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The Making Of A True Minister Of God
Song: Here am I, here am I, use me (2x) “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honour, and some for dishonour. If a man therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fullness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church, whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use. A. Introduction It is a great privilege to be called a child of God and a worker in His vineyard. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” (1 John 3:1). We live at a time when the world is getting humanistic, atheistic and materialistic. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to worship God uncompromisingly. The world is getting more and more tempting and attractive every passing day. God is looking for and recruiting end time soldiers because the devil is getting fiercer in the battle field. And as a soldier/worker/minister for the Lord, you should also all the more tough for the battle. “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17). There is no idler in the house of the Lord. We all have been called and empowered with diverse gifts. “ 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8). So you must delight in working for the Lord and cheerful accomplish the work he gave you: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24). 17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." (Colossians 4:17). “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4). 34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. (John 4:34). The Lord has enlisted you as a shepherd over His sheep; ironically some of these sheep are even right in our Churches, fellowships and Christian gatherings. And many more are out there in the wild world: The Workers Are Few 35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38). Pope Paul VI said that, ‘The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a gift for the Church.’ Pope John Paul II said that, ‘The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a chance for the Church.’ Reverend Fr. John Bertolucci said that, ‘We have many people in our Church who are sacramentalised but not necessarily evangelised.’ B. Qualities of a true Minister of God He/she must have got a definite experience of salvation, saved from his/her sins. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3). “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23). He/she must be a bible student: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. ( Psalm 119:9, 11 ). He/she must be a praying minister. Have a strong arm like Moses and not a weary one. I mean importunate prayers. “pray continually;” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12). He/she must discipline the body. Tame it! “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 7:21) i. Strive for Holiness/Perfection/Righteousness Think about heaven always and your thoughts will be free from corrupt ones. Rev. Fr. Stephen Uche Njoku once said, ‘If you’re not experiencing heaven now on earth, then you might not be there.’ “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’” 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34). ii. Be very careful/vigilant Avoid the statement, ‘it doesn’t matter.’ No sin is little. You must remain conscious and always mind what use your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your mouth to say. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." (Galatians 5:9). How much time do you spend watching the TV? Surfing the internet? And by the way, what do you watch and what type of sites do you surf? 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). 15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. (2 Corinthians 2:15-17). Show me your friends they say and I will tell you who you are. 33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ). Do you talk before thinking? “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19). “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29). But you may I do all these things mentioned above and yet I perform miracles, speak in tongues etc; oh yes it could still get you into hell. Are you more spiritual than St. Paul? Here what he said: “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Do you still buy and read porn magazines/books? iii. Have concern for others/burden for souls Jesus had burden for souls: The Workers Are Few 35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38). St. Paul had burden for souls: “But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48). “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1). Abraham was a great intercessor. He pleaded with God that Sodom and Gomorrah might not be destroyed. Abraham Pleads for Sodom 16 When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." 20 Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" 26 The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." 27 Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?" 29 Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" 30 Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?" 31 Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?" 32 Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" 33 When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home. (Genesis 18:16-33). So was Moses, he interceded for the Israelites: “But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written." (Exodus 32:32). Nehemiah also had great burden for his people: 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. iv. Consistent in activities He/she is always regular and punctual to activities. He/she is not lazy or weak but always alert like a soldier. Do not be tricky, complaining or showing eye-service: “No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.” "A curse on him who is lax in doing the LORD's work! A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!” “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24). “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” (Philippians 2:14). C. The Minister God Uses i. Introduction These are ministers who are ready to go the extra mile with the Lord, committed, dedicated and zealous people. A story was told of a pastor was posted to lead a new Church and the elders came asking him the type of people he would want to serve as Church elders; he response was, ‘I want people with fire in their hearts and wings on their feet.’ ii. Submitted totally to the Lord The Lord has cleansed you to the point that what he considers as a sin in you, he does not consider it sin in others. He has pruned you so that you can bear even more fruits: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1). “you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20). “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Corinthians 7:23). “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Living for God 1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2). “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3). “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12). “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1). “If a man cleanses himself from the latter; he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2). You’ll notice that the Lord continually disciplines you in all aspect, diet, dressing, etc. some Christians are candle light and others like star, though both give light and are useful but the later is more useful. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: You are always cleaving to the Lord all days and all times; in joy or in sorrow: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6). The God of All Comfort 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). “ 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13). iii. They are sanctified and consecrated Outward holiness and inward holiness. They delight in doing what is right both in the public and in the private. They cherish chaste thoughts. “ 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8). “ 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:18-20). iv. Uncompromising stand with God Some ministers have compromised to the point and level that they don’t know what compromises are any more. Compromise is inability to follow biblical data correctly. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. (Acts 4:20-21). 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:3-5). A reflection on these men: Moses i. Through him God preserved a generation. He trained other leaders in Israel to take over after him by writing Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Giving instructions on how to live. Small wonder, God told Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). God was literally saying, ‘study the book of Moses.’ ii. Divine revelation was recorded. iii. His life and example were shinning like a bright star “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” (Deuteronomy 34:12). St. Paul i. The Church was preserved because of him, e.g. building the Gentile Church (which we are part of), wrote 14 books and also trained Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke and the Acts. So indirectly, St. Paul wrote 16 books. He trained Titus and Timothy. ii. Divine revelation was recorded and transmitted to other generations. In Christianity, a tree can make a forest!
God bless you. Evang. John Bamidele Oseh |