October, 1937
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
388
Sometimes we forget the fact that the Christian minister speaks, or should speak, with authority and that he has a right to be heard and obeyed as he utters his “Thus saith the Lord.” Perhaps one of the rea sons for the weakened authority of the minister is that he has, in too many cases, allowed himself to “command and teach” ideas of his own rather than the truths of Scripture. II. His P rogram (1 T im . 4:12-16). The youthfulness of the Christian min ister need not constitute a hindrance to his work if he steadily sets himself to be an example of godly living (v. 12). Min isters are no different from other men in their natural inclinations and predelictions, but, because they have been made minis ters, they have responsibility which does not belong to other men. No one can as sume the office of the Christian minister without also assuming the responsibility. T o fulfill the requirement of the office of a minister, a certain set program must be followed (vs. 13-16). There must be diligence in study, exhortation, and teach ing, with constant remembrance of how the gift was bestowed. The minister must be mindful that he has not chosen himself for his position,, but that he has been cho sen by the Lord through the Holy Spirit, which choice is recognized by the presby tery (vs. 13, 14; cf. John 15:16). Moreover, the minister must meditate, or be diligent, in these things. He must have no other interest of greater importance to himself. As he steadily follows this course, his progress will be manifest to all (v. 15). The word used here for -“meditate” sug gests thinking upon in order to act; con sidering, with a view to doing, all that is needful. The word comes from the same root as the word “careth” in 1 Peter 5 :7. The minister is to take heed to himself, first of all, and then to his teaching (v. 16). His own life and spiritual growth are to be assured before he strives to bring life and growth to others. When he follows this course he will save both himself and those that hear him, that is, “ save” them and himself from being led astray in evil conduct and false doctrine. III. His P ower (2 T im . 2:1-4) The power of the Christian minister is found in “the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). Grace was seen in every sphere of Christ’s earthly life. As a man, He yielded Himself entirely to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He moved with compassion and tender firmness in the midst of irritat ing and contentious crowds, and He spoke with understanding in every place. This strength of Christ the Christian minister is to assume by faith because his work de mands it. And he is to pass on the truth he receives to faithful men who will be able to teach others the same truths (v. 2). For this reason the establishment and sup port of institutions where the truth is taught to young lives should be the subject of consideration and prayer by those who would propagate the Christian doctrines. Power is needed in the face of the de mands which are made upon the Christian
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Phil had never corrected any mistakes. He reminds me of people who could forgive others if they would, but they refuse to do so. And they never acknowledge their own mistakes or try to correct them. Paul is short and the eraser is badly worn. He has given his life in service to his master, and has been willing to forgive the mistakes of others. He reminds me of a verse found in Colossians 3:13: “ For bearing one another, and forgiving one an other, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” We should all try to be like Paul Pencil and give our lives in service to the Master, forgiving others as Christ has for given us.
ends, one in a small flask-shaped bottle, one sharp with an unused eraser, and one with a sharp point and a worn eraser.) Lesson: Did you know that pencils are like people? I brought four brothers with me this morning, and as I show them to you, I want you to tell me, if you can, which one is like a real Christian. Look at this first one. His name is Pete. He has an eraser, but the point is very blunt. I don’t think he is a strong Chris tian, for people who are blunt, that is, thoughtless about what they say, hurt others instead of helping them. Pat has black tape wrapped around him. Black reminds us of sin. When you see a person bound with sin, you may be sure that he is not serving Christ. Pal Pencil has his head in a bottle. It is the same shape as a whiskey bottle. The person who drinks whiskey cannot be (pleasing to God. Here is Phil, and he looks pretty good. He is sharp and has an eraser which has never been used. Do you know what an. eraser is for? “T o correct mistakes.” Yes, you are right, and it looks as though
NOVEMBER 14, 1937 THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER 1 T imothy , C hapter 4; 2 T imothy 2:1-4
self to be a “good” minister of Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul is calling spe cial attention to what he had written im mediately preceding the words of our les son. There was danger from apostasy, spiritism, and asceticism (cf. vs. 1-5). As to the Christian minister himself, he is to “ exercise” himself unto godliness (vs. 7-10). This demand requires regular at tention, just as does the call to physical exercise, and it must lead to a daily habit of life. In its use here, the word “ exercise” is related to the games in which self-denial and perseverance are needful to the one who would excel. Our word “gymnast” comes from the same root. While physical exercise is needful and must be maintained if one is to be kept in health, it profiteth little in comparison to the exercise which is unto godliness. The apostle elsewhere says that they who compete in games “ do it to obtain a corruptible crown.” But the exer cise unto godliness is to obtain for the contestant “ an incorruptible” crown (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27). The Christian minister is to both com mand and teach these things (v. 11).
1 Tim. 4:6-16; 2 Tim.
Lesson Text:
2:1-4. Golden Text: “ Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1 Tim. 4:14). Outline and Exposition I. His P urpose (1 Tim. 4:6-11) T HE Christian minister is to “put the brethren in mind” concerning that which is written in the Word (v. 6, R. V .). By doing so, he would prove him-
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