So, what really is the job of the Christian minister? The nominal church
(most of the church world) says that the only minister of any real value
is the pastor. In Fact in some circles you might think that God has died
and made the pastor god. But what does the Bible (God's Word) say about
this? Let's take a look at scripture and see what it says about the
Christian minister and his job.

Specific Ministries Recognized by God's Word.

The scriptures clearly define the ministries that are to be recognized by
the new testament church. These scriptures also tell us God's purpose for
these ministries. Let's look first at Ephesians 4:11
'and He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers'. God gave some men to us, the church. He gave
them for specific reasons and purposes. Verses 12 and 13 say why they were
given to us. 'for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ - till we all come in the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ'. These scriptures show
us that these men were and are given by God to His church for the purpose of
changing us from carnal (worldy) people to a Christlike people (the bride
of Christ), perfect and spotless as He is. Unfortunately the charismatic
church movement does not seem to understand this, they teach that a 'sugar-daddy
God' will change you instantly when He is ready. This is in direct contradiction
of the scriptures. The scriptures also tell us in Philippians 2:12
'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'. Of course we
must lean on God and can only accomplish this by submitting our whole being
to Him, but WE MUST DO IT. We must also recognize that God has given men to
us that He may use them to help us make this change. Each of these ministries
that God has given to us to be used by Him in changing our lives has a
specific area of ministry (expertise). One of these ministries alone
cannot provide all the necessary insight and help that we need. If this
was possible, the God (remember He is smarter than we are) would not have
specifically provided this multiple ministry for us.

What Are These Ministries Supposed To Do? What Is Their Job?

Since God has provided these men, he must also have given us scripture to tell
us what and how they are expected to accomplish that which they were given to do.
There are two scriptures that clearly show this. Let's look first at
II Timothy 4:1-2
'I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach
the Word; be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine'. The amplified says the same thing, but
explains it better and in more detail. 'I charge you in the presence of God and
of Christ Jesus Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of)
His coming and His kingdom; Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of
urgency (stand by, be at hand and ready, whether the opportunity seems to
be favorable or unfavorable, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it
be welcome or unwelcome, you as a preacher of the Word are to show people in what
way their lives are wrong) and convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning
and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustable in patience
and teaching'. The other scripture that I will use is I Peter 5:1-3.
The amplified again explains it more clearly and more fully. 'I warn and counsel
the elders among you - the pastors and spiritual guides of the church - as a fellow
elder and as an eyewitness (called to testify) of the sufferings of Christ, as
well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed
(disclosed, unfolded); Tend - nurture, guard, and fold - the flock of God that is
(your responsibility) not by coercion or constraint but willingly; not dishonorably
motivated by the advantages and profits (belonging to the office) but eagerly and
cheerfully. Not (as arrogant, dictatorial and overbearing persons) domineering
over those in your charge, but being examples - patterns and models of Christian
living - to the flock (the congregation)'.

These scriptures certainly make it clear as well as give warning to the ministry
as to their attitudes and lives. When a person is not living in the manner
prescribed by the scriptures they usually are blind to areas of their lives that
need to be changed. They cannot hear clearly (if at all) from God as they are not
in proper fellowship with Him. Sometimes they have heard and need to be reminded
that God is still waiting for the change. Whatever the circumstances, it should
be clear that the times we are most in need are the times we do not have fellowship
directly with God. So therefore God in his infinite wisdom and mercy gave men to
us with a charge to bring the Word of God whether we want to hear it or not.
Thank GOD for HIS LOVE and MERCY. IT IS TIME THAT THE MINISTRY STARTS DOING THE JOB THAT GOD
HAS GIVEN THEM! The ministry is not supposed to answer to the people. I know it is not
pleasant to have to be responsible and to go to those that do not want to change and that
are messed up or in rebellion to God, but HE gives this charge to us through the apostle
Paul, who sets the example for us to follow. He did all the things that we are charged
with in II Timothy 4:1-2.
Sometimes it broke his heart too, but HE DID WHAT GOD CALLED HIM TO DO. We must do the same.
We see in Proverbs 27:5
'open rebuke is better than love that is hidden'. That it is a greater act of
love to rebuke with love than to keep our mouth shut and let them suffer eternal
damnation. If we really love God's people we will start living as the examples we are
charged to be and then do the job God has entrusted to us. When the ministry that
God has given to His church starts doing the work that they are sent to do, THEN
and ONLY THEN well we see the Bride of Christ coming forth in the purity and holiness
that is necessary for us to see God. Hebrew 12:14

Why Is This Necessary?

BECAUSE OF GOD'S GREAT LOVE FOR US! II Timothy 4:3-4
'For the time is coming when (people) will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome
instruction, but having ears itching (for something pleasing and gratifying), they will
gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen
to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold. And will turn aside
from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man made fictions'. Do you
see it? If someone doesn't tell them the truth they may be lost forever. Because
they have forsaken God and have started following their own way. 'There is a way
that seems good to a man'... It says they will do this, but I tell you they are
doing it now. NOW IS THE TIME - THE TRUE MINISTRY CALLED AND SENT BY GOD TO HIS PEOPLE
MUST DIE TO THEIR SELF-LIFE AND BRING THE WORD OF GOD IN ITS FULLNESS TO HIS PEOPLE,
WHETHER THEY RECEIVE IT OR NOT, WHETHER THEY LOVE YOU OR HATE YOU DOES NOT MATTER.
GOD'S PEOPLE MUST BE GIVEN THE TRUTH.

If a man of God brings to you any of the things mentioned in II Timothy
THANK HIM and change. Remember he came because God sent him.

This is part two of The Holy Spirit Teaching Series.