81.3 No Reason For Boast: It Is By The Grace Of God

(1 Corinthians 15:9-11)

For I am the least of all the apostles--I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.

81.2 Tasks Of A Preacher

(1 Timothy 4:6-16)

If you give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, as you feed yourself spiritually on the words of faith and of the true teaching which you have followed. But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed. We struggle and work hard, because we have placed our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all and especially of those who believe.

Give them these instructions and these teachings. Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

81.1 A Preacher Is Taken By God From Among Men

(Hebrew 5:1-6)

Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes.  And because he is himself weak, he  must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest-- just as Aaron was.

In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the honor of being a high priest. Instead, God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your father."

He also said in another place, "You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek."

80.4 Prayer In Great Distress

(Psalm 69:1-18)

Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck;
I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground;
I am out in deep water, and the waves are about to drown me.
I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching.
I have strained my eyes, looking for your help.

Those who hate me for no reason are more numerous than the hairs of my head.
My enemies tell lies against me; they are strong and want to kill me;
They made me give back things I did not steal.
My sins, O God, are not hidden from you; you know how foolish I have been.
Don't let me bring shame on those who trust in you, Sovereign Lord Almighty!
Don't let me bring disgrace to those who worship you, O God of Israel!

It is for your sake that I have been insulted and that I am covered with shame.
I am like stranger to my brothers, like a foreigner to my family.

My devotion to your Temple burns in me like a fire; the insults which are hurled at you fall on me.
I dress myself in clothes of mourning, and they laugh at me.
They talk about me in the streets, and drunkards make up songs about me.

But as for me, I will pray to you, Lord; answer me, God, at a time you choose.
Answer me because you keep your promise to save.

Save me from sinking in the mud; keep me safe from my enemies, safe from the deep water.
Don't let the flood come over me; don't let me drown in the depths or sink into the grave.

Answer me, O Lord, in the goodness of your constant love; in your great compassion turn to me!
Don't hide yourself from your servant; I am in great trouble--answer me now!
Come to me and save me; rescue me from my enemies.

80.3 When I Preach His Word, I Can Trust In The Lord

(2 Timothy 1:8-14)

Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.

God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow,and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.