[Anglican Devotional 9 May 2023] Topic: The Correct Pattern For Ministry
TOPIC: The Correct Pattern For Ministry
READ: 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-20 (NKJV)
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
For our exhortation [did] not [come] from error or uncleanness, nor [was it] in deceit.
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God [is] witness.
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing [mother] cherishes her own children.
2:8. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
You [are] witnesses, and God [also,] how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father [does] his own children,
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they [did] from the Judeans,
who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up [the measure of] their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us.
For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Is it] not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
For you are our glory and joy.
THE MESSAGE:
Sound and committed ministers still exist in this age where so many are concerned with milking the flock with varying degrees of motivational deceitful words for economic gain. Apostle Paul recounted how he suffered at Philippi where he was beaten and imprisoned with Silas, yet they continued to preach the undiluted word of God. Their ministerial pattern consisted of the following qualities:
Pure motives and error-free sincerity (verse 3)
Pleasing God alone
Words devoid of flattery and greedy motives
Tenderness and affection towards the flock of God
Hard work to support themselves and reduce the burden on the flock
Uprightness, devoid of worldliness, with unflinching faith in God
7, Maintenance of a father-son relationship with the flock
Spreading only the message of Christ and Him crucified.
Their lives impacted the Thessalonian Christians so much that they became a replica of their pattern of Christian life and conduct. How is your life in the ministry and as a Christian? Are you exhibiting these noble qualities listed above? Has your life impacted people around you to conform to the image of Christ? Judge yourself and repent from where you have fallen before it is too late.
PRAYER: Father, I repent from all forms of deceit and unrighteousness. Help my life to glorify You and impact others for Christ, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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