Introduction:

Prayer for Ministry Leaders

–         God will protect us Spiritually.

–         We will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

–         We will know God’s will & do it.

–         Personal Devotions & Quiet Time are a Priority.

–         We will Resist Temptation.

–         Our Ministries Will Be Christ Centered.

–         We would have a deep concern for the Lost.

–         We will have a Compassionate Heart.

–         We will handle opposition well.

–         We Would Give Glory to God.

1.     God will protect us Spiritually.

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20 NKJV)

Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:3-4 NKJV)

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. (1 Thessalonians 2:2 NKJV)

2.     We will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV)

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NKJV)

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV)

3.     We will know God’s will & do it.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9 NKJV)

Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. (Psalms 143:10 NKJV)   

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12 NKJV)

On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?"…. "Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?"  And God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life--but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king--   "wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like." (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).

4.     Personal Devotions & Quiet Time are a Priority.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Mark 1:35 NKJV)

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. (Psalms 5:3 NKJV)

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17 NKJV)

5.     We will Resist Temptation.

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41 NKJV)

For all that is in the world----the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life----is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

Nor give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:27)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.   For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.   Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13 NKJV)

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16 NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.   Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV)

Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.   Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:14-15 NKJV)

Temptations - Sins - Dangers - Errors facing.

·                  Attempts to sidetrack  Luke 4:43-44

·                  Discouragement  Acts 18:9-11

·                  Leaving one’s first love  Luke 9:61-62

·                  Looking back  Luke 9:61-62

·                  Stressing professionalism. Neglecting lay witnessing  Acts 2:17-21

·                  Tempted to leave the ministry  2 Cor. 4:7-18;  2 Cor. 4:13-18

6.     Our Ministries Will Be Christ Centered.

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." (John 12:32)

"He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.   "He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:29-30)

• Humility calls attention to Christ, not myself
• Moses dealt with a competitive spirit as well (Num.11:26-29)

"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

"How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.   Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; (1 Peter 5:3)

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory. (Proverbs 25:27)

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. (Proverbs 28:25)

7.     We would have a deep concern for the Lost.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.   For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; (Romans 9:1-4 NKJV)

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. (1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV)

"Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." (Numbers 14:19 NKJV)

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36 NKJV)

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh----who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands----   that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:11-12 NKJV)

8.     We will have a Compassionate Heart.

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NKJV)

In His life, in His teachings, & in His death, Jesus is the perfect example.

His Life—Jesus was moved with compassion for others

·         Matthew 9:36 – because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd

·         Matthew 14:14 – after the death of John the Baptist, Jesus had compassion on them & healed their sick

·         Matthew 15:32 – because He did not want to send the multitude away hungry lest they faint

·         Matthew 18:27 – Jesus has compassion on those who humbly come before Him seeking forgiveness

·         Matthew 20:34 – Jesus had compassion on the blind men

·         Mark 1:41 – Jesus had compassion on the leper

·         Mark 5:19 – Jesus cast out demons from a man & tells him to, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

·         Luke 7:11-16 – Jesus had compassion on a widow,  who’s Son who was dead

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (1 Peter 3:8)

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, (Luke 19:41)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

9.     We will handle opposition well.

Commit Ourselves to God

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:19 NKJV)

Exhibit Patience

And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; (1 Corinthians 4:12 NKJV)

Return Blessing

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14 NKJV)

Rejoice

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.   "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV)

But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13 NKJV)

Glorify God

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:16 NKJV)

Pray for Deliverance

O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me, (Psalms 7:1 NKJV)

All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me! (Psalms 119:86 NKJV)

Pray for those who Inflict

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 NKJV)

10.            We Would Give Glory to God.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14 NKJV)

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.   But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.   But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God----and righteousness and sanctification and redemption---- that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NKJV)

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.   Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.   Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.   Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. (Romans 3:27-31 NKJV)

But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (2 Corinthians 10:17 )

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Galatians 6:3 NKJV)

But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. (James 4:16 NKJV)

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV)

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.   For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient---- in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:17-19 NKJV)

