Topical Bible: Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For

Bible > Topical > Missionary Work by Ministers

◄ Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Missionary work is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Ministers engaged in missionary work are tasked with spreading the Gospel, making disciples, and baptizing believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). This divine mandate underscores the importance of missionary endeavors as a core responsibility of Christian ministers.

Divine Calling and Equipping

The call to missionary work is not based on human qualifications but on divine appointment. God Himself qualifies those He calls to serve as missionaries. The Apostle Paul, a preeminent example of a missionary minister, emphasizes that his calling was not from men but through Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1). This divine calling is accompanied by the equipping of the Holy Spirit, who empowers ministers to fulfill their mission (Acts 1:8).

Biblical Examples of Missionary Work

The New Testament provides numerous examples of missionary work carried out by ministers. The Apostle Paul, along with Barnabas, Silas, and others, embarked on missionary journeys to spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire. In Acts 13:2-3 , the Holy Spirit instructs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them, demonstrating that missionary work is initiated and directed by God.

God's Provision and Guidance

God's provision and guidance are evident in the missionary endeavors of His ministers. In Philippians 4:19 , Paul assures the believers that "my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This promise of provision extends to those engaged in missionary work, as God ensures that His servants have what they need to accomplish their tasks.

Furthermore, God's guidance is crucial in missionary work. In Acts 16:6-10 , Paul and his companions are directed by the Holy Spirit, who prevents them from preaching in certain regions and instead leads them to Macedonia. This divine guidance ensures that missionary efforts align with God's sovereign plan.

Challenges and Perseverance

Missionary work often involves significant challenges, including opposition, persecution, and hardship. Ministers engaged in this work are called to persevere, trusting in God's strength and faithfulness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul recounts the Lord's assurance: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This reliance on God's grace enables ministers to endure and overcome obstacles in their missionary endeavors.

The Role of the Church

The local church plays a vital role in supporting missionary work. In Acts 13:1-3 , the church at Antioch is instrumental in commissioning and sending out Paul and Barnabas. Churches are called to pray for, support, and partner with missionaries, recognizing that missionary work is a collective effort of the body of Christ.

Conclusion

Missionary work by ministers is a divinely ordained task, with God Himself qualifying and equipping those He calls. Through His provision, guidance, and the support of the church, ministers are empowered to fulfill the Great Commission, spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 3:11,18
And Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 4:11,12,15
And the LORD said to him, Who has made man's mouth? or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 6:5-9
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the middle of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Problem of Foreign Missions
... or two, or a hundred or two"ministers, missionaries, Christian laymen"at work
upon the ... sides, that the majesty of the missionary work fills and ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the problem of foreign missions.htm

Soul Winning
... But I am not talking to ministers, but to you who ... persuasive words, and the good
Lord's gracious work, they were ... for that one woman became a missionary to her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

The Intimacy of Human Hearts in Christ
... of suffering and of doing as a Missionary of Christ ... even to take part in united
religious work, and to ... together as worshippers, aye, perhaps as ministers of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter ii the intimacy of.htm

The Warrant of Faith
... professors, and especially all professed ministers of Christ ... and take to ploughing,
or some other work. ... asked the meaning, and' the missionary, hardly thinking ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the warrant of faith.htm

Who Can Tell?
... should have parcelled it out into missionary districts; we ... hundreds, it not thousands,
of able ministers; at once ... of an empire, could not even begin the work. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm