find out acceptable words . . . . . even words of truth"! (Eccles. 12: 10). The "thorough

furnishing" of the man of God, even though it take cognizance of both "matter"

(II Tim. 3: 16, 17) and "morals" (II Tim. 2: 19-21), would still be lacking if it did not

also provide for the "manner" in which the message entrusted should be given.

Among the elements of "manner" that are found in Scriptural references to acceptable

ministry, must be included "assurance".

"Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of"

(II Tim. 3: 14). The slightest doubt entertained in the heart and mind of the speaker,

will make itself felt in the hearer, to the weakening of the testimony. While mere

"self-assurance" must be avoided, it should be manifest that the speaker utters what he

has to say with conviction, that he can at least say, "One thing I know"; "We speak that

we do know and testify that we have seen". He must avoid the "uncertain sound" as he

would the plague. In the eyes of the world he must exhibit a strange combination for he

must be "gentle", yet he must be "bold". He must avoid "striving", yet he must

"contend earnestly for the faith".  He must be patient, apt to teach, and mingle

"longsuffering" with "doctrine", and "endurance" with "evangelizing" (II Tim. 2: 24, 25;

4: 2, 5; Eph. 6: 19). In his attitude to those to whom he ministers, he must be made "all

things to all men". He must be both "father" and "mother" to his hearers (I Thess. 2: 11;

I Cor. 4: 15; Philemon 10), and have a ready and practical sympathy with them in all

their joys and sorrows. He will feel for the prisoner, as "being bound with him"

(Heb. 13: 2). "Who is weak, and I am not weak" said Paul; "who is offended, and I

burn not?" (II Cor. 11: 29). He will see in the weak brother one for whom Christ died, so

that he will curtail or deny himself many a legitimate right, lest by offending the weaker

brother he should sin against Christ" (I Cor. 8: 7-13). While it is true that we might

obtain help in the study of the Scriptures or in the knowledge and use of language from

our friends and brethren, where can such unselfish and truly spiritual characteristics be

gained except in fellowship with the Lord Himself? Though we be not aware of it, others

will "take knowledge of us" if we have been in His Presence. If we cry "Who is

sufficient for these things?" the answer still stands, "My grace is sufficient for thee",

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as of ourselves, but our

sufficiency is of God".