eph 03v07 09 I Was Made A Minister
"I WAS MADE A MINISTER''
Ephesians 3:7-9
In these verses, we have one of
Paul's many descriptions of the work of the ministry. Paul recognized the great
responsibility that was laid upon his shoulders as the servant of God; and he
wanted the churches to know something of this work, so that they might properly
pray for those who were called to it.
The
work of the ministry is the greatest work under heaven. It requires all of a
man, and more. It is too great for a man. “Who is sufficient for these
things?" is the constant cry of those who labor in the gospel. Now, I want
you to be aware of the great magnitude of this work. I want you to see three
things that Paul shows us concerning the ministry.
1. EVERY TRUE MINISTER IS UNDER GOD'S AUTHORITY (v. 7).
If there is anything that this
generation needs to learn about the ministry it is that God alone makes a
minister, and God's ministers are under divine authority. No man, no seminary,
and no group of men can make a minister. This is "the gift of the grace of
God...by the effectual working of his power." God alone can qualify a man
for this work. And he is under the authority of God alone.
2. EVERY TRUE MINISTER IS ENDOWED WITH A GRACIOUS ATTITUDE (v.
8). Paul thought very little of himself. He had great views of Christ, which
caused him to have a low estimation of himself. He had a high estimation of
humble opinion of one's self and a high opinion of our brethren. Paul
thought very highly of his work. To him, preaching was the most blessed work on
earth. And Paul had the highest possible thoughts of his subject, "That I
should preach the unsearchable riches of Christ."
3. EVERY TRUE MINISTER IS MOTIVATED BY
A GLORIOUS AMBITION (V. 9). Paul had one glorious, all-absorbing desire. He
wanted to make Christ known unto all men. He wanted to declare unto all men the
mysteries of the gospel - Eternal Election - Substitutionary Redemption -Full
Justification - Union With Christ.
May it please God to give his church more men with
divine authority, humbled attitudes, and this glorious ambition.