Why I Minister As I Do

I. This sermon will take on a personal aspect. A. I want to set forth the biblical basis for N.T. ministry. B. I want to set forth what drives me in this work and what my goals are. C. I want to set forth some personal reasons for ministering as I do. D. A challenge that I have faced in pondering this topic is a matter of self-examination: am I seeking to explain myself or justify myself?

II. I am totally persuaded that I have the preserved word of God at hand and that it is the ultimate authority ...

V. Here is a random list of other motivations and explanations for my manner of ministry.

A. A Pauline minister should be a studier. 2TI 2:15. 1. More than any other writing, I study Scripture for perfection (2TI 3:15-16): if I had no other study book but the Bible, I would have enough and plenty for the work. 2. There are plenty of books to weary my flesh (ECC 12:12), and not all of them are profitable for me or for you. 3. I may flavor my teaching with extra-scriptural knowledge as Paul did (ACT...