Enabled, Counted, and Called: A Faithful Ministry

Enabled, Counted, and Called: A Faithful Ministry

Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."

IIntroduction: "Enabled, Counted, and Called: A Faithful Ministry"

Good morning! Today, we are diving into a powerful verse written by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12: "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."

To set the stage, let me share a story:

There was once a young athlete who loved basketball but was far from the best player on the team. He lacked confidence, wasn’t particularly fast, and often doubted his own abilities. One day, the coach called him aside and said, “I see something in you that you don’t see in yourself. You have the heart of a leader. I’m making you the team captain.”

This young man was stunned. Captain? He didn’t feel ready. But as the season progressed, the coach worked with him, encouraged him, and taught him skills that transformed his game and his mindset. By the end of the year, not only was he leading the team, but he had also become one of the strongest players. The coach’s belief in him made all the difference.

Similarly, when we look at Paul's words in this verse, we see a man overwhelmed by gratitude. Why? Because Jesus, the Lord of all creation, not only forgave him but also enabled him, counted him faithful, and called him into ministry. This wasn’t something Paul achieved on his own—it was all through God’s grace and power.

Paul’s story is remarkable. Before his encounter with Christ, he was Saul, a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians. If anyone seemed unfit for ministry, it was him. But God didn’t choose Paul because he was perfect or qualified. He chose him because of His grace, enabled him by His power, and transformed him into one of the greatest servants in Christian history.

Now, I want you to consider something: What if God is doing—or wants to do—something similar in your life? What if He has enabled you, is counting you faithful, and is calling you to step into a purpose far greater than you’ve imagined?

Today, as we explore this verse and the themes of being enabled, counted faithful, and called, I want to challenge you to reflect on three key questions:

How has Christ enabled you in your life so far? Are you living in a way that reflects the faithfulness He sees in you? Are you ready to answer His call, wherever it may lead?

Let’s journey through this passage together, with hearts open to the transformative power of God’s enabling grace. By the end of this message, I hope you’ll walk away inspired to embrace your own calling with gratitude, courage, and faith.

This detailed introduction sets a strong foundation, connects personally with the audience, and invites them into the message with a sense of curiosity and purpose.

Point 1: Enabled by Christ

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me..."

Illustration: Consider Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms and legs. By human standards, he faced insurmountable challenges, yet through faith in Christ, Nick found purpose and strength. Today, he is an inspirational speaker, sharing the gospel worldwide and encouraging millions. His life is a testimony that God enables us to do what we cannot do on our own.

2 Corinthians 3:5 – "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God."

Isaiah 40:29 – "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."

Ephesians 3:20 – "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

Illustration: Share the story of a teacher who saw potential in a struggling student, empowering them to achieve greatness. Supporting Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Emphasize how God equips us for what we cannot do on our own. Encourage the congregation to reflect on ways Christ has "enabled" them in their lives.

Point 2: Counted Faithful

"Because He counted me faithful..."

Illustration: Imagine a teacher who notices a student always willing to help classmates. Though the student isn’t the top academic performer, the teacher appoints them as a class representative. The teacher sees their faithfulness in small acts and believes they can handle greater responsibility. Similarly, God often sees qualities in us we overlook and counts us faithful for His work.

1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."

Luke 16:10 – "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."

Revelation 2:10 – "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Illustration: Use the analogy of being chosen for a special role, like a captain of a team, not because of perfection but because of trustworthiness. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 25:21 – "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Explain that God sees our potential and faithfulness, even when we feel unworthy.

Point 3: Called into Ministry

"Putting me into the ministry."

Illustration: D.L. Moody was a humble shoe salesman with little formal education. He came to faith and felt a deep burden for evangelism. Despite his limitations, God used him mightily to lead revivals and bring thousands to Christ. Moody’s story illustrates that God’s call doesn’t depend on our qualifications but on His purposes for our lives.

Matthew 9:37-38 – "Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"

Romans 12:6-8 – "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them."

1 Peter 2:9 – "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Illustration: Tell the story of a young person called into ministry through an unexpected encounter with God.

