The Judgment of Ministers

.... In our previous posting we discussed the judgment of Christian stewards, or market- place ministers, who handled kingdom resources including finances, and how they will be rewarded by the Lord. But of course, the most important type of stewardship is found within the ministry itself, since it effects the lives of other Christians:

.... "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

.... Just as marketplace ministers settled their accounts with the Lord on the Day of His return, other types of ministers must give a special account of themselves on that day (1 Corinthians 3:13). Since all types of human ministry include some form of teaching, they will actually receive a stricter judgment than other Christians (James 3:1). This is because others may act on their counsel, advice or lessons in a way that brings either benefit or harm to them and to the kingdom as a whole, depending on how well the teacher was able to point them to Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11).

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.... Therefore, when He returns, the Lord will review their teachings by fire to test their quality and determine their influence in building His kingdom. In explaining this concept, Paul speaks of his own teaching ministry as a premise, then speaks of the teaching ministries of others in a broader, following sense:

.... "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

(1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

.... For ministers who serve the Lord well, having always pointed others to Him, a crown of righteousness will be awarded on that day:

.... "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

(2 Timothy 4:8)

.... Furthermore, at least some of these ministers will be awarded kingdoms in the Millennial reign. This is similar to (and sometimes greater than) the rewards given to Christian stewards, which we discussed in our previous posting. For those faithful Stewards were given authority over cities; but at least in the case of apostles, an even higher reign is envisioned:

.... "But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

(Luke 22:28-30)

.... Apostles, who helped bring the gospel to a nation originally, seem to reign over those same tribes or nations in the resurrection, at the national level. But what of prophets? What of evangelists, pastors and teachers, as well as every other form of ministry? And what about ordinary Christians who were not a part of the actual clergy?

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.... The Scriptures do not contain enough information for us to know if all Christians will rule in the Millennium in such a way. But it is certain, at least, that all will rule and reign with Christ Himself in the sense of sharing in His exalted status, as kings and a royal priesthood within His kingdom, and upon the earth (Revelation 5:10).

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Daily Bible Reading: Titus 2