aul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.”
(Romans 1:1)
God in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty has designated specific ministers to be responsible for the task of propagating His Word. This sacred trust – the ministry to which these servants are called – was instituted and ordained by God Himself. One such well-known minister is the Apostle Paul, who refers to himself as one “set apart for the gospel of God,” (Rom. 1:1). This setting apart emphasizes the distinctive calling of those God chooses for this task.
To better grasp this concept, we can look at two of its essential aspects:
Ministers are God’s Appointed Officers: Throughout biblical history, individuals have been chosen by God to fulfill specific roles within His Church. These individuals are described by such terms as stewards, heralds, and watchmen and are not simply volunteers or self-appointed leaders. Rather, they are divinely selected for a specific, higher purpose.[1] Further, Romans 12 expounds on their distinct placement within the Church.
Preaching is a Minister’s Primary Task: The Old Testament highlights the multifaceted roles of priests. For example, Levitical priests were responsible for carrying out those rituals and sacrifices God specifically assigned to them. But they were also charged with teaching Israel the ways of Jehovah (Deut. 33, Mal. 2). In the New Testament we find Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples, and later the seventy, primarily to preach the Gospel.
Several of Paul’s writings, particularly Titus 1:3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:4, underscore his own calling from God as one who was entrusted with the Gospel. Paul knew he was privileged to be called by God to this mission, but he also knew it was God’s mandate for him. And for this reason he considered it to be no light matter.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul explains the grave responsibility those who are called to preach the Gospel have to fulfill. They must execute their duties with the utmost diligence, for they bear the “power of God to salvation.” They are also charged with this essential role to help ensure that believers do not remain spiritually immature (Eph. 4:14). For this reason, preaching requires a solemn consecration to the ministry.
The importance of God-appointed ministers preaching His Word cannot be overstated. Their role is to teach, to guide, to nurture, and to shepherd the flock of God – a work that is foundational to the spiritual growth and maturity of the Church. Hence, every act of service they render must be in obedience to God’s command and in alignment with His divine will.
Contemplations:
- The Weight of the Call: When I read Romans 1:1 and see Paul’s description of himself, it reminds me of the heavy responsibility that comes with being “set apart for the gospel.” It’s not just about sharing the good news of the Gospel but also involves bearing the weight of a divine commission. This requires a life wholly dedicated to the God’s service.
- The Legacy of Faithful Servants: Reflecting on the role of priests in the Old Testament, especially their duty to teach Israel, I’m reminded of the legacy left behind by faithful servants throughout the ages. Their dedication ensured that God’s Word was passed from one generation to the next.
- The Power of Preaching: Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9 about the dispensation of the Gospel entrusted to him resonate deeply with me. It reminds me that preaching is transformative. It is through this proclamation of the Word that hearts are changed, and lives are saved.
- Obedience Over Intent: True Christianity is not about good intentions, but rather is measured by our degree of obedience to God’s explicit commands. This reality serves as a reminder that in our acts of worship and service, our primary aim should be to align with God’s will and directives as found in His Word.
A Prayer for Faithful Ministers of the Gospel
O Lord, our sovereign and eternal God, You who have from everlasting decreed all things in righteousness and wisdom, I come before You in awe of Your glorious purposes. You have ordained the preaching of the gospel as the means by which sinners are brought from darkness to light, from death to life. You have appointed Your ministers, chosen from among men, to herald the good news of salvation. It is not by human ambition that they are called, but by Your divine will, set apart for this most sacred labor. I give thanks to You, O God, for those You have entrusted with this high and holy commission.
Father, I confess that we are often forgetful of the weight of this calling. How lightly do men esteem the preaching of the gospel! How often do our own hearts fail to revere the ministers You have set apart! Forgive me, Lord, if I have ever treated Your appointed servants with neglect, if I have failed to uphold them in prayer, or if I have received their labors with indifference. Forgive Your Church where she has failed to give due regard to those You have commissioned to watch over her soul. And for the ministers themselves, Lord, I pray that where weakness has crept in, where distraction has taken root, and where discouragement has dimmed their zeal, You would renew their strength, purify their purpose, and restore their joy in the service of Christ.
I thank You, Lord, for the faithful preachers and shepherds You have given to Your Church. How precious is the work of those who, like Paul, labor as servants of Jesus Christ, separated unto the gospel! I thank You for their steadfastness in doctrine, their diligence in instruction, and their watchfulness over the flock. They are Your appointed messengers, entrusted with the mysteries of the kingdom. Through them, Your Word is proclaimed and souls are nourished. Through them, Your truth is defended and the enemy’s lies are exposed. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring good tidings, who publish peace, who declare salvation through Christ alone!
Holy Spirit, empower those whom You have called to this divine ministry. Strengthen them in their labors that they may preach with boldness, clarity, and conviction. Keep them from weariness, from error, and from the snares of pride or compromise. Let their message be nothing less than the unadulterated gospel of grace—Christ crucified, risen, and reigning! Let them hold fast to the charge given to them, knowing that they do not labor for the approval of men but for the glory of God. Grant them endurance, that they may shepherd the flock with patience, guiding them to maturity in the faith. Let them wield the sword of the Spirit with wisdom, dividing rightly the Word of truth. And let them be upheld in holiness, that their lives may be a testimony of the very gospel they proclaim.
Lord, I pray for Your Church, that we may be eager hearers of the Word, not hearers only, but doers also. Let us honor the ministers You have given, not for their sake alone, but for Yours, knowing they are Your ambassadors. Let us receive the preached Word with readiness of heart, esteeming it as the very power of God unto salvation. May Your truth go forth in purity and strength, breaking the strongholds of sin, awakening the lost, and sanctifying Your people.
And above all, God, may the name of Jesus Christ be exalted in all the earth. Let every pulpit proclaim His sovereign grace. Let every minister make much of Him, for He alone is the hope of sinners. He alone is the Good Shepherd, the Great High Priest, the Redeemer of His people. May His gospel advance unhindered and may the work of those You have called bear eternal fruit for His glory.
In the name of Christ, my Lord and my Redeemer, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Romans 1:1:
Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 1:1; Acts 9:15; Gal. 1:15
[1] The Divine Right of the Gospel-Ministry by the Westminster Puritans,” (London: printed by John Legat and Abraham Miller, 1654), p. 84.
