Eph.4:7-16;
1Tim. 3:1-16; Mat.4:19; Mat 28:18-20
Ephesians 4:7–16 (KJV 1900)
7. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9. (Now that he ascended, what it is but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. 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 fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Timothy 3:1–15 (KJV 1900)
1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
7. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9. (Now that he ascended, what it is but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. 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 fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Timothy 3:1–15 (KJV 1900)
1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Every believer is a minister of
Christ, but it is a great privilege to be specifically called to serve the Lord
in the capacity of a worker, a leader, a pastor or any other name by which you
may be called. You are called (. You are a servant of God. Being a Christian
worker requires that you have the requisite qualifications. It also places
certain responsibilities on you. It may require you to be more visible in the
church. You will be in line for excellent privileges from the Lord, though with
these privileges may come persecution.
I will concentrate on three points:
The Call, The Character, the Conduct and the Commission of Christian workers.
1.The Call Of Christian workers (Luke 6:12-16; 9:1-2; Rom.8:28-30;
1Cor.1:1-2, 9, 24-26).
We start off with the example of our Lord Jesus. He spent an
extended time in prayer and afterwards He called His apostles.
Luke 6:12–16 (KJV 1900)
12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16. And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
1 Corinthians 1:1–2 (KJV 1900)
1. Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16. And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
1 Corinthians 1:1–2 (KJV 1900)
1. Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
1. Corinthians 1:9 (KJV 1900)
9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:24–28 (KJV 1900)
24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Acts 1:15–26 (KJV 1900)
15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16. Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22. Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Acts 1:15–26 (KJV 1900)
15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16. Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22. Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
God calls people directly and also indirectly. Elijah
received a direct call and commission from the Lord (1Kings 17:1-9). But Elisha
was called through Elijah (1Kings 19:15-16). Elisha was not less called than
Elijah. So the call of Christian workers
involves [i] Direct call (Acts 9:1-6; 13:1-4): After choosing the twelve, Jesus
called seventy others (Luke 10:1-12). [ii] Indirect call (Acts 1:15-26; 14:23;
Tit.1:5-9). Matthias was chosen by the eleven remaining apostles. Paul ordained
Titus, and authorised him to ordain elders – workers in the Churches. So let
there be no doubt in your mind that you are called. All you now have to do is
to make full proof of your ministry (2Tim.4:5). Down through the ages, God has
used leaders to choose other leaders. Here and there He still would choose a
leader to champion a particular cause in the ministry.
2.
The Character of Christian Workers.
Having shown how a Christian worker can be called, let us
proceed to explore the character a Christian worker must possess. That root
meaning of the word character is to engrave. It is the defining quality of a
person, something that you are. I call this the “Being Aspect” of the
prospective Christian worker, His or her qualifications. What are the defining
qualities of a Christian worker?
a. Christ-Centred
(1Cor.1:1-2, 30-31; Gal.3:28; Phil.3:9; Col.2:6-12; 3:1-3; Rom.6:3-5).
It is clearly understood at least by all of us present here
today that for you to become a worker in the house of God, you must first be
born again (John 3:3, 5). Then you must be sanctified (John 17:17; 1Thes.5:23).
As Christian workers we must understand our position in Christ. We must know
that we have been (i) crucified with Christ; (ii) risen with Christ; (iii)
seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph.2:6); (iv) We are God’s children
(Gal.3:26); (v) We have eternal life (John 17:3; Rom.6:23); (vi) We have His
righteousness (Phil.3:9); (vii) We are complete in Him (Col.2:10)
b. Spirit-Filled
Life: (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 4:31; Gal.5:16; Eph.3:16-17).
