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.  Living Hope Fellowship Church
Church Study Course

SAINTS AND MINISTRY

Lesson 6 Part 1

CHURCH #6, (Part 1)

SAINTS AND MINISTRY

OUTLINE:

1. MINISTRY OF JESUS
2. MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
3. MINISTRY: JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE
4. MINISTRY, THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
5. ATTITUDES IN MINISTRY
6. THE MIND OF CHRIST
7. MINISTRY TO THE SAINTS
8. FAITHFUL MINISTRY
9. MINISTRY OF THE WORD
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1. MINISTRY OF JESUS

It was prophesied in the Old Testament concerning the ministry of Jesus. He fulfilled it in the New Testament. Then he said in (2 Corinthians 5:20) that we are his ambassadors. In Philippians 1:6 it says ". . . that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." The work Jesus did goes on through us. Read Luke 4:18-21.

(1) The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (2) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (3) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3.

2. MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

Jesus reconciled us to God and then gave us the ministry of reconciliation: we must work to get others to know the gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18.

3. MINISTRY: JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:4.

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14.

(12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:12-14.

Jesus died and resurrected to redeem us. He commanded us to love one another as he loved us and he laid down his life for us. We must love souls enough to also lay our lives down for their sake. We must put God's will first; that is how we lay our lives down. Romans 12:1 tells us to become a LIVING sacrifice. It is a sacrifice to deny ourselves the things we want when it gets in the way of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and increasing the Kingdom of God.

Jesus put the will of God first for the sake of the gospel. He obeyed the commandments of the Lord. We must follow Christ's example of loving God first, and then love our neighbors and try to win them to God.

(30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34. Read also Luke 9:23

Read Luke 22:42 & John 8:29. Paul followed Christ's example. We must also follow Christ's example. We will suffer many things for the gospel's sake. (1 Corinthians 9:12 & 23). Read 1 Corinthians all of Chapter 9 about preaching.

(19) For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:19, 23, & 27.

4. MINISTRY: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

What is the "gospel of Jesus Christ?" Webster's Dictionary says gospel means: the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13.

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Timothy 1:10.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14.

5. ATTITUDES IN MINISTRY

To minister means to serve. Some see only the glory side of the ministry. Others mostly see the drudgery side. We must stay prayed through to peace and joy and keep our eyes on Jesus, remembering Hebrews 12:2. Ministry for God can satisfy the soul's desire to please and fellowship with God.

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9.

(43) But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: (44) And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (45) For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45.

(28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.

Read 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:17, Philippians 2:15, Colossians 1:9, 1 Peter 5:2-3, John Chapter 13, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

6. THE MIND OF CHRIST

We have to put on the mind of Christ. The Word of God says for us to love the Lord with all of our mind.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37.

(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:6-7.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2.

(3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:3-8.

(1) Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (2) That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. Read 1 Peter Chapter 4.

We must keep unforgiveness out of us because it will cause a root of bitterness that defiles (Hebrews 12:5). Jesus washed the disciples' feet, showing us the example to follow. Jesus forgives us when we ask him to. Although he is the MASTER, he humbled himself and washed the dirt off of the disciple's feet. If we don't forgive others, Jesus won't forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 23:34). We are not greater than our Lord and Master (John 13:16). Part of the ministry is washing one another's feet; literally if necessarily, but definitely spiritually. One way we do this is through intercessory prayer. Charity covers the multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

(12) So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? (13) Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. (14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (17) If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13:12-17.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.

7. MINISTRY TO THE SAINTS

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 1 Corinthians 16:15.

Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:4.

(29) Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: (30) Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Philippians 2:30.

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:2.

8. FAITHFUL MINISTRY

We must preach the WHOLE and complete gospel of Jesus Christ. Partial is a word meaning the opposite of whole. Malachi 2:9 tells us that God will make you contemptible and base before all the people if you are partial in the law.

(6) The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. (7) For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. (8) But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. (9) Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. Malachi 2:6-9.

(18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19.

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:19.

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee: or to say Arise, and walk? Matthew 9:5.

Whether we are witnesses, preachers, teachers, or otherwise ministering to others, we surely must have the basic principles of Christ retained in our knowledge. From there we must still climb. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The Bible admonishes us to study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). Read Ephesians 4:13 about the stature of Christ. Read Colossians 4:6 and 1 Peter 3:15.

(1) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2.

In ministry, being faithful unto God, be careful to give all glory to God and take none for yourself (Psalm 29:2). The glory is to God and for God. He will share his glory with no man (Isaiah 42:8 & 11). Read ALL of Malachi Chapter 2 and John 7:18.

(21) And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. (22) And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. (23) And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Acts 12:21-23.

Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. Jeremiah 13:16.

(1) And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. (2) If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Malachi 2:1-2.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16.

God is glorified if we bear much fruit. If we do not take up our cross and follow him we cannot even be his disciples (Luke 14:27 and 33). We glorify God when we win souls to Him (John 15:8). Faithful ministry pleases God. In the next scripture, Paul speaks of finishing his ministry. We must endure to the end.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24.

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1 Timothy 1:12.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not: 2 Corinthians 4:1.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58.

(1) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (2) Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. Hebrews 3:1-2.

Being faithful, offend not. Don't be a hypocrite. Jesus told the disciples that the prince of this world ". . . hath nothing in me." (John 14:30) We must also not give any place for the devil to live or work in us, being sanctified unto God (Ephesians 4:27 & Acts 26:18).

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 2 Corinthians 6:3.

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. Isaiah 32:6.

Some hypocrites are claiming to teach righteousness, but are teaching and living false doctrines, errors against the Lord. In doing this souls who are hungry and thirsty for God are led astray. To these that are not doing the will of God, Jesus will profess, ". . . I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23)

9. MINISTRY OF THE WORD

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.


 

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