God’s plan for His ministers is that they will first be properly related to Him, before reaching out to others (Mark 3:14; 1 John 1:3, 2 Tim. 2:6; Matt. 4:19). His call to all and sundry is clear in the scriptures. “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me”. Some preach Christ whom they know not, neither have they experienced like the seven sons of Sceva. But ye shall not be so.
- Sonship before servanthood
- Service to the World and the Church
- Serving but severed from Christ
- Securing a place in heaven
Prepare to meet the Lord.
- SONSHIP BEFORE SERVANTHOOOD
Romans 6:17-18; John 1:12; Phil. 2:15; 1 John 3:1; Ps. 50:16-23, 51:12-13; Pr. 23:26
Christ demands not the service of a sinner, but that the sinner first experience total forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He is then accepted into sonship relationship with Him (John 1:12). Only children of God are called into service (Matt. 4:19; Acts 26:16-18; 1 Tim. 1:12-15). As we are called to a relationship with God, so are we followed with the call to service.
- SERVICE TO THE WORLD AND THE CHURCH
There are stated services of preachers to the world and to the church
- SERVICE TO THE WORLD
The world is to be brought to Christ through the preaching of the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Lk 24:47; John 20:21, 31; Acts 8:4). The preaching of the gospel must be backed up with PROMISES of forgiveness of all sins. Assurance of pardon must be clearly emphasized to the sinner (Heb. 9:15). Such promises are freely enjoyed by all who turn to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9; Matt. 7:18; Isa. 55:7; Eph. 1:7; Acts 3:19).
- SERVICE TO THE CHURCH
Saints in the church are matured through the teaching and pastoral ministry in the church. Through the teaching of the word of God, saints are made to experience precious promises of God on HOLINESS; Spirit in-filling and victorious Christian living (Heb. 13:6; 2 Pet. 1:4; Rom. 8:29; Gal. 14:1; Lk. 24:49; Act 2:39; Joel 2:28). The proper execution of these ministries demands the preacher’s full strength and continuous commitment. At times, the minister does not take enough care to continuously receive nourishment from the Lord, thus starving his own Christian life.
- SERVING BUT SEVERED FROM CHRIST
John 15:6; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Tim. 4:10; Jer. 2:13
Service without constant reference to Christ will separate us from Christ and seal our doom. This will invite oppression of the enemy; spoil the good works that had been done, make the ministry fruitless and frustrating; turn a heaven bound minister and congregation worldly; the fire of the Holy Spirit will be removed and the displeasure of Christ imminent (Rev. 3:17, 18). This state can come about in the life of the preacher if the following are allowed:
- Multiplicity of activities in the strength of the flesh (Rev. 2:10).
- Over-confidence and rest on past achievements and experiences (Rev. 3:17).
- Lack of personal devotion i.e. prayerless nights and busy days and evenings (Rev. 3:1).
- Neglect of besetting sins (Songs 2:15).
- Worldliness and worldly ambitions (2 Tim. 4:10);
- Grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
- SECURING A PLACE IN HEAVEN
Since Christ intends that we abide in Him and partake in the promises of salvation; holiness; spirit in-filling, severed preachers from Christ who is the “fountain of living waters” must as a matter of urgency seek the face of the Lord in prayer for restoration. It is only this, that will secure him a place in heaven; make his ministry rewarding now and at the last. How much of the promises being preached are you enjoying? (2 Tim. 2:6). The prophecies which are caught up in the rapture will meet the Lord.
Anyone who is not ready to meet the Lord now puts himself in a terribly delicate and fearful position. Get saved; maintain a holy walk in Christ; have supreme love for God; work the works of God; be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abiding in Christ; Prepare to meet the Lord yourself as you prepare others (Rom. 2:1, 3, 4, 5, 17-24). “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preaches a man should no steal, does thou steal?”