The Holy Spirit enables us for service. Quickens our mortal
bodies. Why must every worker be filled with the Holy Spirit? Because, [i] It
is commanded in the Word (Eph.5:18; [ii] We cannot be productive without it
(John 6:63); [iii] We cannot please God without it (Rom.8:5-8); [iv] We cannot
grow spiritually without it (John 16:7-15; Eph.3:16-19); [v] We cannot glorify
God without it (1Cor.6:19-20); [vi] We are powerless without it (Rom.8:5-15);
[vi] No joy and peace without it (Rom.8:6; Gal.5:22)
c. Word-Filled
Life:
Dr J. Hampton Keathley III said, “The bible is the
Christian’s resource book, his manual for living, the light to his path and the
index for faith and practice”. And as we all know, the bible is God’s Word, his
special revelation by which we are to cleanse and direct our ways. For the
Christian worker, the Bible is indispensable (Mat.5:18-19; 2tim.3:16-17; 2Peter
1:18-21). The word of God, both Old and New Testaments is inspired. Consider
the attributes of the word (Psalm 19:7-14). Every word you read in the Bible is
authentic. The greatest testimony to the authenticity of the Bible as God’s
Word, is our Lord Jesus Christ. Just look at the teaching of Christ about the Old
Testament:
i.
Its Authority (Mat.22:36-46) – on God’s declarations.
ii.
Its Reliability (Mat.26:54) – all its claims are/being
fulfilled.
iii.
Its Finality (mat.4:4,7,10) – it is written! That is
final.
iv.
Its Sufficiency (Luke 16:31) – only source of
salvation.
v.
Its Indestructibility (mat.5:17-18) – All will be
fulfilled.
vi.
Its Unity (Luke 24:27,44) – All Scripture written
about Christ
vii.
Its Historicity (Mat.12:40)
viii.
Its factuality (scientifically) (Mat.19:2-5) – eg. Gendered
creation
ix.
Its Inerrancy (Mat.22:29; John 17:17) – it is truth!
x.
Its Infallibility (John 10:35)
The Bible you hold in your hand is
inspired by God and is profitable for (1) Doctrine (2) for Reproof, (3) for
Correction and (4) for instruction in righteousness (2Tim.3:16). Your bible is alive and powerful (Heb.4:12).
Your bible is perfect (Psalm 19:7). Your Bible is trustworthy (Psalm1 9:8-9).
Your bible is right altogether (Psalm 19:8-9).
What will the bible do for you? [1]
It is a Sword (Eph.6:17; Heb.4:12),it helps you to fight spiritual battles; [2]
It is a Judge (Heb.4:12), it discerns what is in your heart; [3] It is a lamp,
it gives light to your pathway (Psalm 36:9; 119:105, 130; Prov.6:23); [4]It is
a Mirror (2Cor.3:18; James 1:22-25), it shows you who you really are; [5] It is
Rain Snow and Water (Isaiah 55:10-11; Jer.17:5-8; Eph.5:26), it waters your
spiritual life to produce the right fruit; [6] It is Food, Bread (Job 23:12;
Jer.15:16; Ezek.2:8; 3:1-3), it feeds and keeps you alive spiritually; [7] It
is Gold and Silver (Psalm 19:10; 119:72, 127; Pro.8:10-11), it gives you true
wealth and riches; [8] It is Fire (Jer.23:29; 20:9) it burn in judgement
against sin; [9] It is a Hammer (jer.23:29; 2Cor.10:3-5), it shatters any stony
heart, it destroys all strongholds of the
imagination of man; [10] It is seed (Mark 4:14), it is the seed of the
Kingdom of God which grows and spreads the world over; [11] It is Honey (Psalm
19:10; 119:103; 81:16; Ezek.3:1-3), it is delicious and attractive and invites
us to eat.
So read it.
Study it. Treasure it. Memorise it. Defend it. Spread it.
d. Prayer-Filled
Life () Prayer is an indispensable tool for the Christian worker. The Christian
worker must learn how to pray biblically and effectively.
Prayer and the Word of God go hand in hand. In prayer we
communicate to God and worship him. The word worship comes from Worth + ship.
