Motives Of Ministry
If there is any text that clearly lays out the kind of heart-motives a minister of the gospel should have it is this one. But this is not just for preachers. This is for everyone. Why else would these motives be virtuous if the point wasn't to model them for believers to imitate? As a matter of fact, the minister who cultivates these virtues is showing his sheep (and potential sheep) that he loves them more than himself!
Ministers of Jesus Christ should champion the following virtues:
:2 - Declared the gospel despite much adversity
:3 - Preach soundly ("error"), with no disqualifying sin ("impurity"), and with no hidden agenda ("deceive").
:4 - Speak to please God, not people; embrace the painful tests that inevitably come with ministry because God sovereignly uses them to purify his ministers.
:5 - Choose words carefully - don't flatter in order to gain influence; do not view God's work as an opportunity to enrich oneself.
:6 - Refrain from using God-given authority to accumulate perks and comfort
:7 - Gentleness is the most visible trait of such a leader, like that of a mother nursing an infant.
:8 - True ministers don't just preach, secluding themselves from face-to-face ministry.
:9 - Work hard to plant the gospel in God's people
:10 - Blameless and above reproach in dealing with the believers.
:11-12 - Along with a nursing mother's gentleness, true ministers are also speak the truth like a father, constantly calling God's people to walk in a manner worthy of God.
:13 - Thank God constantly (pray constantly) for believers' maturity and rejoice when fruit is visible
:14 - Teach believers to imitate more mature believers.
Created about 1 year ago
