바울의 마지막 문안 인사 (30) 바울 은 마지막 문안 인사에서 이렇게 말씀했습니다 : “아킵보에게 이르기를 주 안에서 받은 직분을 삼가 이루라고 하라” ( 골 4:17). 아킵보는 자신의 직분을 충분히 입증하라는 말씀 입니다 . 신약성경에 나타난 주요 직분으로는 목사 , 장로 , 집사 등이 있습니다 . 직분자들은 자신의 직분을 충분히 입증하기 위해선 (1) 그리스도 예수님께 감사해야 합니다 . 디모데전서 1 장 12 절입니다 : “나에게 힘을 주신 우리 주 그리스도 예수님께 내가 감사하는 것은 나를 충성스러운 사람으로 여겨 나에게 직분을 맡겨 주셨기 때문입니다 . ” 바울은 자신이 예수 그리스도를 믿지 않았을 때에 모르고 하나님을 모독하고 성도들을 핍박하던 난폭한 사람이었는데 하나님께서 자신을 불쌍히 여겨 주시사 회심케하셨을 뿐만 아니라 사명을 주시사 이방인의 사도로 세우셨기에 예수님께 감사했습니다 . (2) 은혜의식 속에서 더 많이 수고해야 합니다 . 고린도전서 15 장 8-10 절입니다 : “맨 나중에는 부족하기 짝이 없는 내게도 나타나셨습니다 . 나는 사도들 중에 가장 보잘것없는 사람이며 하나님의 교회를 박해했기 때문에 사도라고 불릴 자격마저 없습니다 . 그러나 오늘날 내가 이렇게 된 것은 하나님의 은혜로 된 것이며 내게 주신 그분의 은혜가 헛되지 않아 내가 다른 모든 사도들보다 더 많이 일했습니다 . 그렇지만 그것은 내가 한 것이 아니라 나와 함께 하신 하나님의 은혜였습니다 . ” 그래서 그는 은혜 의식 속에서 다른 모든 사도들보다 더 많이 일을 했습니다 . 우리도 그 리 해야 합니다 .
"Six Reasons Why a Missionary Should Know Theology
*Introduction*
Missions is not simply crossing cultures; it is carrying the truth of God into every culture. A missionary is not only a traveler or a humanitarian but a messenger of eternal truth. To faithfully proclaim Christ in the nations, a missionary must have a deep foundation in theology—the study of God and His works. Without theology, the missionary’s passion may burn brightly, but without clarity and direction, that passion can easily mislead or even harm.
*1. Theology Anchors the Missionary in Truth*
In the field, a missionary will meet diverse worldviews, religions, and philosophies. Without a strong grasp of Scripture and sound doctrine, they risk mixing the gospel with cultural beliefs or personal opinions.
Example: In some contexts, syncretism—blending Christianity with local animistic or ancestral practices—becomes a real danger. A missionary grounded in theology can clearly distinguish biblical truth from cultural distortion.
Biblical Anchor: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
*2. Theology Gives the Missionary a Clear Gospel Message*
The Great Commission is not just to go, but to teach all nations (Matthew 28:19–20). A missionary must know:
Who God is (Trinity, holiness, love).
Who Christ is (fully God and fully man, Savior and Lord).
What salvation is (by grace through faith, not by works).
How to explain the cross, resurrection, and new life.
When theology is weak, the message becomes shallow, man‑centered, or even false. But when theology is strong, the missionary can clearly present the gospel that saves.
*3. Theology Protects the Missionary from Heresy and Drift*
Missionaries often work in isolation, far from mentors or denominational oversight. In such settings, they may face new interpretations, cultic teachings, or personal doubts. A missionary rooted in theology has a plumb line to test every spirit and every idea (1 John 4:1).
Sound theology is like a compass in the wilderness. It guards the missionary from straying into error or adopting unhealthy movements.
*4. Theology Empowers Contextualization Without Compromise*
Missionaries must present the gospel in ways local people can understand. This is called contextualization. But contextualization without theological depth can easily slip into compromise.
A missionary who knows theology understands what cannot be changed (the core of the gospel) and what can be adapted (language, style, cultural forms).
This balance comes only when the missionary knows the non‑negotiables of Scripture.
*5. Theology Strengthens the Missionary’s Personal Walk with God*
Missionary work can be lonely, painful, and confusing. In seasons of persecution, poverty, or apparent fruitlessness, what keeps a missionary going? A deep knowledge of God.
Knowing God’s sovereignty brings peace.
Knowing God’s love brings comfort.
Knowing God’s promises fuels perseverance.
A missionary who studies theology is not merely filling the mind but also nourishing the soul for long‑term endurance.
*6. Theology Equips the Missionary to Train Others*
The Great Commission does not stop at preaching; it involves discipling, teaching, and raising leaders. A missionary who knows theology can:
Establish churches on a solid foundation.
Train local pastors who will train others.
Write or translate resources that strengthen the Church in that region.
A missionary without theology may plant shallow seeds that wither; a missionary with theology can raise deep‑rooted oaks of righteousness.
*Conclusion*
A missionary’s heart must burn with love for the lost, but that flame must be guided by the light of truth. Theology and missions are not rivals; they are partners. One fuels the heart; the other shapes the message.
Therefore, every missionary should know theology—because the task is not merely to go, but to go with the true knowledge of God, teaching all nations to obey everything He has commanded (Matt. 28:20).
Passion without theology is a wildfire;
Theology without passion is a cold flame;
But together they become a torch that lights the nations."
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