Austin Bible Church
The ministry hazard of negative volition is found in Acts 20:30, where “speaking perverse things” is the present active participle of λαλέω (laleō) and plus the perfect passive participle of διαστρέφω (diastrephō) which mean to speak of things that are distorted, perverted, corrupt, or twisted.
"and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them." (Acts 20:30, NASB)
The ministry hazard of immaturity is found in 1 Timothy 3:6, where “not a new convert” is νεοφυτος from νεος (new) and φυω (to bring forth, produce) and means newly-planted, a new convert, neophyte, a novice. These are words for immaturity, green behind the ears, not dry there. “Conceited” is τυφόω (tuphoō) and means slain by pride, blind with pride or conceit, to render foolish or stupid. This can be carnal success or stupid failure. It can go either way.
"and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6, NASB)
The ministry hazard of not knowing the original languages is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It is impossible to be accurate without them. It is impossible to be dogmatic without them. It is impossible to be authoritative without them. 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Tim. 4:2; 2 Tim. 4:7.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB)
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB)
"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, NASB)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;" (2 Timothy 4:7, NASB)
The ministry hazard of no self-discipline means you have no mastery of the details of life. The laziest men in the world are included in the clergy. The most disciplined men in the world are included in the pastor-teacher ranks. Since there are no time clocks to punch and no one is standing over you, you must have the ability to provide your own discipline. Your time should have four priorities: study, teach, troubleshoot, and family.
Priority 1 – To Study. To “study” is the aorist active imperative of σπουδάζω (spoudazō) and means to exert one’s self, endeavor, give diligence. Pastor-teacher Timothy was commanded to study in 2 Timothy 2:15.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB)
Priority 2 – To Teach. In 2 Timothy 4:2, to “teach” is the aorist active imperative of κηρύσσω (kērussō) and means to preach, to be a herald always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority who must be listened to and obeyed.
"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, NASB)
Priority 3 – To Troubleshoot. In 2 Timothy 4:2, to “troubleshoot” includes “to reprove” and is the aorist active imperative of ἐλέγχω (elegchō) and means to find fault with, to correct, to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove. Troubleshooting also includes “to rebuke” and is the aorist active imperative of ἐπιτιμάω (epitimaō). Troubleshooting also includes “to exhort” and is the aorist active imperative of παρακαλέω (parakaleō) and emphasizes using authority to get across a point. Christ rebuked the evil spirits, wind, fever, and His disciples. Mark 8:33; Luke 9:55.
"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, NASB)
"But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."" (Mark 8:33, NASB)
"But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;" (Luke 9:55, NASB)
Priority 4 – Family. The priority of family involves all aspects of managing your household. In 1 Timothy 3:4-5, “manages” is the present middle imperative of προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) and means to rule, to stand before, to lead, to attend to with care and diligence.
"He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)," (1 Timothy 3:4-5, NASB)
The ministry hazard of not being prepared is found in 2 Timothy 2:15 as “Be diligent” and is the aorist active imperative of σπουδάζω (spoudazō) and is the principle of daily study and daily teaching. In 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 2 Corinthians 4:16, we have the principle of “we do not lose heart” διο ουκ εγκαλουμεν and is the present active indicative of ἐγκακέω (egkakeō) and means to lack courage, to grow weary, to lose heart (volition). Eph. 3:13; 2 Thess. 3:13.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB)
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart," (2 Corinthians 4:1, NASB)
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, NASB)
"Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory." (Ephesians 3:13, NASB)
"But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." (2 Thessalonians 3:13, NASB)
In 2 Corinthians 4:16, we see the principle of the “outer man is decaying.” “Decaying” is the present passive indicative of διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō) and means to corrupt, to decay, to deteriorate, day by day deterioration. The principle of the “inner man is being renewed” is the present passive indicative of ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō) and means daily renewal, to make new-upon, again. It is the antonym of diaphtheirō. This is the key meaning to the passage.
The principle of daily speaking is found in 2 Corinthians 4:13. “I believed, therefore I spoke” is the aorist active indicative of πιστεύω (pisteuō) and λαλέω (laleō) and “we also believe, therefore we also speak” is the present active indicative of πιστεύω (pisteuō) and λαλέω (laleō).
"But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak," (2 Corinthians 4:13, NASB)
In Hebrews 10:25, “no forsaking” is the present active participle of ἐγκαταλείπω (egkataleipō) and means to forsake, to abandon, to leave. “Assembling” is ἐπισυναγωγή (episunagōgē) and refers to believers gathering for public teaching of Bible doctrine. “Encouraging” is the present active participle of παρακαλέω (parakaleō).
