Counsel to Young Ministers
One vital lesson I learnt in life as a growing minister is “NEVER MAKE A TRUTH THE TRUTH”
It’s pertinent to note that a pastor can’t afford to be a specialist. One who majors only on a biblical concept and is either at sea or ignorant majorly on other subjects.
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
Spiritual growth of members can’t depend on just one great truth you have much insight into. It must be on the knowledge of the entirety of the scriptures.
Paul emphasized this in Ephesus:
[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Acts 20:20 KJV
Nothing that was profitable unto you: This refers to spiritual development.
[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Acts 20:27 KJV
Whole counsel: meaning everything.
I once heard some say he meant the gospel of grace.
That’s exactly what I meant earlier. Once you grasp a truth, everything must sound like it.
Let’s deal a bit with the specifics.
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:21 KJV
Repentance towards God, which is by faith in or towards the Lord Jesus.
He didn’t mention ‘grace’.
[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24 KJV
He mentioned the ‘gospel of the grace of God’.
[25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Acts 20:25 KJV
He mentioned the preaching of the kingdom of God.
[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:32 KJV
He mentioned the ‘word of His grace’.
It’s important to note that in his defense of his gospel, Paul never mentioned ‘grace’.
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts 26:18 KJV
It appeared he mentioned faith primarily here.
One mustn’t get so fixated and enamored with subjects or concepts.
Some also attempt to teach all truth as faith.
Others say it must be forgiveness of sins.
Several other material blessings.
Some holiness and heaven.
The list goes on and on.
For example, no man taught grace like Paul.
Yet Paul taught grace in salvation, ministry, giving, etc.
He taught living right, in honesty and in holiness.
Grace In Salvation
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Salvation.
Grace In Ministry
[10] 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.
1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
Grace In Giving
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:1,6 KJV
Not Just For Forgiveness Of Sins
More so, he taught works as much as he did grace.
He taught prayer in all his epistles.
Let’s see a few
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 12:12 KJV
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:13 KJV
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:18 KJV
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6 KJV
[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Colossians 4:2 KJV
[17] Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
[1] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV
[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Timothy 2:1 KJV
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
2 Timothy 1:3 KJV
It was very vital in his leadership of the churches.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:17-18 KJV
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
[4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
[5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 KJV
Citing a few examples.
The danger of “one truth” ministers is they usually get into error; they will push a truth till it becomes a lie. They aren’t sufficiently grounded in ALL scriptures.
Paul warned about this:
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV
Itching ears in the original language means that which tickles your fancy.
It could be any truth you embrace, and in doing so, ignoring other ones.
Jesus is the center point of all truth.
[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 5:39 KJV
With particular emphasis on his sufferings and glory after. Which we have termed ‘finished work’. Truth is not all things are finished.
He sent us to preach:
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 KJV
It’s on going, and to make disciples too:
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
This is on going.
In this we pray, not we have prayed.
We gather, not we have gathered.
His ascension yet leaves much work to be done.
Paul mentioned this:
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1 Corinthians 15:25 KJV
Till, means it’s ongoing:
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Colossians 3:1-2,5 KJV
Our lifestyle must reflect this too.
Even the writer of Hebrews
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
[13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Hebrews 10:12-13 KJV
Expecting till.
It’s noteworthy Paul emphasized the importance of works and lifestyles that glorify God.
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV
This isn’t finished but ongoing. He teaches rewards for our works:
[13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV
Our works will be tested, not the finished work.
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV
Things done, not already done by Christ.
In his closing remarks:
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
Once again, it brings to light how important our works are.
You will see words like “stand,” “fight,” “flee,” “be careful,” “walk,” etc. in his epistles.
Hence, it’s important we don’t get carried away with ministers ready to sidestep these truths.
It’s vital to note that no single truth taught by Paul went without the foundational realities of our identification with Christ in his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
Yet, the believer has been empowered by it to act and live from these positions, not just admire them whilst nothing changes in his own world.
Read Also: Standing For The Truth Regardless Of How You Feel
Read Also: Pursuing Truth In A Balanced Way By Kenneth E. Hagin
Read Also: A Brief Overview of Luke 6:38
I acknowledge the finished work of Christ, with all its attendant benefits.
I acknowledge the ongoing work of Christ in all, in my duties and obligations to others, my local church in my Labours, in persecutions, in corrections, etc.
I acknowledge the unfinished work of Christ in reaching the lost and disciplining them; this continues till I go to him or he comes and concludes this age via the resurrection of my body like his, called the manifestation of the sons of God.
All these must be given the due gravity of emphasis as it is in the scriptures.
It’s dangerous to specialize and be found wanting in several truths of scripture.
Never make any one truth the whole truth.
Credit: Pastor Onayinka Olusegun
