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FIDELITY REQUIRED IN MINISTERS
OF all the different orders of mankind, there is not any that is more influential on society than that of ministers. The prophets of old, if truly faithful to their God, were means and instruments of diffusing incalculable blessings through the countries where they lived. The false prophets, on the contrary, hardened the people in their wickedness, and brought down the heaviest judgments on those whom they misled. Ministers of the present day produce similar effects, only on a more contracted scale. The prophets, whether true or false, were listened to as inspired; and, consequently, as bearing an authority far beyond what any minister at this time can assume. But still, as expounders of God’s revealed will, we are listened to with much respect and deference; and we are the means of dispensing much good or evil to our auditors, according as we approve ourselves faithful or unfaithful to the office we sustain, and to the Master whom we profess to serve. This is strongly intimated in the passage before us; in which we have,
I. A solemn injunction to all who bear the office of the ministry—
As ministers, the word of God is put into our hands, and a dispensation is committed to us to preach it; and that office we must execute “faithfully:” we must speak the word,
1. Unreservedly, without concealment—
[We must “declare unto our people the whole counsel of God [Note: Act_20:27.],” and “not keep back from them any thing that can be profitable unto them [Note: Act_20:20.].” We are at liberty indeed to consider what is suited to the state of our hearers, and what they are capable of receiving [Note: Mar_4:33.]. Our object must be, to benefit their souls [Note: Pro_11:30.]: and, consequently, we do well to adapt our instructions to their capacities, administering “milk to babes, and meat to those who are of full age [Note: 1Co_3:1-2. Heb_5:11-14.].” But in this discrimination we must not be regulated by carnal policy; but must act as before God, “not handling the word of God deceitfully, but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God [Note: 2Co_4:2.].” Our motto must be that of the Apostle Paul: “We are not as many who corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ [Note: 2Co_2:17.].”]
2. Impartially, without respect of persons—
[All idea of pleasing men must be utterly abandoned: for if we please men, or seek to do so, we cannot be the servants of Jesus Christ [Note: Gal_1:10.]. St. Peter erred in this respect, when, for the sake of gratifying the Jewish converts, he inculcated, even on the Gentiles, the observance of the Jewish ritual [Note: Gal_2:11-14.]. The fidelity of Paul is that which we ought to follow. He says, “Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the Apostles of Christ [Note: 1Th_2:3-6.].” Whether we address rich or poor, we must “use great plainness of speech; not as Moses, putting a veil upon our face [Note: 2Co_3:12-13.];” but, as with unveiled face, exhibiting before our people the great mystery of godliness, if by any means “the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, may shine unto them [Note: 2Co_4:5-6.]”]
3. Boldly, without fear—
[The prophets of old were enjoined “not to fear the face of man, even though briers and thorns should be with them, and they should dwell among scorpions:” and to speak boldly all that God had commanded, lest he should, in just indignation for their cowardice, confound them before their people [Note: Jer_1:8; Jer_1:17 and Eze_2:6-7.]. We must expect to meet with opposition: for who, amongst the Prophets or Apostles, ever escaped it? Even our blessed Lord himself, with all his wisdom and grace, was an object of hatred to an ungodly world: and we must expect, that “they who hate the light” will hate us who set it before them [Note: Joh_3:19-20.]. But, however we be menaced, our answer to every opponent must be, “Whether it be right to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye; for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard [Note: Act_4:19-20.].” And, if we be called to seal the truth with our blood, we must regard it rather as an honour than a shame [Note: Act_5:41.], and rather as a ground of congratulation than a subject of condolence [Note: Php_2:17-18.].]
This injunction is further enforced by,
II. An unanswerable appeal to the whole world—
Here is an appeal,
1. To our judgment—
[Every one knows what a light and worthless thing “chaff is, in comparison of wheat.” And is not the application of this image to the subject before us both clear and obvious? Of what use were the assertions of the false prophets? They only deceived the people to their ruin. Look, on the other hand, at the labours of Moses, of David, of Elijah, of Paul: who can estimate the value of their services? So it is, in a measure, with every minister of Christ, who truly and faithfully discharges the high office committed to him. He feeds many, he nourishes many, comforts many, yea, and “saves many souls from death [Note: 1Ti_4:16 and Jam_5:20.].” God declares, that this effect should have followed the ministrations of former prophets, if they had been truly upright: “If they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings [Note: ver. 22.].” And though there doubtless is a great difference between the labours of different men in point of real efficiency, even whilst substantially they preach the same truths, yet the labours of those who bring forth a mixed and mutilated Gospel are not to be compared with those of a faithful servant of Christ, who “preaches the truth in love,” and exemplifies it in his life and conversation.]
