Foundational Statement: We believe in the ministries that Christ has set in His Church, namely, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and in the present operation of the manifold Gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the New Testament.
Today we will begin looking at the vital role that every member can take in their local church.
Ministries are not our identity!
We get our identity from Jesus Christ, our Christlikeness.
We are not meant to make what we do for God more important than being with God.
We are not meant to exchange intimacy with God for busyness for God.
Everyone Has a Gift, Calling and a Ministry:
If you recall from the last time I spoke and we are looking at the The Church and the Priesthood of all believers. In that talk I said the following:
This priestly function has three aspects to it:
1. Direct Access to God
2. Ministering to God
3. Ministering to the Community
If you are a Believer then you are a royal-priest and have areas of ministry.
When we say we do have a ministry we are denying that fact that we now have direct access to God.
When we say we do not have a ministry before God we are denying the fact that our worship ministers to Him.
When we say we do not have a ministry we are really saying, "I don't think I have a role to play in the community of believers."
It is true to say none of us can do everything. It's not true to say there is nothing I am gifted and called to do. Everyone has at least one gift (Matthew 25:14-30).
Ministries are Given by God.
We are not in the business of self promotion or following personalities. We know that a ministry is something God gives. It is not something we can stir up.
There are times when we can desire a ministry, and that desire can be noble (1 Timothy 3:1).
It is God though who makes this desire come about. Not our own desire alone. Neither does it mean that we can be jealous of another's ministry. We have to serve in what God gives us.
We can rest assured though that He makes a way possible for us to serve.
Proverbs 18:16: A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
There is a principle here: gifts opens doors.
God also opens doors to us:
Revelation 3:8: I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
What we must try and avoid is self promotion. That may work to an extent in some places of work, but it doesn't work in the Body. Why? Because we recognise when we are moving in something that is of God He could use anyone, not just us, and so our ministry is always a movement of His grace.
Ministries are Nurtured, Not Instantly Mature
This where things can get a bit messy!
God gives the gifts to the whole church but then gives responsibility to people.
Firstly: you have a responsibility to use and get used to your gift.
2 Timothy 1:6-7: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline
There are five things Timothy is told about the responsibility that comes with his gifts:
Use It. Fan it into flame means to use it and nurture that which God has given us. If God has called you to preach, write sermons. if god has called you to intercede, pray! If He has gifted you in hospitality, invite people around, join the welcome team.
Be bold. timidity in this sense is false humility. There is no point in trying to be falsely humble and therefore negate our gift. Nor is there any point in saying, "I'm shy." For many years I struggled with shyness, being intimated and holding back, so that when i was bold it sounded like arrogance. Don't stifle the light (Luke 8:16).
Do it in God's strength. It's not about me! Rely on Him for the strength to do a task. Each time we do He then gives us something bigger to do. if it's not a challenge at the beginning it's probably not God.
Do it lovingly. People know when someone is doing something for their own benefit. We all should ministry out of love, not out of our need for gain. The word used for love here is agape, God's love. Unconditional. Don't expect a string of thank you's for that's the wrong motive. Be sure to thank others for their ministry though, that's loving.
Train yourself. There is a whole of life element here that has to do with character. Just because your'e gifted does not mean you will be used. we have to train ourselves in godly disciplines, prayer, Bible study and holiness to be fully realised in our gift.
Ministries are Done for the Lord not for the Church
Speaking of our whole lives, employment and relationships, Paul reminds the Colossian church of this:
Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
When we do something for the Lord we should do it joyfully, not grumbling.
Sometimes we will do things that seem beneath us. Sometimes we will think we are ready for something when we are not.
What we need to do is serve faithfully in the place we are serving until God opens a door for us.
Matthew 25:21: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
It's not about me, it's about Him!
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