What do you do with a masters...

[LoveofTruth]

I give scripture plain and simple

men fight scripture not me

here are just a few

"
Matthew 23:10
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."

"Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."

"2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."


2 Corinthians 10:12
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ...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:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Truth seems to upset mans plans often and causes many to fight against it sadly..

 

[LoveofTruth]

hi all
Kind of tongue in cheek ... But not really.

I have just finished a masters in theology which totally absorbed me and all my spare time. I can't express how much study has blessed me. What can you do with it though (other than put it in a picture frame).

This is a serious question because people ask me if there is some sort of calling to church leadership, but no there isn't. I'd hate the thought of not being able to do anything with it.

Any thoughts?

I don't say what i say here to hurt you or discourage you. I am sure you can learn all sorts of things from many sources. But Jesus did say call no man master. Consider and seek what he means and why he said it.

 

[Paidiske]

In this instance "master" refers to mastery of the subject matter, not mastery of other people.

Now of course a degree is not enough to make someone an adequate minister. Many churches require one because some knowledge goes a long way to being able to make the best use of one's gifts. But - as I recall being told when I inquired about ministry - "the church doesn't ordain degrees." The degree is often required, but never sufficient.

In this instance, since the OP doesn't feel a call to that kind of ministry, it is irrelevant anyway. In effect, he is asking what he may fruitfully do with the knowledge he has laboured to gain, and that's not a question anyone should be told off for asking!

 

[LoveofTruth]

you said " In this instance "master" refers to mastery of the subject matter, not mastery of other people."

My comment

The title Master of Divinity or Master of Theology is a "Title" and who can claim such a thing today as Master of Divinity. When Jesus warned of using such a title he was not speaking in the sense of a Master over slaves but more of those who feel they have mastered their theology or Divinity and this has come to be seen as a high place over others. Today it is used as a title usually under the name of the minister and it is not right as I understand . Jesus said call no man Master or father or rabbi etc. The ones who would come under the immediate rebuke would have been the Pharisees who loved to be called of men such things. Yet Jesus said they were all hypocrites . Jesus said in a sarcastic way to Nicodemus

"
John 3:10 >>
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? "

The word master means "a guide or instructor " and yet Jesus directed believers away from such blind guides he also said that the Holy Spirit would guide us unto all truth . So if the Spirit guides us to ALL truth them what confidence should men put on man made titles and degrees and of calling any man "master" of anything spiritual . In fact John said we have no need that any man should teach us. 1John 2:27 it is the new man in Christ we are to hear and the Soirit that teaches them and us of all things.

Paul said

1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but asit is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also inyou that believe


Also you say those who have titles such as master of Divinity etc are not masters or rulers over other people. But this is exactly what they do. We have seen such Lirds over the flock all trough the history of the church . Jesus rebuked this kind of thing also when he said.

"2 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all

But this is exactly how many are over the saints today and they carry such flattering titles as "master of Divinity" Or "Reverend" etc

But Paul said ,

"

2 Corinthians (1)
2 Corinthians 1:24 >>
Not for that we have dominionover your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand"

The word "dominion " means

"from 2962; to rule:--have dominion over, lord, be lord of, exercise lordship over."(Strongs) and from the root "from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir

Many today calling themselves masters of Divinity would seem to have dominion over others and lord over in supreme authority over others as "masters" in a title[