THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY 2/3

The ministry is a vocation entrusted to those who would serve as stewards of the mysteries of God. It is a work of great honor and even greater responsibility, a labor that demands unwavering dedication, spiritual fortitude, and the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. At the heart of this calling is the command to "Preach the Word," a charge that encompasses the very essence of the minister's office. This is no mere public speaking, but a prophetic declaration of the truths of Scripture. In season and out, in times of joy and times of sorrow, the minister is called to herald the message of God's unfailing and unchanging truth.

The first aspect of preaching the word is reading, the studious preparation that precedes effective teaching (I Timothy 4:13). A minister is called to laboriously study the Word of God, to be a workman approved of Him, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). While God has called men from various walks of life to the ministry, He also equips them with the necessary gifts and abilities, as seen in the transformation of the apostles from ordinary fishermen to powerful prophets (Acts 4:13). The Scriptures are primarily for the man of God, and he must immerse himself in them to profit his hearers. The apostle Paul exemplified this, but he also carefully utilized other books and learning to enhance his ministry (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12; II Timothy 2:16; Hebrews 13:9).

The second aspect of preaching the word is exhortation, the earnest admonishing and reproving that leads to obedience and good works (I Timothy 4:13). To exhort is to put someone in mind of their duties, to counsel against wrong practices, and to give authoritative or warning advice (Titus 3:8). This often involves a considerable amount of reminding, as seen in Paul's letters to Timothy and in Peter’s words in his second epistle  (I Timothy 4:6; II Peter 1:12-15). A faithful minister is instant in and out of season, always ready to exhort and rebuke, regardless of the circumstances (II Timothy 4:2). Exhortation requires a deep understanding of the Word and a compassionate yet firm approach. It involves not only pointing out areas of improvement but also offering guidance and encouragement to walk in a manner pleasing to God. Through exhortation, believers are stirred to pursue righteousness, confess sin, and live out their faith in practical ways. This aspect of ministry is essential for the maturing of the saints and the building up of the body of Christ.

The third and most critical aspect of preaching the word is doctrine, the objective instruction in the knowledge of God and the Scriptures (I Timothy 4:13). Doctrine is the teaching, the precepts, and the principles that form the foundation of the Christian faith. Pastors are called to establish believers in the faith, knowledge, and doctrine of Christ, that they may grow into the fullness of Him (Ephesians 4:13-14). A good minister is one who labors and continues in sound doctrine, teaching the whole counsel of God (I Timothy 4:6, 16; 5:17). A doctrinal ministry will not be an entertaining one like many today, but it will be a powerful one (Isaiah 28:9-13; Matthew 7:28; Mark 11:18; Luke 4:32; I Timothy 4:8). A minister must be able to use doctrine to refute error and silence gainsayers (Titus 1:9; I Timothy 1:3).

The work of the ministry is not limited to public proclamation alone, but extends to private instruction and counsel as well (Acts 20:20). A minister must strive to avoid the distractions of business and other cares, so that he may labor in reading and study without hindrance (Acts 6:1-4; II Timothy 2:4). He is called to do the work of an evangelist, to proclaim the Gospel and to edify the body of Christ (II Timothy 4:5; II Corinthians 10:13-16). It is a demanding and laborious calling, one that requires unwavering dedication to the study, exhortation, and doctrine of God's Word. To "Preach the Word" is to fulfill the very essence of the pastor's office, to be a steward of the mysteries of God and a herald of the Gospel. Let us honor those who truly hold this office, praying for their strengthening and encouraging them in their labors.