Christ, Apostles, and Prophets are true ministers of God
They were inspired to write down the words that were given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Minister: according to the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Greek reference 1249 – to run on errands; an attendant, generally a waiter, such as one at a table or in other menial duties.
Using this definition and making a comparison to the true ministers spoken about in the Holy Bible, it is apparent that one who has this position is a servant to others. The chief example is Jesus Christ, and then the Apostles and Prophets and other righteous people who lived as examples to follow. These men are the only true ministers who were appointed by God to receive information and instruction for mankind.
Study 08: Christ, Apostles, and Prophets
Deuteronomy 18:15-22
Moses prophesied about a future prophet that will come, and to listen to him. Whom might that prophet be that Moses spoke about?
Acts 3:20-24
People must listen and follow Christ’s teachings to be saved. Christ is talking to the Israelite nation. The prophets are true ministers of God and were inspired to write down the words that were given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 26:13-18
Paul was made a minister to preach to the Gentiles or those who were not of the Israelite lineage. Paul wrote much of the Bible’s New Testament through letters to the first Christian churches. Is a minister a prophet? Is a prophet a minister? What is the difference? Prophets foretell about the future and guide people, ministers teach people.
1 Corinthians 4:1, 15-17
Why do we need to know that Timothy, Paul, and Christ are true ministers? These are the teachers that have been inspired by God and not the worldly claimed ministers. Whomever you listen to, you have to compare their information with the scriptures. Following Paul’s teachings means that you are following God’s teachings.
Acts 8:14-25
The apostles, Peter and John, performed miracles, and another man, Simon, asked to purchase with money that same power. Peter taught Simon that this was an inappropriate idea and asked him to repent and use prayer to overcome his misguided thoughts. The apostles then continued to preach in villages of the Samaritans.
1 John 4:1-2, 14
We have to test those spirits of the men that claim they are ministers. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us through this process. We confess that Jesus is the Son of God and he is our savior. When we use the Holy Spirit to test other teachings then we verify if someone is teaching truth.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
Continue to follow the teachings you learn from the Apostles and Prophets just as Paul taught Timothy. The Holy Scriptures provide wise guidance. Our faith is in Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Paul is showing himself as a good example when he visited the early churches. Paul even explained that he physically labored hard so as not to be a burden to any of the church members. He was not taking money or payment for what he taught.
2 Peter 1:20, 21
Holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit and wrote down teachings for us to follow. The scriptures are true and a primary source for guidance in spirituality and understanding.
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul explained to Timothy to find other faithful people and teach them about Jesus Christ who could then teach others.
Additional References:
- Jude 17
- 2 Peter 3:1,2
- Ephesians 3:1, 4-7
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
- 1 Corinthians 11:1,2
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