2. To our experience—
[God’s word, if faithfully declared, is “quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword [Note: Heb_4:12.].” Let any one, that has ever noticed its effects, say, whether it is not “like fire,” which dissolves the hardest metal; and “like a hammer, which breaks in pieces” even adamant itself. Go to the populous city of Nineveh, and see all orders of men, from the greatest to the least, dissolved in tears at the preaching of one single prophet [Note: Jon_3:4-10.]: or look back to the day of Pentecost, when, by the preaching of Peter, three thousand persons, with their hands yet reeking with the Saviour’s blood, were converted to the Lord. Are not these instances sufficient to shew what wonders the word of God is able to effect? Verily, “it is mighty, through God, to the pulling down of the strong-holds of sin and Satan, and to the bringing of even the very thoughts of men into captivity to the obedience of Christ [Note: 2Co_10:4-5.].”
Say, then, whether these be not cogent arguments for fidelity in the exercise of the ministerial functions? The exhibition of false doctrines saves no man, benefits no man: but a simple preaching of “Christ crucified is the power of God unto salvation” to millions of the human race [Note: 1Co_1:23-24. Rom_1:16.]. To this, many of you, I trust, can bear testimony; yea, and I hope are living witnesses of its truth; in that “ye have turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, even Jesus, who hath delivered us from the wrath to come [Note: 1Th_1:5; 1Th_1:9-10.].”]
And now,
1. Let me discharge, as I am able, my duty to you—
[“To me is committed the word of God for you; and woe is unto me, if I preach it not with all fidelity [Note: 1Co_9:16-17.]!” If so much as one of you should perish through a want of faithfulness on my part, his blood would be required at my hands [Note: Eze_33:6-8.]. You must not expect me, therefore, to “prophesy unto you smooth things,” or to “speak peace to you when there is no peace.” No: I must, at the peril of my soul, “speak God’s word unto you faithfully.” Now, there are three things which I do, and must, require at your hands. The first of these is, repentance — — — And I must declare unto you, that “except ye repent,” truly, deeply, and from your inmost souls repent, “ye shall all, all without exception, perish.” The next thing which I must call for, is faith, even faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour of the world — — — And I must warn you, that without this there is no hope: for “there is no other foundation on which any man can build,” “nor any other name given under heaven whereby any man can be saved.” In addition to this, I must also require obedience, even a spiritual, cheerful, unreserved obedience to every command of God — — — And in the name of Almighty God I declare, that “without works all your faith is dead,” and, that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”]
2. Let me call on you to make a due improvement of my testimony—
[True it is, that even “though Paul should plant and Apollos water,” they would, if left to themselves, labour only in vain. “It is God alone that can give the increase” to the seed that is sown. But this will be no excuse for you, who make the word of no avail. If you would pray unto God, he would hear you: if you would seek his blessing, he would give it you: if you would desire him to clothe his word with power, he would accompany it with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Remember, I pray you, that the word delivered, if it be not “a savour of life unto life, will become unto you a savour of death unto death.” True it is, that the “fire” burns but dimly, and the “hammer” is but feebly applied: still, if God would by his Spirit kindle the flame, it should be sufficient to burn even to your inmost souls: and if he would reveal his mighty arm, no rock in the universe should be able to withstand its force. “He has put his treasure in earthen vessels, on purpose that the excellency of the power may appear to be of Him:” and he delights to “perfect his own strength in his people’s weakness.” It is this that encourages me to speak; and it may well also encourage you to hear. Look to Him, then, to use his wonder-working rod, as in the days of old; and to accomplish by it the redemption and salvation of your souls.]