What is the definition of a true MINISTER?

I should not have to ask this question but here I am asking and requiring all (including myself) to continue to look deeper into scripture to find out what the word of God says about our commission as ministers. God has set specific operating procedures for all who carry and dispense His Word. Look at what the scripture says about ministers:

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

The scripture says thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph or to celebrate the victory won by God through Jesus Christ over the power of the devil. This victory was won for us, not for God who did not need to win anything over the devil.

God manifests or makes visible and known that which has previously been hidden or unknown. He manifests the savour or the stench of His general knowledge by us in every place. This stench is compared in the Greek text to the odor of a dead body. No wonder some people often find the Word of God to be offensive to them.

The scripture says ministers are a sweet savour or pleasant and satisfying fragrance of Christ, which is well-pleasing to God; however, the scripture also says we are two things to two different types of people. We are:

1. A stench of death to the unbelievers who are perishing; and,
2. A stench of life to the believer.

I imagine that the stench of life, in this case the ZOE or God life, must be as sweet as the fragrance of Christ. (Christ overcame death.) The stench of death is an unbearable odour. Have you ever walked or drove past decomposing road-kill? Ugh! I imagine that's why so many unsaved run away from the Word of God. Would any of us willingly inhale the odour of a decomposing corpse?

The scripture further says that ministers are NOT as many others who corrupt the Word of God. I believe this scripture defines the TRUE minister in today's world. This word 'corrupt' is interesting. In its Greek form it means to be a retailer, to peddle and to make money by selling anything. It has the idea of gaining by dealing in anything. We have so many examples in the world today of so-called ministers selling the Word of God to people who are not knowledgable of God's Word.

On the other hand, WE (true ministers) are of sincerity or purity and ingenuousness of God and we speak in Christ Jesus, in the sight of God or before His face and in His presence. This is not just a description of how we operate, it is a mandate for all, especially for those who claim to be ministers.

The scripture lists the role of the different ministerial offices in many other scriptures throughout the Holy Bible but I believe this is the standard or the benchmark by which all must operate and by which everyone else can determine who/what we are.

Let us strive to do what we are called to do because this is pleasing to God.

Be blessed.