SATURDAY May 31, 2025
An Appointed Preacher
...to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
2 Timothy 1:11-12
Here in these verses, we see Paul’s threefold ministry––a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. Notice something of importance: Paul did not make himself an apostle; he was appointed by God in his call. As a preacher, he was an amazing soul winner. As an apostle, he became a tremendous ambassador for Christ, and as a teacher of the Gentiles, Paul masterfully and simply proclaimed the doctrine of the Cross of Christ.
Once again, we see a reference to Paul’s suffering. He suffered when preaching God’s Word to the Gentiles. Yet many of them came to know Christ, and they loved Paul for revealing who Jesus was through the truth of God’s Word. Jealous, Jewish leaders hated Paul, and they fiercely persecuted him. Nevertheless, the Apostle was never ashamed of Christ. Without a doubt, Paul believed in Him. Leaving behind tradition and keeping the Jewish Law, he embraced God’s great grace and entrusted his life completely to the Lord. Paul loved what he was called to do, and he worshiped and adored the Lord.
I consider it a great privilege that God has appointed me to be a pastor-teacher of God’s Word. I love what I am doing for Him. He has called me to teach the Word, line upon line. That is what Calvary Chapels are known for––teaching the Bible in its entirety.
[Preaching with unction––anointing] It is the gift of God – the signet set to His own messengers. It is heaven’s knighthood given to the chosen true and brave ones who have sought this anointed honor through many an hour of tearful, wrestling prayer.
~E. M. Bounds~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
