Are You One in a Thousand?

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by Frederick Drummond, Sr.

Ecclesiastes 7:27-29

The Five Characteristics of a True Minister of the Gospel

• They gladly lay down their lives for the sheep, vs. lords over God’s heritage.

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

John 10:11

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

1 Peter 5:3

• They are burdened with a natural care for the sheep, vs. hungry for a position or opportunity.

For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:20-21

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-8

• Because they live by love, they never stop defending their sheep, vs. hirelings who are always ready to cut their losses and find a better opportunity to suit themselves.

“But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.

The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.”

John 10:12,13

• They have an irresistible burden to preach the Word of faith to the sheep, vs. a desire to satisfy the curiosity of the people.

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:3,4

• They know the Holy Spirit and His ways and show their sheep by word and example how to walk with God, vs. a talented religious person who preaches iniquity.

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:4,5

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Matthew 7:15-23