Sincere True Ministry Presented by Steven Schiller
INTRODUCTION
Encouraging Timothy to do the work of an evangelist...
Paul charged him to "fulfill your ministry" - 2Ti 4:5
That is, "fulfill in all its requirements, leaving nothing undone" - JFB
A similar charge was given to Archippus...
"Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." - Col 4:17
The Greek suggests "that thou keep on filling it full. It is a lifetime job." - RWP
[The charge given to Timothy and Archippus is one that should be heeded by all Christians: "Fulfill Your Ministry". "But do I have a ministry?" one might ask. Yes, indeed, and therefore...]
WE NEED TO FIND OUR MINISTRY
GOD HAS GIVEN MANY GIFTS...
To each one God has given gift(s)
He has given to each one a "measure of faith" - Ro 12:3
We each have gifts "according to the grace that is given us" - Ro 12:6a
Not all have the same gift(s)
Not every member has the same function - Ro 12:4
We have "differing" gifts - Ro 12:6,7-8
E.g., prophecy, ministering, teaching, exhorting
E.g., giving, leading, showing mercy
For God's grace is "manifold" - cf. 1Pe 4:10
EVERY GIFT OR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT...
All are important for the body to be complete
None can say they are unimportant - 1Co 12:14,15,16,17,18,19-20
None can say others are not needed - 1Co 12:21,22,23,24-25
All are needed for the body to grow
Growth come from the head, Christ - Ep 4:15-16a
Also by the effective working of each part, doing its share - Ep 4:16b
Otherwise the body is handicapped in service
Otherwise the body is hindered in growth
FINDING YOUR MINISTRY...
Providence
Consider your natural abilities
Are you gifted in hand, speech, or heart?
Some gifts are better suited for certain services
Your natural abilities may suggest how God wants you to serve
Consider your opportunities
Were you called early in life, late in life?
Were you called with skills already developed?
Your circumstances when you obeyed the gospel may suggest areas of service - cf. 1Co 7:18,19,20,21,22,23-24
Preparation
Develop your abilities
Not all abilities are self-evident; seek to develop as many as you can
As your abilities become evident, seek to excel in them - cf. Ezr 7:10
Utilize your opportunities
Opportunities as provided by the Lord - cf. Mt 25:14,15,16,17-18
Opportunities to even change your circumstances - cf. 1Co 7:21
Prayer
Seek wisdom to discern your abilities
Wisdom comes through prayer - cf. Jm 1:5
Wisdom is given to those who so diligently seek it - cf. Pr 2:1-9
Seek open doors to use your abilities
The Lord often opens doors to serve Him - cf. 1Co 3:5
We might also pray for opportunities to serve Him - cf. 1Ch 4:10
Presentation
Commit your ways to the Lord
Present yourself and your plans for service to the Lord - cf. Pr 16:3
Let your attitude be like that of Isaiah - cf. Isa 6:8
Make yourself available to the brethren
Minister your gift(s) to your brethren - cf. 1Pe 4:10
Follow the example of the Hebrew Christians - cf. He 6:10
WE NEED TO FULFILL OUR MINISTRY
TO BLESS ONE ANOTHER...
God desires that we minister our gifts to one another - 1 Pe 4:10
Even as Jesus came to serve us - Mk 10:45
Are your brethren being blessed by the ministry God has given you? Or have you...
Been negligent to utilize your gift(s)?
Allowed the world's distractions to keep you from being a blessing? - cf. Lk 8:14
TO GLORIFY GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST...
Through the gifts given by Christ to those in His church, God is to be glorified - 1Pe 4:11
Even as Paul prayed for the Philippians - Php 1:9,10,-11
Is God being glorified by the fruits of your righteousness? Or have you...
Been negligent to develop your gift(s)?
Allowed the love of the world to keep you from glorifying God? - cf. 1Jn 2:15,16-17
TO FACE THE LORD AT THE JUDGMENT...
The day is coming when the Lord will hold us accountable - Mt 25:14,15,16,17,18-19
Even as the master held his servants to accountable - Mt 25:20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29-30
Are we preparing ourselves for that Day? Or are we...
Burying our talent(s)?
Allowing fear to keep us from utilizing our talent(s)? - cf. Mt 25:25
CONCLUSION
May we take to heart the admonitions given to Timothy and Archippus...
"Fulfill your ministry" - 2Ti 4:5
"Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." - Col 4:17
As we do so, remember the exhortations given to the Hebrew Christians...
God will not forget your work and labor as you minister to your brethren - He 6:10
But show diligence to the end, and do not become sluggish - He 6:11-12
In so doing, you will not only "Fulfill Your Ministry", but also "imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises"... - He 6:12
HEAR
BELIEVE
REPENT
CONFESS
BE BAPTIZED
LIVE FAITHFULLY