What do the Animals in Scripture Represent

Labors of the Oxen Gospel Ministers

The following verses associate the labors of the oxen with the labors of the gospel ministers of Jesus Christ:

1. Deu. 25:4 “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.”

2. Ps. 144:14 “That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.”

3. Prov. 14:4 “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”

4. Is. 7:25 “And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.”

5. 1 Cor. 9:9 “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”

6. 1 Tim. 5:18 “For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

The labors of the gospel ministers are many as shown below:

Duties of the Ministry Part 1 Feed the Sheep

The Lord’s people are often referred to in the scriptures as sheep. One of the chief responsibilities of the gospel ministry is to feed the Lord’s people with spiritual food. The following passages teach us the importance of this responsibility:

1. John 21:15 “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

2. Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

3. 1 Pet. 5:1 “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

The Lord illustrated the manner in which his people were to be fed in a miracle that is recorded for us in all four gospels. Here is the miracle recorded for us in the book of Matthew: Matt. 14:15 “And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.”

Notice that the Lord blessed and brake the fishes and bread and gave to the disciples who in turn distributed to the multitude who were gathered in companies. Similarly, the Lord blesses and breaks his word to his gospel ministers, who then preach his word to the people who are gathered in the companies of the churches.

Duties of the Ministry Part 2 Perfecting of the saints

An important duty of the gospel ministry is to preach and teach to the Lord’s people in such a way that it promotes and encourages their maturity or perfection in the service of the Lord. The following verses teach this principle:

1. Eph. 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastorsand teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fulness of Christ:”

2. Col. 1:28 “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”

3. Col. 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

4. 1 Thes. 3:9 “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?”

5. 2 Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 7 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

A gospel minister must be aware of the spiritual state and knowledge of each member of the congregation and pray that the Lord will direct him as to what is needed to help each member to become more mature in his worship and service to God.

Duties of the Ministry Part 3 Work of the ministry

The scriptures teach that each member of the congregation has a ministry to perform in the service of the Lord. They also teach that the gospel ministry is to instruct the congregation concerning each members ministry: Eph. 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fulness of Christ:”

The following verses of scripture detail the ministry of several of God’s people who are not gospel preachers or deacons:

1. Rom. 15:27 “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.”

2. 1 Cor. 16:15 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”

3. Heb. 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

4. 1 Pet. 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

5. Acts 9:36 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.”

The gospel ministry is to encourage the members to use the gifts that God has given them and to labor in the service the Lord directs them to do. The gospel ministers also point out how this service is to be performed.

Duties of the Ministry Part 4 Edifying of the Church

The word, edify, means to build up. To edify the church is to build up the church. The gospel ministry is through preaching, teaching, and example is to build up the church and each member of the church. The following scriptures teach us this work of the ministry and its importance:

1. Eph. 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fulness of Christ:”

2. 1 Cor. 3:9 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

3. 1 Pet. 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

4. Eph. 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord”: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

5. 1 Cor. 14:3 “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”

The gospel minister needs to preach and teach so as to not only built up each member, but also to build up the members together so that the whole church is being built up as a witness and example unto the community around them.

Duties of the ministry Part 5 Teach

Teaching is a vital part of the work of the gospel minister. Nearly everything he does in his ministry involves teaching. One of the qualifications of a gospel minister is that he must be apt to teach. There are many ways to teach. The gospel minister should be prepared to teach even as the Lord gave us an example when he walked in humanity upon the earth. The Lord taught through preaching, he taught through group teaching, he taught through individual instruction, and he taught by example. Moreover, through the Holy Spirit he has taught us in the written word. If we follow his example we will teach through preaching, through group teaching, through individual instruction, by example, and by written means as I am attempting to do in this writing.

The following verses teach us both the duty of the gospel ministry and need for teaching:

1. Matt. 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

2. Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

3. 1 Cor. 4:17 “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

4. 1 Cor. 14:19 “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”

5. 1 Tim. 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”

6. 1 Tim. 6:2 “And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”

Duties of the Ministry Part 6 Comfort

One of the chief duties of a gospel minister is to comfort the Lord’s people as Is. 40:1 plainly tells us: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.” This was a prophecy of the New Testament age and the instruction is to comfort the Lord’s people who are mourning over their sins and fighting a warfare to try to get right with God. The message is that Christ has already accomplished what the Lord’s people are trying to do and therefore they can rest in the finished work of salvation.

However, there is more comfort found in the preaching and teaching of the gospel as the following verses attest to:

1. Rom. 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Our knowledge of the scriptures gives us hope both in eternal life, but also in the accomplishment of the promises of God concerning our daily lives.

2. 2 Cor. 1:4 “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” Tribulations, trouble, and sufferings are the lot of God’s people. The preaching of the gospel brings comfort to the Lord’s people in the midst of their tribulations, troubles, and sufferings.

3. 2 Cor. 2:7 “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.” This verse is about a man who had committed a grevious sin and then repented and subsequently, the church forgave him and comforted him.

4. Phil. 2:1 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” This teaches us that with what comfort, consolation, fellowship, inward affections and mercies that we have received in the church and in the preaching and teaching of the gospel, we should strive to comfort, console, have fellowship for, have inward affections for, and be merciful to others as well.`

5. 1 Thes. 4:18 “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” The context of this verse is to comfort those whose loved ones have died.

The gospel ministry have an important duty in comforting the Lord’s people.

Duties of the Ministry Part 7 Call to repentance and service

An important duty of each gospel minister is to call the Lord’s people to repent, press into the kingdom of God and serve the Lord. The following verses speak to us of these principles:

1. Matt. 3:1 “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2. Matt. 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

3. Mk. 6:7 “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”

4. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

5. Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

6. Acts 26:20 “But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”

7. Matt. 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

8. Mk. 10:21 “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”

9. Lk. 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

10. Lk. 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”

Duties of the Ministry Part 8 Preach gospel of the kingdom

All four of the gospels have a lot to say about the kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven. The Lord taught the disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the Lord’s church kingdom on earth and we as children of God have a need to know about the structure, government, worship and service of this kingdom. The gospel ministry has an important duty in teaching the Lord’s people about the kingdom.

The following scriptures speak to us of the need to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God:

1. Matt. 10:7 “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2. Matt. 16:19 “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

3. Mk. 1:14 “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,”

4. Mk. 1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

5. Lk. 8:1 “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,”

6. Lk. 9:1 “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.”

7. Lk. 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

8. Lk. 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”

9. Acts 8:12 “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

10. Acts 19:8 “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

11. Acts 28:23 “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”

12. Acts 28:30 “And Pof aul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”