Untitled Sermon

Ministry

Definition of Ministry

•Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.

•Warran W. Wiersbe

What is the definition of Ministry?

WheWhat

Acts 3:1–10 NKJV

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

4 Basic Elements of Ministry

1.Know the divine resources personally

2.See the human needs compassionately

3.Become channels of God’s mighty recourses

4.God alone is glorified

Name the 4 Basic Elements of Ministry.

Peter and John saw a man with a great need: he was physically lame and spiritually dead. Manifesting the compassion of Christ, they shared God’s power with him; and he was completely healed and soundly converted to Christ. God was glorified, opportunity was given to preach the gospel, and thousands more people were added to the church. ()

Peter and John saw a man with a great need: he was physically lame and spiritually dead. Manifesting the compassion of Christ, they shared God’s power with him; and he was completely healed and soundly converted to Christ. God was glorified, opportunity was given to preach the gospel, and two thousand more people were added to the church. (;)

How do you respond when you see a need? physically/spiritually.

In the story of Jesus feeding the five thousands the disciples were attempting to be manufactures. They did not have the resources to feed the people as told to them to do by Jesus. The disciples declare we don’t have enough, Philip say we don’t have enough money but when they take the little boys lunch and give to Jesus he provides a divine blessing to give to the people.

When we realize that we are not manufacturers and are distributors of God’s riches we will experience a wonderful new freedom and joy in service. You won’t be afraid of new challenges because you know that God’s resources are able to meet every need. You’re not frustrated trying to get the resources to get the job done nor will you take the credit when it is completed

See the Human Needs Compassionately

In ministry, we’re called to live for others! We must live as Jesus and meet the need of the least, last, and left out.

While on earth Jesus was on earth He met human needs and was not always thanked and appreciated.

•We often relate to meeting the human need with one of several ways:

–We become blind to them and live our own lives. ()

–We take advantage of those needs to benefit ourselves. ()

–We know about the problem but we do nothing. ()

We should never have a blind eye, nor an averted eye, nor should we think only of ourselves when we see the needs of others. The only response we should have is, “ Lord, what do you want me to do?”

–We become blind to them and liv our own lives. (Phil 2:3-4)

–We take advantage of those needs to benefit ourselves. (Matthew 23:1-2)

–We know about the problem but we do nothing. (Luke 10:25-37)