The Ministry Part 3

18th May

MINISTER'S RESPONSIBILITY

3. The minister is responsible for feeding the flock. 

John 21:15 (NKJV)
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
The minister is responsible for having a good meal prepared for the flock when they come into God's house.

4. The minister is responsible for protecting the flock

Acts 20:29-30 (NKJV)
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Pastors and Ministers must be alert to the false doctrines and cults in the world today. Ministers protect the flock by preaching the TRUTH. Paul warned that false teachings will come from people outside the church and also from people in the church (members). Satan is trying to distort the truth and will send whoever it takes to spread his lies.

John 8:32
Jesus said that we will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set us free.

Ministers cannot allow anybody (stranger or member) to teach any false doctrines in the church.
If any false teaching does arise, the minister needs to stop it by rebuking it and removing it before it continues further in the Body of Christ.

5. The minister's responsibility is to be faithful

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Paul worked on keeping himself right and faithful to the Lord and to the Word of God. Ministers have a responsibility to those they have ministered to, so they must be absolutely faithful and not coming under anyone's criticism for dishonoring the Word of God.

Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love in spirit, in faith, in purity.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul instructed Timothy to focus on being an example to the believers and not be put off if people thought he was too young to preach. He told Timothy to take responsibility for being faithful and for studying the Word so that he might show that he is approved by God. Being called by God is serious and we must take the calling seriously.

Ephesians 4:11-13 is a reminder again of the work of the ministry.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 reminds us to be on guard and be firm in the faith.