing people of experiencing God's love as it is written and authorized.
Entertainment is NOT an aspect of ministry. Babying and coddling are not ministerial modes. "Christian counselors" don't function in accordance with leadership's call from Ephesians 4, nor do they seek the word at God's mouth. Many of them use New Age techniques to provide "ministry". This is damnable. Laying aside correction and reproof are not acts of love, but are, rather, acts of extreme hatred and dangerous to those submitted to such a mindset. I once heard a preacher/pastor say (though he was not a pastor in God's sight), "I don't correct you as I should because I love you so much." Approximately 300 people were present and many melted as he made this false, demonic claim of love (as he simultaneously condemned those who did correct people).
Depending on the type of people one is ministering to, a minister will spend more time doing some things than others, but we must always be ready to provide what thus saith the Lord so that the recipients of the ministry will be able to partake of what God has ordained for them. Rebuke, admonition and reproof are constants when dealing with rebellious people. Exhortation, instruction and comfort are more constant when dealing with pure hearted people. Instruction, alone, is a constant when dealing with pure-hearted babes in Christ. Longsuffering and doctrine must be embraced at all times.
Have you embraced all of God's elements of ministry or are you partial? Are you applying instruction or comfort when you should be applying rebuke? Are you applying rebuke when you should be applying correction or comfort? Both are improper. We must not only strive to embrace all elements of ministry, but we must seek the Lord for wisdom regarding when to do what so that everyone might be blessed of the Lord.
Remember, without ministry, we are nothing. God has given it for our benefit. Let's strive to embrace it as He prescribed. If we apply the elements of ministry as instructed in scripture, we'll all be better off. Don't reject these elements because people are offended by them. They are the RISK THAT THE CHURCH MUST TAKE in order to please and see the glory of God.
Until next week, keep the word and be blessed!
Reprinted from Remnant Online: Volume 5, Issue 3 -- Elements
of Ministry
Copyright © 2001, CyberSaint/Scenario Ministries International
An outreach ministry of Remnant Christian Assembly, Inc. All rights reserved.
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