Patience in the Ministers of God

Scripture

⁴ But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, ⁵ In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; — 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 KJV

Observation

The “all things” or “in every way” what Paul has enumerated in these verses (2 Corinthians 6:4-10) contains three nine-fold descriptions of the true ministers of God. First are listed nine “negatives” experiences (verses 4-5) which Christians must commend themselves and be willing to endure with patience. Second are nine “positives” (verses 6-7) attributes which Christians must practice, display to the others and teach them. Finally, there are nine “paradoxes” (verses 8-10) which characterize such Christians – ministers of God, showing at the same time the joy of life in Christ and the hardship living as a servant of God in this world. _{Ref. The Henry Morris Study Bible; ESV Study bible}

The first nine, which is today’s Scripture, is the least desirable and very untrendy for many Christians nowadays. Unfortunately, many believers “accept” Christ for their own comfort and profit. And, instead of endure and “commend ourselves in every way” as a ministers of God, they chose to be slaves to this world and its dogmas.

Paul here gives his testimony of truthful apostolic ministry. The glory of Gospel shines forth from Christians who “by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger” serve our Lord God. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God enables His people to be the light and the salt of this world. He moves them not just to suffer from the hostility of this world, but to do it with great love, joy and glory of God. This is the true testimony of every follower of Christ. And our greatest example is our Lord Jesus Christ who endured His Father’s will in His obedience “unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Application

This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.

⁵ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

1. Are you a true minister of God?
2. How does your service to our Lord look like?
3. Do you endure “all things” which comes towards you?
4. What is your testimony before the world?
5. Does your testimony glorifies God or just you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are Great and Merciful God. We thank You Lord, that Your Glory illuminates our testimonies to the whole world. We pray that the Holy Spirit will move us to endure the challenges of this world in any ways which will exalt the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that our lives and service will further Your Kingdom.

We pray these things in Jesus Christ name. Amen