Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, wanted them to understand the identification marks of a New Testament ministry. This was because of the misconceptions they had about what being a Christian entails. Quite a number of them were not living according to God’s word but it was a church that prided itself in the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. Even today, many hide under the guise of performing wonders and thus claim that they are God’s children. The Bible affirms that it is only those who do God’s will that will be allowed into heaven at the end of time, not those who labour in the vineyard without possessing a corresponding life of grace and righteousness.
An accurate understanding of the ministry of the New Testament helps us to walk in the light and live aright. It helps us avoid the extremes of legalism and lawlessness. The extreme that the Corinthian church fell into can be referred to as ‘licentiousness’. Another church that misunderstood the concept of the New Testament is the Galatian church. They began in the Spirit but later resorted to works as the basis of their salvation.
Understanding the New Testament ministry – 2 Corinthians 3, 4
It is based on the Spirit, not the letter
The New Testament ministry operates by the Holy Spirit. Whereas the Old Testament was all about the written codes of commandments, the Holy Spirit leads the believer into obeying the word of God in the New Testament. Here, God writes His word on the tables of our hearts. In fact, without the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a man, he cannot please God or obey Him. Our salvation experience, holiness of life, empowerment for service and ministerial endeavours are all made possible by the Holy Spirit. A person without the Spirit of Christ is none of His. Such a person is yet dead in sin and not alive to God. It is the Spirit that quickens a man from the state of spiritual death and brings him to life through the word of God at salvation. Therefore, a ministry that doesn’t give premium to the person of the Holy Spirit is not a New Testament ministry.
It is the ministration of life, not death
A New Testament ministry conveys to men the life of God. It brings men into experiencing everlasting life at salvation experience and it also helps them to live the God-kind of life (Zoe). A correct New Testament church/ministry will help believers see and understand their inheritance via the finished work of Christ and will help them walk in this reality. Furthermore, this ministry will prepare saints for life eternal by teaching them to remain pure and undefiled till the very end.
It is a ministration of righteousness, not condemnation
Ministry in the New Testament is about raising a righteous generation. It is not about raising condemned people. It involves preaching the word of righteousness to the unsaved and helping them to be established in righteousness through follow-up and discipleship. It entails removing their doubts as to their acceptance by the Lord and admonishing them to continue walking in righteousness. It is about helping those who have strayed from the path of life get back to Calvary. It is about freedom from sin.
It is a ministry of glory, not shame
It is a ministry that evinces the glory and power of God. The Old Testament believers could not look into the eyes of Moses because of the glory they saw. In the New Testament, even greater glory exists. The New Testament ministry includes the manifestations of the glory and strength of the Almighty. This almightiness is demonstrated in God’s plan of the salvation of mankind. He has paid the ultimate sacrifice of our redemption. This was what nobody else could do except the Son. This was why He was worthy to open the book (Rev 5). This is the way in which man can regain the glory which was lost in the Garden of Eden. God’s glory is also demonstrated in His uncountable works of creation, miracles, healings etc.
It is the ministry of the gospel
Finally, the New Testament ministry is one that is Gospel-based. It is all about the good news of the birth, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The preaching of the gospel is the major business of the Church. Today’s church needs to return back to the ministry of reaching the lost for Jesus. With the advent of social media and every other viable means of reaching the lost, it’s high time to get back to this task. May the Lord revive us in Jesus’ name. Amen
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