Scripture Reading: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11-12

Summary: Ministers, called of God, are to be qualified, capable, and examples of the believers. They are to faithfully preach and warn the people in truth and love under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I. Commission of the Ministry

A. Matthew 28:19-20 Go and teach.
B. Mark 16:15-16 Preach the gospel in all the world.

II. Function of the Ministry

A. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassadors for Christ.
B. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Stewards of the mysteries of God.
C. Philippians 1:7 Defenders of the gospel.

III. Ministerial Responsibility (Old Testament)

A. Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not.
B. Isaiah 62:6-7 Watchmen on the walls.
C. Jeremiah 23:1-5 Faithful Shepherds.
D. Ezekiel 3:17-21 Accountable to give warning.

IV. Duty to Preach the Word

A. Ephesians 3:8-9 Preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.
B. Acts 5:19-20 Speak all the words of this life.
C. Acts 20:26-31 Declare all the counsel of God; Oversee & feed the church, watch, warn.
D. Titus 2:15 Exhort and rebuke with all authority.

V. Manner of Preaching

A. 2 Corinthians 4:5 Preach Jesus, not ourselves.
B. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Not with enticing words of men’s wisdom but with power.
C. 1 Peter 4:11 Speak according to the oracles of God for His glory.
D. Ephesians 4:15 Speak the truth in love.
E. Acts 20:20, 27 Hold nothing back.
F. 1 Thessalonians 2:4-5 Not men-pleasers. (Galatians 1:10-11).
G. Matthew 10:28 Preach without fear of man.
H. 2 Corinthians 3:12 Use plainness of speech.

VI. Other Ministerial Duties

A. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Warn, comfort, support, be patient.
B. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study, meditate, and prepare (1 Timothy 4:14-16).
C. Matthew 10:7-8 Freely give.

Conclusion

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine….But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. —2 Timothy 4:2-5