Praying For the Right Things

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NKJV)

1.     Worthiness That our God would count you worthy of this calling

That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12 NKJV)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV)

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. (Philippians 1:27-28 NKJV)

That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (Colossians 1:10-11 NKJV)

If I belong to Jesus Christ, I will “walk as He walked” (1 Jn.2:6)

All that is encompassed in a worthy walk

·                  Humility – Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.   And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV)

·                  Purity – Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. (Romans 13:13 NKJV)

·                  Contentment – But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. (1 Corinthians 7:17 NKJV)

·                  Faith – For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)

·                  Righteousness – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)

·                  Unity – Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (Philippians 1:27 NKJV)

·                  Gentleness – with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (Ephesians 4:2 NKJV)

·                  Patience – strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (Colossians 1:11 NKJV)

·                  Love – Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.   And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV)

·                  Joy – strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (Colossians 1:11 NKJV)

·                  Thankfulness – We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (Colossians 1:3 NKJV)

·                  Light – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light   (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (Ephesians 5:8-9 NKJV)

·                  Knowledge – that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10 NKJV)

·                  Wisdom – See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV)

·                  Truth – For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.   I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:3-4 NKJV)

·                  Fruitfulness – that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10 NKJV)

2.     Fulfillment fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness

Oh’ God, please accomplish in my life

every desire that is good to you.

You have given him his heart's desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. For You meet him with the blessings of goodness (Psalms 21:2-3).

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4 NKJV).

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me (Psalms 138:8 NKJV).

You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing

(Psalms 145:16).

3.     Power fulfill… the work of faith with power.

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

       Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16 NKJV).

4.     The Reason that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ  (2 Thessalonians 1:12 NKJV)

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.   "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 8:23 NKJV)

Biblical Principles to Pray for Ministry

1.     The Heart of a Servant

I am to be a servant

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35 NKJV)

The Way up is down

If I want to stand tall, I must learn to be on my face before God.

I am to be a servant of righteousness

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?   But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.   And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.   I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.   For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.   What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.   But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.   For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:16-23 NKJV)

My Nature is to be that of Humility

"And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down to eat'?   "But will he not rather say to him, `Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?   "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.   "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, `We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" (Luke 17:7-10 NKJV)

My Service is to be done Faithfully

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?   "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.   "Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. (Matthew 24:45-47 NKJV)

2.     I Must Not Strive

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Do not build my own Kingdom

–         Rely on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit

–         God wants inspiration, not perspiration.

–         Do not pump up my ministry with hype

–         Let God be God, go with the flow.

3.     I Must Be Flexible

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;   "for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."   And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:9-11 NKJV)

Instant “in season & out” ready to be used of God in any way.

–         In ministry there are no interruptions just opportunities.

–         Be open to hear & obey the voice of God as He speaks from His Word.

–         Do not be a slave to my schedule

4.     My Ministry is to Be Done to Christ Himself

"And the King will answer and say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'   "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, `Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:   `for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; (Matthew 25:40-42 NKJV)

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.   But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?   "For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor."   But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.   "For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. (Matthew 26:6-11 NKJV)

To Minister As Jesus Ministered

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?   "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.   "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.   "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.   "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.   "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17 NKJV)

To occupy till Christ returns.  

"So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, `Do business till I come.' (Luke 19:13 NKJV)

5.     Feed, Don’t Beat, the Sheep (John 21:15-19)

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."   He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep."   He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.   "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."   This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." (John 21:15-19 NKJV)

I must be careful not to misrepresent the God.

·                  God is not mad at these people, and if I am, I must get back in touch with God.

·                  Teach them the Word of God.  Speak the truth in love.  Share the pure Word in love.

·                  Guard my heart watch my motives.

6.     Get the Sheep Praying & Keep Them Praying

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. (1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV)

"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36 NKJV)

Prayer Is The Life & Blood of the Ministry

·                  The church moves forward on its knees.

·                  Every successful ministry has had dedicated prayer warriors behind it.

·                  Saturate my ministry in prayer!

