David Pledger, in his sermon "Ministros competentes de un nuevo pacto," addresses the theological topic of the nature and qualifications of ministers within the New Covenant, as found in 2 Corinthians 3:6. He argues that true ministers must first be genuine servants of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that salvation requires a new birth through the Spirit, as noted in Titus 3:5. Furthermore, Pledger asserts that ministers are divinely appointed and not self-made, reinforcing this with evidence from Paul's writings, including Ephesians 3:7 and Romans 6:17-18. The practical significance of this sermon lies in the reminder that Christian ministry is fundamentally about serving Christ and depends entirely on God's mercy and grace, highlighting the necessity of both divine calling and personal regeneration for effective pastoral service.
Key Quotes
“Los ministros del nuevo pacto son hechos primeramente siervos de Jesucristo.”
“Mi primera declaración. Los ministros del Nuevo Pacto son hechos primeramente servos de Jesucristo.”
“Nuestra suficiencia es de él. El Espíritu Santo tiene que ayudarnos, darnos la fuerza y el entendimiento para ser pastor.”
“Si predica la Biblia, ¿qué va a predicar? Cristo.”
The Bible teaches that ministers of the new covenant are made competent by God and must first be servants of Jesus Christ.
According to 2 Corinthians 3:6, God has made us competent ministers of a new covenant. This means that being a minister is not a self-appointed role; it is a divine calling. Ministers must first be true servants of Jesus Christ, as seen in Philippians 1:1, where Paul identifies himself and Timothy as servants of Christ. Additionally, in Titus 3:3, Paul emphasizes that all men are slaves to sin until they are born again. True ministry springs from a transformation brought about by God's grace, highlighting the significant role of regeneration and the necessity of being a servant before serving in ministry.
2 Corinthians 3:6, Philippians 1:1, Titus 3:3
Salvation is by God's mercy, not by our works, as stated in Titus 3:5.
Titus 3:5 clearly articulates that we are saved not because of righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy. This underscores the central tenet of sovereign grace theology, which asserts that God's grace is the ultimate cause of our salvation. We are reminded that, when confronted with our sins, it is the love and kindness of God our Savior that led to our salvation. Our regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that both faith and repentance are gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, showcasing His sovereignty in the work of redemption.
Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8
Ministers must depend on the Holy Spirit for their sufficiency and effectiveness in leading the church.
The reliance on the Holy Spirit is crucial for ministers, as highlighted in Ezekiel 2:2, where God empowers His servant to speak. Paul's acknowledgment that 'our sufficiency is from God' (2 Corinthians 3:5) indicates that ministers are not competent in their own strength but must depend entirely on the Spirit's guidance and wisdom. This dependence is essential for delivering messages that truly edify the body of Christ. Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, pastors cannot fulfill their calling to lead and nourish God's people effectively. It reminds ministers that they do not stand in their own abilities but by the grace and power of God.
Ezekiel 2:2, 2 Corinthians 3:5
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