A Final Charge to a Minister
Pre-Ordination Service

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; ⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. ⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

These are the final words of Paul.

These are parting words.

These closing words are a power pact with insight and instruction.

.

Please The One Who Enlisted You (vs. 1)

You will be evaluated by your mentor regularly. You will be evaluated by your Master ultimately and eternally. The charge is, “evaluation is coming at the end.”

.

Proclaim the Truth (vv. 2-4)

Truth is what is because God says it is. The truth is that which is consistent with the knowledge, character, attributes, nature, and glory of God. Truth is fact once stated, which never have to be changed, altered, or revised. Truth is a person, and the person has a name, and His name is Jesus.

.

Prove You Are a Minister (vs. 5)

There should be significant evidence, behaviors, and actions which confirm you are a minister. Do the work of an evangelist. Lost people matter to God, so work at “soul-winning.”

.

Prepare For Your Departure (vs. 6)

Pour your life into others. Die empty! Don’t enrich the cemetery. Pour your treasure into faithful men and women.

.

Persevere In the Fight, the Focus, and the Faith (vs. 7)

Stay consistent and faithful to the one who called you, your mentor, and your Master.

.

Press For the Prize (vs. 8)

Strive like an athlete for mastery. Run lawfully to win the prize at the end. Don’t get disqualified.

.

Provide a Departing Model (vs. 13)

Maintain your covering relationship, keep learning, and keep giving.

A crown of righteousness awaits you when you finish strong!