I just got married and wow. You don't realize how lame your set of tools is until your wife needs you to assemble furniture and all you have is a Phillips-head and a flashlight. A wise man once said, "You're not a man unless you have a toolbox!"
In a strange way, that makes me think of Paul's words to Timothy:
"Preach the Word..." (1 Tim.4:2)
I think this is so poignant. Timothy was so young and so inexperienced, and I'm sure he was crazy overwhelmed with his ministry responsibility. For goodness sake, he was left in a very secular culture to lead a group of Christians who were being pulled in all kinds of unGodly directions (see 1 Tim. 1:3-7). He was filling the shoes of Paul, who is arguably the most influential Christian in history.
And Paul leaves him with one tool...God's Word.
What strikes me most is Paul's conviction that Scripture has to be the centerpiece of our ministry! For Paul, God's Word was THE primary tool for effective ministry. Just before he tells Timothy to preach the Word, he explains why: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim.3:16-17). Paul's point is that the Word of God works!!!
I think that's why Paul constantly urges Timothy to train himself in the Word. I'd challenge you to go through 1 and 2 Timothy and mark every time Paul tells Timothy to study, teach, or use the Word.
Wow. This is such a huge deal for me. So many times I feel inadequate in ministry. I look at people who have incredible leadership skills, marketing abilities, strategic minds, etc. I want to do God's work effectively, so my first instinct is to grab all the leadership books I can. My instinct is to try every secular method to have more influence or attract more people. That can be helpful and God's wisdom can be found in so many places. But the #1 tool He's given us to accomplish His work is His Word.
I guess when you think about it, God's Word isn't just one tool, but a toolbox full of truths we can use for any ministry situation. Challenging, but so encouraging to know that I have what I need to do God's work.
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This is such a pertinent message that I needed to hear today. Lately I have been struggling with being torn in many different directions in an environment that is contrary to what I am used to. How do you combat that? How do you face off to so many different and varying situations. And, it does, make you feel inadequate in your relationship at times. But this fast is helping me to get a jump-off to what I need to do. Immersing myself in his Word and realizing that everything that you need is right there seems so obvious, but how we are quickly blinded by the easiest and most sensible solutions. It is a challenge, but like the old cliche goes, anything worth doing won't be easy.
ReplyDeleteBut now that I know that I have the proper tools, I must also learn how to effectively and properly use them. To continue with Mike's analogy, doesn't make sense to use a monkey wrench when you need a phillip's head. It just won't work. So I pray that not only God show me when to use the right tools, but also how to use them effectively.
Great perspective on the passage, Mike. I agree that we often underestimate the power of the word of God. And the different methods we use to minister to others that you mention are truly only effective if they're grounded in, consistent with, and supported by the Word.
ReplyDeleteThe passage spoke to me in a different way. I was struck by the directive to "Preach the Word," and the connecting instruction to "correct, rebuke, and encourage...with great patience and careful instruction." The passage seems to underscore the great responsibility that comes with preaching the Word of God. The person who preaches must learn a dynamic skill of both rebuking/correcting AND encouraging at the same time. Not an easy thing to do. The person who preaches must do so in a way that extends patience (similar to the patience God extends to us, I suppose). And the person who preaches must do so with careful instruction -- an ability I can only imagine comes from constant study and disection of the Word. In summary -- it's a ministry that shouldn't be taken lightly.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts, given your experience with preaching. Does this resonate with you?
yeah Jess....wow. that crap is so tough. i really think, in preaching or just sharing the Word casually, that most people lean one way or the other. i think it has to do with our personalities, spiritual gifts, etc. like for me, one of major themes in my walk with God has been authentic devotion to Christ vs. mere religious activity. that was my story and that's what really moves my heart. so i have a tendency to be more rebuking/correcting than encouraging. all you have to do is listen to a sample of my sermons, anq lessons, whatever. i've been trying to challenege myself to develop my encouragement repertoire lol.
ReplyDeletepatience - that crap is tough too. i think a lot of times we want to beat people into submission. especially in anq when others aren't we were are spiritually or have habits/make choices that don't honor God. i think we need to cut people some slack and allow time for God to renew and transform them.
careful instruction - very crucial. and unfortunately i think a lot preachers/teachers don't take this seriously enough (there's my rebuking/correcting). i know i didn't in undergrad. careful brings to mind an image of a surgeon who's every cut is intentional and gentle. that crap really requires preparation ahead of time.
JESSICA & MIKE GET OUT OF MY HEAD... Careful INSTRUCTION!!!
ReplyDeleteYou both said everything I could have typed!