In the first two of our articles, we looked at the preacher as watchful and frail. However, the preacher is also a gifted person.
There are various places in the New Testament that emphasise gifts. However, two worth reflecting on in relation to pastoral ministry are the words that Paul gives to Timothy regarding his gifting. In the context of speaking about the ministry of the word of God, Paul says to Timothy…
In 2 Timothy 1, he urges Timothy on with these words…
Both references also link the gift with public recognition and commissioning as well as urging Timothy to be active in relation to the use of the gift. He is not to neglect it and he is to fan it into flame.
If we have been commissioned for the ministry of the word by a congregation or a larger body of Christian leaders, then it is to be hoped that this is because (1) God’s people have recognised a gift in you and (2) that this gift is linked to the ministry of the word rather than something else. In the denomination that I am part of the ordination service certainly recognises this when it asks if I accept canonical Scripture, will take my part in reading it and teaching from it, and will be diligent in prayer and in the study of those scriptures. Recognition of gifting and approval to go ahead was then tangibly demonstrated as I was handed a copy of the scriptures and urged to preach and teach from them.
Comparing Ourselves With Others
Comparing Ourselves With Others
One of the problems with our contemporary situation is that instead of seeing such gifting as being inextricably connected with the local situation in which we minister, we engage in what Paul cautions against. We look outside that situation and compare ourselves and our gifts with others either nearby or distant. In a digital world, such comparisons include incredibly able preachers whose gifting we are tempted to covet or whose abilities as preachers we are tempted to compare with our own. This might even be exacerbated by a feeling that our congregations are engaging in the same comparisons. In addition we may then attend conferences where we hear those whose level of giftedness seems so much greater than ours.
Such comparisons should be eschewed. The gift we have is the gift of God recognised by a local congregation or a larger grouping. We need to listen to Paul’s advice and example and acknowledge that it is by God’s grace we are what we are and that his grace will not prove vain in us (1 Corinthians 15:10). Rather we will work hard in the field God has called us to work, relying on his grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). We will avoid classifying or comparing ourselves unduly with others and will not boast beyond limits assigned to us by God (2 Corinthians 12:12–18). Rather, we will not neglect the gift given to us but rather thank God for it and fan it into flame (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).
A Prayer for the Gifted Preacher
A Prayer for the Gifted Preacher
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have given me for the building up of your church.
Please deliver me from covetousness of the gifts of others and fill me with your Spirit so that I might boldly proclaim the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
May I not despise or neglect the gift given to me but rather, work to fan it into flame so that your people might grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus and be drawn into the service of him. I pray this for the glory of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
See here for Part 1 and Part 2.
image: ©thodonal/Adobe Stock
