Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, grace is understood as the unmerited favor and assistance given by God to individuals for their regeneration and sanctification. This divine grace is not only a gift for personal salvation but is also specially bestowed upon ministers to equip them for their unique calling and responsibilities within the Church. The New Testament provides several insights into how grace is particularly given to those in ministry, empowering them to fulfill their roles effectively.Apostolic Grace and Calling The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the grace given to him for his apostolic mission. In Romans 1:5, Paul writes, "Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." This passage highlights that grace is foundational to the apostolic calling, enabling ministers to spread the Gospel and lead others to faith. Empowerment for Ministry Grace is also seen as a source of strength and empowerment for ministers. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul acknowledges, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Here, grace is depicted as the driving force behind Paul's labor and effectiveness in ministry, underscoring that it is not human effort alone but divine enablement that accomplishes God's work. Grace for Teaching and Leadership Ministers are also recipients of grace for the purpose of teaching and leading the Church. In Ephesians 3:7-8, Paul states, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. Though I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." This passage illustrates that grace equips ministers with the ability to communicate the profound truths of the Gospel effectively. Grace in Suffering and Weakness Ministers often face trials and challenges, and grace is provided to sustain them through such difficulties. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's assurance to him: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" This divine promise reveals that grace is not only for active ministry but also for enduring hardships, allowing ministers to rely on God's strength rather than their own. Grace for Spiritual Gifts The distribution of spiritual gifts is another aspect of grace given to ministers. In Romans 12:6, Paul writes, "We have different gifts according to the grace given to us." This indicates that grace is the source of diverse spiritual gifts, enabling ministers to serve the body of Christ in various capacities, whether through teaching, prophecy, service, or other forms of ministry. Conclusion The concept of grace specially given to ministers is a profound aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing that those called to serve in ministry are uniquely equipped by God’s grace. This divine empowerment ensures that ministers can fulfill their roles with effectiveness, resilience, and faithfulness, ultimately contributing to the edification of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:3,6For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 15:15 1 Corinthians 3:10 Galatians 2:9 Ephesians 3:7 Library Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ... St. Ambrose Returns Again to the Subject of Christ... The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer Of the Primacy of the Romish See. Ready to Every Good Work The Ministry of the New Covenant The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... How and in what Time I came to Solitary Life: and of the Song of ... The Blood of Sprinkling Of Baptism. Resources What is the meaning of “grace upon grace” in John 1:16? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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