7.     My Duties—Personal Behavior and Faithfulness

Demanded. Imperative! Today!   

But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, `Son, go, work today in my vineyard.'   "He answered and said, `I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went.   "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, `I go, sir,' but he did not go.   "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.   "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32 NKJV)

Demanding, busy – Matt.15:33-34  

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 NKJV)

Excuses for not ministering –  Matthew 15:33-34

Then His disciples said to Him, "Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?"   Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few little fish." (Matthew 15:33-34)

Faithful vs. unfaithful ministry.   

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.   "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.   "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.   "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?   "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.   "Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.   "But if that evil servant says in his heart, `My master is delaying his coming,'   "and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,   "the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,   "and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:42-51 NKJV)

                "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.   "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.   "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.   "And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.   "But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.   "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.   "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, `Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'   "His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'   "He also who had received two talents came and said, `Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'   "His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'   "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, `Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.   `And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'   "But his lord answered and said to him, `You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.   `So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.   `Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.   `For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.   `And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV)

"Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;   "and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.   "Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.   "And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.   "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.   "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."   Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"   And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?   "Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.   "Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.   "But if that servant says in his heart, `My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk,   "the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.   "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.   "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:35-48 NKJV)

Not to quit – Phil.1:25-30

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.   For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.   Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.   Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. (Philippians 2:25-30 NKJV)

To arduously labor for the church –  Col. 1:24-29;  Col. 1:20

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.   To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.   Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.   To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:24-29 NKJV)

To be consistent and enduring –  2 Cor. 6:3-10

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.   But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;   as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10 NKJV)

To be faithful –  Acts 1:1-2

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (Acts 1:1-2)

To be washed and cleansed –  John 13:6-11

Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?"   Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this."   Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."   Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"   Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."   For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean." (John 13:6-11 NKJV)

To endure and never quit the ministry –  2 Cor. 4:17-18

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV)

To fulfill the ministry—fill up to the brim –  2 Tim. 4:5

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV)

To gather, not scatter the flock –  Luke 11:23

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (Luke 11:23 NKJV)

To give. Great ethic of the believer –  Matthew 5:42

Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. (Matthew 5:42 NKJV)

To grasp the opportunity while one can –  Matthew 26:10-11

But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.   "For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. (Matthew 26:10-11 NKJV)

To hold fast one’s trust, one’s ministry –  2 Tim. 1:14

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.   That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14 NKJV)

To labor and give, not coveting worldly wealth –  Acts 20:33-35

"I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.   "Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.   "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:33-35 NKJV)

To labor as faithfully as other ministry –  2 Cor. 11:23-31

Are they ministers of Christ? ----I speak as a fool----I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.   From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.   Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness---- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.   Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?   If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.   The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. (2 Corinthians 11:23-31 NKJV)

To labor diligently and strenuously –  1 Tim. 4:10

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV)

To labor diligently, for the fields are ripe unto harvest –  John 4:35

"Do you not say, `There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! (John 4:35 NKJV)

To labor night and day –  1 Thes. 2:9

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:9 NKJV)

To live for God and for God’s Word –  Acts 20:32

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32 NKJV)

To look after the flock of God –  Acts 20:28

"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28 NKJV)

To look after the Word and to preach the Word –  Titus 1:2-3

in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; (Titus 1:2-3 NKJV)

To love the church –  2 Cor. 11:2

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV)

To minister and not live on spiritual highs –  Luke 9:32-33

But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.   Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" ----not knowing what he said. (Luke 9:32-33 NKJV)

To minister even if tired –  Luke 9:11

And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.   But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.   When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here."   But He said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people." (Luke 9:10-13 NKJV)

To seek opportunity to minister –  Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 NKJV)

To share in the ministry –  Acts 2:44

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, (Acts 2:44 NKJV)

To support the ministry –  Luke 8:1-3

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities----Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3 NKJV)

To be alone with God after preaching – Mark 6:46

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. (Matthew 14:23)

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12 NKJV)

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Mark 1:35 NKJV)

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6 NKJV)

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (1 Peter 2:21 NKJV)