All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
The Apostle Paul was a dynamic spiritual mentor. He imparted a legacy in young Timothy which he took to heart and proclaimed the gospel boldly in Ephesus, who spearheaded the Church in Ephesus. Until a reap old age, spreading the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, and it is likely that Timothy, like the apostles, suffered for his faith.
Who is Qualified to Make Full Proof of Ministry?
In lesson two, we ask the question, who is qualified to make full proof of Ministry? Once again, a careful look at 2 Timothy 4:5 which we saw in the preceding chapter, will show that it is actually a continuation of the discourse in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Notice who is the source of scripture God “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”. Notice the four-fold function of scriptures: profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Notice now, the impact of the scriptures, “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
But notice, Paul is not referring to any man. He is not talking about the usher who lays envelopes or the lead singer who delivers the ministry in song, of the intercessor who prays through the night. No! Paul says … “that the MAN OF GOD!” We may also say the term women of God. But I will use the term man of God, which includes a woman of God.
Now, who is qualified to make full proof of Ministry? A man of God. That is the first thing you will note. The person who gets the full proof of Ministry is the Man of God. But the question is: Who is the Man of God?
First, it should be made clear that not every pastor is a Man of God. There are many pastors, but there are few Men and Women of God. There are many preachers, but few Men of God. There are many evangelists, but few Men of God.
In todays’ circus Christianity, everyone is a “man of God.” A middle-aged man has a church with 3000 congregants and he is called “Papa”. A man who has never even conducted a cell group is called a “bishop”. Prodigals are running around in the Body unsubmitted to Godly authority but they are marrying, burying and ordaining God’s people.
Listen very carefully, please. God does not just assist preachers to make full proof of Ministry. He does not just assist pastors, evangelists, and teachers to make full proof of Ministry, Neither does God assist Christian business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to make full proof of their minty. He assists the Man of God.
WHO IS THE MAN OF GOD?
That is the question! Who is the Man of God? This question is important because it constitutes three vital elements, origin, identity, and authority.
For example, when we say, Lazarus of Bethany, or Shan of Laudium, what does that mean? It means Lazarus who originated from Bethany as Shan was originated from Laudium. When we say, Joseph of Arimathea, we mean Joseph who originated from Arimathea.
So who is the man of God? The man of God is the man whose origin, vision and Ministry are God’s. The Man of God is the man whose vision, Ministry and calling originated from God. His origin is God, and his address is God. If you want to locate him, find God. If you want to understand him, read the Bible. If you want to be his friend, be prepared to lose all your friends.
The truth is, there are men today whose visions and Ministries originated in themselves. It is very easy to say, “My Ministry, my members, my church or my work.” Or, “My career, my employees, my business, my success.” And you know it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. You see, if it is not your own, you cannot say, “My own, my church, my work or my success!”
If it is not your own, you will not so term it. And when it becomes your own, God is excused from it.
