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 any man. “Who is sufficient for these things?” is the constant cry of those who labor in the gospel. Now, I want you to know something of the magnitude of this work. Paul shows us three things concerning the work of the ministry.

1. Every True Minister Is Under God’s Authority (v. 7).

If there is anything 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 church 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 authority to God alone.

2. Every True Minister Is Endowed With A Gracious Attitude (v. 8).

Paul had great views of Christ which caused him to have a very low estimation of himself. And he held his brethren in high esteem, for Christ’s sake. He also had very high thoughts about preaching. To him it was the most blessed work on earth to proclaim “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 men. He wanted to declare unto men the mysteries of the gospel – Eternal Election – Substitutionary Redemption – Full Justification – Union With Christ. May God give us more men of this kind to fill our pulpits today.