Week 6 - The Aptitude for Ministry

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: Authority & Aptitude for Ministry

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 3:1–6 ESV

1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1. Authentic Ministry (3:1–3)

A. The authenticity of one’s ministry is not established by self-promotion

2 Corinthians 3:1a “1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?

B. The authenticity of one’s ministry is not established by endorsements from others

2 Corinthians 3:1 “1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?”

C. The authenticity of one’s ministry is attested to by the lives of those impacted by it

2 Corinthians 3:2 “2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.”

D. The authenticity of one’s ministry is produced by Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:3 “3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

TRANSITION: Now that Paul has shown that authentic ministry is ultimately produced by Christ he will goes into more detail on the competency/aptitude for NT/C ministry.

2. Aptitude for Ministry (3:4–6)

A. Aptitude for New Testament ministry does not come from ministers of the gospel themselves

2 Corinthians 3:4–5 “4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us...

Example: Consider a preacher who recognizes that their ability to effectively communicate the Gospel is not solely a result of their own eloquence or charisma. Instead, they rely on the divine inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit for their preaching effectiveness and trust that the Holy Spirit is customizing the message for each one listening.

B. Aptitude for New Testament ministry comes from God

2 Corinthians 3:5 “5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”

Example: Picture a missionary who, when faced with challenges and uncertainties in their ministry, like “Paul and Marie” were when leaving Russian. They had to lean on God's wisdom and strength rather than relying solely on their own abilities. Their confidence in navigating difficulties stems from their trust in God's empowerment.

C. Aptitude for New Testament ministry is characterized by the Spirit imparting life, as opposed to legalism

2 Corinthians 3:6 “6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

OPTIONAL: The Law is Holy and yet it is death?

Romans 7:12 “12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”

Romans 7:14 “14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.”

Romans 7:10 “10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me.”

The Law was powerless to curb human sin (Rm. 8:3)

Ezek 36:26-27 “26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

Romans 8:2 “2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

What does New Testament or New Covenant ministry look like:

Galatians 6:8 “8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

Example: Imagine a “new leader” at SVCC who, instead of focusing on rigid adherence to rules, emphasizes the transformative power of the Spirit in understanding and applying biblical principles. The leader encourages a life-giving approach to faith, promoting spiritual vitality over legalistic practices.

Conclusion/Reflection:

If we want to move towards a more authentic ministry that is Spirit-filled and Spirit-Formed we must...

Cultivate Humility

Be Led By the Spirit

Share Our Life With Others

Share Our Stories of God’s Mercy and Grace

Talk It Over (Text: “notes”)

In our Christian lives, how can we ensure that our authenticity is not based on self-commendation? What are some practical ways to cultivate humility and acknowledge the role of God in establishing the authenticity of our faith and ministry?

In a world where external recognition often holds significance, how can we balance the desire for affirmation from others with the biblical principle that the authenticity of our Christian life is not established by letters of recommendation? How might this perspective impact our approach to service and ministry?

Reflecting on the fruit of your Christian life, how do you see it attesting to the authenticity of your faith? How does the idea that Christ produces this fruit through the ministry of believers influence the way we approach and engage in ministry today? How can we actively rely on the Holy Spirit for transformation in our lives and the lives of others?