Topical Bible: Missionary Work by Ministers: Worldly Concerns should not Delay

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Missionary work is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Ministers are called to prioritize the spread of the Gospel above all worldly concerns, trusting in God's provision and guidance as they fulfill their divine mandate.

Biblical Foundation

The call to missionary work is clearly articulated 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 command underscores the urgency and importance of spreading the Gospel, a task that should not be hindered by temporal concerns.

Worldly Concerns and Divine Priority

Scripture consistently emphasizes the need for ministers to prioritize their spiritual mission over worldly matters. In Luke 9:59-62 , Jesus addresses the cost of discipleship: "Then He said to another man, 'Follow Me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Still another said, 'I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.' Then Jesus declared, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" This passage illustrates the necessity of placing the call to ministry above familial and societal obligations.

Trust in God's Provision

Ministers engaged in missionary work are encouraged to trust in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:31-33 : "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This assurance allows ministers to focus on their mission without being encumbered by material concerns.

Examples from the Early Church

The early church provides numerous examples of ministers who prioritized missionary work over worldly concerns. The Apostle Paul, in particular, exemplifies this commitment. In Acts 20:24 , Paul declares, "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Paul's dedication to his missionary calling, despite hardships and personal sacrifices, serves as a model for ministers today.

Encouragement for Modern Ministers

Modern ministers are encouraged to emulate the dedication of the early apostles, recognizing that worldly concerns should not delay their missionary efforts. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts believers to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." By focusing on their divine mission and trusting in God's provision, ministers can effectively carry out their calling to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 9:59-62
And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... The first purely English Missionary Society, which sent forth ... to train missionaries
for the work at Bristol ... the conclusion of the Baptist ministers of London ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

Hindrances to Revivals.
... own church, do not even read the Missionary Herald, or ... every one of these churches
and ministers that have ... have been engaged in promoting the work must also ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... honored and beloved in their life as ministers of Christ ... Here, then, is a missionary
bishop worthy of the name ... imitation of all who engage in this sacred work. ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... our conference, our superintendents, our ministers, and members ... by which he has
performed the mighty work! ... a great parade about missionary establishments, and ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... What was it that made those ministers so sure ... out on his tour that morning, the
missionary had fifty ... weariness, all the anxieties and perplexities of the work. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... shows his contempt of the worldly man's darling ... others' industry in their Master's
work, their slothfulness ... that those that are learned should not despise those ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm