The Able Minister: Natural Gifts and Spiritual Qualifications

Who hath made us able ministers of the New Testament? An able minister requires two foundational elements: natural endowments and spiritual qualities. A minister of the New Testament must possess intellectual qualifications, yet spiritual qualities—purity of heart, devotion, and sanctification—exceed intellectual brightness in importance. Paul himself exemplifies the spiritual dimensions essential to effective ministry.

Four spiritual qualities unite to constitute an able minister of the New Testament. First, faith (pistis)—the preacher must believe the Gospel he proclaims and speak from the depths of genuine conviction. How can one preach the New Testament without believing it? Second, truth (aletheia)—transparency of character creates authority; listeners discern whether a man genuinely believes what he teaches. This transparency becomes one of the grandest qualifications for preaching Christ. Third, courage—the minister must expose error and fashionable folly that draws men from the simplicity that is in Christ, even when confrontation wounds. Fourth, humility—the able minister thinks only of Christ, not himself.

The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. The New Testament represents God's revelation through Christ, superior to the Mosaic dispensation. Where Moses brought condemnation through law veiled in prejudice, Christ brings righteousness with open face. True ministry proclaims not naturalism or mere philosophy, but Christianity itself—the grand subject of all faithful preaching.