II Timothy 1:11 “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause 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 that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
A minister “appointed” (Called) by God to serve Him as a “preacher” is equipped by God and must be prepared to “suffer these things” in the line of His duties to the Lord. Our Lord calls and equips His Ministers to preach and teach His Gospel; for, in preaching and teaching His Gospel, “life and immortality” is brought “to light through the Gospel” Message (I Timothy 1:10). The message of “life and immortality” is vital to the Children of God, for it comforts and encourages them as they wade through this life’s many temptations and troubles and trials and fears and sadnesses and heart breaks etc. Furthermore, it also wonderfully motivates them into obedient service to the Lord. A faithful Minister of our Lord’s Blessed Gospel will willingly suffer many “things” for the “cause” of Christ, for the Lord has so designed that the Preaching and Teaching of His Gospel Message is like feeding the sheep nourishing food to make them healthy and strong. So, let us pray for the Ministry, and be on hand to partake of the “Gospel” that is most often lovingly delivered in spite of great sufferings. Our Lord loves His children with a “great love”, and He has Sovereignly determined that His Ministers will feed (I Peter 5:2) them with His Glorious Gospel!