As a follow-up to yesterdays post, Should Shepherds have Sheep Servants, I thought I would share a Scripture that makes the position of a minister crystal clear, and yet so obviously not followed. And this might be my shortest post, ever!
What is most astonishing is that the word minister itself describes the reality of what it means, so why is it so misused? We exposed ministers creating Cadet servants, but the very word minister or ministering is the polar opposite of having someone take care of things for you.
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. – Acts 20:33-35, KJV
Paul was an amazing individual, both caring for those around him, and always for himself. He later said he did this so that none could accuse him of taking from them for his benefit, especially when it came to finances.
Later, in I Corinthians, one of my favorite Scriptures shows this idea again, and it’s my favorite because of the use of the word addiction.
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) – I Corinthians 16:15, KJV
Here, the word addicted means assigned, appointed, or determined, it is the Greek word tassō.
So, was Paul’s example of ministry one in which people obeyed him unconditionally, served his every need and sat at his feet waiting for orders, or did Paul set the example of selfless service without the need or demand for a reward?
Paul answered that question unequivocally in addressing Timothy, and I leave you with it.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – I Timothy 4:12, KJV
Let us all set this example in ministering to the world around us! God bless you.
2 Responses
Hmmm?
“What is a Ministers Example?”
“or did Paul set “the example of selfless service”
without the need or demand for a reward?”
Yes, Paul set a great example… 😉
Minister = Greek, diakonos = servant.
Here’s some of what Jesus taught ”His Disciples,”
About being “ministers.” Being a “servant.”
That most of today’s “Titled, ministers,”
pastor/leader/elder/reverends…
With Power, Profit, Prestige…
Tend to “Ignore.”
Mark 10:42-45 KJV
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them,
Ye know that they which are accounted to
rule over the Gentiles ”exercise lordship” OVER them;
and their great ones exercise authority UPON them.
43 ”But so shall it NOT be among you:”
but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister: (Servant.)
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest,
shall be servant of ALL. (servant = Greek doulos = slave)
45 For even the Son of man came NOT to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:42-45. J.B. Phillips New Testament
42 so Jesus called them all to him, and said,
You know that the so-called rulers in the heathen world
lord it over them,
and their great men have absolute power.
43 But it must NOT be so among you. (His Disciples)
No, whoever among you wants to be great
must become The Servant of you ALL,
44 and if he wants to be first among you
he must be **The Slave of ALL men! **
45 For the Son of Man himself has NOT come to be served
but to serve,
and to give his life to set many others free.”
Know many? any? in “Today’s Abusive Religious System”
“Titled, pastor/leader/elder/reverends?”
Who teach and practice…
NOT ”Exercising Lordship” OVER ”His Disciples?”
NOT Exercising Authority UPON ”His Disciples?”
And, being, “The Slave of ALL men!”
Why isn’t what Jesus said, important? 😉
Excellent reply as always! Thank you for the great examples in Scripture.