"not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25, NASB)
The principle of daily speaking is also found in Matthew 6:11 as “daily bread.” In Matthew 4:4, “proceeds” is the present active participle of ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeuomai) and means to come or go forth. Daily speaking is also found in Acts 2:47 as “added to the church daily.” In Acts 16:5, we also have daily teaching. In Acts 17:11, “daily” is the present active participle of ἡμέρα (hēmera) and refers to daily study.
"'Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, NASB)
"But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"" (Matthew 4:4, NASB)
"praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47, NASB)
"So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily." (Acts 16:5, NASB)
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11, NASB)
The ministry hazard of not having a completed edification complex of the soul is a serious hazard. Also, not being grace oriented is a definite hazard. You cannot have any illusions about yourself or about others. You must learn to master of the details of life. 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 4:8-13; 2 Cor. 11:23 through 1 Cor. 12:21; Phil. 4:10-19.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10, NASB)
“we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak,” (2 Corinthians 4:8-13, NASB)
You must maintain your priorities of study, teach, troubleshoot, and family. You must learn to balance activities and not be lazy, but not to be over-active either. You need to know when to vacation and when not to vacation. You have to maintain a relaxed mental attitude. You should know you are in trouble when you have no sense of humor, you are uptight, impatient, irritable, pushy, critical, full of self-pity, unsettled, pessimistic, and have a guilt-complex about something you should have done or failed to do.
How do you treat your wife? What is your attitude around the home in general? Do you malign your deacons or your congregation around your home? Are you always looking for greener pastures? Do you feel that nothing is happening or that you are a failure? The answer is always unconditional agapao love from the filling of the Holy Spirit based on epignosis Bible doctrine in the right lobe of your soul. Study further the use of agapao love in Scripture passages.
Another ministry hazard is not having rapport love toward God, toward your wife, and towards friends. Study the use of phileo love in Scripture passages.
Another ministry hazard is not being carried by sharing the perfect happiness of God (+H). Study the book of Philippians. The principle is that a pastor-teacher must carry his environment around within him. You can have the attitude as though you are living in the Millennium inside and hell on earth outside, but you should still be perfectly grace oriented.
The ministry hazard of depression and discouragement is found in 2 Corinthians 7:5. This is depression and discouragement during a time of extreme testing. Paul was cast down or pushed down and bent out of shape. Paul was encouraged by the coming of Titus. This is the value of doctrinal fellowship. 2 Cor. 7:6.
"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;" (2 Corinthians 7:5-6, NASB)
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul was encouraged by the Word of God. Watch your mental attitude closely. James 1:2.
"and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more. For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:7-10, NASB)
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials," (James 1:2, NASB)
There is also the ministry hazard of marital (family) problems. The pastor-teacher should have married the one woman God meant for him. The pastor-teacher must be the spiritual head of his home. The pastor-teacher must be grace oriented toward his wife. 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Tim. 3:4-5; Eph. 5:23; 1 Peter 3:7.
"An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach," (1 Timothy 3:2, NASB)
"He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)," (1 Timothy 3:4-5, NASB)
"For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body." (Ephesians 5:23, NASB)
"You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7, NASB)
In Ephesians 6:4, “provoke not” is the present active imperative of παροργίζω (parorgizō) and means to arouse to anger, to embitter. “Bring them up” is the present active imperative of ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō). “Discipline” is παιδεία (paideia) and denotes the training of a child including instruction, hence discipline, correction, chastening. The word suggests the Christian discipline that regulates character. Heb. 12:5; Heb. 12:7; Heb. 12:8; 2 Tim. 3:16.
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, NASB)
"and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;" (Hebrews 12:5, NASB)
"It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12:7, NASB)
"But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons." (Hebrews 12:8, NASB)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;" (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB)
Another Greek word that is very similar in meaning is νουθεσία (nouthesia) and is translated “instruction.” Nouthesia is from νους (mind) and τιθημι (to put, i.e., to put in mind). Nouthesia is used three places in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, “instruction” speaks of the purpose of the Scriptures. In Ephesians 6:4, “instruction” is used for the parent training the child by the Word of God (Bible doctrine) whether encouragement or reproof or remonstrance. In Titus 3:10, it is translated “warning” and refers to the correction of one who creates trouble in the church. Paideia and nouthesia are synonymous. Paideia stresses training by act or example and nouthesia is training by word, although both overlap a great deal.
"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Corinthians 10:11, NASB)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, NASB)
"Reject a factious man after a first and second warning," (Titus 3:10, NASB)