The gospel minister's tools

As a fellow-labourer with God, we would expect - and we do indeed find - a full and precise correspondence between Paul's activity and God's stated purposes.

In these verses, Paul identifies the gospel minister's tools, task, and toil. His tools he uses constantly, comprehensively and specifically.

The first tool is proclamation, the authoritative declaration of Jesus Christ, his glorious person and saving work.

This mighty river contains two currents, two subsidiary tools: admonition and instruction. The first is putting something in the mind of men, getting something laid to their hearts, driving into the will and affections, to awaken and arouse, stimulating reflection and promoting action.

The second works on the understanding, definite truth and clear direction being imparted to the inquiring mind, guiding sinners to Christ and directing the child of God in faith and life to the glory of Christ.