The task of being a Bible teacher has proven to be a solemn and frightening task. This morning I read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 which reads:
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
As I read these words from the Apostle Paul a few thoughts came to mind.
1. As an associate Pastor of an established church, I am building upon the foundation of another. What then should my ministry consist of?
2. What is the consistency of that which I am building upon this foundation? (gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hey, straw)
3. On that great day of testing, what will the fire reveal about my ministry?
4. How should this test impact my watch care of the flock entrusted to me and my diligence in the study of the Word?
This text caused me to sit back in my chair and truly evaluate what I give my students on a daily basis. Am I teaching the mind and the heart or am I simply presenting "interesting information"? What will that day prove about my ministry? What will is say about yours? Is what you do and what you give of eternal value or temporary acknowledgment?
As I read the text again I noticed verse 10: "According to the grace of God given to me"
Thus I had these final thoughts.
1. Am I being self sufficient in my ministry?
2. How can I make sure I am depending on God and not my own power?
3. Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.
I encourage you to evaluate your ministry in light of these sobering words from the Apostle Paul and pray that the Lord would grant you a ministry that will last the test of fire.
We don't want flashy ministry, we want a lasting one! Give your people the TRUTH!