We worship God then either in prayer or song or service to Him as one who is
worthy! Our Lord Jesus gave us the perfect model of prayer, both by practice
(Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12-16) and by precept (Mat.6:5-13). We pray to the Father
who is our PROVIDER. We pray in the
name of Jesus – our ACCESS and we
pray in the power of the Holy Spirit who is our MEANS. In prayer God’s Name must be reverenced, God’s Kingdom must
be prayed for, God’s will must be submitted to. Understanding that the
Christian is constantly engaged in spiritual battle, our prayer must be [1] Strategic – for long range goals
(Col.1:9-12; Mat.9:37-38); [2] Tactical
– for immediate goals and needs (Col.4:2-4); [3] Logistic – for physical and support needs (Acts 12:5; 13:3).
What are the prerequisites for
effective praying? [1] Your personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your
Saviour (John 14:6); [2] You are walking in fellowship with Jesus Christ
(Eph.6:18; Psalm 66:18; 1John 1:9); [3] You must live by the Word (Prov.28:9;
John 15:7); [4] Pray in faith trusting in the will of God (John 11:22-24;
Mat.21:22; Heb.11:6; 1 John 5:14-25); [5]
Pray with importunity (Luke 11:5-8)
3.
The Conduct Of Christian Workers (1Tim.3:1-16; Titus
1:5-9; 2:1-11).
The Bible does not leave us in
doubt about the behaviour of Christian workers. Paul, a Spirit filled and
Spirit inspired apostle laid down for timothy and for Titus and for all of us, the
principles for selecting leaders for the Church. These leaders are called
bishops or elders. The rest of the workers were called deacons. The list of
qualifications reads like a CV. It spells out what we need in order to qualify
as workers or labourers in the Lord’s vine yard.
Overseers/Bishops:
(1)
Blameless (1Tim.3:2) – Above reproach. Leaders must be
above reproach both before God and before man. Apostle Paul strove to have a
conscience that was void of offence towards God and towards man.
(2)
Sober (1Tim.3:2; Tit.1:8) – Moderate lifestyle,
described as grave in Titus. It may be translated as dignified in outlook, not
light in behaviour.
(3)
Of good behaviour (1Tim.3:2) – Methodical lifestyle;
(4)
Given to Hospitality (1Tim.3:2) – Merciful. The
minister, the pastor, the overseer must be given to hospitality as he ministers
to people both inside and outside the Church.
(5)
Apt to Teach (1Tim.3:2) – Masterful with the Word
(6)
Not given to wine (1Tim.3:2) – not Merry Making;
(7)
Not Violent (1Tim.3:3) – Mean
(8)
Not Quarrelsome (1Tim.3:3) – not Malicious. Malicious
and quarrelsome people cannot serve the Lord in that state. They must repent
and turn from their sin of anger.
(9)
Not Covetous (1tim.3:3) – seeking first God’s Kingdom
is his decided choice in obedience to our Master and Lord Jesus Christ.
(10) Able Manager of Home (1Tim.3:4-5); Jesus knew that
rebellion in the home will become an issue as the time approaches for His
return. Yet the Holy Spirit still inspired Paul to put it down that the
minister must be a good home manager, who is able to exercise godly control
over his family, his wife and children.
(11)
Not a Novice (1Tim.3:6) – Mature. This does not mean
the minister cannot be a young person. It simply means that this minister is
experienced in the faith. He/she is not someone who is still struggling with
the basic doctrines of the Bible such as sanctification and holiness,
restitution, baptism, giving, regular participation in church activities. He is
not one who still have some hint of pride. He is not a young convert.
(12)
Of Good Report (1Tim.3:7) – Manners – members of
his/her congregation and others outside should be able to testify about him/her
as a good Christian.
(13)Holy (Tit.1:8)
I believe
we all understand that true Christianity is a lifestyle to be lived rather than
a religion to belong and adhere to. Leaders are therefore are expected to live
exemplary lives. We are called to live modest lifestyles, moderate in
everything. A good conscience, a pure conscience is a requirement in our work
with and for God.
