Made for Ministry

1. Be honest about yourself (Rom. 12:3-6a)

Romans 12:3 NLT

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Be honest about your status: (Rom. 12:3)

Not better, not worse.

“By the faith…”

Romans 12:4–5 NLT

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Be honest about your need for others (Rom. 12:4-5)

You are a part of the body.

We all belong to the same body, Christ’s body.

Romans 12:6 (NLT)

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

Be honest about your gifts (Rom. 12.6a)

They are given by God, out of his grace.

You will have gifts that others don’t have. Others will have gifts that you don’t have.

Gift envy

Gift pride

Value each persons gift, including your own.

Discover your gifts.

Try things.

What do others see?

What do you enjoy doing?

What clicks for you?

2. Use your strengths to minister to others. (Rom. 12:6b-8)

Romans 12:6–8 (NLT)

So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

God has given you something that you excel at. Use it!

It doesn’t mean you can’t do some of these other things, but that you will excel at one or more.

Now, I want to mention the gift of prophecy briefly:

The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts Chapter Six: Prophecy and Distinguishing of Spirits

“the human report of a divine revelation.” Prophecy is the speaking forth in merely human words of something God has spontaneously brought to mind.

Spiritual gift or natural gift?

There is probably some overlap.

Don’t get too hung up on which it is. Just use it.

You can improve at it as you go.

Formal or informal.

Alex - Encourager

Chris - Service

David - Apologitics

Fadi - Leadership (Group dynamics)

Grant - Evangelism

Atienza - Creativity/Acting

Petra - Organizing

Quang - Details

Sarah - Hospitality

3. Minister with an enthusiastic heart (Rom. 12:11)

Romans 12:11 NLT

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Motivation:

Forgiveness

Eternal reward

Love

Joy - “It is more blessed to give then to receive.”