Week 8 - The Ways of 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:

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:1–6 ESV

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Six Instructions For Navigating Ministry:

1. Merciful Ministry Foundation

Embark on the journey based on your experience of God’s mercy

2 Corinthians 4:1 “1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.”

2. Integrity in Instruction

In navigating ministry, we renounce bad ways and embrace open statements of truth.

2 Corinthians 4:2 “2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

3. Spiritual Sight and Satanic Shroud

In navigating ministry, we recognize those perishing are presently being blinded by the enemy

Spiritual blindness and the god of this age (vv. 3–4a)

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 “3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Why we must pray for unbelievers!

4. The glorious light of the gospel

In navigating ministry, we confront the work of the enemy with the glory of God revealed in His Son, Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:4 “4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

5. Christ-Centered Proclamation

In navigating ministry, we must keep the focus on Jesus Christ as Lord in both word and deed/service.

The importance of proclaiming Christ and not promoting ourselves (v. 5)

2 Corinthians 4:5 “5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

6. Divine Guidance

In navigating ministry, we must embrace God’s creativity that will bring others to see Jesus.

God’s “creative” act in giving people the light of his glory in the face of Christ (v. 6)

2 Corinthians 4:6 “6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

RE-Creation

Illustration: Imagine a dark room suddenly flooded with light as someone flips a switch. In ministry, God's creative act is like turning on the light in our hearts, granting us the knowledge of His glory. It's a transformative illumination that allows us to navigate through life with clarity and purpose.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Turn on the light for unbelievers this week by...

1) engaging in prayer

2) have intentional conversations

3) do compassionate outreach

Talk It Over

How can a deep awareness of God's mercy inspire and sustain you in various aspects of ministry?

What practical steps can you take to ensure integrity and transparency in your interactions with others, both within and outside the church community?

How can prayer play a significant role in addressing spiritual blindness?