A faithful minister

(Thomas Brooks, "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")

"Let the elders who rule well be accounted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine." 1 Timothy 5:17

The which is here rendered labor, signifies not simply to labor-but to labor with much travail and toil, to labor even to exhaustion, as he does who chops wood, or who fights in a battle.

Oh what an honor is it to a faithful minister, when he has . . .
  found the people dark and blind-but left them enlightened;
  found them dead-but left them alive;
  found them a proud people-but left them humble;
  found them a profane people-but left them holy;
  found them a carnal people-but left them spiritual;
  found them a worldly people-but left them heavenly;
  found them a wavering people-but left them settled and rooted.

Oh, it is an honor to faithful ministers, when their people are like them . . .
  in knowledge,
  in wisdom,
  in love,
  in humility,
  in holiness!

"Watch your life and doctrine closely." 1 Timothy 4:16

A preacher's life should be a commentary of his doctrine.

His practice should be a counterpart of his sermons.

Heavenly doctrines should always be adorned with a heavenly life!

"Be an example to all believers . . .
  in what you teach,
  in the way you live,
  in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
 

"We preach to people who must live forever . . .
   in Heaven-or Hell;
   with God-or devils;
   in an eternity of joy-or of torment!" Thomas Doolittle