The Great Work of the Ministry
The great work of the ministry is to make unholy men holy and to make those who are already holy to be more holy.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the primary focus of ministry is twofold: to transform unholy individuals into holy ones and to nurture the holiness of those who are already in Christ. He asserts that the greatest work of a minister is to lead souls to Christ and then to help them grow in their faith and holiness. This dual responsibility should be the foremost concern and passion of every minister's heart.
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I have always looked upon the great work of the ministry to consist in two things: first, in making unholy men holy; and, secondly, in making those who are already holy to be more and more holy. First to beget holiness, and then to nurse up holiness. First to bring souls to Christ, and then to build up souls in Christ, is without all question the greatest work which should be most in every minister's eye, and which should always lie nearest and warmest upon every minister's heart.
Sermon Outline
- The Great Work of the Ministry
- The Two Phases of Ministry
- The Minister's Priority
- Bringing Souls to Christ
- Building Up Souls in Christ
Key Quotes
“First to beget holiness, and then to nurse up holiness.” — Thomas Brooks
“First to bring souls to Christ, and then to build up souls in Christ,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- As a Christian, I should strive to become more holy and to help others become holy as well.
- A minister's primary responsibility is to bring souls to Christ and to build up souls in Christ.
- Nurturing holiness in oneself and others is an ongoing process that requires dedication and effort.