Series:
The Call - Lesson 8[HOME] [UP] [WORLDSCOPE] [FEEDBACK] [POST OFFICE] [THE JESUS FILES] [BOOK EXPRESS] [SEARCH]
Series:
The Call - Lesson 8
Not only does the Holy Spirit work in our lives to prepare us for ministry (Philippians 2:13), but we also have a responsibility to prepare ourselves in character and attitudes (see 2 Timothy 2:1-26: Titus 1:7-9).
We can only impart to others that which we have received from the Lord and become ourselves (Acts 3:6: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Our relationship with the Lord, which develops our character, is the highest priority we have. Without this the most gifted and knowledgeable person is just like a "resounding gong or clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
There are four areas where we are encouraged to grow in, with regard to our relationship with the Lord:
We grow in our knowledge of God through His Word, but knowledge is not the end in itself. It is the MEANS to the end. Without knowledge, we cannot move in to experience the reality of that truth in our lives. So it is very important that we study the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge opens the door to faith (Romans 5:20-21; 10:14-15, 17), and faith makes that knowledge REVELATION (John 8:32).
We grow in faith through the trials and difficulties we face day by day (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). As we choose to put our trust in God and His promises to help, and see His faithfulness in these situations, our faith grows to a greater dimension each time(Matthew 17:20 and 13:31; Romans 1:17).
Grace is God's enabling power, given to us even though we don't deserve it. We release it to work in our lives through our faith. As we understand more and more of what Christ has done for us, our faith releases the grace of God to make Christ's work a living reality in our lives. Grace makes what we KNOW become what we ARE (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Our love for others, which has practical expression (James 2:15-16), is the evidence of the reality of our experience in God.
Each of these areas develops Christian character within us and makes us "competent as ministers of a new covenant -- not of the letter but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life"(2 Corinthians 3:6).
God has designed it so that we cannot mature in our Christian lives or in ministry without the help of other brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). Submitting to the Body involves:
Not only are we encouraged and strengthened in faith through fellowship together with other Christians, but it is in sharing together that we learn to operate the gifts in ministry that God has given us ( 1 Peter 4:10-11).
We can only teach others that which we have been taught ourselves. God has given His Body special ministry gifts to impart truth to us -- truth that will transform our lives (Romans 12:6-7; Ephesians 4:7-16).
The Lord has not only given us teachers of His Word to make us grow in Him, but has also given us pastors to care for us as individuals. Their instruction and guidance for our lives is very important. God has given them the task of nurturing and directing ministries in their development.
It is the pastor's responsibility before the Lord to care for our souls (Hebrews 13:17) and keep us from straying from the truth. A teachable attitude is a very important asset in the development of ministry.
If we sit around waiting for God to release us one day into our specific call in life, it will never happen. The Lord is wanting us to develop certain qualities with ourselves, and this happens only as we put our full heart and effort into whatever there is for us to do for the Lord RIGHT NOW.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might ... " Ecclesiastes 9:10 (see also Colossians 3:17,23-24).
There are a number of characteristics that the Apostle Paul describes as being essential in any ministry's life. These involve:
Faithfulness and reliability are indispensible qualities for those who will be used by God in ministry to others.
A whole-hearted attitude is essential, for half-heartedness in a believer is a quality the Lord finds repulsive (Revelation 3:15-16,19). Zeal - an eagerness in everything we do - is a "vital sign" that the word of truth is taking root in our lives (James 1:21-22) (see also Colossians 3:18-17; Romans 12:11).
The word "to minister" literally means "to serve". We can never truly minister with out learning to have a servant-heart (Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 2:5-8).
We need to train ourselves to see what needs to be done, whether it is in practical things such as cleaning up after a meeting, or in serving someone who is in need of help.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth'' 2 Timothy 2:15.
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