One Thing
Notes
Transcript
Handout
I. One Thing is Paramount to All Ministry
I. One Thing is Paramount to All Ministry
Spiritual Gifts
Are given for the exultation of God and the edification of the Body for the advancement of the Kingdom.
The Christian Life
Is to be lived for the exultation of God and the edification of the Body for the advancement of the Kingdom.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
The Fruit of the Spirit
37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Poured — to gush out and flow over; to spill over with violence
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The one thing paramount to the Christian life — to Christian ministry — is love: a love for God that overflows into a love for others.
1. One Thing is Necessary for an Effective Ministry
1. One Thing is Necessary for an Effective Ministry
Effective Ministry — a ministry that produces a response
The response can be positive or negative
We are not responsible for how people respond to the message
We are responsible for how we present the message
How we present the message determines whether or not we are perceived as a noisy gong or clanging cymbal, thereby limiting our ability to minister.
2. One Thing is Essential for a Well-Known/Useful Ministry
2. One Thing is Essential for a Well-Known/Useful Ministry
Useful Ministry — a ministry that is valuable or productive
Well-Known Ministry — a ministry that is visible and recognizable
The question becomes: what is our ministry known for?
Without love, we are nothing. Without love, we are no one.
3. One Thing is Required for a Fulfilling Ministry
3. One Thing is Required for a Fulfilling Ministry
Fulfilling Ministry — a ministry that produces satisfaction
Charitable, kind acts will always benefit the recipient.
Only charitable, kind acts with a motivation of love will benefit the giver.
What is the primary purpose of spiritual gifts according to the sermon?
How can you personally demonstrate love in your daily interactions with others?
In what ways can you ensure that your ministry is recognized for its values?
What does the sermon say about the relationship between love for God and love for others?
How can you apply the concept of being a 'noisy gong or clanging cymbal' in your communication with others?
What steps can you take to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
Why is love considered paramount in Christian life and ministry?
How can understanding that we are not responsible for people's responses to our message affect how we share our faith?
What does it mean to you to live in the house of the Lord all the days of your life?
