A faithful minister

(Thomas Brooks, "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

1 Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders who rule well be accounted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine."

The word which is here rendered labor, signifies not simply to labor--but to labor with much travail and toil, to labor even to exhaustion, as he does who chops wood, or who fights in a battle.

Oh what an honor is it to a faithful minister, when he has . . .
  found the people dark and blind--and left them enlightened;
  found them dead--and left them alive;
  found them a proud people--and left them humble;
  found them a profane people--and left them holy;
  found them a carnal people--and left them spiritual;
  found them a worldly people--and left them heavenly;
  found them a wavering people--and left them settled and rooted.

Oh, it is an honor to faithful ministers, when their people are like them . . .
  in knowledge,
  in wisdom,
  in love,
  in humility,
  in holiness!

"Watch your life and doctrine closely." 1 Timothy 4:16

A preacher's life, should be a commentary of his doctrine. His practice, should be a counterpart of his sermons. Heavenly doctrines, should always be adorned with a heavenly life!

"Be an example to all believers . . .
  in what you teach,
  in the way you live,
  in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
 

"We preach to people who must live forever . . .
   in Heaven--or Hell;
   with God--or devils;
   in an eternity of joy--or of torment!" Thomas Doolittle