Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Workers Together With God" is derived from the Apostle Paul's writings, specifically in his second letter to the Corinthians. In
2 Corinthians 6:1 , Paul states, "As God’s fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain." This designation emphasizes the collaborative role that ministers and believers play in the divine mission of spreading the Gospel and advancing God's kingdom on earth.
Biblical Context and MeaningThe concept of being "workers together with God" underscores the partnership between the divine and the human in the work of ministry. It reflects the theological understanding that while God is sovereign and all-powerful, He chooses to involve His people in His redemptive plan. This partnership is not one of equals, but rather a gracious invitation from God for believers to participate in His work.
The Role of MinistersMinisters, as "workers together with God," are called to be co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. This involves preaching the Gospel, teaching the Word, shepherding the flock, and serving the community. The title implies a sense of responsibility and accountability, as ministers are entrusted with the sacred task of representing God and His message to the world.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, this title highlights the doctrine of divine-human cooperation. It suggests that while God initiates and empowers the work, human agency is significant in the execution of His will. This cooperation is evident in various biblical narratives where God works through individuals to accomplish His purposes, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt or the apostles spreading the Gospel after Pentecost.
Practical ApplicationFor ministers today, being "workers together with God" involves a commitment to prayer, study, and service. It requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, recognizing that apart from God, their efforts would be in vain. This title also calls for humility, as ministers acknowledge that any success in their ministry is ultimately due to God's grace and power.
Scriptural ExamplesThroughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who served as "workers together with God." In the Old Testament, figures like Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, and Esther, who saved her people from destruction, exemplify this partnership. In the New Testament, the apostles and early church leaders, such as Paul and Barnabas, are portrayed as co-laborers with God in the mission of the church.
ConclusionThe title "Workers Together With God" serves as a profound reminder of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a minister of the Gospel. It calls for a life of dedication, faithfulness, and collaboration with the divine, as ministers seek to fulfill their calling in partnership with the Creator.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... Register and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ministers,
including many well ... subjects, and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm
Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... liberty, its endurance, its thought of God, particularly since ... the wants of life,
but are ministers to vicious ... for which men rake money together, for common ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm
Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... Reverend." They who assume such honorary titles set themselves ... than the laity, because
the ministers are the ... the earth shall worship him, whose names were not ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm
Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... An unsigned paper was presented containing the names of many. ... as to the exact
significance of the titles he applies ... For they are not the ministers of meats and ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period ii the post-apostolic age .htm
The Political Constitution of Egypt
... ceremonial dress and receiving the homage of his ministers, appears to ... of The Egypt
Exploration Fund ; in this latter the names and titles are intermingled ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... wait waking, not sleeping.-Ordinances and ministers compared to ... offices, places of
trust, and titles of honour ... all things whatsoever shall work together for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the inscriptions which give us the various titles of the ... a devout humility before
him and his ministers. ... a unique existence, multiple in his names, and mighty ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm
The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... but they welcomed them only under the titles of allies ... From him smiths and workers
in gold obtained the ... and assignest to them their names,"father, begetter ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm
The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... number of subordinate priests and temple ministers, such as ... The names for animal
sacrifice, zibu, for meal ... epilogue, setting forth the king's titles, his glory ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm
Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 138]321; not by witchcraft, [139]322; were ministers of reconciliation ... 440]173;
addresses God by various titles, why, [441 ... 463]324; called by such names as would ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm
Resources
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