In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul tells the Corinthians, “I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chase virgin to Christ”. ~ v.1-2

Do you understand what Paul is saying here? Paul was an apostle of Christ, a true minister of the gospel, and his desire for the Corinthians was to present them to Christ as a pure virgin.

It is within this context that Paul says the following:

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.~ 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

Some ministers (regardless if they realize it or not) are actually bewitching the people rather than seeking to present the people as a pure virgin to the Lord. Ministers are not called to make ministry about themselves, and those who do minister “another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel.”

There is only one husband, and the church is his bride and no one else’s. For this reason every minister should be regarded as steward in God’s kingdom as Paul tells the Corinthians in his first epistle:

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (ESV)

Finally, Consider also the words of the apostle Peter

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ~ 1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV)

The words of Peter are in harmony with those of Paul’s. Ministers are called to be faithful  servants of Christ stewards in his Kingdom, with the motivation to present God’s people to Christ as a pure virgin.

May God grant to his church humble ministers who know their calling in truth.