The gospel minister's tools are brought to bear purposefully, not mindlessly nor in a vacuum. Paul's language makes plain that there is a definite purpose in hand. There is, furthermore, a definite state in mind: Paul sets out to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. This corresponds to God's plan (see Col 1.22): Paul wants every man to arrive at a state of spiritual maturity, wholeness of faith and practice, to be fully grown. Too often we excuse ourselves from real progress by reasoning that we are “just ordinary Christians.” But Christ is in us, the hope of glory, and it is union with him, deriving life and power from him, in fellowship with him, toward likeness to him, that the Christian makes progress under the care of gospel ministers. This brings all progress within the legitimate scope of every saint. Then, there is a definite occasion in view. He wants to present these saints in this condition, language which has in view the last great day. Paul's mission is grounded in eschatological expectation, and is therefore carried out with an eschatological edge. He cannot be content with The Sluggard's Stagnation – it must be The Pilgrim's Progress. His great concern is to hand over the sheep committed to his care into the hands of the Great Shepherd in good spiritual health. This is the day gospel ministers live for, and it is the day they must be prepared to die for.
We must be aware of and pray for the work of gospel ministry; the saints must themselves engage in the pursuit of the same ends; and, every unconverted man must heed the warning to reckon with the eternal realities that govern a gospel minister's work.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