Deacons/Workers
(1)
Grave (1Tim.3:8) – dignified
(2)
Not double-tonged
(3)
Not given to much wine
(4)
Not greedy of filthy lucre
(5)
Holding the faith with a pure conscience (1Tim.3:9)
(6)
Blameless (1Tim.3:10)
(7)
Able managers of the home (1Tim.3:10)
This list is not to be taken as
exhaustive as there are still areas of conduct elsewhere in the bible not
covered in 1Timothy 3. For instance the aspect of obedience and submission to God
and to constituted authority (John 14:15-24; Heb.13:17; 1 Sam.15:22-23)
John
14:15–24 (KJV 1900)
15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give
you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot
receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he
dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come
to you.
19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no
more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20At that day ye shall know that I am in my
Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and
I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how
is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love
me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto
him, and make our abode with him.
24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
Hebrews
13:17 (KJV 1900)
17Obey
them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and
not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Samuel
15:22–23 (KJV 1900)
22And
Samuel said, Hath the Lord as
great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the
Lord? Behold, to obey is better
than sacrifice, And to hearken than the fat of rams.
23For
rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and
idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.
As a Christian worker you are under authority when it comes
to Christian work. You have been bought with a price. You are no longer your
own. Your pastor should have a fair idea of how things are happening with you.
For example, if you plan to travel and you will not be available for church
program. You should tell your leader. Call him or send email or text or see him
to inform him. While the pastor is not looking into every detail of your life,
he should be told those things that can impact you spiritually or socially.
You should be in readiness to lend your pastor or your leader
a helping hand even in things that are not directly related to Church service. You
can do this if you remember that we are first and foremost a family.
As you go through this list of the
qualifications of Christian workers, It would be necessary to examine yourself
and see if you really qualify as a worker or not. If you find that some of
these qualities are absent from your conduct, do not be discouraged. You will
pray for spiritual impact upon your life during this workers retreat. You will
pray that the Holy Spirit will move in your life to produce the life of Christ
in you.
4.
The commission Of Christian workers (Mat.28:16-20; 6:33;
Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21; Mat.9:37-38; Acts 1:8; John 4:35-38;
14:12)
There is only one thing God wants
workers to do. They have only one job – to work for God (Phil.3:13-15)! What is
the work of God? To call people to faith in Christ, to make disciples of all
nations. Workers are called to win souls, to take care of the young converts in
the Church and to nurture them to maturity.
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:16–20, KJV 1900)
“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46–47, KJV 1900)
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:35–38, KJV 1900)
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” (John 4:34–38, KJV 1900)
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21, KJV 1900)
It is the responsibility of the
workers and leaders and bishops and elders and evangelist, and… whatever name
or title, to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
Our Lord Jesus Christ called His
disciples the light of the world. The word light means more than one thing. It
means light that shows the way by shining through darkness. It also means
something that is light, having no weight. Our Saviour does not want us to be
light, having no weight, and no influence in the world. He means that we should
shine as light through the darkness of this world. We should show the way to
the world by living the Christ-centred life, the Spirit-controlled life, the
Word-filled life and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. He called us the salt
of the earth because through the pure life he has given us we should turn many
to a life of righteousness, holiness and purity.
Anyone called a Christian but who
is living an impure, unholy and corrupt life is a disappointment to the faith
which he professes. Jesus will say to him in the end, “I know you not. Depart
from me ye that work iniquity”. If a worker fails to live this style of life
and fails to preach the gospel, he has failed in his responsibility, his work,
his calling and in his ministry!
We are here to challenge ourselves
to rise up and serve the Lord, to purify ourselves, to commit to a life of
holiness, to commit ourselves to obey the Master in the Great Commission. By
the time we live here we expect there will be explosive growth in our Churches.
Many more souls will be added to the Kingdom of God!
A lot of the material used here have been drawn from The ABC of Christian Growth by J. Hampton Keathley.
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