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 often called to leave their familiar surroundings to spread the Gospel to different cultures and regions. This task, while daunting, is one for which God provides strength and support, ensuring that His message reaches the ends of the earth.
Biblical FoundationThe call to missionary work is explicitly stated in
Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This passage underscores the divine mandate for ministers to engage in missionary activities, with the assurance of Christ's presence and support.
God's Strength and ProvisionThroughout Scripture, God promises to equip and strengthen those He calls to His service. In
Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His servants: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise is particularly relevant to ministers undertaking missionary work, as it emphasizes God's commitment to empower them for the challenges they will face.
The Apostle Paul, a quintessential missionary, frequently testified to the strength he received from God. In
Philippians 4:13 , Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse highlights the source of a minister's ability to persevere in missionary endeavors, attributing success and endurance to the empowering presence of Christ.
Examples of Divine Strength in Missionary WorkThe Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of God strengthening His ministers for missionary work. In
Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The subsequent narrative of Acts demonstrates how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to spread the Gospel, often in the face of severe opposition and hardship.
Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in Acts, further illustrate how God strengthens His ministers. Despite facing imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, attributing his resilience to God's strength. In
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul recounts God's assurance: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This acknowledgment of divine strength in human frailty is a cornerstone of missionary work.
The Role of Prayer and Community SupportPrayer is a vital source of strength for ministers engaged in missionary work. In
Ephesians 6:18-20 , Paul urges believers to pray for him, that he may "declare the mystery of the gospel boldly." This request underscores the importance of intercessory prayer in sustaining and empowering missionaries.
Additionally, the support of the Christian community plays a crucial role in strengthening ministers for their mission. In
Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul expresses gratitude for the partnership of the Philippian church in his ministry, highlighting the encouragement and resources provided by fellow believers.
ConclusionMissionary work by ministers is a divinely ordained task that requires strength beyond human capability. Through the promises of Scripture, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and the support of the Christian community, God equips His ministers to fulfill their calling, ensuring that the Gospel is proclaimed to all nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 1:7-9But the LORD said to me, Say not, I am a child: for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatever I command you you shall speak.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
A Great victory
... think that we cannot work as ministers without a ... service Hudson Taylor, the China
Inland missionary, was desirous ... perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a great victory.htm
A Liberal Church
... meet the calls for assistance in missionary enterprises, it ... A solemn responsibility
rests upon ministers to keep before ... others, not only does the work of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm
Victory Found
... till about the fifth year of our missionary work in China ... almost entirely of Christian
workers, ministers, and missionaries ... He seals or marks us as God's."Eph.1 ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/x victory found.htm
Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... of us, the churches of Jesus Christ as ministers or deacons ... it." If you doubt it,
dissolve your Missionary Society, and do not pretend to do a work in which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm
1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush ...
... and labour bestowed on them by the missionary whom God ... here being limited, bat several
ministers, evangelists, and ... is an "anchor of the soul" "The work is great ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter viii 1879-1880 experiences among.htm
Christ Crucified
... you; but when God puts his hand to the work, ah ... God gives his ministers a brush,
and shows them how to ... makes the young man devote himself as a missionary to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ crucified.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... the fatigues and privations incident to a missionary life in ... him, of his friends,
and of the work of God ... for the welcome reception of gospel ministers, and one ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm
Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... The most important missionary work in the early part of the ... In this work there were
formerly others, and now ... see that they who baptize are ministers and are ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm
A Traveler's Note-Book
... Great is the combat, divine is the work; it is for kingship, for freedom, for happiness,
for freedom from perturbation. Remember God, call on him as a helper ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm
Resources
What is the Good News Mission, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the mission of the church? | GotQuestions.orgAre mission boards biblical? | GotQuestions.orgMission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
