Preaching/Our Mindset for the Ministry

Topic: Our Mindset for the Ministry

Text:

Aim: To aid us in appreciating and embracing the ministry entrusted to us.

Intro.

A. In this chapter Paul continues his defense of his ministry.

a. In the previous chapter he showed how the ministration of the spirit was more glorious than the ministration of death.

b. He wanted his listeners to know that he had openly preached God’s truth and that if his message is hidden, it is because the “god of this age” has blinded unbelievers.

c. Satan was hard at work to defeat the ministry of Paul.

B. We are all a part of this ministry as Christians.

a. It is important that we not only understand it, but also appreciate it.

b. The word “ministry” (gk. “diakonia”) means “service”

c. Paul uses this word several times throughout his letters which is evident that he considered the ministry given to him by Christ of great importance.

C. Unless we have the right mindset or understanding of our ministry, not only will we not appreciate it, but we will ignore it.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF His MINISTRY

a. The literal translation reads: “Therefore, seeing we have this kind of ministry.”

i. What kind of ministry? ()

1. One that brings salvation to all men;

2. One that is able to transform men’s lives. (V. 12)

ii. It is given to us because of God’s mercy, not because of anything we are, or we have done (; ))

b. Therefore, we do not give up. (this is in reference to his overall ministry)

i. Even though Paul was an inspired Christ, blessed with spiritual gifts and done much work for the cause of Christ, there were occasions when he became discouraged.

ii. Paul did feel like giving up several times

1.

2. But that did not stop him V. 20

iii. The ministry was too important to give up and abandon. V. 23

II. HE HAS A NEW PERSPECTIVE OF HIS MINISTRY

a. This ministry has taught him humility. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…”

i. The Judaizers loved to preach about themselves.

ii. Paul reminds them as to who was the central figure of his ministry.

iii. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

b. Our ministry is bigger than any one person, each of us is just blessed that God has placed us in it.

i. John the baptist - "He must increase, but I must decrease.”

III. ARE YOU AWARE OF YOUR MINISTRY?

a. This ministry is a gift—we receive it from God.

i. It is a ministry that none of us is worthy of therefore whatever glory and praise that have arisen from our ministry belongs to our Savior.

ii. “Let your light so shine before men…”

iii. This is because God has been merciful to put us in His ministry.

b. It’s a ministry of afflictions

i. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

ii. Jesus says if you’re going to follow me, take the cross – be prepared for inconveniences, sacrifices, persecutions

c. It’s a ministry of service to others.

i. The Lord comforted Paul so that he could be of service to others who are discouraged.

ii. We must be willing to be of service to others especially since “people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care!”

iii. We have been saved to serve!

d. It’s a ministry bigger than anyone of and there it’s not about us.

i. We must never use the ministry of Christ to promote ourselves but to promote our Savior.