Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 11 March 2025 10:01

The Judgment of the Minister
by Joey Carroll

I trust every minister in the Christian Church understands the importance of his role as a shepherd of the Lord’s people. I know of no higher, more important position on earth. The reason for that importance is only because of the greatness of three things: the God who owns the Church, the Son who died for it, and the Spirit who works within it. The significance of the minister’s position is certainly not based on any greatness of the pastor who shepherds it, nor the people who make it up. They are both unworthy sinners who deserve the judgment of God and are saved solely based on the mercy of God. However, a few men are given the grace to be equipped and placed by God as the servants of the church. Their primary function has always been the teaching and preaching of the Word of God.

In light of this, it is imperative that ministers know how to obediently do the work that God has called them to do. In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Paul gives the analogy of a building to describe how the church should be built. Every building begins with a proper foundation. Without one, no building will stand. The Church’s foundation was so important to the Father, He chose to build it Himself. Every church that is truly a church has as its foundation our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). The person and the work of the Son of God is the foundation for every true church. And the minister of the church is called to build upon that foundation. How does he do that rightly? In accordance with its foundation (3:10-11). The minister is called to preach and teach the Word of God in the name of the Son and for the glory of the Son. He is also called to model the character of the Son before His congregation as a living example of Christ.

What happens to the pastor if he deviates from God’s plan? What if the way that he ministers does not match the precious foundation that God has laid? Paul concludes the illustration with a warning (see 3:12-15). But first, let’s understand how that warning is a very commonly misunderstood text in the Bible. Some wrongly use the verses to comfort professing Christians who are in a lifestyle of sin. The “professing believers” are those who have never bore the fruit of Christ in their lives, yet want the benefit of eternal life. However, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 offers no such comfort. Instead, these verses speak of the judgment of the labors of a minister, not those “professing believers.” Will the type of work that the pastor has done in the church be of a lasting and eternal value? Will it survive the test of the fire and remain like gold, silver, and precious stones would? Or will it be worthless, and not survive the judgment like wood, hay, or straw?

It is a sober reality, but the concept should be easily understood. My kids are grown and out of the house now, but when they were small, my wife and I would at times leave them in the care of someone else. My expectations were not that the caretakers would do however they saw fit with my children. But rather, that they do exactly how I wanted my children cared for. They are my children after all, so they should be cared for as my wife and I desired.
The Church is comprised solely of the children of God – those who have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. And the care of God’s children is entrusted to the ministers of the church. How does God want his children cared for while they live this life? God tells us precisely in His Word. And if a pastor teaches and preaches the Word of God faithfully, holding only to the truths found in the Bible, his work will survive, and he will receive his reward (3:14). But if he is foolish, he teaches and preaches what he thinks, how he feels, or what culture is presently saying. Thus, his work will be found worthless, and he will suffer great loss (3:15).