YOUR LABOUR SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN
John 4:36 "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."
Every born again christian is called into missionary work: they are expected to use their skills, talents, experiences and valuables as instruments for winning of souls into God's kingdom. There are no exemptions to this divine call.The scriptures says in 1cor 7:17 "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. ..."
Start from wherever you are ,you mustn't wait until you've been to a bible school, though they are important in sharpening ones skills. Paul started preaching immediately after his conversion experience (Acts9:20) remember, it is God working through you, Philippians 2:13 AMP says "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." and 1Cor 7:24says "Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." what this means is that the repentant drug dealer should reach out to drug dealers in the neighborhood where he or she once operated, same with the sex worker, politicians, militant, kidnapper, rapist, mechanic, shoe maker, fashion designer, makeup specialist, taxi driver, sales person, businessman etc. The scriptures makes more sense coming from persons you can relate with.
Soul winning is like fishing, a fresh water fisherman may drown with his little canoe while trying to engage in deep-sea fishing. In acts 10, Jesus sent Cornelius to Peter because of the latter's experience with the military during Jesus last days of ministry . Apostle Paul after his conversion was sent to Ananias a teacher of the word who was in Syria, where Paul was raised.We do not select our teachers, God does .Jer.3:15 "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Knowledge and understanding are indispensable in eliminating instability and fear. The presence of spiritual instability and fear is proof that we haven't found the pastor assigned to us.
Our job's and businesses are God’s property and He has no interest in preserving any job or business that isn't connected to missionary work. John 4:36 says missionaries receive rewards from the lord for their work : this manifests in the form of promotions, bonuses, security, health ,gifts,relationships etc.
To avoid over-dependence on the flock and integrity pastors and teachers of God’s word are expected to have gainful employment and do business. The apostle Paul was a tent maker the scriptures says in Acts 18: 3 "And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tent-makers." and despite his involvement with Jesus ,Peter who was a fisherman and at one time used this business skill to cater for ministry need : Matthew 17:27 "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." The Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:34-35 "Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
The anointing of the Holy Ghost works perfectly regardless of one's vocation. The preacher who works or does business is not inferior to the one who works full-time as a missionary and vice versa . The preacher who sells messages and other items and runs a school were school fees are paid is not different from the person who has a government registered school with fees being paid. Business is all about exchange of goods and services for a fee. If a ministry isn't generating sufficient funds to meet its need then the ministers should work to maintain integrity.
Pastors and teachers are compensated for the energy and time they devote towards their assignment.1Tim.5: 17 -18"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." The shepherd that feeds the flock also eats from the milk of the flock (1Cor.9:6-9) and those who minister holy things feed from the things of the temple. (1cor.9:13) .Missionaries who have devoted their life time in the harvest of souls into God's kingdom deserve wages because of the demands of missionary work (John4:35,Matt.9:37,38,) The lord has ordained that preachers of the gospel should be sustained by those they minister to (1cor.9:13,14,Gal.6:6) even if they have jobs or businesses because of the increasing demands of missionary work (1cor.9:6-7) . When the demands for a ministry increases, a person may have to devote their entire life to meet the needs but before then, it is wise to keep a job and or a business . In all this we are seen as partners in the harvest of souls and rewarded by the lord ; your labour shall not be in vain as the scriptures says in Hebrew 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
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