Images of a Good Minister of Christ Jesus

Regrettable but true, a significant number of people have a rather pitiful view of the minister and ministry. What makes a good minister of Christ Jesus? In this text we observe four images of a good minister of Christ Jesus.

 Four Images:

1. The Image of a Steward (v. 1-2).

•  The Bible makes clear that we are __________ by grace (Eph. 2:8-10), and we are ___________________ by grace. It is all by grace.
• The minister is given the ___________ of the gospel.
• Our treasure, our trust, comes from the _______ ______________, not man’s opinions or philosophies.

 2. The Image of a Soldier (v. 3-4).

•  Serving Christ is NOT a call to an _________ path.
• A good soldier of Christ Jesus must be ______________ in focus.

 3. The Image of an Athlete (v. 5).

•  Paul is urging Timothy to _________ the rules, those laid down in the Word of God.

 4. The Image of a Farmer (v. 6).

•  “Hard-working” here in verse 6 means, “to labor to the point of ___________________.”
• One of the best investments a church makes is in her ______________________.
• The work of the church was never meant to be the labors of a select few. ____________ _________________ is a laborer.
• Every believer must deploy his/her gifts, skills, experiences, and talents in such as way as to bring ___________ to God and __________________ the body of Christ.