Fall 1985
The Price of Ministry in the Spirit
Walter Beuttler

There is a price tag attached to all ministry in the Spirit. “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so is it now.” Gal 4:29 Thus, the one who is in the “Flesh” will persecute the one who is in the “Spirit.”

There are two kinds of people in the Church today:
1. Those after the “Flesh.”
These are satisfied with serving God according to their natural or learned desires and intellect.
2. Those after the “Spirit.”
These serve the Lord by seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit.

There are people in the Church who will mock or ridicule those who are seeking to follow the laws of the Spirit. This fact of persecution need not be considered unusual, but should be taken as normal. Note Gen 20:9, “And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham mocking.”

There is a line of demarcation between the seed of Isaac (Spirit) and of Ishmael (Flesh). Though outwardly they might appear to be relatives, yet inwardly they are diametrically opposed. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” Gal 5:17 “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (Or: teaching spiritual things to the spiritual minded). But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Cor 2:13-14

There is an international language of the Holy Spirit that is understood by those who have been born of the Holy Spirit. The natural man has no such ability. The things of the Spirit are mere unintelligible sounds disturbing the religion of such a natural man. “For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the (Holy) Spirit, and the (desires of the) Spirit are opposed to the flesh (Godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other - continually withstanding and in conflict with each other - so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. Gal 5:17 Amplified Translation.

Note the phrase “continually withstanding.” While ministering to a group of people, we may be conscious of the fact that they are not responsive. We desire to share “a special word” with them, but can not do so. This is a result of the flesh withstanding the Spirit. “And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Holy Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language (to those who possess the Holy Spirit). But the natural, non-spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them - of progressively recognizing, understanding and becoming better acquainted with them - because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. I Cor 2:13-14 Amplified Translation).

As the Lord begins to open our hearts to these truths of a life and walk in the Spirit, there begins to be a separation. Many draw back at this place because the price tag is too great, preferring a lower more comfortable plane of existence.

Those who are truly seeking the Lord and desire to walk with Him in a greater dimension of spiritual life and ministry will become separated from those who do not. As you begin to minister in the Spirit, you will automatically be spoken against. People will form opinions, some for and some against you. This is a spiritual law that cannot be broken. “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.” It was so in the life of Jesus and the servant is not greater than the master.

“He shall not fail nor be discouraged...” Isa 42:4 Another translation says, “He shall not be bruised.” There is a grave danger of being hurt or bruised in our feelings due to reactions to our ministry. Then, we will begin to feel sorry for ourselves. This will eat out our ministry until nothing is left.

The prophet's reward will come in God's time. But until that time, bear the prophets persecution, and continue to teach the ways of the Lord, treating as precious the things pertaining to His Spirit and spiritual ministry.