2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE MINISTRY OF WARNING
MONDAY, MARCH 30
2 Corinthians 13:10
2 Timothy 4:2
“… lest being present
I should use sharpness …”
THE MINISTRY OF WARNING
The ministry of warning is frequently frowned upon today. There is a clamouring of “positive preaching” with little or no preaching on the “sour” doctrines of the Scriptures. Should any preacher denounce sin, he is soon removed from the pulpit!
On the other hand, Paul did not shy away from warning the Corinthian Christians of their sinful ways in the Corinthian epistles. He was direct in rebuking their worldliness and departure from the faithful way. The reason for doing so in his letters was to avoid the need to use stern language in his upcoming visit to Corinth. Nevertheless, if the situation demanded for firm action, Paul would not hesitate to use “sharpness” to address that issue.
Paul’s spirit was in line with the prophets of the Old Testament whom God had sent to rebuke His people. These prophets were spokesmen of God who proclaimed God’s Word authoritatively as it is (“Thus saith the Lord”!). There is no shying away from the ministry of warning.
Similarly, it is the duty of the New Testament pastor to engage in a ministry of warning. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim 4:2). A faithful pastor must denounce sin from the pulpit so that God’s people may steer clear of that which is false and wicked. One who is called to be the undershepherd of God’s flock must do his best to guard His sheep.
The ministry of warning also falls on the shoulder of all in the congregation. Colossians 3:16 teaches us that we are to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in order to teach and admonish one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 also instructs us that we must warn them that are unruly. If we are to be our brother’s keeper, we must warn one another not to depart from the truth. This we do, not to destroy, but to build one another up in the faith. Admonish one another in the right spirit!
THOUGHT: Warn to build others up in the faith, and not to promote self.
PRAYER: Father, grant my church a strong ministry of warning.