Young Adults' Group

A Good Minister Of Jesus Christ

by Pastor Mark
January 14, 2016

The challenge to be a servant of the Lord

This week, the Pastoral Team and a group of brethren from Bethany attended the IPC India Family Camp. The theme of the camp was “A Servant of the Lord.” The choice of the theme was in line with Intern-Pastor Titus’ ordination which was held on Wednesday night. This was the highlight of the Family Camp as we witnessed another servant of the Lord raised to become an ordained pastor.

The theme was also meant for everyone to understand more deeply as to what it means to be a true servant of the Lord. Many have wrong and unbiblical understanding of the kind of servant they ought to be. The challenge is to all to be a good minister of Jesus Christ.

The example of a good minister of Jesus Christ

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ.” (1 Tim 4:6) Who did Paul have in mind when he wrote this? Pastor Charles taught that it was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself that Paul had in mind.

Paul was a good minister of Jesus Christ. He saw himself as a pattern to the believers. (1 Tim 1:16) Yet who he was as a minister was dependent on how he sought to imitate Christ. Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1) It is Christ who set Himself as a good minister for Paul and all of us to follow. He is the greatest example of a true servant of God.

Jesus as a good minister

How was Jesus Christ a good minister? The prophet Isaiah gave us a description of the kind of servant that Jesus is.

1. He will be the Lord’s humble Servant…”Behold! My Servant whom I uphold” (Isa 42:1)
2. He will be a Spirit filled Servant… “I have put My Spirit upon Him” (Isa 42:1)
3. He will be a gentle Servant…”He will not cry out or raise His voice.” (Isa 42:2)
4. He will be a gracious Servant…”A bruised reed He will not break” (Isa 42:3)
5. He will be a just Servant…” He will bring forth justice for truth” (Isa 42:3)
6. He will be a persevering Servant… “He will not fail nor be discouraged.” (Isa 42:4)

If we want to be a good minister, look at Jesus as our example. There is no greater example for us to follow. He came to bring light to Gentiles. (Isa 42:6) He came to open blind eyes. (Isa 42:7) Let us be challenged to follow the example of the Lord Jesus.

Seeing Christ in us as a good minister

How do we know that we are truly a good minister of Jesus Christ? It is when we are able to see Christ in ourselves. There is no better way to be a good minister of Jesus. We need to have a close and personal relationship with God. We want to relate to the Lord Jesus and to focus our life and ministry on Him. When we are able to follow His example as a Servant of the Lord, we will become a good minister of the Lord Jesus.

Timothy was deeply challenged to carefully follow all that Paul had exemplified and taught. If he did, he would be a good servant too. Let us all be challenged to be good servants. Let us not allow ourselves to become bad servants. Let us all be challenged to imitate Christ and develop ourselves to become good ministers of Jesus Christ.

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