By: Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Are these ministries still valid today? Some say no, that they were only for the times of the apostles and the early church. Who said? Others seem to take it to the other extreme and appoint themselves to one of these ministries. Who is right?
When you look at the next verse it becomes quite clear. Eph. 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Have the saints become perfected yet? I think now. Based on scripture then, these offices given by God are still very much needed. They have a purpose ordained of God. If you are still not sure, look at verse 13 of Ephesians chapter 4. Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Have we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God? Not hardly.
Assuming the title of prophet or apostle or any of the others does not make you one of them. It is not a result of higher education or great aspiration that makes you one of the 5 fold ministry. It is the call of God on one’s life and only the call of God that enables someone to fill that office. You may be charismatic, well-educated and be endorsed by some religious organization but even that is not enough. It must be by appointment of God. It is the anointing of the Spirit of God that enables one to function in these ministries. There is nothing wrong with higher education and certainly being charismatic is a plus but if the anointing of God is not there, it will not work.
God is a spirit and these ministries are spiritual ministries. They go beyond the fleshly perceptions and must be of the Spirit. It is the Spirit of God stirring, leading and quickening the spirit of man that produces the results that bring glory to God in the measure of His will. There are many false prophets in the land today and there are many who call themselves something they are not. We need to pray for those that are genuinely called of God whether they are in one of the 5 fold ministries or not. All are simply ministries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not a title but a call and an anointing that makes the difference. That means that they are especially on the devils hit list to rob, kill, deceive, destroy or anything he can do to keep them from fulfilling what God has called them to do. Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel”, saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts”. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing that are wandering about. Be wise. Stay with the Word of God. If you cannot find scripture that cancels any of the 5 fold ministry then just believe what the Word says. Let God direct you. Don’t be deceived.
Maranatha!