Supporting Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5 – "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

Highlight that every believer has a role in God's work, whether formal ministry or everyday acts of service.

Point 4: Gratitude for Grace

Paul's thankfulness shows his awareness of grace.

Illustration: A prisoner on death row receives a last-minute pardon. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he dedicates the rest of his life to helping others avoid his mistakes. Similarly, Paul, who once persecuted Christians, was transformed by God’s grace and lived a life of profound thankfulness, using his second chance to serve Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Colossians 3:15 – "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Psalm 107:1 – "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Illustration: Compare this to someone receiving a pardon they didn’t deserve—grateful and transformed by mercy.

Challenge listeners to cultivate gratitude for God’s enabling grace.

Point 5: Faithfulness in Little Things

Faithfulness in small things often leads to greater responsibilities.

Illustration: A custodian at a large corporation noticed a broken process in the company’s operations and quietly began improving it. Over time, his diligence caught the CEO’s attention, and he was promoted to a managerial position. Just as this man’s faithfulness in a small task led to a greater role, our faithfulness in little things opens doors for greater opportunities in God’s kingdom.

Proverbs 28:20 – "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."

Matthew 25:23 – "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.’"

Hebrews 3:5 – "And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward."

Illustration: A story of an employee who, through diligent work in small tasks, is promoted to a leadership role.

Urge the congregation to be faithful in their current responsibilities, trusting God for the increase.

Point 6: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Paul was enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit, not his own strength.

Illustration: A lifeguard at the beach relies on a jet ski to rescue someone drowning far from shore. Without it, the task would be impossible. The Holy Spirit is like that power source, enabling us to accomplish God’s work beyond our natural ability. Paul’s ministry flourished not because of his strength but through the Spirit working in and through him.

Acts 1:8 – "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Romans 8:11 – "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."

Galatians 5:16 – "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

Illustration: A lamp cannot shine without being plugged into a power source.

Remind listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, and guidance.

Point 7: The Joy of Serving

Paul’s joy and gratitude reflect the privilege of serving Christ.

Illustration: A volunteer at a food bank works tirelessly, often long hours, to help feed the needy. When asked why they do it, they smile and say, “Seeing their faces light up when they receive help brings me so much joy.” Serving others, especially for Christ’s sake, brings a unique fulfillment and joy that surpasses material rewards.

Psalm 100:2 – "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing."

John 12:26 – "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."

Hebrews 12:28 – "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

Illustration: A person serving a cause they deeply believe in finds fulfillment and joy, no matter the challenges.

Encourage believers to see ministry as a joy, not a burden, and to serve wholeheartedly.

Conclusion: A Real-Life Reflection

As we come to the end of this message, let me share a story that brings it all together:

Several years ago, a man named John found himself at a crossroads in life. He was a high-level executive, successful by every worldly standard, but deeply unfulfilled. One Sunday, he attended a church service where the pastor spoke about God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes. John felt a stirring in his heart he couldn’t ignore.

Despite feeling unworthy and inexperienced, John began volunteering at a local shelter. Over time, he realized that God had enabled him to use his organizational skills to transform the shelter’s operations. What started as a small act of faith grew into a ministry that fed hundreds of people every week.

One day, John shared, “I never imagined God would use someone like me. But He enabled me when I didn’t feel capable, counted me faithful when I didn’t feel worthy, and gave me the joy of serving others in His name.”

This is what Paul’s message in 1 Timothy 1:12 is all about. God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect or prepared. He enables us with His strength, counts us faithful because of His grace, and calls us into ministry—whatever that may look like in our unique lives.

Closing Prayer

Let us close in prayer:

*Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for Your grace that enables us, even when we feel weak. Thank You for seeing us as faithful, even when we feel unworthy. And thank You for calling each of us into ministry—whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities.

Help us to trust in Your strength and follow Your call with courage and humility. Remind us, Lord, that You equip those You call, and You are always with us, guiding and empowering us every step of the way.

As we go out into the world, may we be Your hands and feet, serving others with love and bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.*

Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own lives: How is God enabling them, counting them faithful, and calling them to serve? This conclusion ties the message to a practical, real-life example while inspiring personal application.