Christ: The Example of Ministers

Preached at Portsmouth, at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Job Strong, June 28, 1749.

As is noted above, this is a sermon preached at the ordination of the Rev. Job Strong.

Edwards calls on those who are called/elected and engaged in the ministry (service) of the Lord Jesus Christ, to imitate Him. Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:35

Mt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mr 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Ministers, whether they are the pastor of a church or even a Christian musician, are to imitate the Lord Jesus Christ.

Also, toward the end of the sermon, Edwards talks about providing for the pastors of the Church.

There are many, who have taken this command, as a license to make merchandise of countless congregations.

Without digressing into a sermon on tithing; I point out to you all, that Edwards made no mention of the Levitical tithe.

He certainly didn't commission ministers to life like secular rock stars, or to create large empires that utilize tax-breaks or tax exempt status (501C3) to enrich themselves with the dreaded mammon.

Remember, this message was preached in 1743. Any careful study of Colonial America will easily show that ministers were not wealthy by today's standards.

DO NOT take this sermon as a license to rob widows and orphans.

DAL