Topical Bible: Patience: Ministers Approved By

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Patience is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith, often seen as a hallmark of spiritual maturity and a necessary quality for those in ministry. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of patience, particularly for those who are called to serve as ministers of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the necessity of patience for those in ministry. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-6 , Paul writes, "Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships, and calamities; in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love." Here, patience is listed among the virtues that commend a minister as a true servant of God, highlighting its importance in enduring the trials and challenges of ministry.

In 2 Timothy 2:24 , Paul instructs Timothy, a young pastor, saying, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient when wronged." This passage underscores the necessity of patience in dealing with opposition and in teaching others, suggesting that patience is integral to effective ministry and leadership.

Examples of Patience in Ministry

The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of patience in ministry. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates patience in His interactions with His disciples, the crowds, and even His adversaries. His willingness to teach, correct, and forgive repeatedly illustrates the depth of His patience. In Matthew 17:17 , Jesus expresses frustration with the lack of faith around Him, yet He continues to minister and perform miracles, demonstrating patience despite human shortcomings.

The prophets of the Old Testament also exemplify patience. James 5:10-11 states, "Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." The prophets, including Job, endured suffering and opposition while remaining faithful to their divine calling, serving as models of patience for ministers.

The Role of Patience in Ministry

Patience is essential for ministers as they navigate the complexities of pastoral care, teaching, and leadership. It enables them to bear with the weaknesses and failings of others, to persevere through trials, and to wait on God's timing. Patience fosters an environment of grace and understanding, allowing ministers to build trust and credibility with those they serve.

Moreover, patience is closely linked with other fruits of the Spirit, such as love, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It is through the cultivation of these virtues that ministers can effectively reflect Christ's character and fulfill their calling.

In summary, patience is a critical attribute for ministers, as it equips them to endure challenges, extend grace, and lead with integrity. The biblical exhortations and examples provide a framework for understanding the significance of patience in the life and work of those who are called to serve in ministry.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan.
... self-sacrifice among themselves and of forgiving patience toward enemies. ... should
be "plentiful provision of godly ministers." Three approved clergymen of ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter viii the planting of.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... He has well added "in patience," for this quality more ... means the devil, and every
one who ministers to him. ... common word, but that which is approved, and cannot ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

Paul's Last Letter
... "Study to show thyself approved unto God ... There is need of showing Christlike patience
and love for ... Ministers of the gospel sometimes do great harm by allowing ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
... in the breach and to dare with patience and self ... His answers were approved of in
Halle as creditable even ... Hereupon the ministers, with a few of the congregation ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/henry melchior muhlenberg.htm

Sanctification.
... but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers*of God, in much patience,
in afflictions ... no offence in anything, but in all things approved himself as ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxviii sanctification.htm

Dedication
... but by our silence, or their patience: and silent we ... unquestionable duty of the
generality of ministers of these ... of the servants of Christ, and approved by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

Knox in England: the Black Rubric: Exile: 1549-1554
... These being granted, "with patience will I bear that ... In fact, however, the Court
highly approved of his ... the boy king, he denounced his ministers in trenchant ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iv knox in england .htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... reproaches were borne with as much patience as possible ... can be admitted into full
membership as itinerant ministers. ... to be able to pass an approved examination. ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

Psalm VII.
... that is, He doth not collect His ministers for vengeance ... For now the patience of
God inviteth to repentance ... also heresies, that they which are approved," he says ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm vii.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... They did so: He approved of the design, and directed them how ... and he does this chiefly
by the Ministers of the ... 5. To courage patience is nearly allied; the one ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm