Prelude:
I understand that this work needs more refinement
to produce a more precise treatment of defending the dignity of pastoral
ministry and the quality it deserves from its ministers. Time may be
restraining to produce a polished work, but it cannot keep a workman from
becoming "instant in season, out of season". 2Ti 4:2
Biblical truths presented in this paper are
overwhelming indeed. Even the holiest of God's vessels have no words than say
"Woe is me! for I am undone". But thanks be to God, His
enabling grace keeps His ministers measuring up to the expectations of what a workman
should be.
"But
by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me
was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but
the grace of God which was with me. "
1Co 15:10
I made no elaborate presentation in the first
part of the outline of this paper as they are general knowledge to them who are
entering in the ministry.
I am looking forward to give a thorough treatment
of this sensitive matter soon using this same outline as I find this issue worthy
of close examination.
I- Ministerial call is the means of entry to God's ministry.
A- Foreordained by God
1- Jeremiah (Jer_1:5)
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
2- Paul (Gal_1:15-16)
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
B- Confirmed by
1- God's direct call
a- Samuel's : 1Sa_3:4-10
b- Jonah ( Jon_1:1-2)
c- Apostles (Mat_4:18-22; Mar_1:17-20; Mat_9:9; Mar_2:14, Joh_1:43)
d- Paul (Act_26:14-18)
2- Appointment through God's representative/s
a- Aaron and Levites (Exo_28:1; Num_3:5-13, 1Ch_23:13)
b- Elisha (1Ki_19:19)
c- The 70 disciples (Luk_10:1-2)
3- One's burden: Isaiah (Isa_6:8-10)
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